Tears fell from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. I reached up with both hands, cupped her face, and used my thumbs to wipe them away.
“I do, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have crossed paths with you. You’ve been nothing but intentional since you asked me to have dinner with you, and I love that about you. I love you.”
“I love you, beautiful. Let’s go upstairs, take a bath together, order dinner, and spend the rest of the night trying to get in each other’s skin.”
“That sounds amazing.”
I leaned across the console and kissed her pretty lips. Eventually, we made it to my condo, and we spent the rest of the night doing exactly what I’d suggested.
Sunday morning, Khiya headed home early to go grocery shopping with her mother and help prepare dinner. I’d meet her later at her place, and we would drive to her parents’ house together. I spent the day on the couch with my laptop, online looking for engagement rings.
After an hour, I became frustrated because I didn’t see anything I liked, then realized engagement ring shopping was probably something I should do in person. I called Maison for advice since he’d done this before.
“Wassup?” he answered.
“Where’d you get Tay’s ring from?”
“A custom jeweler that one of my boys recommended. You want his number?”
“Hell yeah. I’ve been looking online?—”
“That’s your first mistake. I’m glad you realized that’s not the route to go.”
“After wasting an hour.”
“At least you figured it out. I just sent his number. His name is Benson. Tell him I connected you.”
“Bet. I appreciate you looking out.”
“You’re really ready to take the plunge?”
“I am.”
“When love comes, it comes at you fast. There’s no sense in fighting it, because you’ll mess around and lose who God meant for you.”
“I’m well aware, which is why I’m not taking any chances. Khiya was mine the first time I laid eyes on her, and the way my soul reacted when I heard her voice, only God could’ve made me believe she wasn’t mine, and I might’ve given Him the side-eye.”
“Yeah. You definitely sound like a man in love, ready to square up with God and shit.”
We laughed, but he wasn’t far off.
“I’m meeting her parents tonight. I told Khiya once that’s done, a proposal could happen at any moment, and to keep her nails done.”
“Oh shit. How did she respond?”
“We ended up having a great conversation. She was a little concerned about the pace I’m moving, so I had to break a few things down.”
“Most men play in women’s faces so much that women don’t recognize when a man is serious about them.”
“Exactly.”
“Aye, keep me posted on everything. Tay’s calling me from the other room. I’m sure she needs me to get something for her.”
I laughed because my sister’s due date was close, and her stomach had seemingly doubled in size overnight.
“You go take care of baby sis. I’ll hit you up in a few days.”
The call ended, and I looked at the time. I had a few hours to pick up the fresh bouquets I’d ordered for Khiya, Mrs. Reid, Yandy, and Mena. I’d gotten some cigars for Mr. Reid and Blaine after Khiya shared that they liked to indulge on occasion.
