“I’ve been an asshole for the past few years and didn’t deserve you in my corner, but my, am I grateful that you were. You’ve been an amazing best friend. I promised to always make sure you were safe, secure, and happy. Even through the end of us, you will forever be taken care of. The house and cars are already in your name, including an apartment downtown. I had my name removed from the bank accounts the other day. I had a feeling shit was going to get bad after the last picture came and didn’t want to take any chances of not keeping my word to you.”
“No, Q, you’re going to need money for your lawyer and stuff.”
“Mama has that taken care of.”
We got quiet before he motioned toward the papers.
“Those for me?”
I cleared my throat, laying the papers on his tray along with a pen.
“Yes.”
“What a time, huh? I was blessed to be married to the most beautiful woman in the whole universe. You tell that man he better treat you right because your first one fucked up pretty bad.” I chuckled as he flipped the document, signing in his designated spot.
“Trust me he knows,” I said matter-of-factly.
Quincey fake gasped, sounding hurt but he knew the truth.
“Well, who is he?”
I shook my head.
“Remember don’t ask, don’t tell,” I said as I took the papers and the pen.
“I can respect that. Besides, I got an idea,” he said, nodding. He gave me a look as if he already knew who it was anyway.
I got up to leave when I turned to look back at him one final time.
“Q, no matter what happens, live for you and be happy. I broke out; so can you.”
“I will. I will always love you, Josie.” His smile was genuine with me returning it.
“Love you too, Q.”
I walked out of the room and down the hallway to the waiting room where Courtland waited for me. He stood, holding his hand out for me. We walked out in silence, with him kissing the back of my hand every few seconds.
Once we were in the truck, he finally spoke.
“How did it go?”
I released a sigh, pausing to feel everything.
“Good. I’m finally a single woman.”
“You’re not single, Lou. You got a whole ass fiancé who is about to ask you to be his girlfriend, officially.”
He opened up the dash, pulling out a little black velvet box. He set it in the middle of us. I grabbed it, expecting to see a piece of jewelry, but came face to face with a key.
“I know you just got out of a long-term relationship…marriage, but Lou, will you be my official lady and move in with me?”
“Now we’re moving in? I swear you stay having your foot on the gas.” He stopped at a red light, turning to face me.
“Is that a yes or no?”
“Of course, Chief. I don’t want to be anywhere else but with you.” I leaned over and placed my lips on his, sealing the fate of my love with him.
EPILOGUE
