“So, why did you make my birthday a big deal with all the gifts?”
“Because again, that’s what I love to do.”
Tatiyonna didn’t push the issue anymore. She took Reign to our bathroom and ran her bath water, while I took some time up with Dream. I was waiting for him to get a little older before I took him on his first dump truck ride. I was seven years old when my grandfather took me.
“Dream, what you want for your birthday, big dawg?”
“Fishing pole,” he said as he stripped out of his shirt.
“A fishing pole?” I asked confused.
“Yes, they fish on my tablet.”
“Bet, I’ll buy us a fishing pole, and we will go and catch us some fish. Is that cool with you?”
“Yep.”
I had a lake not too far from here that I could take him to. It was for all the residents who lived in this community. It was so funny to see their own personalities coming out. Fishing was the last thing I thought my nephew would want to do. He didn’t givethe outdoors type. I made a note that weekly fishing would be on my things to do with him, so we could bond and have some boy talks. I’m sure his ass was tired of being around his sister and auntie all day.
We got the kids in bed and were now sitting in the den. Tatiyonna was running down names she wanted to call her studio. All I could do was stare at her and admire her. I could see her lips moving, but all I could take in was that she was finally mine. From the first time I met her, she had me mesmerized. As soon as she was divorced, I was going to marry her before the ink could dry on the divorce decree.
“Jah, did you hear me?”
“I heard everything you said, baby. I’m just looking at you and giving you my undivided attention. Is that cool?”
“You were undressing me with your eyes.”
“That’s what you call it. I call it adoration. Do you know how lucky I am to finally have you?”
“I’m just as lucky, Jah.”
“I can’t wait to marry you.”
“And I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“When this shit is over with, this is for you,” I said, opening the box.
“What the fuck!”
I wanted Tatiyonna to know how serious I was about her, so I went and bought her engagement ring. A nigga had to outdo what the last nigga done, and I figured I did a great job because she was sitting across from me with tears running down her face.
“I sized your finger when you were sleeping. You don’t have to wear it right now. I know you’re about to go through a nasty ass divorce. As soon as it’s over, we’re changing that last name. I know to you it may seem fast. To me, it’s the perfect time.”
“I’m still processing this damn ring.” She snatched the box from me.
“Look, give me my shit back. When the time is right, I’m going to get down on my knee and ask you to be my wife. I wanted you to know I’ll never play around with your heart. As my wife, you have access to all of me.”
“Same,” Tatiyonna said and held her hand up for our secret handshake.
“On another topic, Dream told me he wanted a fishing pole for his birthday. His ass is about to make me go buy a boat so we can go fishing.”
“Have you ever been fishing, Jah?”
“Nope, but I’ll learn for him.”
“That’s cute. You’re going to be a great dad.”
“I can’t wait. I remember the twins being born, and I would lay with them for hours, not moving. Everyone thought they were my kids.”
