While I was sad to see her go, I knew that it was time for her to go off into the world on her own. She’d gotten a full-ride scholarship to her dream school, and I would never hold her back from that. We made the most of our time together before she left and whenever she came home. Still, that was my baby, and I missed her like crazy.
She wasn’t the only one taking things to the next level. Even though I had my cosmetology license, I wanted to perfect my craft. After my conviction was overturned and Charlene came back to work, I took an apprenticeship at a local hair salon. Without so many troubles hitting me at once, I was able to finally focus on something that brought me happiness.
I’d learned so much from Ms. Joy who, ironically, had earned her license in prison, too. Most of the girls at the shop had done time. I didn’t want to say I felt right at home, but I felt inspired. Ms. Joy had one of the most successful shops in the city. She offered me so much encouragement when I told her I wanted to open my own natural hair–care spot. Killian had helped me successfully obtain a business loan, and six months ago, I’d officially closed on my building. It felt so good to have something of my own after not owning anything for most of my life.
When Adrienne climbed out of the car, I ran down the front steps to her. Scooping her up in a hug, I swung her around like I did when she was a kid.
“You’re here,” I exclaimed.
I couldn’t help but smother her cheeks with kisses when I placed her on her feet. All she could do was laugh and try to push me away.
“Oh my God, sissy. Calm down, I haven’t been gone that long.”
“You were gone long enough. Let me get a look at you.”
She stepped back into a little twirl. I felt like a proud mama noticing how much she had changed and grown up. While she could still be sassy, she had matured a lot. A little while after I started therapy, I convinced her and Amiyah to join me. It was something that the three of us could benefit from growing up in that house.
Therapy had helped Adrienne work through a lot of her anger issues, and I was proud of her. The last thing I ever wanted was for her to end up like our mother. Kennedy didn’t make it past her first year in prison. Not long after being moved into general population, she was found hanging in her cell. From the story I’d been told, things had been hell for her from the moment she stepped foot on the block.
Child abusers never got it easy on the inside. That was something I’d seen with my own two eyes. While they ruled her death a suicide, I couldn’t help but wonder if that was what really happened. Either way, my heart didn’t hurt for her death. I felt nothing when I got the call, and I felt nothing now.
Amiyah came running out of the house and down the steps, straight into Adrienne’s arms. She’d been damn near living with us for the last seven months.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she declared.
“I’ve miss you, too, little sister.”
The sound of footsteps approaching caused us to turn to the front porch. There stood my man and our biggest blessing, our four-month-old daughter, Kaliyah Marie Lake. She sat in her daddy’s arms looking around curiously.
Adrienne squealed as she ran up to them. “Give her to me.”
“Damn, I can’t get a greeting?” Killian jested.
She giggled. “Hi, brother in-law. I missed you.”
Killian and I had gotten married in a small ceremony the summer before Adrienne went off to college. His proposal was just as sweet as he’d always been. He’d kept me out of the house the entire day. I didn’t think anything of it because it wasn’t uncommon. As we pulled into the neighborhood, he handed me a sleep mask with a grin.
“What’s this?”I asked, eyeing him skeptically.
“Just put it on, woman.”
“What are you up to, Killian Lake?”
“Layah.”
I sighedas I pulled the mask over my face. A fewminutes later, the car came to a stop. I heardhis door close, and moments later, mine opened. He helpedme out and lead me to what I knew wasthe backyard because we hadn’t gone inside.
When wecame to a stop, I tried listening for some indicationof what he had planned. Alas, I heard nothing butsilence. Then I felt the mask being taken off myface. My eyes widened at the sight before me. Ourfamily stood around with smiles on their faces. The backyardhand been transformed into a romantic oasis. Roses were everywhere.There was a beautiful backdrop with candles leading up toit. In the middle of it stood Killian, motioning meto come to him.
Tears streamed down my face asI slowly made my way to my man. He reachedfor my hand and pulled me into him.
“Alayah Chambers,you are the love of my life, my best friend,and my soulmate. I’ve carried you in my heartsince I was seventeen years old. If I’d knownthen what I knew now, I would have made youmine sooner just so I could love you longer. Iknow the journey you’ve had has been less thanstellar. You’ve suffered, but more than that you’veovercome. I’m so proud of you. Watching you takeback your power has been the most beautiful experience.
“Youare so worthy of everything you’ve gained back andeven more worthy of what is to come. I loveyou with every beat of my heart, every part ofmy soul. If you’ll have me, I want tospend the rest of our lives making you happy.”
Hereached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvetbox. Dropping to one knee, he presented it to me.Inside was a beautiful teardrop diamond ring. One hand flewto my mouth as he reached for the other.
“Willyou marry me, Alayah? Will you do me the honorof becoming my wife?”
