“I love this song. Come on, babe. Let’s dance,” she said, standing and pulling my brother with her.
I looked at Alicia. “Wanna get one last dance before we rally up the gang?”
“You dance?”
“I can do a little two-step.”
She giggled and nodded. I stood, pulling her up with me as she wrapped her arms around my neck, and I pulled her in close by her waist. My palms went to her ass, and we rocked to the music.
“I don’t think I told you, but thank you for everything today. I didn’t want to celebrate, but you made this day beautiful.”
“You’ve thanked me in more ways than one. You deserve to be celebrated, and I’m going to make sure you get everything you deserve.”
She blushed. “You promise?”
“I promise, baby.”
“I believe you.”
“I’m glad you do. I’ll never hurt you or mislead you, Alicia. I know your last situation scarred you, but I’m your antiseptic. I’m going to heal you when you’re wounded, seal you when you’re broken, and make sure them sexy-ass lips stay with a smile on them.”
Her face was flushed now, and I loved that I could be the one to make her swoon. “I love that for me.”
“What were you saying earlier? That you were in love with me or something?” I joshed, and she laughed.
“I did not.”
I raised a brow at her.
“Okay, I did. I do love you. I just couldn’t bring myself to say it.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn’t know if you felt the same.”
I frowned. “Haven’t I been showing you, woman?”
“You have.”
“I was going to tell you first, but you beat me to it. I love you more, baby. And I can’t wait to show you a life outside of feeling neglected or feeling pain. Your happiness and the kids’ happiness mean more to me than you’ll ever know.”
“You’re amazing. How did I get so lucky?”
“Nah, I’m the lucky one. You needed a nanny and got me.”
She laughed. “What are the odds, huh?”
“No odds, just additions.”
“Additions. I love it.”
“Give me a kiss.”
She pushed her lips to mine, and we shared a kiss. In that moment, Lal and Sheena dancing, Rae and Tray’s quiet beefing in the corner, not even our parents and the kids bonding mattered to me.
God made sure he put me in Alicia’s path for a reason. He knew I was ready for love again, and He knew Alicia needed someone like me who would give it to her.
The stars aligned.
