Damiyah was such a joy. There was romantic love, and then there was the love of a parent. Nothing was quite like it.
Carter sat down on the edge of his bed and unfolded the well-worn paper.
Carter,
How do I say goodbye to the man who has gone through the war of life with me? The guy who held me down when I had no one else?
We’ve had some times, haven’t we? Chasing women before I hooked up with Harlem and just living life. We always had each other’s back. I didn’t expect it to end so soon. I fully intended to celebrate all of life’s greatest moments together with our families. Fight it if you want, but you will end up with an amazing family. It’s what you’ve always wanted, and I’m pretty sure what you’re most afraid of having and losing. Don’t be afraid. You deserve happiness and love.
I’m dying. I won’t physically be around to hold things down with you. I don’t have long before my body leaves this earth, and there are some things I need to say and a wrong I need to right.
I won’t tell you to fix things with your parents if it’s not possible. But, if you can, try. People are not perfect, and they make mistakes. I’ve certainly made plenty. Some parents are just fucked up and figuring shit out as they go. Your mom and dad definitely fall into that category. I only say this because I’ve come to realize, in the end, life is really just about relationships and surrounding yourself with the folks you love. Look at me . . . I’m rich. Yet, I have nothing except the gift of love you and Harlem have given me.
You deserve a woman like Harlem. If I had exercised just a little self-control, the two of you would probably already be together. I know that I’m foul for that. I know that I’m equally wrong for orchestrating this situation, but I wanted to give the two of you the gift of love. I’ve seen the way you look at her. You try to hide it, but I’m your brother, I know.
Finally, do what I should have done. Marry Harlem. Give her the wedding of her dreams. Don’t let her slip through your fingers over some bullshit loyalty to a dead man. And on your wedding day, think of me for a fleeting moment, then release all the baggage. I want you both to have your happily ever after.
Till we meet again,
Dame.
There was a knock on Carter’s door. He cleared his throat a couple of times before responding. “Yeah. Come in.”
Nate cracked the door and peeked his head inside before walking in. “I thought I’d come and fulfill some best-man responsibilities. How do you feel? Nervous?”
“Nervous?” Carter folded up Damian’s letter and put it inside the front pocket of his tux. “No. I’m not nervous. I’m ready.”
*****
Harlem stood in front of the floor-length mirror surrounded by her mom, Melody, Mesha, and Charisma. Damiyah was close by with a nanny and dressed in an outfit that matched Harlem’s.
Elaine had tears in her eyes. “You look beautiful, Harlem. Just like I always knew you would.”
“Thanks, mom.” Her words made Harlem even more emotional since Harlem wasn’t sure she would ever have a wedding day. But there she stood, surrounded by the people she most loved getting ready to walk to the aisle.
Harlem’s hair was swept up in an elaborate updo with tendrils falling down the side of her face.
“Girl, Carter spared no expense on this little shindig,” Mesha said as she fussed over Harlem’s makeup.
“He surely didn’t.” Charisma co-signed. “I still can’t believe you are A, marrying my husband, and B, won’t let me sage this room.” She laughed.
“You’ve already saged this whole house twice since you’ve been here. You have cleansed the space, the energy, and everything else.” Harlem said through laughter.
Charisma turned serious. “I just want to make sure that for the rest of your life, you and Carter experience nothing but happiness.”
Harlem’s eyes started to mist up. “Thank you.”
“Speaking of, is Carter’s mother coming?” Melody asked.
“Yes. Charlotte will be here. Her recovery has been slow, but she’s coming along. You’ll never guess who her plus one is?”
“Who?” Everyone asked almost in unison.
“Carter’s father. Douglas.”
“How does Carter feel about that?” Elaine asked with concern.
“He’s okay with it. They’ve been talking since Miya was born. There is a lot of healing that needs to happen for everyone, but it might be possible.”
“I guess,” Elaine said. “Just know this, Douglas and Charlotte better not start any shit on my daughter’s wedding day.”
Harlem and her friends all looked at Elaine with shock. The woman never used foul language, but she was in mama barracuda mode, so they couldn’t blame her.
“I’m old but not too old to whoop ass and take names. However, I guess if you could let go of the wedding of your childhood dreams, I supposed, I can behave myself.”
“I haven’t let go. I changed what was important to me.” Harlem said as she admired the reflection of her wedding gown through the mirror.
“I’m just glad you didn’t make us wear those hideous purple bridesmaid dresses on that vision board.” Mesha laughed. “They were ugly then, and they are ugly now.”
Charisma nodded her head up and down in agreement. “Oh, for sure. These are gorgeous, though. I might even be able to
