“I can’t wait to apologize like a proper good girl,” I reply as faint as possible.
He grins as he daps up the men and hugs the women while accepting congratulations.
I look down at the ring glittering on my finger before I yell, “I’m a fiancéeeee!” As all the women I love hug me and congratulate me.
I spent so many years waiting to be abandoned but now I’m about to be someone’s forever love.
The ring is still catching light every time I move my hand. I keep staring at it like it might disappear. Calil is driving, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on my thigh like this is just another Tuesday and not the night he built me a building and asked me to take his last name.
I twist the ring again.
“I don’t want a long engagement,” he says suddenly.
I blink at him. “Excuse me?”
He doesn’t look over. Just smirks.
“I’m ready to make you a Black. As soon as possible.”
My stomach flips.
“Daddy,” I laugh breathlessly, “we just got engaged.”
“And?” he shrugs. “You think I’m waiting two years to call you my wife?”
The way he says wife makes my pulse jump.
“You just like saying it,” I tease.
“I love saying it.”
He glances at me then, dark eyes warm and certain. “My wife.”
I look out the window to hide my smile.
I open Instagram. Ready to let it be known that I’m a future Mrs.
I post the first picture—me mid-scream, him on one knee, the marquee letters glowing behind us.
Second photo—the ring. Up close. Pear-shaped diamond flashing like it understands its assignment.
Third photo—one of our hands intertwined, one of him smirking in the driver’s seat like he didn’t just alter my entire life.
Forever sounds better with you. Engaged. #BlackLove #ISaidYes
I hit post and my phone explodes. Notifications stacking like dominoes. Yanna is first.
@DrBlackIfYouNasty: Not me crying AGAIN Welcome to the family officially sis!!!
Ajaih follows.
@AjaihInBloom: COME ONNNNNNNNN soon-to-be Mrs. Black!!!!!! I’ve been waiting on this!!!
Finally, Dana.
@MaisonNoireDana: The last Black is claimed y’all We need champagne STAT.
Amiyah’s reaction meant the most because we’d gotten close because of Lena.
