It didn’t take us long to get ourselves together after our little cry. Stepping out into the chilly air of Milly Grove, I wrapped my peacoat around me tightly. Marshall better be glad I somewhat liked him because there was no way I should’ve been out in this weather.
“This is the baddest home I’ve sold to date.” I smiled as I strode up the steps. “Marshall better do right by her.”
Watching my friend input the code on the keypad, I gave her a knowing look, causing her to grin. I didn’t know what she and Marshall had going on for her to have a code to his front door, but I was going to let her make it today.
Stepping inside, the smell of freshly shined floors and something floral filled the air. The smell was light, maybe gardenias, and it didn’t make me gag, so I basked in the scent. My heels clacked against the marble floors, echoing with each step I took. The inside was just as beautiful as it was the last time I was here, but this time, it felt different.
It felt like home.
“Good evening, Blossom,” an unknown man greeted me as I stepped into the sitting room. I turned to Stacy, but she only winked at me and kept walking. “I’m Jules. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Uh, hey…” I looked around in search of Marshall and his other guests. “I don’t mean to be rude, but who are you and where is everybody?”
Giving me a warm smile, the handsome gentleman, dressed in a nice Italian suit, stepped toward me with an envelope in hand. Handing it to me, I shakily accepted. Opening it, I scanned the contents and couldn’t help but gasp. There, in all red and bold letters, was the deed to the house, signed to me. Tears sprang to my eyes as my hands began to shake. The documents slipped from my fingers, scattering to the floor as I looked to Jules for answers.
“W-What? H-How?” I asked, confused. “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t have the answers, love.” Jules smirked, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Maybe he does.”
Just then, the air around me grew still. Goosebumps formed all over my body the moment I felt his presence. Turning slowly, I stumbled slightly at the sight of my man, my everything, kneeling before me.
“I bought this home for you, for us.” JJ peered up at me with eyes full of love and emotion. “I knew you were the one for me, Blossom. From the very first moment I laid eyes on you. You’re my strength, my light, my everything.”
Hearing the doors open behind me, I glanced over my shoulder as the soft strains of violins filled the air. From what I could see, the backyard had been transformed with various flowers and balloon arches littering the space as our families and friends looked at us with love and support. Bringing my eyes back to JJ, he’d now presented me with the biggest ring I’d ever seen.
“If you’ll have me, I’ll spend the rest of my life making you and our kids happy.” His stare was so intense as he took my hand into his. “I love you more than life, baby, and I don’t want to live another day without making you my wife. Blossom, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Overcome with passion, I didn’t trust my words. Nodding with all the enthusiasm I could muster, I smiled through mytears as he slid the ring onto my finger. As he stood to his feet, he scooped me into his arms and kissed me with more desire and admiration than he’d ever shown.
“I love you so much, baby.” I croaked, trying to get the word out as best as I could. “You really don’t know how much.”
“Prove it.” He smirked, placing me on my feet right as my father stood to the side of him. “I need you to do one last thing for me, just one favor.”
“Anything,” I answered immediately. “Whatever you want, Papa.”
“Hey! Hey!” My father pried JJ and me apart after JJ grabbed my ass and slammed me into him. “Young man, unhand my damn child. She’s not your wife yet.”
“My bad, Pops.” JJ simpered, causing me to blush from embarrassment. “That favor?” He placed his finger under my chin, dropping a soft kiss on my lips. “Marry me now. Here… Today… In front of our family and friends.”
Stunned, I said nothing as I watched him let me go and walk into the backyard. He glided down the aisle with ease, standing at the makeshift altar with Jules. Glancing around, I took in all the smiling faces of the people I’d grown to know and love. JJ's parents smiled through their tears, while my mother was an emotional wreck. Her ugly cries, along with Stacy’s, could be heard over the music, and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Regardless of what you choose to do, know that I love you.” My father palmed my face as he stared at me. “You’ve made me proud from the moment you were born. My greatest accomplishment in life has been witnessing you step into adulthood and do things on your terms. I can’t wait to see you conquer being a mother and wife. What do you say, baby girl?” He extended his arm to me. “Am I giving my daughter away today?”
Looking from his arm back to JJ standing confidently and waiting for me, I couldn’t help but think about what led us to this moment. Six months ago, I thought I would be in a mediocre relationship for the rest of my life with someone who didn’t appreciate me. Now, I know that there was such a thing as reciprocity. No matter how we began, no matter what trials it took to get here, I would walk that path a thousand times if the roads lead me to Jaseon McKnight Jr.
Staring at JJ, I radiated the warmth he’d given me as a single tear slid down his cheek. He didn’t care or bother to wipe it, and that made me love him even more. Peering up at my father, I looped my arm in his, kissing his cheek. His own tears formed and threatened to fall as well.
“I’m ready to do this, Daddy.” I squared my shoulders and smiled. “Take me to my man.”
It had been two weeks since I was pronounced Mrs. Jaseon McKnight Jr., and I had been living in a dream since. I never expected the surprise, receiving the house of my dreams and the wedding before having our firstborn, but I cried every time I thought about it. Jaseon’s love for me had no limits, and tonight, I wanted to show him that the love went both ways.
Standing on the balcony of our villa for the next week, I gazed down onto the beach and took in my man. When he asked me if I wanted to take a honeymoon, I jumped at the chance to have some uninterrupted alone time with him. When he said I could pick any location I wanted, it was a no-brainer. St. Thomas is where we made love for the first time and where our baby was conceived. The Virgin Islands would always have a special place in my heart, so this is where I wanted to be. JJ stood alone on thesand, staring into the clear waters as if he were in a trance. He looked so happy, relaxed, and at peace. As his wife, I vowed that he’d never lose that feeling.
“It’s time,” I spoke to myself as I glanced at the notification on my phone. “Let’s do this.”
Taking one last look in the mirror, I smiled at the transformation my body had made. Tonight, I chose to keep my attire simple, wearing an all-white maxi dress. Gone were the days of me being petite with a flat belly and small curves. Now, my breasts were fuller, my hips had spread, and my belly was so big that I felt as if I was going to fall over with every step. I still had a few more months to go before the baby got here, but some days, I felt as if I were going to pop. My signature pixie cut was curled to perfection. I opted out of makeup, and the only jewelry I wore was my massive diamond ring. This was the most beautiful I’d ever felt.
“Do you mind if I join you?” I asked as I hobbled up to him. “I feel a littleneglected.”
