Chapter Twenty-Five
Everything with Dream and Carmelo had been going real good. They were back in that happy place and ready to make their love for each other official. Now that she was back home where she belonged, their family was back to the way they were before Shaquille and Caiden messed everything up on some grimy shit.
Dream was worried about moving forward and putting all her demons in the past. She didn’t want any memories or issues holding her back and keeping her from being fully happy. She felt as if she could really live peacefully knowing that she had Carmelo by her side and no one else could hurt her.
Even though Carmelo was happy that he was about to make a big step in his life, he didn’t feel right knowing that his brother was still in the wind. He would never understand why Caiden went against the grain like that. He expected some snake shit from a nigga like Shaq, but Caiden really surprised him. This was the same nigga he shared the womb with. When Carmelo came up, he made sure his brother came up, too. Even though Caiden was more of a nerd and wasn’t hip to the street life, Carmelo made sure his pockets stayed fat. That house he was living in was courtesy of Carmelo and those bills that got paid every month were because of Carmelo also.
He should have known he would pull a coward move and run but Carmelo knew he would have to come out of hiding eventually. They always did. He wouldn’t act like he wasn’t hurt behind his brother’s actions because he was. That was the highest form of betrayal he had ever felt.
Summer was happy to have both of her parents together under the same roof again. You couldn’t tell Summer that Dream wasn’t the one who birthed her. She felt more a connection with Dream than she felt ever felt with Alexandria. Dream had really stepped up to the plate and become the mother that she had always wanted. From day one, Summer had taken a liking to Dream because nothing was ever forced with her. She didn’t pretend to like her or want to be around Summer just to get to Carmelo. That’s why their bond was so strong.
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Dream and Summer met up with Sheila and Karen to do some dress shopping. Dream was so excited because she had never pictured herself being someone’s wife but Carmelo was making an honest woman out of her. She was happy that she was sharing this experience with her two mothers and her daughter.
“Do you have any idea of what you want?” Mama Love asked.
“No, not really. I just planned on getting whatever I fell in love with. I will know the dress when I see it,” Dream answered.
“Great, we’re going to be all day with this. You know you’re picky,” Karen half-joked. She knew her daughter could try on a hundred dresses and still say that she didn’t see anything she liked.
“Ma,” Dreamed whined.
“Well if you don’t find anything that you like, you can always make your own. I mean, that is what you do, Miss Boutique Owner,” Summer told her.
“Will you two leave this girl alone? Like she said, she’ll know her dress when she sees it. You never find anything you love on the first go round, anyways,” Mama Love said in Dream’s defense.
“Thanks, mom,” Dream said as she stuck her tongue out at Summer and her mom.
“Brat,” Karen told her.
Two hours, and about ten dresses later, Dream still hadn’t found anything that screamed at her. Her mother was right, she was too picky but she wanted, no, she needed the perfect dress to walk down the aisle in.
“Who knew finding a dress could be so stressful?” Dream huffed.
“Baby, everything about getting married is stressful,” Mama Love said.
“She’s not lying,” Karen agreed. “This is just the beginning of things to come that’s going to stress you out until you say ‘I do,’ but trust me, it will all be worth it.”
“True,” Dream sighed. “Hey, Sum, whose house are we eating at?” Dream asked.
“Hmm…it’s been a while since I’ve had any of Mama Karen’s food. So I say we go over there,” Summer said.
“But wait, who said I was cooking?” Karen asked.
“Would you really tell these faces no?” Dream asked as she and Summer made pouty faces.
“Oh Lord, time for me to go,” Mama Love said as she headed for the exit.
“Where you going, Ma? We’re coming to your house for dessert,” Dream laughed.
Dream may not have found her dress yet but that didn’t mean she was going to stop looking.
Chapter Twenty-Six
All the planning Dream and Summer had been doing was in preparation for the next two days. Dream was worried that they wouldn’t be able to pull off her dream wedding in such a short amount of time, but Carmelo, being the man that he was, went above and beyond to make sure everything was exactly as she dreamt.
It wasn’t easy, but they made it. One day before they were set to become Mr. and Mrs. Love, they gathered all of their close family and friends in celebration of that. Slow jams filled the venue space at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It’s where Dream and Carmelo were hosting their rehearsal dinner. She picked a place in the city because the venue for the wedding was there as well. She wanted it to be easily accessible, which is why Carmelo booked their close family suites at the hotel as well.
“Come here, fat man,” Dream said as she sat down and reached her arms out for CJ.
“I got him, Ma. You are supposed to be mingling with your guests,” Summer said.
Dream leaned over and kissed both of her babies on their cheeks. She loved the bond Summer and CJ had. She couldn’t imagine raising her son with a different group of people than those they called family. Since day one, each and every one of them were supportive of her and Melo’s relationship, which is what made that evening even more special.
The music was lowered and mic feedback could be heard, forcing everyone’s attention to the front where the stage was located. There stood both Carmelo and Dream’s mothers with a mic in hand. Dream shifted her attention in her seat and scanned the room for Carmelo. When their eyes met, she smiled and he winked at her. He was at the other end of the table talking to Trip. She didn’t bother calling him over, she just wanted to see him.
“Hey, everyone,” Dream’s mother began.
Dream zoned in on the stage and smiled in anticipation of what her mother could possibly have to save.
“I just want to say I love my daughter so very much. It’s hard for me to let loose the reigns, especially when it comes to men. My baby has been hurt and like any mother, I didn’t want to see her go through it again. However, when she met Carmelo, things changed almost instantly. I saw that radiant girl that I thought was lost shine through. Carmelo, you brought my baby girl out of a dark time and stood in the sun with her. For that, I will be forever grateful to you. I am so proud and honored to have you have a son-in-law. I couldn’t have picked a better man for her. Thank you. I love you both.”
“I love you, too, Ma,” Melo shouted from his seat before looking back at Dream to find Summer comforting her because her mother had moved her to tears.
He excused himself from Trip and made his way to the other end of the table where he took his seat next to his future wife and pulled her into his arms.
“I love you,” he whispered in her ear.
She didn’t respond, but she didn’t have to. The love she had for him radiated off her, it could be felt.
“Dream, I don’t have any daughters. Summer was the closest to a daughter I’ve had until I met you. I must say, you are an amazing woman. I thank your mother for the outstanding job she did raising you. I know she’s proud because I am. You are the daughter I always wanted and I feel so blessed that my son found his equal. A woman strong enough to handle all that he comes with and one who knows her worth and don’t settle. You keep my boy on his toes. He needs that. I also have to acknowledge the amazing job you have been doing in terms of helping Carmelo with Summer. It takes a lot for a woman to help raise a child that isn’t hers and you are doing the damn thing. Thank you for my fat man, too. I just love him down. Carmelo
, my boy. I love you so much. I am proud of the man you have become. Through everything, you didn’t lose yourself or lose sight of what was important at the end of the day. If anyone deserves this dose of happiness, it’s you. I am so happy to be a part of such a beautiful union. I love you both.”
The moms had really set the tone for the evening. Opening up with love and positive energy set the bar and the rest of the dinner flowed accordingly. There was food, music, family, and laughs, all in the name of Carmelo and Dream’s union. It was a night that neither of them wanted to end, but they knew it had to.
“Aye, Dream,” Carmelo caught her before she could board the elevator with Summer and CJ.
“Yes?” Dream gushed.
“I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“By this time tomorrow, we’ll be Mr. and Mrs. Love. I really couldn’t see myself taking this step with anyone else. Thank you for standing by me and working through everything. We had our share of problems, but you stayed. I’m looking forward to my forever and a day with you,” Melo admitted.
Dream was an emotional wreck. She could hardly form words to respond to what he had told her. She was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I love you more, Carmelo. My life wouldn’t be my life if you weren’t in it. We are a team now and always. I’ll see you at the altar, Mr. Love.” She blew him a kiss before stepping back onto the elevator.
Carmelo whispered, “You’ll be the one in white, right?” as he watched the steel doors to the elevator close.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The road to this day had been rough on all parties involved, but what mattered above everything else was the fact that they made it.
“Ma…MA!” Summer called out to Dream, pulling her away from the thoughts that had consumed her.
Dream turned her head slightly and looked back at Summer who stood near the door with her baby brother propped up on her left hip.
“Sorry, Sum, I was somewhere else,” Dream admitted. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, I just came to check on you before we started. You look amazing, Ma. Like seriously, I’m about to cry,” Summer said while quickly wiping away the tear the escaped her right eye.
Dream stood to her feet, smoothed out her Vera Wang gown, and slowly walked toward Summer and CJ.
“Cut it out before I start crying. If you have me in here messing up this makeup, it’s on,” Dream said as she let out a low chuckle.
“You deserve for today to be everything, Ma. You been through so much. It’s just… I’m so happy we made it here together as a family.”
Dream pulled Summer and CJ into her for a hug and embraced them tightly.
“Is the lady of the hour ready?” Sheila, said as she walked into the bridal room with Renee on her heels.
“Oh my God, look at her. Dream, you look amazing, baby girl. Oh my God,” Renee said, as she fawned over her daughter.
“I hate to break up the moment, but this little prince needs to get to his seat and you girls need to get in position. We start in five,” Sheila said as she took baby Melo out of Summer’s arms.
Renee kissed her daughter’s forehead before leaving the room with Sheila and the baby.
“You ready?” Summer looked over at Dream who was back in the mirror checking her appearance for the umpteenth time.
“I’m so nervous, but yes, I’m ready.”
Summer opened the door and waited as Dream slowly walked over the threshold. Waiting for her on the other side of the door was Carmelo’s dad, who was doing the honors of walking her down the aisle. It was a bittersweet moment for her. What girl didn’t want their father to be there to lead her to her happily ever after? Dream didn’t have that, but she was blessed to have Carmelo’s dad, who was more than willing to stand in and do the honors. He don’t have any daughters so this was really his only chance to experience it and he was glad it was with Dream.
“You look beautiful, Dream,” he said.
Dream flashed a weak smile as nerves started to set in. She slipped her arm through his and prepared to walk onto the terrace when the music cued her. Unknowingly, her arm shook slightly, but hard enough for him to feel it.
“Calm down. Everything is going perfectly,” he said, giving Dream a reassuring squeeze.
“Tell me have you heard the story. That took place not long ago. About an angel up in Heaven, they say she up and ran away from home.” The smooth, baritone voice of Jamie Foxx came blaring through the venue’s outdoor surround system, alerting Dream that it was time for her to make her appearance.
Slowly, she took strides forward, trying to keep her nerves under control. To take her mind off the 200 guests who couldn’t seem to look away from her, she locked eyes with Carmelo. His smile made butterflies form in her stomach, forcing her to look away. She had to if she wanted to make it to the end of the aisle in one piece. She used the time to really take in the scenery around her. Midtown Loft Terrace provided the exact ambiance Dream was going for when trying to decide on a wedding venue. It provided a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building and the amazing Manhattan skyline. The landscaped garden gave off such a peaceful feeling which helped settle the nausea which was threaten to overcome Dream. She had never been that nervous for anything in her life.
Finally, she made it. She was within touching distance of her Prince Charming, moments away from her ever after. All she wanted to do was jump into his arms but knew she had to hold on just a bit longer.
“We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the face of family and friends to witness the union of Carmelo Love and Dream Coleman,” the pastor began.
Dreams thoughts wandered. As she stared intently into Carmelo’s eyes she felt the feeling she had the day he walked up to her table at the restaurant. She was physically and emotionally drawn to him. Without a doubt, Dream knew that he was her soul mate. She just hated that she had to go through the worst experiences ever just to reach her happy point. There were days when she wanted to run away and never show her face again. She questioned how Carmelo still loved her. How did he still manage to look at as if she was the most beautiful girl in the world? She was damaged. Yet, God still made it possible for her dreams to come true.
Dream slightly turned her head and saw her baby boy bouncing happily and smiling on her mother’s lap. Giving birth to CJ brought meaning back into Dream’s life, after she felt as if she’d lost herself from the torture Shaquille and Caiden put her through.
“Dream, do you take Carmelo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”
Being brought back to the ceremony that seemed to go on as she zoned out to her own thoughts, a slow smile crept across her face as she nodded.
“Yes, Yes, I do,”
Pop
What happened next was like a scene from a movie. It was something that was only supposed to happen in movies. The sound of the gun going off was followed by the sound of the loud thud Dream’s body made as it came in contact with the cold concrete.
“Noooooooo,” Carmelo fell to his knees and pulled Dream onto his lap.
He looked down and watched as blood leaked from the side of her head and stained her once beautiful crème gown. The side of her face was unrecognizable. It didn’t stop Carmelo from planting kisses on her forehead.
“Dream, please. Don’t do this to me,” he pleaded. His pleas fell on deaf ears. Dream was gone.
“You took everything from me. My daughter turned my parents against me. Feel that? Feel your world crashing down around you? Live with it,” Caiden screamed before raising the gun to his head and pulling back on the trigger.
Pop
Epilogue
“Dream… Do you take Carmelo to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,
until death do you part,” Dream shuddered as she was pulled away for her daydream.
She turned her head and looked around in nervousness. She was waiting for Caiden to appear in the walkway. She was waiting to hear the gun go off then feel nothing. It never came though. With tears spilling from the crevices of her eyes she turned to face Carmelo. He was worried not only because she was crying but also because she had a flushed look on her face, as if she had seen a ghost. It wasn’t normal, but Melo didn’t care. He pulled Dream into him for an embrace and whispered in her ear, “If you’re not ready, we don’t have to do this.”
It pained him to say that but it pained him even more looking at Dream and the condition she was in. Besides the light wind, a pin could be heard if it was to drop. Everyone sat on pins and needles waiting to see what was going to happen next.
Dream shook her head no. “It’s not that,” she said. “I love you, Carmelo.” She broke away from his hug and focused her attention on the pastor.
“Yes, I do!” she said firmly, to let it be known that she was sure about her answer.
“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Carmelo wasted no time, he turned towards Dream and took a step closer to her. He raised his hands and placed them behind her head before pulling her forward where their lips met. The kiss was feverish and filled with so much passion. He still felt that something was bothering her but he was glad that she was finally his Missus.
“I love you, Mrs. Love,” Carmelo stated before taking Dream by the hand.
“I love you more, Mr. Love,” Dream replied.
Together, hand in hand, they were led back into the venue where their reception jumped off.
During the first dance they shared, to ‘Don’t Change’ by Musiq Soulchild, Carmelo couldn’t help but asking her what had her shook up.
A Gangster's Dream 3 Page 13
