AYAD

Chapter 17

The icky feeling Gracie felt when she thought about dating her ex's brother grew more and more. By afternoon of the following day, she had sent a text to Dabir canceling their date. It hurt her to do so, but it felt necessary, she couldn't shake the feeling.

A few days had passed and it was the 13th, the night before Becca's wedding. It had been a week full of activities and celebrations, Gracie stood outside the hotel where the bridesmaids had been staying, and took in the cold night air. The streets were bustling full of people, club goers and networking professionals alike. Big smiles were on every face all around, but inside Gracie felt uncharacteristically alone.

She leaned her back against the building behind her and unlocked her phone. Gracie stared at the two missed call notifications from Dabir. Desperately, she wanted to call him back and hear his deep yet calming voice. She wanted to look into his deep green eyes and see love looking back at her.

Gracie tucked her phone back into her purse right as a familiar arm touched her from behind.

"What are you doing out here?" Becca asked as she linked arms with Gracie. Becca wore a sash that said bride and wore a light blue mini dress. Her brown skin glowed from the love and excitement.

Gracie smiled sweetly to her friend, "I was just getting some air."

"What's on your mind G? It's him isn't it?"

"Oh gosh, Becca, no. This is your wedding weekend, we aren't talking about my guy drama."

"Oh yes we are." Becca protested, crossing her arms. "Girl, you weren't even this torn up over Saheed's little raggedy self and y'all were engaged. You obviously love Dabir, why won't you just let yourself be happy? I've never seen you this rattled by a man before, sis."

"This conversation can wait until after you come back from your honeymoon, happily and safely."

"No it can't, and it won't. Why won't you let yourself be happy?"

Gracie sighed and took a pause to collect her words. "What will people say?...They are brothers, Becca."

"Girl who cares?! If anyone talks, just know they are jealous because you pulled not one billionaire son but two." Becca shrugged, a mischievous smirk spreading on her face. "You know you're a savage right?"

"You play too much." Gracie playfully gave Becca a shrug.

Becca laced her hand with Gracie's, "Will you invite him to the wedding tomorrow? For me?"

"Becca..."

"For me!"

"Fine. But I doubt he will come, it's pretty last minute." Gracie let out a deep breath. "I'll ask."

"Thank you! Cause I want to see your future husband there with you!"

Gracie turned to Becca with a playful grin. "My girl is really getting married tomorrow. What am I going to do without you?"

The two hugged each other tightly. "What you're going to do is get married to Dabir and have you some babies so we can raise our kids together. That's the plan at least. Now it's either you text him or I will take your phone and do it myself!"

-

The next morning, all the bridesmaids held hands in a circle surrounding Becca in prayer. It was a tearful and raw experience, and they all cried tears of joy as they saw their dearest friend leave singlehood into a life of marital bliss.

The ceremony was outside, in a lush green field that was high and overlooking the city. The bridesmaids all stood alongside Becca in their figure hugging pastel pink dresses.