“Aw, you look so beautiful,” Rosetta gushes.
“Tuh. I feel like a whale.” Caziya rolls her eyes.
It has been something to witness as Caziya and Rosetta work to build a relationship. The day I asked Caziya to move in, she shared what had taken place at Aunt Emmy’s house. At first, I was ready to square up because of the body-shaking sobs Caziya released. But I had to be Caziya’s comfort and strength without adding my unsolicited commentary. Big Homie is amazing because I have literally seen His hand at work with Caziya and Rosetta.
Although Rosetta still lives in Puerto Rico, she frequently visits and spends time with Caziya. Now that she’s about to have a baby, Rosetta has recently mentioned coming back to Ribax permanently. For now, I keep my opinions to myself and let Caziya make her own decisions in this situation. But if Rosetta hurts my woman, I will bounce her ass out of Ziya’s life like I’m a bouncer at Club Stew.
“Is there any food done, Zakai? Your demanding daughter is playing soccer, with her impatient butt. If I don’t feed her soon, she’s gonna make me regret it,” Caziya says.
A mischievous smirk upturns my lips because my daughter has no problem making Caziya bow to her demands for food. If Ziya doesn’t eat in a timely fashion, baby girl will make her throw up everything she eats or drinks afterward. I see movement in my peripheral vision that causes my eyes to shift behind Caziya. It’s the cue I’ve been waiting for.
“What are you—oh my God.” Caziya turns to look behind her where Aunt Emmy, Ma, and Asia stand with three signs that begin to form a question.
Will You Marry . . .
I motion for Kiki to stand beside me as I lower to one knee before Dad hands her the fourth sign.
“Caziya,” I call, and she turns to see Kiki and me in position. A gasp falls from her lips before she cups her mouth.
Us?
“Meeting you was fate, Ziya. But loving you was my choice and has been my greatest gift since Kiki. I can’t promise life will always be calm, but I promise to hold your heart steady. You’ve given me a love that feels like home.My heart beats for you. I refuse to let you go. No one else holds a candle to your place in my life. Every part of me is yours. As I’ve told you before, you are mine, and I am yours. Will you marry me?”
A hush echoes around the park as I hold my breath in wait. Caziya’s eyes bounce from me to Kiki to each one of our family members. When her gaze returns to me, a smirk slides into place as her answer becomes clear in her eyes.
“Yes, Zakai. I’ll marry you.”
My heart leaps as I stand and walk to Caziya. I connect our lips as ear-splitting applause sounds around us. For countless minutes, I get lost in the moment between Caziya and me as flashes of our future take shape in my mind. Rehabilitation is knowing deep inside that you alone have the power to decide to pick yourself up, to stand once more, even when you’re weary, aching, and sore. Caziya’s agreement to marry me lets me know that no matter what we face tomorrow, we will be in a place of joint restoration. For this and every moment hereafter, I’m grateful that I had the sense to make something beautiful withCaziya that fateful night. His mistake became the treasure Kiki and I will value forever.
The End!
