Epilogue
Reece
Since the grand opening of Suds Dallas two months ago, so much has happened to not only me, but to the majority of the Suds family. As Troy and I were about to embark on our future together, Vanessa and Mark decided to not only franchise the Dallas store to Troy, but also the Richmond store. Everyone was surprised about the Richmond move, since the two never mentioned they were going to franchise the four original stores. During the store meeting, Mark indicated that he and Vanessa couldn’t handle all of the stores and wanted to focus more on opening new locations. They would eventually franchise the Overton and Harrison stores, but figured the Richmond store would be first since it was already in good hands with Troy and Jamarcus.
Since Troy is the owner of the Richmond store, he decided to appoint Jamarcus as the store manager and he would be there from time to time to see how the store is running. He already know that wouldn’t be an issue since Jamarcus is such a wonderful manager. That gave him time to focus on the Dallas store since it’s new and needs more direction.
While Troy will be going back and forth from Houston to Dallas, I would be doing the same now that I am the media correspondent for Suds. I will be handling all of the events and media for every store, so this is a great opportunity for me to put my degree to use. Not only that, but I still do freelance work for D Magazine, that was too big an opportunity to pass up. Although I have a job that I love, I still wanted to pursue photography; so now, I have the best of both worlds.
Although we were busy with our careers, we still had time to plan our wedding. The two of us wanted an an outdoor wedding, so Troy closed the Richmond store for a day and had everyone come up to Dallas. But before going, Troy wanted to do something that he hasn’t done, and that was to visit his parents’ graves.
During the visit, seeing Troy this emotional had me in tears . He informed them how his life was going, including being engaged and that he was about to be a father, and apologized for how he treated them while they were still alive. He wished he could have talked to them before they passed, which I know he still has guilt about. Before leaving, Troy promised he would visit more often, that had me sobbing. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy hormones kicking in or what, but the entire visit was beautiful and I’m proud that Troy took the step of going to see his parents.
Now, it was our wedding day, and I was beaming from ear to ear. I was so excited that this day has come, because I was finally going to be Mrs. Troy Jimenez, or as I would say, Mrs. Reece Palmer-Jimenez.
I looked in the mirror, gently rubbing my stomach, happy that our son or daughter would be a part of this day. Soon, we will know the sex of our child, which we couldn’t wait for. Of course Troy wants a son, but I want a daughter. Regardless, we both just want a healthy baby. I just couldn’t believe that he or she was probably conceived at Suds, but no matter the location, our baby was conceived with love.
I had a huge smile when the door opened to the bridal suite and Vanessa, Nuicka, Simone, Nena, and Crystal walked in. I gave everyone hugs and Simone rubbed my stomach.
“I can’t believe that you finally tied down Troy Jimenez.”
I smiled. “I guess no one thought it would happen, but it did.”
“I’m so happy for you, Reeccee.” Vanessa said while giving me another hug.
“Don’t make me cry right now.”
“I’m not, but this is wonderful. I’m so proud of you. You finally have everything that you want.”
My smile became wider when I glanced at the clock on the side mantel. “Is everyone seated outside?”
“You’re really asking if Troy is waiting for you at the altar? He is, and I have to admit, he looks so handsome and happy.” Nuicka said.
“I can’t wait to see him.”
“You look beautiful, Reece.” Crystal said.
“Thank you. I’m so nervous though.”
“Why? You’re about to marry the love of your life.” Nuicka said.
“It’s not that; it’s just after I say I do, my life is going to change. Just a few months ago, I felt so lost and down on my luck; now, look at me. I feel so happy and blessed by how my life is right now, and you all are part of that, so thank you.”
“Okay, I’m crying now.” Nuicka said while grabbing a tissue from the side table.
“I know one thing for sure, at least Kari is not here to ruin your special day.” Simone said.
“Why would she be? She’s no longer a factor now.” I said.
When Troy and I returned to Houston after our engagement, we did see Kari at Suds. The two of us did ban her from the Richmond location. She was upset, and even tried to take a swing at me. Although I wanted to beat her ass, I couldn’t since I was with child, so Jamarcus had no issue with escorting her off of the premises. Now, if she tries to come back, I won’t have a problem calling the police on her. I secretly hope she does.
The wedding coordinator walked into the suite, to let me know it was time. I took a deep breath and looked at my girls.
“It’s time.”
Once everyone gave me warm wishes and prepared to walk down the aisle, I stayed behind to take one final look in the mirror. This was the last time I’d see myself as Reece Palmer. In a few minutes, I’d be a married woman. I smiled and went to the door. I opened it to see my dad standing outside.
“Ready, sweetie?”
I nodded and looped my arm through his before walking outside. The doors automatically opened, revealing a beautiful color scheme of teal and gold. An arrangement of daisies and zinnias were placed throughout the aisle while a few of each flower were placed in my bouquet. Even though the flowers were a weird flower arrangement for a bridal bouquet, I wanted to include them since they were present during our first date.
I watched the bridesmaids and groomsmen standing in their rightful positions along with my family and friends in the wedding party. I smiled at Pamela, who was sitting with Enrique and my mom. She blew me a kiss and I blew one back. I still couldn’t believe how our relationship has changed. I’m so happy that she and my dad are a part of my life, and will be a part of their grandchild’s life too.
I smiled at Samantha, who was seated with Vanessa’s parents. They gave me a sweet smile as I gave one in return.
I continued to walk down the aisle when my eyes locked with my future husband. He looked so gorgeous in his black tux. I couldn’t contain my tears once I got to the altar. Just looking at him and everyone at the wedding made me feel so loved.
The wedding was being officiated by the pastor from my church, Pastor McCoy We did the traditional ceremony; but one thing we wanted to do differently was recite our own vows. Troy started first. I thought he was going to have his vows written, but once I looked at him, I knew he was going to say them from the heart.
“Reece and I decided to write our own vows, but I knew I didn’t need to have a piece of paper to express how I felt. I wanted to say everything from my heart.
“When I first saw you walk into Suds, I really wasn’t looking for a relationship. I despised love, but once I met you, I knew there was no turning back. Before I met you, I had so many issues that I just went through life not caring about anything or anyone, but you changed my way of thinking. You were different from any woman that I have encountered; you kept me on my toes, and called me out on my issues. You made me into the man that is standing before you right now. And for that, I thank you. Thank you for saving me, baby. I love you and I promise you that I will love you and cherish you for the rest of my life.”
I could feel a tear falling down my cheek when Troy lightly brushed it away. I smiled and took a deep breath.
“Wow; I can’t believe the two of us are standing here right now in front of our family and friends. Honestly, I didn’t think we would be getting married, because you were an arrogant jerk when I first met you.”
Troy smirked while the everyone started laughing. I smiled, mouthing “I’m sorry” to him.
“But that was the first day at Suds when I didn’t know who the real Troy Jimenez was. When I got to know you, you were the complete opposite. You were caring, genuine, and real. You kept me on my toes and even called me out on my stuff when needed. But most importantly, you love me for the person that I am, flaws and all. You saw so much potential in me that I never saw in myself, and for that, I have to say thank you. Thank you for being the person that you are. I love you and I will love, honor, and cherish you for the rest of my life.”
Troy smiled as Pastor McCoy as for the exchange of rings. While Troy waited for his best man, Jamarcus, to hand him my ring, my maid of honor, Vanessa, handed me Troy’s ring. Once we placed them on each other’s fingers, the pastor pronounced us husband and wife, which was music to my ears.
Troy pulled me close to him and smiled. “I love you, Mrs. Jimenez.”
“I love you too, Mr. Jimenez.”
He gave me a kiss that was so powerful and special that I felt like I was floating. Everyone was cheering, I didn’t care, because the only person that was getting my attention was my husband.
I love the sound of that.
We pulled away from each other and Troy gently took my hand. We walked down the aisle, in wedded bliss. Six months ago, I was not expecting to meet my husband at my new employer. There was so much going on in my life that I didn’t think things would change for me; but meeting Troy, along with my Suds family, was something that I will never take for granted. Now, I have a new purpose in life with my a new husband, a baby on the way, and a rising career. I’m grateful for how things have turned around for me, and I couldn’t be happier.