“Zaria—”
“No,” I cut him off, voice rising. “You don’t get to act weird all week, lie about where you’ve been, then send me to some random address to ‘talk.’ That’s fuck boy behavior.”
His mouth twitches. “You think I’m leaving you?”
“What am I supposed to think?” I shoot back, walking toward him. “You’ve been secretive, distant, and weird,” I finish while pouting.
He doesn’t argue. He just turns and starts walking.
“Oh, so now you walking away?” I call after him. “Real mature!”
He pushes open double doors to what looks like a clubhouse space. I follow, fully prepared to drag his as some more. I was in battle mode until I step inside.
I freeze.
The room is breathtaking.
String lights draped across the ceiling. White roses everywhere. Candles flickering along the walls.
Then I look around and see them.
Caleb and Layanna. Ajaih, Maverick, and Knox. Dana and Ahmir. Amiyah, Calla, and James Jr. Lena’s parents and DJ. His parents, friends, and even some of my friends from work.
All smiling.
All watching me.
And against the far wall?—
Huge white marquee letters lit with soft bulbs.
WILL YOU MARRY ME
My breath leaves my body.
I stand frozen. Mouth probably agape. I can’t be sure in this moment.
Calil turns slowly toward me.
Smirk on his face.
“You was just cursing me out,” he says quietly.
My mouth opens but snaps shut again.
He steps forward.
Dropping to one knee.
My heart stops.
He pulls out a small velvet box and opens it. A 2-carat pear-shaped diamond catches the light and throws it back into the room.
“Zaria Thomas,” he begins, voice steady but thick with emotion. “You stood in front of a ballroom full of people and declared who you are without apology. You fight for yourself. For me. For the people you love.”
My vision blurs.
“You’re not baggage,” he continues. “You’re brilliance. You’re fire. You’re where I find peace. You’re home.”
