Dresses

*Sandra* 

“Well, I think our guy Jay will be the next to propose!” I said louder than I meant to. I had more alcohol than I cared to admit. Partially due to nerves, and partially to numb the pain. The thought of Jackson’s body burning to ash pounded through my mind. Images normal folks probably wouldn't even think about. I have to, I am marrying Smoke. As a result, I know exactly what that process looks like. With all that, I look up at him and can't imagine marrying anyone else. He was my protector, my savior, and my best friend. I couldn't love another man like I love him. He was my destiny. As a young girl, I dreamed of him standing at the end of that aisle. I thought it only a dream, never thought I would actually see him again. Yet, here I am, holding the arm of the stranger who stole my heart all those years ago. If I had gone with him, would it had worked out as it does now? Would we appreciate what we have come to appreciate now? I looked up at him, this tall sex god king extraordinaire and all I could feel was blessed. Where others would see a criminal or a killer, I see a man who does anything he can for his family. Where other’s see Smoke, I see Joseph, the man who would tear the world down to keep me safe. Where other’s see a menace, I see the reason I am still standing up right. I love him. I will always love him, and I know that he loves me.  I can’t wait to be his wife. 

“Maybe so. Did you find the dress of your dreams in all those girly magazines?” Just hearing him say “girly magazines” made me giggle. “I did. I found about 5. After the service tomorrow, Sophia was going to see if we could go try them on?” He looked down at me and huffed. “We can make that work.” He said quietly. “You can’t go future husband,” I smiled, “it’s bad luck.” He shook his head, “well, Jay and the Chef will go...” He paused, “and Seven.” It was a bit of overkill, but I didn't disagree. I knew he wouldn't accept anything less, and with the recent events, I don't blame him. I wouldn't know how to deal if I was responsible for someone hurting Sophia. She is such a nice woman. If I didn’t know how excited I was about our wedding, I would swear she was more excited. Her and Hector had been married for quite some time, and to hear her say it, not many marriages are formed in this life. With all my brother’s, how they love, I don't see how there aren't constantly people getting married. These men love deep. “That sounds good, boss. Besides, I think they will like knowing they have seen the dress, and you have not.” I grinned up at him, “I know Henry will.” He chuckled as he unlocked our room and led me inside. The room smelled like floral cleaners and fresh laundry. I knew Ms. Jones had been there. “Ms. Jones?” I asked as Jospeh stood at the bar pouring us both a whiskey neat. He nodded and pointed at a card on the bar. I walked over to see my name written neatly on the front of a small envelope. The little thank you card inside warmed my heart. Inside there were measurements from each of the ladies, including Ms. Jones, a small note written at the bottom.  

*Thank you, Sunshine. I will be honored to stand beside you as you marry Mr. Smoke. He is so lucky to have found the love of a good woman. (Please no Pepto Bismol pink.)*  

I laughed when I saw the parenthesis. She was a character, this woman. Such a love for these men she takes care of. Joseph, now standing directly behind me with his hands on my shoulder, also let out a small chuckle. “She is nothing if not direct.” He said spinning me around to face him. “I don’t like Pepto pink anyways.” I shrugged. He leaned down and pulled me in, kissing me like he had longed for me all day long. I am sure he had, with the sadness and feelings of regret and failure that filled that garden today. At the same time, the comradery, support, and brotherhood I felt was just as strong. These men really were a brotherhood. It was both beautiful and incredibly sad. I wrapped my arms around his neck willing his burdens to fall to my shoulders. His pain was my pain. His hurt, my hurt. If the Kings crown was too heavy, the queen should definitely share in that weight. I could feel it, the weight of the world on his shoulders. “What is it?” I whispered leaning my head against his chest. I could hear his heart beating fast in his chest. “I don't know what I would have done if something would have happened to you Sandra. I don't think I would survive it.” He took in a deep breath before continuing to speak. “Maybe I am wrong here. Look how many times you have been in danger. Am I wrong to want this? Am I wrong to make you, my bride?” His words filled me with sadness. Why would he think he was wrong to marry me? Why would he say this to me?

I placed my hand softly on his cheek. “Joseph, there is no one I would rather be with. No man I would rather spend my life with. I love you. You didn’t put me in this danger. You saved me. You have men in this building who would walk through fire to keep me safe. One of which is literally in that fire tonight. He died to protect me because you love me. They all would. I know you would. I am safer now than I ever was before. Please, don’t take this away from me. I want to be your wife; I never want to live without you again.” The tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. The thought of not being his wife, of him taking away his proposal, it broke my heart into pieces. He grabbed my face in his hands. “No, no, no, no, Sandra, don't cry. Please don't cry. You will be my wife. You will forever be by my side.” He wiped the tears from my eyes before softly leaving a trail of kisses on my face ending with my lips. “I love you.” He smiled this time, but I could still see the sorrow behind his eyes. “Now, can I at least see the dress options?” He smiled, and I know he could see I was still concerned. “Yes, I will show you the options.” I kissed him and pulled out the bridal catalog of wedding dresses I picked the final options from. He put his arm around me and started to look at the ones Sophia and I had marked. “You are going to look beautiful in anything Sandra. I can’t wait to watch you walk down the aisle.” He picked me up and carried me to the bed, but this time I wanted to take his pain away.