“Everybody in the city knows it by now.” My mother teased me with a pleased look on her face.
Scattered applause cascaded across the room as Ruby and I walked hand in hand among my guests. She was the perfect hostess, as she spread her light to each person with whom she spoke. My friends and family hovered around us as if they’d never met a more beautiful couple. When we answered each of their probing questions about us, they didn’t hesitate to give us advice for our new relationship. Every member of my familyloved Ruby, giving her hugs and not-so-subtle hints that I make her an official member of our tight-knit family.
Each time someone alluded to marriage, Ruby blushed and squeezed my hand. In her touch, I absorbed the peace that she radiated. In the right environment, she blossomed like the most fragrant of flowers. Before, during, and after marriage, I silently vowed to nurture her so she would thrive no matter what came her way.
That night, we lay in my bed after an extended lovemaking session. I placed gentle kisses across Ruby’s stomach as she lay on her back naked and rubbed my temples.
“Thank you, love, for your patience.” She spoke the words with precision.
I stopped my motions and held her waist.
“Thank you for opening yourself up to me.”
“You’re easy to love, Amari. Everything about you screams honesty. I’d be a fool to run away from the blessing that you are.”
My ears perked up.
“Love?”
Ruby blushed as if she had just realized what she said.
“Yes. Love.”
I inched up the bed and kissed Ruby’s lips gently before she reached for me and held me steady. When she devoured my mouth, I came undone.
“Can I let you in on a little secret?” I kissed her cheek and peered into her chocolate diamond eyes.
Ruby’s eyes widened as she nodded.
I leaned toward her ear and spoke directly into it.
“This time next year, your Snow Day Santa is going to put a ring on your finger. Don’t act surprised when I wine and dine you every day until then to convince you to say yes.”
Ruby stroked my chin, then pulled my face to hers for a kiss.
“I can’t wait. If things go as I think they will, could you move your proposal date up? I’d like to get started on the honeymoon so I can give you more babies.”
“I’ll think about it.” I winked at her and rolled on my side and hugged Ruby tightly.
She wrapped her arms around my back as I rested my hand over the belly where our child would grow. We lay like that until our soft breathing was the only thing filling the silence of the room.
“This is what life is all about,” Ruby said.
Her words confirmed that we were in the right place doing the right thing to fulfill our purpose together.
The End
