[nova] previously on queen sugar.
They're taking her off the ventilator, vi.
Our time is appointed.
Just thought I'd have more of it.
If we could just take this horrible virus away,
but leave the connection, I'd take it in a heartbeat.
It wasn't until my dad was with you that I realized
I have never seen him totally happy.
The only thing you want is somebody that you love.
[ralph angel] my soulmate, right? Let's get married.
Let's do it tomorrow.
[laughs] let's do it. [sighs]
that's perfect.
♪ such a beautiful man ♪
-you see all that? -Mmm.
-I'mma clear that up. -Mmm-hmm.
Make you a little pathway,
so you can float down like the queen you are.
[chuckles softly] aw.
And then we can have everyone facing the land.
-All your beautiful cane, as a backdrop. -Our beautiful cane.
-You know what I'mma do? -What?
I'll make us one of them little pretty wood things
you be seeing the rich folk get married under.
-A trellis? -Exactly, trellis.
Do we have time?
-For our special day? -Mmm-hmm.
Yeah, we got time.
Hmm.
No matter what, it'll be perfect.
I'm just happy we're just doing it, you know.
There's so much sadness and loss.
This is just about happiness and hope.
-I want those again. -I know you do.
I left word for my mom last night.
Mmm.
I hope she's not offended that we're not giving her time to come.
What you gonna do if she is?
I mean, ain't it every mother's dream to see her child get married?
I like to think that
it's every mother's dream to see her kid healthy and happy.
Both of which I am again.
I just hope she can see that.
I hope so, too.
When it's a decent hour,
I'll call charley and nova and vi.
-I should pick a maid of honor. -Hmm.
You mind if I ask charley?
We're getting closer again and...
I've always looked up to her.
-Think she'll like that. -Hmm.
I don't mind.
-Thank you. -Mmm-hmm.
[chuckles]
[moans softly]
now I just have...
One more person to tell.
[chuckles]
-most important one, huh? -Hmm.
I think he'll be really happy.
Mmm-hmm.
[theme music playing]
♪ dreams never die take flight as the world turns ♪
♪ keep the colors in the lines take flight ♪
♪ dreams never die ♪
♪ keep the colors in the lines ♪
♪ keep the colors in the lines take flight ♪
I am very happy.
-[ralph angel] hey, very happy, huh? -Yes.
We're very, very happy!
Let me put it this way,
my word for today is "jubilant."
and I get to use it for real, right now.
[all laugh]
all right.
There's something very important that we have to discuss with you,
about this wedding that you need to know.
Tradition says that there are four things
that I have to have near me to ensure a happy marriage.
Four things?
-Mmm-hmm. -[darla] yes!
Four things the bride must have near her when she says "I do."
one, something old.
Number two, she needs something new.
Three, I have to have something that I've borrowed.
[ralph angel] number four.
[darla] tradition goes,
something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
-something... -[ralph angel drum rolls]
blue!
[all exclaiming]
you already got something blue.
I do have something blue.
This is going to be so much fun.
[ralph angel] I can't wait.
[ringtone sounding]
hey, baby, did you get my message?
So they're getting married!
Today? I can't believe it.
I guess they think I just got extra wedding cakes
sitting in my fridge, waiting, just in case.
Lord, ralph angel knows
how to keep people on their toes, don't he?
I'm gonna have to tell them I ain't gonna be able to make it.
I feel bad.
Don't you dare.
And his heart is with you, you know that.
Oh!
And everybody's supposed to wear yellow.
How you gonna spring a surprise wedding on folks in 12 hours
and have the audacity to have a dress code?
Baby, I know today is hard for you.
Making all the arrangements. I wish you'd let me come.
Baby, they said I can't have a proper burial, so...
Ain't no use in coming.
I'm just getting everything squared away now.
Well, when all of this is over,
we're gonna have a proper home going
to celebrate her life right.
My mother deserves a funeral
surrounded by her friends and family, folks that love her.
-Man, that what life's about. -[violet] I hear you.
But think on this.
Life isn't about
people showing up for you.
Life is about
you showing up for people,
and she did that with her life.
She showed up for you
as a wonderful, wonderful mother.
She was an excellent daughter,
sister, friend.
Willa mae showed up for the people who loved her.
She did her life right.
The lord has received her.
And, baby, I know
when he saw that lady coming his way,
he said, "well done."
yes!
Well done, mama.
Making a new album?
No, I was just in here
moving stuff around, and came across all this.
Seems like yesterday I was chasing this boy out of my room...
[chuckles softly] for one thing or another.
Now he's getting married today.
Lord.
[chuckles]
time sure does fly by, doesn't it?
Sure does.
-I just want them to be happy. -Hmm.
And they've had to battle through so much. And god knows,
I haven't made it easy for her.
I made some mistakes with her.
I think she loves being a part of your family.
I mean, take it from me, you have an extraordinary family.
I am close to you guys, but not quite a part of it.
You wanna be.
Life was so much easier, when mom and dad were here.
Wish they could be here for ra, on his big day.
[calvin] hey...
Would've been nice.
-[exhales sharply] -you got your daddy's smile.
-That I do. -[both laugh]
it'll be fine, trust me!
Wait till you see it up on its feet.
Blue might need to start picking some wild flowers,
get this thing looking nice.
Maybe we can ask ms. Parthena.
-She's got so many beauties in her yard. -That's a good idea.
Oh, also, how about
we drape this pretty fabric
for the new curtains I made, all around.
It's also a good idea.
Now, we just got to get
the couches from the house. And put them out here.
Do a few other little things and...
I think we might pull this off.
-Think? -Yeah!
That ain't a question.
We're gonna pull it off, all right, and it's gonna be perfect.
[blue] mom, auntie charley's on the phone.
She says she'll be here in an hour to help you get ready.
-So it begins, huh? -I'm excited.
-You excited? -I'm excited.
Me too.
[blue] mom, auntie charley's on your phone!
Coming!
[claps hands excitedly]
[charley] got here as fast as I could.
And I know it's a rush,
but I've already put a couple of items
on a hold for rent.
-Some nice tables, chairs... -[chuckles]
that's very nice of you, charley, but, I mean, we're just doing this...
Just because it's a same-day wedding
doesn't mean we can't zhuzh it up a little bit.
Okay.
Let's take a look at this.
Surprise!
[all cheering]
[all laughing]
-[indistinct chatter] -wait, what's happening?
It's your bridal shower...
Slash welcome-to-the-family party!
Slash bachelorette party, minus the strippers,
but I got my magic mike dvd queued up to the best scene.
Y'all want me to share?
-No! -[all chuckling] no!
[all laughing]
you got me.
Thank you so much.
-This is, um... -This is just to celebrate you, darla.
You're not only becoming a part of the bordelon family by name soon,
but you're becoming our sister.
You are our sister, darla, if you wanna be.
[gasps] I do.
Thank you, nova.
Um...
I'd give you all a big hug right now,
if you were here, all of you.
[sighs] mom, I...
I mean, I didn't expect you to...
You shouldn't be thinking about
anything today but yourself.
Today is your day.
And if I've learned anything during this pandemic
it's that life is way too short to make people live your life and theirs, too.
Amen to that, y'all.
I'm so happy for you, baby,
so proud of you.
I may not be there in person,
but my heart is right there beside you.
And how's my boy blue?
How's he handling all of this wild news?
Oh, he's doing, um...
So, so great. I mean...
Better than could be expected for a nine-year old.
-Oh, my god! He's nine! -Yeah.
-He's almost ten. -Crazy.
-Time flies. -Is school going okay online?
-How's he managing? -Oh, he's excelling.
-I just had him tested. -Tested for what?
-Is he okay? -I mean, I got his iq tested.
-Really? -Yeah, I um...
I thought he might be advanced, so I shelled out for an online test.
Oh, well, you could've saved your money. I could've told you for free.
The boy is smart as a whip.
Oh, it's probably true. You know I did okay in my studies.
And I got a phd in common sense.
Hey, hey, which is the best kind.
[all laughing]
this is amazing. Thank you so much.
Love you, darla. So happy for you. Congratulations.
[darlene laughing]
[laughing]
sorry you're going through this, wood.
-How you making out? -Man, I'm getting through it.
My mama wanted to be cremated.
It's hard for me. I didn't see that coming.
Already know it.
So I rented this little boat,
spread her ashes out through this lake that we used to go fishing at this afternoon.
I'd never seen that lake that quiet before.
Water was barely moving.
It's like it was waiting for me.
Waiting for her.
I know this ain't easy, wood.
Just gotta take it one day at a time, you feel me?
I know, I just...
Just gotta keep it moving, I guess.
Look, man,
whether you can make it down to the wedding or not,
ain't nothing changing.
You still my best man.
I appreciate that.
You know I do, I love you and darla.
I love everything that's going on in your life right now.
But I...
I'm just really going through it right now, bruh.
But you know I'd be down there if I could, though.
Ah, man, say less, I overstand.
Handle your business, chop it up when you get back to the city?
No doubt.
I love you, bruh.
I love you, ra.
Congratulations, bruh. [laughs]
[charley giggling]
somebody's happy.
-Take it you ladies had you some fun. -Just a little bit.
Wait till this covid thing is over.
We're gonna throw her the bridal shower every bordelon woman deserves.
Did someone say vegas?
I ain't hear nobody say vegas.
You ain't taking my girl to vegas, charley, you tripping.
[charley laughs]
just got off the phone with wood.
He ain't gonna make it down on time.
I feel for him.
This is all just... Terrible.
Guess I ain't gonna have no best man.
It ain't that bad, right?
Why don't you ask micah?
I bet he would love to do it.
I mean he, he sees you more like an older brother than an uncle.
-I mean, just a thought. -Nah, I love that.
I'll ask him.
Guess you do got some good ideas in that big old head of yours.
Hey! Don't hate on the big head.
-And the chicken legs you been walking around with. -Oh! Like that?
See, you must have forgot that these skinny legs used to give you the work back in the day.
Oh, still living in a lie, you didn't beat me!
-I did. -How could you beat me?
Drumstick.
Oh, see, now you crossed the line, charley.
[ralph angel] yeah, you know where to meet me.
Are we doing this?
It's already done.
-I'm about to embarrass you on your wedding day. -Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Don't tell darla.
-So, go ahead and, uh, call it. -No, you call it.
Go!
Aye, girl, you said I was supposed to call it! You a cheater!
[screaming]
you're supposed to wait for me, you cheating!
[both laughing]
I'm about to catch you, watch out!
[squealing]
[ralph angel screaming]
yeah! Come on, baby, go ahead and say it!
-Go ahead and say it. -All right.
-All right, what? -All right, you won.
Yeah, I won, y'all heard that?
-For now. -For now, she said I won!
-Consider it a wedding gift. -I'll take it.
-[laughter] -I see you.
[charley] I'm so happy for you, ra.
I love you.
I love you, too.
-[knocking] -come in.
Hey, think this will work?
That's not yellow. We're supposed to wear yellow.
I just, it's the lightest color that I have
that's clean anyway, I don't have any yellow.
Yeah, not sure that I do either.
Not that anything will fit
since I been locked inside of my refrigerator for two months.
[micah] can you do these for me?
Yeah.
Why don't you wear that white dress with the little frills on it?
-I really like that dress. -Please tell me I raised you better than that.
What?
Only the bride is supposed to wear white at a wedding.
It's considered crass for another woman to wear anything even resembling white.
-It takes the focus off the bride. -Yeah, that makes sense.
Yeah.
I think it's so cool that they're doing a same-day wedding.
-And I'm gonna be the best man. -[both laugh]
I'm just really excited.
Yeah, I'm excited, too.
I don't know if it's because of the wedding or because
we finally get to get out of this house.
-Right, same. -Mmm-hmm.
[micah] mmm.
-I just hope I don't disappoint uncle ra. -Mmm.
What is a best man supposed to do, even?
There, handsome.
And don't worry, you're gonna make a fine best man,
you know, just be there for him, support him, he's nervous.
Nervous? I've never seen ralph angel bordelon nervous a day in his life.
Well, yeah, I hadn't with davis either, but his friends told me he was a wreck.
Especially 'cause I was half an hour late to the chapel.
Half an hour? What were you doing?
I was freaking out, you know, wondering if I'd make a good wife,
what our life would be like after that.
And that's what's running through ra and darla's heads today.
So let's just be supportive, be there.
Just whatever they're experiencing. Oh!
How's this?
Well, it's yellow.
It is yellow.
-Thank you for that expert opinion. -[micah laughs]
-no, I like it, I love it. -Okay.
-I love it. -It's nice, right?
You looking all handsome.
Guess you really is my son, huh?
Uh, are you nervous?
-Am I nervous? -[blue] yes.
-[ralph angel] nervous for what? -You and mom getting married.
-[ralph angel laughs] -I thought you were supposed to be nervous.
-I'm only nervous about things I ain't sure about. -All right.
Marrying your mama and loving you both
is probably the only thing I'm absolutely sure about.
Okay, I get you, but if you were nervous, I'd understand.
Oh, you'd understand? I said I'm not nervous. Come on, put 'em up.
-We gotta be gentlemen. -[blue laughs]
keep yourself clean before your mama kill me.
Come here, boy.
-I love you. -I love you, too.
Mmm-hmm.
-Gentlemen. -Oh, ho, ho, ho!
-Okay! All right, all right. -Gentlemen!
-Ready to go, or ready to go? -[ralph angel laughs]
-got that ring? -[micah] the ring?
-[ralph angel] the ring. -Oh, snap! I thought you was gonna...
You're supposed to have the ring.
Yeah, you know I got the ring.
-Talking about this ring? -Aw! Don't play with me like that.
Lighten up, man.
You were about to have yourself in a headlock, micah.
I'd like to see you try, blue.
-No, by him! By him! -Me. Talking about me.
I ain't scared, man.
Let's go marry your mama.
[knocking on door]
knock, knock.
Are you okay?
I never thought this day would come, you know.
And then, literally, it's here.
All of a sudden.
You sure you wanna do this, right?
Oh, yes, absolutely. I just, um...
Sometimes I have...
Done so many things,
given him so many reasons not to love me.
And yet,
he does.
Ralph angel loves you, and you love him.
You chose each other.
That's what matters.
Everything else is in the past,
where it belongs.
Nova, sent this ahead. It's a gift for you.
Something old.
[gasping in delight] oh...
[darla] this is beautiful.
Vintage paper, gorgeous handwriting.
-It's from trudy. -Ralph angel's mother.
You should read what it says.
"I never thought I'd have another baby, let alone a son.
And then he was born, and I could never imagine my life,
our world, without him.
He's truly an angel baby, my ralph angel.
And when he looks up into my eyes, I see an old soul
that has known mine for many lifetimes.
My prayer for him is that he will find love in this life
like the kind I feel for his father,
a tried and true love that will anchor him and elevate him.
However and in whomever that love may present itself,
I bless him with this prayer
from the deepest part of my spirit.
Ashe. And so it is."
that's me.
I'm that love.
Yes, you are.
The sight of this takes my breath away, especially him.
I never thought I'd see it.
He handsome, ain't he?
I don't think I've ever seen him look more beautiful.
And he don't look half bad either.
[both laugh]
[hollywood] gotta keep living, right?
[micah] all right, aunt nova, hit them tunes.
[ralph angel] ah... [laughs] ah.
[soft r&b music playing]
all himself!
[micah] closer.
Thank you very much, and the second one.
["1949" playing]
♪ could you be that great love♪
♪ that california state love♪
♪ that nearly third date love♪
♪ that almost fake love♪
♪ on that 1949 love♪
♪ walk straight into the fire♪
♪ I'd bet anything on my love♪
♪ we'll be lost in time, love♪
♪ just grab a warm body and pick up the keys ♪
♪ if you need somebody somebody to be♪
♪ you can't count on timing or just wait and see♪
♪ I'll be that somebody so settle for me♪
♪ I'll be waiting, waiting♪
[whispers] I love you.
You look amazing.
[priest] welcome.
Maya angelou said,
"in the flush of love's light,
we dare be brave.
And suddenly, we see that love costs all we are and will ever be.
Yet it is only love which sets us free."
today, we are here to witness the union
of two beautiful individuals.
Who are prepared to commit their lives to one another for eternity.
They are miss darla sutton
and mr. Ralph angel bordelon.
Who gives this woman away to be wed this day?
Hey, here.
I do.
[all laugh]
[priest] all right. You two ready?
Yes, sir.
[priest] all right.
On this day, we stand before god
to exchange vows of love and commitment.
Ralph angel.
From the first day I saw you,
I knew my heart was in trouble.
Not, not being with you
wasn't an option.
No, I needed you in my life.
By god's grace,
today is a dream come true.
You're my sun and my moon, darla.
You light up
all the dark places in me,
making me a better man.
I remember the first time
that you held my hand.
It felt like,
gentle, strong love
coming through your touch.
I never wanted the feeling to fade.
I've loved you since that moment.
And I've prayed for this moment,
for today.
You've picked me up
when I thought I couldn't get back up again.
You've illuminated my life,
when I thought that I was done shining.
Now I shine for you.
I shine because of you.
And I'm shining with you.
Forever.
-[violet chuckles] -always.
[romantic r&b music playing]
do you,
ralph angel, take darla,
to be your lawfully wedded wife,
to have, hold, and cherish,
till death do you part?
I do.
[priest] amen.
Darla, do you take ralph angel
to be your lawfully wedded husband,
to have, hold, cherish
till death do you part?
I do.
I now pronounce you,
his and hers.
Y'all can kiss now. [laughs]
[all cheering]
♪ catch me, catch me ♪
♪ I want you to catch me, baby ♪
♪ catch me, catch me ♪
["when I'm with you" playing]
[chatter and cheering]
close your eyes.
[violet] come on, ralph!
[cheering]
I'm a husband, y'all. Whoo!
Yes, indeed!
[laughs] oh!
[all laughing]
-[ralph angel] you don't touch it. -[laughs] I'm not touching it!
Save some for tonight, y'all.
[ralph angel] lot more where that come from.
-It's our song, huh? -Mmm-hmm.
♪ it's for real ♪
♪ what I feel ♪
♪ when I'm with you ♪
♪ you, nobody but you ♪
♪ honey, I love you ♪
[nova] okay, y'all, time to get your groove on.
All right! Yes, I heard it!
I was so nervous it wouldn't work or that I wouldn't hear the priest
ask who was giving her away.
Well, you did great!
I tell you, these kids.
The last thing I thought I would be doing this morning,
in the middle of this darn pandemic,
is attending my daughter's bridal shower and wedding!
On the same day.
The same day!
Your cake is so beautiful, violet.
Aw, well, thank you.
Making it is the easy part,
the hardest is trying to keep blue's little fingers from digging in it.
Aunt vi, grandma,
your presence is needed outside for the most auspicious occasion.
They are toasting stuff.
[darlene laughs]
and I'm just gonna...
-No, blue. -I'm just trying...
Go, go, go, go!
[darlene laughs]
you see? Using all those big words.
Blue is too much. That boy is so smart!
He sure is.
When this is all over, we need to make sure we find a school that matches his talents.
Oh, what are you thinking about?
I mean, micah warmed to gardenie prep.
Well, maybe for high school, but he needs something right away.
I was thinking of calling my friend at the sidwell friends school.
Where is that?
Washington dc!
[scoffs] darlene...
Now that's a long way to commute.
Well, we'll have to talk about the living arrangements, but if blue's got the goods...
I'm sure he does.
The world should be his oyster.
The world?
I mean, can you imagine blue attending the same school as the obama girls?
The obamas?
Well, that's nice. Look, uh, darlene,
girl, I got to go. I'll talk to you later this evening. Okay?
[darlene] listen, uh, well, oh, goodbye.
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
[hollywood] hey, hey, hello! [laughs]
[laughter]
obviously, congratulations to you two. Ra, darla.
I'm so proud of y'all.
So proud that y'all always have each other's back.
And for never letting the bad make you tear each other apart.
You two were made for each other.
That's a very rare thing.
Finding your complement.
Someone who's gonna love you for you.
It's always comforting to me
having that special person to come home to,
who's always gonna have your back.
So...
May your hearts
always be filled with joy and love.
And may that joy and love always help you find your way.
[violet] hear! Hear!
Hear! Hear!
Cheers!
-Nova. -Yeah?
You ever see us getting married?
I mean, would you ever marry me?
I mean, is that in any of
our future in any way, in your mind?
I mean, I don't wanna start thinking about it, dreaming about it if...
If you don't see yourself getting married to me,
I mean, because of our differences...
Our differences are becoming a gift to each other
in ways I never imagined.
Let's think about it together.
[both laugh]
that was a beautiful speech, honey.
I know you were with us today.
I could feel you all around.
Watching over your little boy on his big day.
I know ra could feel you there, too.
I don't know how he couldn't.
He's happy, mom.
I don't know,
something's changed in this crazy time we're in.
I feel differently now.
I just ask for your guidance along the way,
your loving spirit.
I'm going to need it.
Ah, there's a real piece.
-Ooh, about to feed me that? -Yeah.
[charley] ralph angel,
watch out with that cake now.
Be quiet, charley, and let me feed my wife that...
Oh! Uh-oh!
[laughter]
-is that how you feel? -This is how I feel.
Oh!
[all laughing]
-don't let me get down on the dance floor, all right? -All right!
["before I let go" playing]
[hollywood] vi,
you're all I got.
All I've got now.
And you are all I will ever want.
I got you. Through it all.
I got you, baby.
["before I let go" continues playing]