Epilogue
I dont know how I let you talk me into this. Danna paced the floor back and forth while holding her head.
Cannons tears slid down her cheeks as she fought back the earth shattering scream she wanted to release.
Its the best thing for you to do, Danna. You need to get it together. Cannon walked to her and grabbed both of her shoulders. Ezra would be happy as hell if he would have been here to see this. More tears cascaded down Cannons face.
Aw, Cannon, Im sorry.
Cannon waved Danna away and forced a smile out. Its fine, Im fine. Its just the baby. Cannon dabbed at her eyes again.
Danna felt so sorry for Cannon. It had been a hell of a ride for her over the past month, and every day was just as bad if not worse than the one before. Danna had been trying her best to be there for her in every way possible, but there was only so much she could do.
Cannon loved Ezra, and only wanted him. There was nothing or nobody that could change that. It didnt matter who Cannon was around, if she thought about Ezra shed be right back crying. She loved to blame it on his baby that she was carrying, but Danna knew better. She could recognize a broken heart anywhere.
Just finish getting ready so we can get out there. If I sit back here with you any longer Im going to cry myself a river.
Danna held Cannons forehead to hers and closed her eyes. Im sorry about all of this. I feel like its my fault.
Its not though, it was Don and Echos. Echo knew the kind of stuff he was in, he could have at least told somebody. Cannon exhaled softly. Karina too. I cant believe she had me around here thinking she worked for an insurance company.
Right! Her and Quay. I dont know which one of them is worse. The insurance worker or the fake drug dealer.
The girls laughed before embracing tightly. Were going to get through this. Dont worry about a thing. Its hard, but were strong.
Cannon nodded and pulled away. The two of them busied themselves for the next few minutes making sure their makeup was still in place before walking out of the bathroom. There were people everywhere waiting, but only a few of them mattered to them.
I thought you were in there changing your mind. Quay smiled down at Danna before hugging her with one arm.
The dark blue sling holding his other arm prohibited a full embrace. I dont think I could if I tried.
Aww, Cannon cooed, just as Vonetta and a host of other relatives walked up.
Cannon hugged Vonetta and a few others before going back to Danna. As soon as she was close Danna grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
You ready? Danna asked Cannon.
What I need to be ready for? Youre the one getting married.
You need to be ready because Im about to marry your ass too. Ezras voice came from behind the girls.
Danna and Cannon both spun around with shocked expressions on their faces. They both ran to hug him, but Danna was held back by Quay so that Cannon could get to him first. Danna punched Quay playfully before she marveled at her brother and his soon-to-be bride. He was dressed casually in slacks and a button up, just as Quay was, while holding a small bouquet of flowers.
I should kill you. Why didnt you tell me you were coming?
Ezra smiled at Cannon. It was a surprise, now lets get this shit over with before I fall out. Ive been sweating my whole plane ride here.
Laughter serenaded the hallways of the small courthouse.
I already dont know how I let Quays ass talk me into coming here anyway. Yall know how I feel about courthouses. Ezra wiped the small trickles of sweat from his forehead.
I know right, Danna mumbled.
The area around them went quiet for a minute, all of them recollecting the last time they were in a courthouse. It had been one of the hardest days of Dannas life. To see the man she loved being sentenced to life in prison for killing her father had done something to her.
It had taken her forever to get past that type of hurt, but shed done it. The betrayal and pain she felt behind being in love with her enemy was indescribable, but with Quays help shed done it. He had been there every step of the way with her and hadnt let her fall victim to any parts of the trial that seemed unbearable.
Get out of your feelings, you didnt love him like you think you did.
Danna looked up into Quays handsome face. He was always doing his best to make light of the situation, but it never got easier.
I dont even see why you want to marry me after that.
Quay pushed some of his locs from his face. I wanted to marry you before that remember?
I remember, even if she doesnt. Cannon butted into their conversation.
Danna pushed her away playfully before looping her arm through Quays. Its crazy how just when I was ready to give up on love, you showed up and stopped me.
I had always been here, just waiting on you. Quay stopped and pecked Dannas waiting lips. Now are you going to marry me today or what?
Bruh, you sound like me. Ive been telling Cannon she was going to be my wife since I met her, and she aint believe me. Ezra wrapped his arm around Cannons neck. Now look at her. About to marry me and have my baby.
Lord, dont remind me. Karinas voice grabbed all of their attention as she and Yara walked up.
Mommy! Cannon squealed while grabbing Karinas neck. What are you doing here?
Karina looked at Cannon as if she should have known better while passing Yara to Ezra. You think I would miss you getting married?
Cannons eyes watered all over again as she looked around at all her family. She was too outdone to even speak.
Come on crybaby, lets go get married so I can get back to Houston. I have a game tonight. Ezra moved Yara from the arm he had her in, so that he could hold Cannon with the other one.
So, whos going first? Us or Yall? Danna asked Cannon.
Were going together. Quay informed them.
Danna and Cannon looked at each other and smiled before the tears resurfaced. After all the trials and hard times theyd had, theyd finally found the love they deserved. Not only in themselves, but in each other, and in the God-sent men that had chosen them as their wives.
Heres to us, Danna looked around at everybody.
Heres to us... and our happily ever afters. Cannon added, as they all made their way into the beginning of their forever.