23

Angel Reese POV

The January air was crisp as I pulled up to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, my heart fluttering with anticipation. In just over twenty-four hours, I would be walking down this same path as Angel Love – the thought alone made me smile. Our "Love is in the Air" theme was coming together perfectly, with delicate cloud-like arrangements and floating elements planned for tomorrow's setup.

"There's my bride!" Raven called out, rushing down the cathedral steps. She was already in full maid of honor mode, clipboard in hand and phone pressed to her ear. "A'ja's on FaceTime – she's feeling super guilty about the Nike thing."

I grabbed the phone as I reached the top of steps. "Girl, stop apologizing! That campaign is huge for you."

"I know, but missing the rehearsal?" A'ja's face was twisted with regret even through the pixelated video. "I'll be there first thing tomorrow morning, I promise. Already got my flight booked."

"You better be," I laughed. "Now let me go make sure my future husband remembers how to walk in a straight line."

Inside, the cathedral was a buzz of activity. Our wedding coordinator, Ms. Patricia, was directing the setup crew who were marking spots for tomorrow's floating cloud arrangements. Flau'jae and Breezy were already there, arguing about the proper pace for walking down the aisle.

"It's not a race," Breezy was saying. "You can't be speed-walking like you're late to practice."

"I'm just trying to get my girl married efficiently," Flau'jae defended, making me laugh.

My mama and future mother-in-law were deep in conversation near the altar, probably going over the family photo arrangement for the hundredth time. Big Angel had taken to Mrs. Love like they'd known each other forever, united in their mission to make sure every detail was perfect for their babies.

"Angel!" Meechie's voice boomed through the cathedral as he burst through the side door, the rest of the groomsmen following behind. Jelani walked in last, and my breath caught at the sight of my soon-to-be husband, looking fine as ever in his casual clothes. Tomorrow in his tux? I might actually faint.

"You're late," I called out, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as Jelani crossed the space between us and pulled me into his arms.

"Blame your best man," Jelani murmured against my hair. "Had to make three stops for his 'emergency wedding kit.'"

"Listen," Meechie defended, holding up a large duffel bag, "somebody's got to be prepared. I got backup bowties, stain remover, phone chargers, snacks..."

"Snacks?" Lonzo perked up. "Thank God, I'm starving."

"Y'all acting like we didn't just stop for food," Zach laughed, while Josey was already trying to peek into Meechie's bag.

Ms. Patricia clapped her hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Alright, Love party! Let's get in position for our first run-through. Remember, tomorrow's forecast is perfect for our 'Love is in the Air' theme – clear skies and just enough breeze to make those cloud arrangements dance."

As everyone scrambled to their places, I felt a tug on my hand. Jelani pulled me close one more time, his eyes soft. "You ready for this, future Mrs. Love?"

"Been ready," I smiled, reaching up to straighten his chain – a gesture that had become our little ritual. "You're the one who keeps practicing your vows in the shower when you think I can't hear."

His laugh echoed through the cathedral. "Can you blame me? I got a lot to say about loving you."

"Save some for tomorrow, lovebirds!" Meechie called out. "We got a rehearsal to run!"

The next hour was a blur of instructions, adjustments, and laughter. Flau'jae finally found her proper walking pace, though she still insisted she could "speed it up if needed." Breezy kept pretending to cry dramatically every time we practiced our vows, while Raven filmed everything "for A'ja and posterity."

Our parents watched from the front pews, both mamas already emotional even though it was just practice. I caught my mama wiping her eyes more than once, especially when Ms. Patricia had Jelani and me practice our first kiss as husband and wife.

"Okay," Ms. Patricia announced after our third run-through. "I think we're ready for tomorrow. Remember, ceremony starts at 4 PM sharp. Angel and Jelani – you two need to be in separate wings of the cathedral by 2 PM for photos. No exceptions!"

"Yes ma'am," we chorused, though Jelani's hand tightened around mine like he was already dreading those two hours apart.

As everyone started gathering their things for the rehearsal dinner, my phone buzzed with another FaceTime from A'ja. This time, she was grinning ear to ear.

"Guess who wrapped early and caught an earlier flight?" she announced. "Your girl will be there for the rehearsal dinner after all!"

The cathedral erupted in cheers, and I felt tears prick my eyes. My people really were the best.

"Now that's what I call 'Love is in the Air,'" Meechie quipped, making everyone groan at his pun.

"Please don't start with the Love puns again," Zach groaned, while Lonzo and Josey exchanged knowing looks – they'd all been subjected to Meechie's endless supply of Love-related jokes since the engagement.

Walking out of the cathedral hand in hand with Jelani, I couldn't help but think about tomorrow. In just over twenty-four hours, I'd walk back down these steps as Mrs. Love. The thought made me squeeze his hand.

"What's on your mind, pretty girl?" he asked softly.

I looked up at him, at the man who'd become my everything, and smiled. "Just thinking about how much I love you, Jelani Love."

His answering smile was brighter than any diamond. "I love you too, almost Angel Love."

Behind us, our friends chatted and laughed, making plans for the dinner ahead. The sun was setting over Baltimore, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold – the perfect backdrop for our last evening before forever.

Tomorrow, love would truly be in the air. But right now, it was all around us, in every heartbeat, every smile, every moment leading up to our big day. And I couldn't wait to become Mrs. Love.

Excuse all errorsAjah🩷