The restaurant had a romantic vibe, with dimmed lights and soft jazz music playing in the background. We were seated in around booth in the back corner, and although we weren’t alone, it felt as if we were.
We made small talk while sipping our drinks and enjoying our appetizer, but his energy shifted once the food arrived.
“What’s wrong? Is your food okay?” I asked.
“It’s delicious.”
“Why the sudden mood shift?”
“I didn’t realize my mood had shifted, but I was just thinking about some things.”
“Some things like what—I mean, if you care to share.”
“I’m not a religious person, but my connection to God is what kept me safe for all those years as a police officer. When I saw you from across the street, I whispered, ‘Damn, she’s beautiful,’ and I heard God as clear as day say, ‘That’s your wife, Son.’”
He spoke with such conviction, all I could do was listen.
“I don’t take that lightly, Naryah. I want a future with you and Keelan, and possibly another baby or two if you’re willing and able. I don’t like to live in limbo. I like to know where I stand with those who are important to me. We can take things as slowly as you need in order to feel comfortable, as long as you understand that you’re mine.”
“Graham, you probably won’t believe me, but I’ve felt like yours since the first time you kissed me. I thought back to that moment many times before our lips ever touched again. Yes, my lack of self-trust made me question things, mostly my feelings for you, but I’ve worked through that. If that was your way of asking me to officially be yours, the answer is yes.”
He smiled. “Baby, I don’t know where you heard a question. I wasn’t asking, I was telling. You,and Keelan, are mine. Mine to protect . . . and mine to love.”
“I—you—wait . . .”
“I love you and Keelan. You stole my heart, and I know you and Keelan are a package deal. It’s impossible to love you without loving him.”
“Graham,” was all I could manage to say as tears gathered and fell from my eyes.
I cupped his face in my hands and pressed my lips against his. Our tongues didn’t make an appearance, but we remained connected for a while.
“Thank you for being patient with me. Most men would’ve cut their losses a long time ago,” I whispered when our lips parted, but our foreheads remained connected.
“How many times do I have to tell you, baby? I’m a different breed.”
Naryah’s gaspfilled the room as she slapped her hand over her mouth and dropped her purse to the floor. I stood behind her as she took in our room, which looked much different than it did before we left for dinner.
I waited with my hands in the pockets of my slacks, leaning against the wall near the door. Finally, she turned to face me, and her eyes were filled with tears that had begun to spill over her lids.
“This is beautiful.”
The words ‘You’re Mine’ were displayed across one wall in red and white balloons, and the ceiling was decorated with balloons of the same colors. The bed was adorned with red andwhite rose petals in a heart shape, and a large bouquet of red roses sat in the center of the table.
“You’re beautiful. Look in the bathroom.”
She slowly walked toward the bathroom, and I heard another gasp.
“Graham, how are you this sweet?”
I rounded the corner and entered the bathroom behind her. It was decorated with more rose petals scattered throughout, including in the water, and fake candles. She turned around, throwing her body against mine and showering kisses all over my face.
“I’m glad you’re pleased, baby.”
“I’m more than pleased. No one has ever gone through this much trouble for me.”
“I’ll always go above and beyond for you. Take off your clothes and get in.”
“Only if you join me.”
