Page 81 of Solomon’s Temple

“I haven’t even had my drank yet.”

“You’re holding it, crazy!”

I looked down. She was right. “Fair point.”

She pulled me to the middle of the room. Soon, everybody was dancing.

I laughed as Jela tried to teach Payton a dance move and Payton completely ignored her instructions. Sapphire was singing into a champagne bottle like it was a microphone, Lessyn was dancing with her eyes closed, and Skylyn was somewhere behind me yelling every word to the song.

And I just stood there for a moment, taking it all in.

This was my life now.

A husband.

A wedding that had somehow become real after a secret trip to Italy.

Now, I stood with a group of women standing around me in silk pajamas, champagne glasses in their hands, laughing like we’d known each other for years.

I smiled because I hadn’t expected this part.

When I’d imagined marriage, I’d thought about my husband, the wedding, the home we’d build, the life we’d create together.

I hadn’t thought about the friendships that might come with it, or the women who would somehow find their way into my world, and if life would be having moments like this, then I was here for it.

Toni turned the music down. “Okay, ladies!”

Everyone groaned.

“No!” Skylyn shouted.

“Yes,” Toni said. “Because it’s time for games.” She pulled a stack of cards from behind one of the pillows.

I immediately narrowed my eyes. “What kind of games?”

“The kind that are going to tell us how well you know your husband.”

I laughed. “Oh, Lord.”

Sapphire sat up. “This is about to be good.”

Toni held up the first card. “What is his biggest pet peeve?”

I didn’t even have to think. “People chewing loudly.”

Toni flipped the card. “Correct. Okay, sis! You better know something!”

Everyone laughed.

I smiled. “Easy.”

“Don’t get cocky, bitch,” Sapphire said.

Toni picked up another card. “What is his favorite meal?”

“Steak. Medium rare. Mashed potatoes.”

Toni looked at the card. “Correct again.”