Page 84 of Solomon’s Temple

“And I’ll never tell.” Her shoulders touched her ears as she gave us a closemouthed smile.

Sapphire raised her glass. “A’ight, enough of all that though . . . Toast. To my sister, Temple. May tomorrow bring you nothing but joy, happiness, and a lifetime of peace.”

Everyone lifted theirs. “To Temple!”

I smiled.

“To new beginnings,” Lessyn added.

“To love,” Skylyn said.

“To marriage and Amex cards,” Payton said. I giggled.

Sapphire raised her glass higher. “And to never letting your husband forget who you were before him.”

Everyone laughed.

I lifted my glass. “To the women who remind me who I am.”

The room went quiet again for a second.

Toni looked at me, and her eyes softened. “We’re always going to remind you, baby.”

My throat tightened. I looked away before anybody could see my eyes getting glossy.

Then Ginuwine changed songs.

Sapphire jumped up. “Nope. Nobody is crying tonight.” She turned the music up. “Dance!”

I laughed, set my champagne down, then kicked off my slippers. “Come on, then. Y’all know I used to do this shit for dough, so make it rain, bitches!”

Within seconds, everyone was back on their feet. Silk pajamas moved beneath the warm candlelight to Ginuwine’s “Pony.” Champagne glasses sat forgotten on the tables. Bare feet moved across the hardwood as we sang, danced, and laughed all night.

I pulled out my phone and sent my husband a text.

Me:

I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

My King:

Me either, baby. I know you’re going to look like Christmas morning.

I blushed.

Me:

I love you. Promise me this feeling I feel will never change.

My King:

I cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye. You’re going to always be happy, baby.

I giggled.

My King:

Don’t think about it too much, my love. Enjoy your night. I’ll see you tomorrow at the altar. I love you more.