Finally Happy

47FH

*Part 2*

Paris' POV
"Paris." A deep voice called out. I picked my head up and saw a hand reaching out for me, "You're up." My fathers raspy voice said. I paused and chewed on the inside of my cheek. I spaced out.

I took a deep breathe and closed my eyes. "Okay." My hand took his as he helped me up.

'Best of Me' by Tyrese was . My dad put my vail over my head and we walked out of the room. I peaked out and Antonique and Malik were the last to walk down the isle. The second verse of the song was playing, which was my cue.

Baby, you're my life
And if you ever leave me, girl I'd die
Cause I never had a love so pure
It's because of you I'm sure

We walked out to the middle of isle. I took a deep breath watching everyone stand to their feet with their cameras pointed at me. My heart was racing at this point.

"Just look down, you'll be fine." My dad leaned in and said. I looked down and I was gripping the shit out of his hand. I let go and he interlocked our arms.

We started to walk down the long aisle and I kept my eyes down in order to relax. I couldn't believe all of this was happening.

In no time I was at the alter. "Take care of her." I heard my dad say to Laquan as he passed me on to him. I didn't hear him respond. As I turned to face him, we joined hands and I finally looked up. Tears were running down his face.

"Aww baby." I could feel my eyes watering at the sight of his tears. I was in love with his soft side. He sniffled as I ran the pad of my thumb over his tears. "You look beautiful." He said.

"Awww." The crowd said in unison. I blushed and put my head down.

"We have gathered here today to bring Paris Woods and Laquan Mackey into Holy matrimony." The pastor began. "First, let's begin in prayer." Everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes.

"Heavenly father we come before you today to bring this man and this woman together for marriage. I pray that you guide and protect them father. Bind them and their children together oh Lord. Give them the strength to get through anything. Not just together but with you by their side. In your son's we pray. Amen."

~

"Now the groom with say his vows that he has written followed by the bride."

Laquan took a deep breath, "Paris ever since I met you I knew what I wanted from you. A relationship, kids, marriage. The whole nine yard. You're more than what meets the eye. Everything was always better with you around. I went through stuff that I never told you about and you were that light I needed. You never deserved anything I did on my part. I know you forgive me, but again I'm sorry. I've never met somebody like you. Someone that can be my wife and my best friend at the same time. You're my safe space, my happy place. You're an amazing partner and an even better mother. You're selfless. You'd put everyone first without even thinking about yourself. You're the mother of my kids and I thank God for you. I love you Paris. I'm in love with you." I could feel my tears coming as my ugly cry formed. I started sniffing.

My mommy got up and handed me a tissue. I reached my hand under my vail patted my eyes and nose.

"Now for the bride."

I took a deep breath to try and relax. I cleared my throat, "Laquan when we met, I did think we would be like this. I was so lost and damaged, it didn't seem like I would be happy again. Then you came and you stayed. You made me feel understood and secured. You always made sure I was comfortable and just okay. You made me feel valid and wanted. You showed me what real love is. I know you're not perfect, but the stuff we went through was worth it. You saved me from toxic situations whether it be with other guys or just with myself. We made it through our tribulations and trials. Again, I've forgiven you for everything and I wanna put the past behind us and focus on our future together with our kids. Thank you for being an amazing man and father. I love you with everything in me. Thank you for being that shoulder to lean on when I felt like I had no one else. You've been here since the beginning and that's the way I wanna end it. I love you Laquan."