After that, like dominoes we all fell off the call. I managed to convince Charlye to join me in the shower, which delayed our departure by another hour and a half. But soon we were on our way to Maya’s house. When we arrived, there was a line of cars in front of the house.
Charlye glanced at me, then back at the house. She seemed slightly confused. “Why are there so many cars here? I thought it was just us.”
I hunched a shoulder. “I don’t know.” The lie was a necessary one, so it wasn’t hard to say. I knew what was happening inside because I’d planned it.
We walked up to the door. She smiled at me. “You look good, babe.”
I pressed a kiss to her lips. “You do too. Glad you wore the white dress, Pretty.”
She tugged at the belt. “I’m still not sure about it.”
I let my gaze travel from her eyes to her painted toes. “I am.”
Maya opened the door. “You’re here. And you’re late.”
Charlye pointed at me. “His fault.”
“Hi, Dex.” Maya embraced me. “Missed you. Come in.”
Charlye walked in first, not noticing the knowing glance Maya gave me as I followed her inside. “Mom, why are there so many cars outside?” Charlye dropped her purse on a table near the door.
“What cars?” Maya asked.
As we headed toward the kitchen, Charlye said, “There’s a line of cars in front of the house. Did you invite—?”
“Surprise!”
Charlye yelped, jumping back into me. I wrapped my arms around her waist and squeezed. “Happy Birthday, Pretty,” I whispered against her ear.
She whirled around. “Dex!” She smacked my shoulder. “You tricked me!”
Maya laughed. “That’s the whole point of a surprise.”
Family members approached us, giving out hugs and wishing her a happy birthday. When everyone had greeted us, Charlye glanced at me. “You really did this?”
Pulling her to me, I kissed her. Once, twice, and a third time on the tip of her nose. “Because you deserve to be celebrated. Today and every day.”
She whispered against my mouth. “Wait until we get home.”
I groaned. “This is a big house, Pretty. We can disappear easily.”
Charlye laughed. “Thank you.”
“Brunch is served!” Duke announced. “Char, come here. You get the first waffle.”
Justus held up a box. “This came for you today.” He handed Charlye the gift.
“What is it?” Charlye examined it, then shook it. “Did it have a return address?” The room descended into silence, but she didn’t seem to notice. She opened the card and read aloud. “Because I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with…” She met my gaze. “Dex?”
Behind me, I heard a squeal and figured it was Elise or Bliss. Next to me, my mother and father were riveted to the scene. To my left, Maya had tears in her eyes. Charles handed her a tissue.
“Oh my God,” Charlye whispered.
I didn’t drop to one knee. I didn’t recite a poem. I didn’t play a song. That wasn’t me. That wasn’t us. “Marry me. Because I want to moveslowwith you forever.”
Tears streamed from her eyes. “Are you sure?”
I brushed the moisture from her face, placed a kiss on her brow, her nose, her cheeks, and finally her mouth. “Very sure.”
