stopped when I felt the copious amount of hair spray.
Faith nodded at my questions, and we looked to Otis for an explanation. “I asked to escort you. One, my presence will up the ante.. But more important than the business side of this, these guys are my family. This is the moment to welcome you into our very public world.”
He took Faith’s hand, “You aren’t just marrying Bryan. You are getting all of us guys in the deal. I will be there to help whenever you need me.”
“Thank you, Otis. You have been kind to me since the first time Bryan introduced us.”
I sat there as one of the biggest box-office movie stars squatted in front of someone I just met a few hours ago, holding hands like we were the best of friends. Well, more like we were being thrown into something we would need each other to navigate. There was no way to have predicted how this day would end—shit, who knows what I’ll experience before my head hits the pillow.
“Jurnee,” They were both looking at me when my thoughts returned to the conversation. “Today, Anderson announced that he loves you. He did it in front of the world, but I’ve known for a while that you were the one. I love you for that, and I will be here to help in any way possible.”
We all hugged. Otis reached inside his left suit pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. Handing it to Faith, we watched as she opened the lid to reveal a pair of diamond earrings with a small note. “Wear these if you’ll be mine.”
Giggling, Faith quickly exchanged the earrings she was wearing with the ones that had been delivered. Otis handed me another note and watched me open it. It read: don’t stand me up.
[***]
The flashes began when the driver opened the limo door, but exploded when Otis stepped out. Shouts from photographers to look this way and that rang into the back seat where Faith and I sat holding hands.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m happy to be here for your party. Thank you.” I tugged at my short dress.
“This is way more than I was expecting.”
Otis leaned into the car and flashed us a huge smile. “Your men are waiting for you. Ready?”
We nodded. Faith squeezed my fingers before accepting Otis’ extended hand. The people outside went nuts moments after she left the car. “Your turn, kiddo. Ready for this?”
“As ready as I’m going to get.”
Otis stepped back, giving me room to step out. My mind stilled, and the sights and sounds muted when I caught the first glimpse of Anderson. I’d seen him in tailored suits, perfectly fitting jeans and a t-shirt, even basketball shorts, but Anderson standing there in a tuxedo? Priceless. There was no way I was going to be able to wipe this smile off my face.
Anderson’s swagger was undeniable, and his charm indisputable. His stare penetrated me to my core. My body vibrated like a magnet getting closer to a small defenseless paperclip.
“You look stunning.”
“You bought me the dress.”
“Oh baby, you make the dress.” Anderson offered me his hand, which I accepted without a thought.
Anderson placed his mouth to my ear, “Ask me again.”
“Ask you what?”
“For my two truths…” I turned to face him. He pulled me against his body. “Ask?”
“Anderson, what are your two truths?”
“To never let you out of my bed and always bring you morning coffee.”
My hands slid around him and rested almost on the small of his back. Anderson’s hands were spread out on the lowest part of my back. We stood staring at one another until Otis, and Bryan and Faith joined us. At the top of the steps, Eric stood smiling down at all of us as we ascended the steps together.
We entered the great hall to thunderous applause. Party organizers whisked Faith and Bryan away to meet and greet their guests. Otis and Eric made their way to the bar for cocktails and a birdseye view of the single female guests. The classical piano that played in the background faded, and a familiar piano intro started.
“When the rain is blowing in your face and the whole world is on your case,” Anderson sang with the band into my ear as he walked us back onto the dance floor. We swayed to the music alone in each other’s arms. Neither of us aware we were in a huge room with hundreds of people.