“I was gonna burn it down but that works too. Wait…it’s gone? Is that why we’re here?”
“Yes and not really. I didn’t want you to see it fall, I just wanted to offer you a clear view of land that’s yours. But I brought you here because I wanted to do this.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out both rings. “One’s from Ernie. It was supposed to be my mother’s. I never loved someone in this sense before. Raw and up close and personal like this. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. With however many kids you’re willing to give me and learning every version of you. I’ve never needed anything like I’ve need you, Remedy. You’re my remedy, you calm my chaos, you make me feel things that I’ve never felt before.”
Erys got down on one knee and peered up at her tenderly. “Marry me.”
“I couldn’t imagine anyone else I’d rather do life with. A million times yes. One condition.”
“Anything.”
“There’s a chapel in town. Let’s do it today with Ernie clear-minded. He needs to see this.”
Erys placed the rings on her finger. “Already have an appointment. Remember, kicking and screaming.”
Remedy laughed and threw her arms around his neck. Erys picked her up and kissed her. “I love you, Franklin.”
“I love you too, Mouth.”
From the beach to the courthouse, Erys felt like his puzzle was complete. He was wandering before returning home – trying to find something worth rooting himself in. That phone call from Tone literally saved him from falling any deeper into darkness. Remedy pulled him out with a smart mouth, fire in her eyes, and the tenderest touch. Waynesville was home and now, Waynesville was his, with Remedy by his side, he could faceanything. To keep Remedy in her position, he’d do whatever was necessary for her.
“Got damn it, boy!” Ernie cheered. “You did something right. You did something right!”
Erys licked his lips and smiled at her. “I did. I got to be the luckiest man in the world.”
Remedy beamed. “You are the luckiest man in the world. I’m a lucky woman.”
“Damn right. Got that Moore all in you,” Ernie laughed. “I couldn’t ask for a better daughter. No in law shit. You are mine too.”
33
“Don’t be nervous, Desi,” Remedy prepped, zipping her into the dress that Eden gushed over when they first met. With Remedy’s body expanding to house the growing bundle of joy, fitting it anytime soon was out of the question.
“And this dress, Rem. I can’t afford to think about this dress,” Desi complained.
“Alright, Des. You’re tripping. That first night we did amateur night because you had this grand idea to make money fast, meet a baller and get pulled out of the club. What did you tell me?” Remedy asked, spinning her around and peering into her made-up face.
“You can’t be nervous with an ass like that, you’re going to have those men eating out your hand,” Desi repeated, rolling her eyes. “And I was right. How many months out the club and you’re pregnant, married, living your dreams and smiling?”
“And you are about to be signed to Trae Way MB. All you have to do is believe in yourself. You can sing some of the best into a corner. You were built for this. If you could make me believe in myself, I’m going to return the favor. You wanted out the club, out the hood, sing like your life depends on it,” Remedy coached. “I believe in you and I want to see you win because dare I admit it, you are my only friend.”
Desi grinned and snapped her fingers. “I told you I was going to be your friend.”
Remedy laughed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get out there and make me proud.”
“Okay,” Desi breathed. “One thing though.”
“What’s that?” Remedy asked, clasping a bracelet around her wrist.
“When I get on, can you be my stylist? Like you don’t have to travel with my godbaby and all. I just want The Remedy touch. You make everything better,” Desi shared.
“I can do that. But first, go get on the stage and make MB believe in you like I do,” Remedy said, hyping her up. “I’ll be up top.”
Before Remedy could leave the dressing room, Desi grabbed her and hugged her.
“You’re my only friend too. Thank you for keeping me around,” Desi said with a sniffle.
“Don’t worry about it. I got you,” Remedy spoke, holding her pinky out. “Go get your deal, girl. Our next issue is dedicated to whoever gets this deal tonight. I want you on the cover.”
With that, Desi kissed her cheek in thanks and Remedy left her to finish getting ready. In the VIP section of Club Genesis, Remedy was met by Eden.
