It bothered Imani that there were very few people representing Garrett’s side, and it highlighted the obvious truth; they still had a lot to learn about each other. Every time Imani asked about his family, Garrett always came up with some vague answer that never really told her much. It only added fuel to the fire, feeling like a fraud as she stood in front of the church with all her friends and family watching, professing her love to Garrett—forever.
They’d only known each other for a few weeks. Between them, there was an intense attraction, lots of passion, and incredible sex, but love wasn’t what prompted the marriage. At least on her part, or was it?
Was there such a thing as insta-love? Imani had strong feelings for Garrett, but considering she hadn’t ever been in love before how the hell would she know? All she knew was that from the moment they met, he felt like . . . home.
Felicia Jones couldn’t keep the tears from her eyes. She cried throughout the entire ceremony and hadn’t stopped since. “You were a beautiful bride, Imani. Garrett seemed to spare no expense. I just wish we had more time to do all the things mothers do with their daughters before the wedding.”
Imani hugged her. She was feeling a little emotional too. “Thank you for making it one of the best days of my life. Luckily, you and Daddy were smart enough to have two daughters. You’ll get another shot at that perfect wedding with Aaliyah.” Imani winked at her sister who stood behind her mom. “I just hope I’m as good a wife and mother as you.”
Felicia’s mouth hovered close to her ear. She whispered, “I didn’t say it wasn’t perfect. I said I wanted more time. You can’t buy that. Don’t mind me. I’m just being selfish. As a mother, I should be worried about how fast this all happened . . . but, there’s just something about that husband of yours. I don’t know if it’s the sparkle in his eyes, or the one in yours when the two of you look at each other, but I have a good feeling about this union.” She kissed Imani on the cheek, pulled back, and cradled her head in her hands. “You’ll be a great wife and an ever better mom.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
Felicia looked around for Garrett Jr. They had been spoiling him rotten all weekend. “Where’s that new grandson of mine! I’ve got something special just for you.”
Garrett Jr. giggled. “Here!” He hopped up and down. “I . . . here!” Felicia grabbed his little hand and took off with him to the kitchen for a snack plate she’d wrapped up full of sugar cookies. She giggled and thought to herself—the joys of motherhood and grannyhood. All that sugar would for sure guarantee a call from Imani when she got home.
Michael, Maddon, and Aaliyah were standing by the door talking with Garrett when Imani joined them. Michael’s booming voice rang loud and clear. “I had a feeling something was brewing between you two, but I didn’t expect a wedding this fast. Honestly, I wondered if my little curly-haired caramel drop would ever make time to get married.” He laughed. “I know for sure you weren’t on her list.”
Maddon nodded in agreement. “Right. That BRAT never does anything without that list. Your first husbandly duty should be to burn it.” He said it loud enough, wanting Imani to hear.
Imani reached over and swatted him on the arm. “I can hear you—both of you.” Then she turned towards her father. “I’m standing right here!”
“In that case, I’m glad Garrett can afford a cook because otherwise, the next good home-cooked meal you’ll get is when you come here to visit.” Maddon wouldn’t let up.
Aaliyah chimed in. “Okay . . . okay. Imani has promised me that her cooking skills have improved over the last couple of years. What do you say to that Garrett? How is Imani’s cooking?”
All eyes were on him waiting for a response.
Garrett had been mostly standing around listening. He had to think about it. He hadn’t ever seen her list, and there was so much going on over the past couple of weeks that he realized Imani had never cooked for him. If this was a test, he wanted to pass it, so he pulled her into the crook of his arm. “If she cooks it, I’ll eat it.”
The room got silent as Michael, Maddon, and Aaliyah continued to stare while Imani looked on lovingly at him. Then, suddenly, her siblings and father burst into laughter. Mr. Jones tried to speak through it. “You clearly haven’t eaten anything my daughter has made, but that’s a good answer. Keep doing that, and you’ll have a long and happy marriage.”
“I hate all of you.” She didn’t. Imani loved her family but was relieved when Garrett Jr. came running toward them from the kitchen.
Initially, Garrett had been nervous when he called to ask Mr. Jones for her hand. But after an hour-long phone call, a million questions, and several threats—he reluctantly gave it. It was always a fun time with Imani’s family, and Garrett didn’t want to leave, but he took a quick look at his watch. “We should probably get going to beat the traffic.”
Kisses and hugs were exchanged around the room.
Aaliyah yelled after them as they were walking out the door. “Now that you’ve achieved number five on your list and have gotten married, Imani, get on to making some
