If Only

8|Pyramids and Diamonds 3

2025

The night before the wedding, Rayne and Devante couldn't stay off the phone with each other. Liberty and Amir had planned the respective parties for them as best man and maid of honor, but it was to no avail. The couple, soon to be married, snuck off against the wishes of everyone.

"I miss you so much, Tay. I honestly didn't need all of this." Rayne had ducked off into a private room where dances were held as her place of peace to call her fiancé.

"I miss you too, baybeh. But you betta' not let Liberty hear you say that," Devante chuckled. 

Rayne pouted. 

"I appreciate everything she did, as well as you and my parents when it comes to putting this together. The bridal shower was beautiful, the bachelorette party is fun, and I'm sure the church and recessional is going to be more gorgeous than it was last night. I used to be so excited about having a wedding and everything looking so perfect, but I wish we were married already. This planning process was so exhausting."

"True, but it'll all be worth it. You'll look back and show our baybehs how we had our wedding." Rayne smiled at the mention of babies. Of course they had talked about it, but now it seemed like everything was finally resonating.

"I know. I'm just ready to kiss you at the alter and eat some good food." He chuckled. If there was one thing he appreciated about her, it was her ability to eat shamelessly.

"Really? I thought it's not supposed to be a lot of food at the after-party. Jus' some li'l appetizers an' shit." 

Rayne scrunched up her face. "I made sure to tell Free to make this reception as non-traditional as it needed to be. I've only been eating fruit and vegetables for about two months to clear up my face, but tomorrow night it's goin' down."

Devante chuckled. "I honestly thought you were eating allat to get it right fa' me tomorrow night. Tryna make sum' shake extra special, ya heard me?"

Rayne bit her lip, trying to control her laughter. "You're so silly, Swing. You knew why I was eating that." He did. He was just messing with her.

She sighed, seeing that it was going on 11:30 at night. "I don't understand why they would plan this knowing we have to get up early in the morning. I don't drink so there's no alcohol here, and I can't eat what's down there if I want to get up early and still have space to eat later that night."

"Cheer up, baybeh. We'a be on a plane back to Costa Rica before you know," Devante persuaded. She perked up a little bit at the destination of her honeymoon being revealed.

"Are you serious? You are the best man everrrr. I didn't think you were listening when I said that." Just as he was about to respond, her battery died. Deciding against plugging it up, she traveled downstairs to Free.

"Just give me the phone, Crystal. Enjoy the last 30 minutes of this li'l shindig." Rayne laughed at her being caught. She handed the phone in, doing as her friend asked and basking in the moment.

_______________

20 Hours Later...

Sitting at the head table in the hall, the newlyweds listened to the sentiments and well wishes their best friends gave them at the toast. Although she was full, Rayne was wide awake and prepared for the games and the first dance they would share throughout the night. 

Leading her to the dance floor, Devante took a bow and saluted to her father, who raised his glass signaling his approval. The voice of Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn serenaded the room in If This World Were Mine, and Devante slowly swayed them side to side after placing his forehead on hers. She laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes and taking in the moment.