The Love That Grew

Ch. 24 Bridal Bliss?

California

April

Tamika ogled over her daughter almost in tears while she watched her go through dress after dress in the luxe bridal shop. "Why didn't you invite Alexis?" She asked

"Mama, can't I have a day to myself? Alexis doesn't need to be a part of everything... anyways, Mama Rice, what do you think of this one?" she redirected the conversation, hoping to avoid a long winded lecture about 'sisterhood'.

Anita, who had been sitting quietly, looked at the dress with a critical eye. "The mermaid fit was nice, it brings out your shape... you've lost a lot of weight, Tahiri. That wedding diet must be something serious."

Before Tahiri could respond, Tamika interjected. "She's not 45, Anita. I think you should go with this style; it's cute, young, flirty—"

"It's trashy," Anita cut in sharply. "She's getting married, not going to the club. Why would the bride wear such a revealing dress?"

"You think you're son's the only catch in LA? He proposed to my daughter not the other way around"

Anita almost spit her champagne out at the woman's redundant comment "Right... and who else is lined up to marry your daughter? Don't worry I'll wait"

Tahiri, feeling overwhelmed stormed off to the back having heard enough of their bickering. She was supposed to be enjoying this moment, but instead, she was stuck mediating between her mother and future mother-in-law. The thought crossed her mind that maybe she should have invited Alexis after all; at least then she'd only have one person to deal with.

Hard knocks on the dressing room door interrupted her thoughts. Tahiri sighed, quickly wiping away her tears before stepping out. "Unless those are happy tears, you need to fix your face," Tamika warned. "You're getting married to a man who worships the ground you walk on and buys you whatever your lil heart desires. Now come on, let's hurry this up so we can make our nail appointment. Lord knows I need a fill-in."

With a forced smile, Tahiri tried on the rest of the dresses mechanically, her mind drifting. Her mother's words rang in her ears, a reminder of the life she was about to enter. She would be Mrs. Rice soon, and Xavier would still happily say 'I Do,' regardless of the dress she chose. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but wonder if she was truly ready for this step or if she was just going through the motions.

Tamika and Anita continued to bicker, each pushing their vision for the perfect dress. Tahiri barely listened, feeling detached from the entire process. She wanted to feel excited, to share in the joy of planning her wedding, but couldn't. The overwhelming expectations and unresolved issues took away from the cheer she should've felt. As the day wore on, she decided to focus on the bigger picture: her life with Xavier and the future they were welcoming together. She had to remind herself that the dress, the ceremony, the opinions of others—all of it was secondary to the love they shared.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Jashae wiped the sweat from her forehead pausing to take a sip of water and catch her breath. When Lourdes asked her to go walking she had no idea they'd be on an actual dirt trail the heat plus her five month pregnant belly had her beat.

No longer hearing Jashaes heavy breathing or slight "mhmms" Lourdes turned around to find her leaning on a nearby boulder. "You ready to head back prego?"