“I don’t believe that relationships, caring for someone, or love should have any restrictions or boundaries. You can’t helpwho you care for, and just because they don’t fit into society’s box of expectations doesn’t mean that you can’t have what your heart desires.”
“I worry about the ethics of it all. I know you tell me not to, but what about the state board? Couldn’t you lose your license?”
“I’m not worried about that. They do have expectations for you to let some time pass before becoming involved with parties of opposing counsel, as well as making sure the case is closed. The case has been closed for some time, and a year has passed. I think it’s suitable for me to be with you.”
“What if you take the risk and lose everything?”
“I won’t lose.”
“But what if you do?”
“Then I will make sure that it’s worth it.”
“How?”
“I’ll snag your heart, and I won’t let go.”
“You already did, sir. You already did.”
DELANEY
ONE YEAR LATER
“Surprise!” I jumped, startled at the loud voices that rang out.
Naijhel removed the blindfold from my eyes, and I noticed that I stood in the museum ballroom.
“What’s this?” I asked, turning all around me to see my family, friends, and staff surrounding me.
The room was decked out in lace and silk with gold and black décor. Someone had built a beautiful balloon arch of black, gold, and white to take pictures underneath, and the number thirty-one was made from balloons that hung over the balloon arch.
Black Baccara roses and white tulips created beautiful centerpieces on the table.
“This is your birthday celebration, big baby,” Naijhel explained. “I’ve been working with Damaris and Aria to pull together this surprise party for you without you knowing. I swear it wasn’t easy.”
“That makes sense. I’ve been noticing you on calls, running more errands, and just acting real covert lately.”
“Covert?” he asked, laughing. “What’s this? CIA or something?”
“I don’t know. You had me wondering.”
He chuckled and tipped my chin up to kiss my lips. When he pulled back, he stated, “I hope you didn’t think I was cheating on you.”
“I would never think that, Naijhel. You’ve been too good to me for me to ever question your love or loyalty.”
“You’ve got that right, cuz,” Tanika stated, popping up.
“Did we do good, sis? Let me get in on some of this love,” Aria declared, tugging my arms from around Naijhel. Damaris popped up behind her.
I hugged my sister, my cousin, and then my best friend. “You all did a wonderful job. I had no clue what he was up to, and I never suspected you all of anything.”
“Well, come on in. Everybody wants to love on you.”
They passed me around among family and friends, with my parents hugging me a little longer than the others.
“It’s good to see you happy, Princess,” my daddy stated.
“It’s good to be happy, Daddy.”
