A week before the wedding, Gabby was at the candle shop, double-checking inventory with her two employees, Keisha and Tasha. They had been her ride-or-die team since day one, and now they were just as hyped about the wedding as she was.
Tasha leaned against the counter, smirking. "So, G, you ready for married life? Or Zay still got you nervous?"
Gabby rolled her eyes, laughing. "Nervous about what? Ain't nothin' new. We already act married."
Keisha grinned. "Okay, Mrs. Carter! But for real, you ain't doin' no bachelorette thing? That's tradition!"
Gabby shook her head. "Y'all know me. I'm not about all that. I'm good just chillin'."
Tasha and Keisha exchanged a look, then smirked.
"Chillin'? Nah, we ain't lettin' you slide like that," Tasha said, pulling out her phone.
Gabby raised an eyebrow. "What y'all plannin'?"
Keisha waved her off. "Don't worry about it, boss lady. Just clear your Friday night."
Gabby laughed but didn't press them.
The Setup
Friday night rolled around, and Gabby walked into the shop after hours to find Tasha and Keisha had transformed the space. There were balloons, fairy lights, a mini photo booth, and a table full of snacks and drinks.
"What is this?" Gabby asked, her eyes wide.
"It's your bachelorette party, sis!" Tasha said, pulling her into a hug.
Keisha handed her a tiara that said "Bride" in glittery letters. "We couldn't let you get married without some kinda turn-up."
Gabby laughed, shaking her head. "Y'all are too much."
The night was full of laughter, stories, and just enough champagne to keep things fun but not too wild. For the first time, Gabby let herself relax and enjoy being the center of attention.
Zay's Call
Later that night, after the shop was cleaned up and the girls had gone home, Gabby sat on her couch, scrolling through the photos they took. Her phone buzzed, and Zay's name lit up the screen.
"Hey, babe," she said, answering with a smile.
"You have fun?" he asked, his voice smooth.
"I did," she admitted. "Tasha and Keisha threw me a little surprise party."
Zay chuckled. "That's good. You deserve it. But don't get used to that tiara, 'cause I'ma be the king in this house."
Gabby laughed. "Boy, bye. You already know who runnin' this."
They talked for a while, their usual playful banter easing Gabby into a comfortable calm.
"I love you, Gabby," Zay said, his voice serious.
"I love you too, Zay," she replied softly.
To Be Continued...
