Breaking Free

44.

The morning of Kierra and Tasha's wedding dawned bright and clear. Everything felt surreal to Kierra as she stood in front of the bedroom mirror, her hand resting lightly on her stomach. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind, with wedding plans coming together while morning sickness and mood swings had been constant companions. Yet, today was their wedding day, and despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach, Kierra couldn't help but feel excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

In the adjacent room, Tasha was getting ready, her calm, focused energy a contrast to Kierra's. Kierra could hear her talking to her mom, Bertha, through the thin walls of the house. They were laughing softly about something, and it made Kierra smile. Tasha had always been her rock, steady and strong, especially in moments when Kierra felt like she was spiraling.

"You ready, sis?" Shamika's voice broke through Kierra's thoughts as her best friend walked into the room, a wide grin on her face.

Kierra turned to face her, her heart swelling with love for the woman who had been by her side through so much. "I think so," Kierra said with a breathy laugh. "It's all hitting me now. I'm getting married."

Shamika crossed the room, wrapping her in a tight hug. "Girl, you've been ready for this. I've never seen you happier than you've been with Tasha. Today is just the beginning."

Pulling back, Kierra smiled. "You're right. Today is the start of forever."

Shamika helped Kierra into her wedding dress—a stunning ivory gown that was both classic and modern. It hugged her curves in all the right places, with delicate lace detailing across the bodice and down the sleeves. As Kierra stood in front of the full-length mirror, she marveled at how beautiful the dress made her feel. Her hair, styled in loose waves, cascaded down her back, and the soft glow of her makeup highlighted her natural beauty.

There was a knock on the door, and her mother, Karen, peeked inside. "Can I come in?"

"Of course, Mommy," Kierra said, her voice thick with emotion.

Karen stepped into the room, her eyes already misting over with tears. "You look so beautiful, baby," she whispered, pulling Kierra into a gentle hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you, Mommy." Kierra's voice wavered as she fought back her own tears.

Karen pulled back, holding Kierra's face in her hands. "Today is a blessing, Kierra. I know God has ordained this union. You and Tasha are going to have a beautiful life together."

Kierra nodded, grateful for her mother's words. Karen had been her constant source of faith and strength throughout the entire wedding process. Even when Kierra had been dealing with morning sickness and irritability, her mom had been there with comfort and encouragement.

As they prepared to leave for the ceremony, Kierra felt a flutter of nervous excitement. The ceremony was being held at a beautiful outdoor venue, with sweeping views of lush gardens and twinkling lights strung across the trees. Kierra had always dreamed of an intimate wedding, surrounded by close family and friends, and today that dream was coming true.

The guest list included some of the most important people in their lives. Kierra's aunts—Jacky, Dorinda, and Twinkie—were there, each dressed to the nines and already chatting animatedly in the front row. Her brother J. Drew had arrived earlier with his two children, Kali and Jacob, and they were now running around the venue with excitement. Karen and Bishop Sheard, Kierra's parents, were also in attendance, with Bishop Sheard serving as the officiant for the ceremony. It meant everything to Kierra that her father would be the one to marry them.

On Tasha's side, her mother, Bertha, was beaming with pride. Tasha's spiritual father, William Murphy, had flown in for the occasion, as had their close friends Travis and Jackie Greene, along with Sarah Jakes Roberts. The atmosphere was buzzing with love, support, and anticipation.

Kierra walked down the aisle, her arm linked with her father's. The moment felt like a dream as she took in the smiling faces of her family and friends. Her eyes found Tasha's at the end of the aisle, and all her nerves melted away. Tasha stood tall and proud, dressed in a tailored white suit that made her look regal. Her eyes were full of love and promise as she watched Kierra make her way toward her.

When Kierra finally reached Tasha, her father kissed her on the cheek and stepped aside, allowing her to stand face-to-face with her soon-to-be wife. Bishop Sheard stood before them, his voice steady and full of emotion as he began the ceremony.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of two incredible women, Kierra and Tasha, in holy matrimony. Marriage is a covenant, one ordained by God, and today, we celebrate the love that Kierra and Tasha share."

As he spoke, Kierra felt tears prick at her eyes. She glanced at Tasha, who was smiling softly at her, the love between them palpable.

"We know that marriage is not just about the good times," Bishop Sheard continued. "It's about the trials, the challenges, and the moments when you have to lean on each other the most. Kierra, Tasha, you've already shown such strength and commitment to one another. Your love is built on faith, trust, and friendship, and it will only grow deeper with time."

The ceremony continued with heartfelt vows. Tasha went first, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Kierra, from the moment I met you, I knew that my life would never be the same. You've brought so much joy, love, and purpose into my world. Today, I vow to always stand by your side, through the highs and the lows, the joys and the challenges. I promise to love you with everything I have, to support you, and to build a life with you that honors the love we share."

Kierra's heart swelled as she listened to Tasha's words. When it was her turn, she took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Tasha, you are my heart, my strength, and my greatest blessing. You've shown me what it means to truly be loved and supported, and I am forever grateful for you. Today, I vow to love you unconditionally, to stand by your side no matter what comes our way, and to always choose you. You are my forever, and I can't wait to build our future together."

Tears flowed freely from both of them by the time they finished their vows. Bishop Sheard smiled down at them, his voice full of pride as he pronounced them married.

"By the power vested in me, and with the blessing of God, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss your bride."

The crowd erupted in cheers as Kierra and Tasha leaned in for their first kiss as a married couple. The moment felt electric, filled with love and hope for the future. As they pulled away, Kierra couldn't stop smiling. She was married to the love of her life, and everything felt perfect.

The reception that followed was filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts. Shamika gave a moving speech about Kierra and Tasha's love, while J. Drew, ever the jokester, had the room in stitches with his stories about growing up with Kierra. Tasha's mom, Bertha, spoke about how proud she was of her daughter, while William Murphy led a prayer over the newlyweds, blessing their marriage and their future together.

As the night wore on, Kierra and Tasha took to the dance floor for their first dance as wives. The soft strains of a love ballad played in the background as they swayed together, lost in their own world. Around them, their family and friends looked on with love and admiration.

By the time the night came to an end, Kierra felt like her heart was overflowing. She and Tasha had said their goodbyes to their guests and were now alone, standing under the twinkling lights of the venue.

"I can't believe we're married," Kierra whispered, leaning into Tasha's embrace.

Tasha smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Believe it. This is just the beginning, baby."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Kierra knew that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together. Their love was strong, their bond unbreakable, and their future was bright.