Page 69 of Terms of the Flight

He dipped down and lifted my dress, diving in head first.

the wedding…

Myheir showed me the rings before we came, but seeing Jace and Simone exchange their vows was one I’d never forget. When we came out of that damn bathroom at the rehearsal dinner, everyone was looking, so I knew she’d told them. But I didn’t give a damn, and neither did my man. Jace and Simone cracked up at our antics, so it didn’t bother me one way or another.

Mia chose to stay her raggedy ass as far from me as she possibly could, as she should. Myheir and I were seated with his parents, so I had a great time even though I didn’t know many people.

Myheir was mingling with a few clients, and his father was right with him. His mother was still at the table with me, so we’d been talking about all the beautiful brown women and men in attendance.

“I’ve been holding back all night on asking you this.”

I turned to face Meredith with a confused expression.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Oh, nothing is wrong. Um, I hope I’m not overstepping, but Darren told me how your grant slipped through the cracks. I told him how I wanted to always be part of something. I’ve always just been a mother and a wife. I want to be part of something I can see growing into something special?—”

She paused, like she was getting her bearings together.

“I say all that to say, I would love to help you, to become a silent partner of sorts.”

My eyes widened, and I opened my mouth but closed it, then tried again.

“You don’t have to do that. I know Myheir probably brought this to your attention?—”

“No, I told you how I found out, and he doesn’t know a thing about this. I won’t be in the way. I just want to be part of something. Maybe I can pass ideas with you, or I can be a very silent partner. Either way, I can help you, help me.”

A tear rolled down my cheek, and I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her. I hated feeling like I had to leave my dream behind. But clearly, that wasn’t the case. God always has a plan.

I felt him before he said a word.

“Mom, what did you do? You alright, baby? You ready to head out?” Myheir asked question after question.

“Relax, Big. Allow me to introduce you to my new business partner, and not a silent one, either. I want your input too.”

Myheir and Darren smiled.

Meredith’s eyes widened. “I have so many ideas. When we get back home, we can get started.”

I nodded. “I would love that.”

Kissin’ Youby Total started playing. Myheir held his hand out for me.

“Would you like to dance, Doll?”

“I would love to, Big.” I placed my hand into his dramatically.

“Excuse me, Cedric,” I said to Darren.

“No problem, Julia. Don’t trip out there,” he responded, stepping to the side and taking my seat next to his wife.

I cracked up while Myheir shook his head and led me into the crowd of other couples dancing.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he pulled me into the warmth of his body.

I mouthed the lyrics dramatically as we swayed. He leaned down and pecked my lips a few times.

“Who knew I’d have my best-kept secret swaying in a crowd full of people toKissin’ You?” I mused aloud.