Page 78 of A Don & His Doll

He smiled as his mind traveled back to Thanksgiving three years ago when he and Promise met for the first time.

Syncere sat back, soaking in the scene around him. Everyone looked good dressed in designer threads, and everyone was happy. Laughter filled the room, and for a moment, he thanked God for all the blessings in his life. The ones who had been through it all, were finally all together again in Houston, the place where it all started. His eyes drifted to the spread of food laid out before them—mac ‘n cheese, baked chicken, roast, and more. Everything Amor and her mom had prepared looked and smelled amazing. He was just about to dive in when Rae’s voice cut through the noise, announcing that her mom and sister had finally arrived.

Syncere leaned back in his chair, listening as Roe and Truth debated who was the best between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The moment Rae walked in with her family, Roe’s voice fell silent. Syncere followed his gaze and caught sight of Promise in his view. She still looked as stunning as she had years ago. Back then, she hadn’t been around much, always off doing her own thing since she was older than Rae. Now, she was turning heads, and Roe was no exception. They had missed their first flight and had to catch a later one, causing them to be late. Desirae excused herself to go meet them outside, so everyone held off eating until they came in.

“Damn...” Roe uttered lowly.

“Bro, I ain’t never seen you sweat no woman. You good over there? Pick ya lip up, my nigga,” Truth whispered, cutting through Monroe’s thoughts.

Syncere chuckled, but there was a lot of truth in what his boy had said. Roe’s eyes never left Promise, he was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Truth’s jokes aside, it was clear Roe hadn’t been this caught up in a woman since Sienna. It was evident, Roe was hypnotized.

“You like what you see, Mr. Black?” Rae asked sarcastically with a smirk and raised brow.

She was met with silence, and no other choice but to watch Roe make his way across the room as he introduced himself to Promise.

Syncere wasn’t surprised. Roe never wasted time when it came to something, or someone he wanted.

Amor tapped her glass, the soft sound calling the room to attention. “I just want to thank each of you for being here,” she began. “This year has been nothing short of amazing, and if y’all don’t mind, I’d like to start a tradition where we all share a few things we're thankful for.”

Syncere glanced around the table, taking in the faces of those who meant the most to him. His parents sat next to Amor, Truth, Roe, and Rae to his right. Havoc, Ms. Moore, and Promise sat across from him. Each person took their turn, expressing their gratitude, until it was Syncere’s turn.

“Excuse my language, but I’m thankful for a lot of shit this year. I’m alive. I finally opened up my studio, which will be done by next month. I met a gorgeous, intelligent, loyal woman who’s carrying my unborn child. A nigga couldn’t be happier.” Syn said, glancing at Amor, then reached for her hand.

“Amor, did you see the centerpiece I made for you?” Rae chimed in out of the blue.

“I’ve been so busy, I didn’t realize you even brought it, boo. Hell yes! This is nice, Rae. I knew you would design it beautifully. You’re so creative,” Amor responded as she reached over the table to grab it. She examined the pumpkins, gourds, leaves, flowers, and fruit Rae put together so neatly when a box fell out on the table. “What the—” Amor picked up the ring box, and looked up at Rae, who beamed with joy. She turned around to face Syn, and by then, he was down on one knee.

“From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were special. It took one date to know I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. You inspire me in so many ways. A true gem is what you are. You came into my life and made me a better man. Before you, I was just existing. Now I’m livin’. It feel good as hell comin’ home to your beautiful face every day. A nigga don’t never want to know what it feel like not having you. I can’t see the rest of my life without you, baby. Will you marry me?” Syn proposed.

“Yes!” She exclaimed, rushing to his side.

Syn removed the box from her hand and placed the ring on her finger.

“Oh my God, bae! Look at my ring! It’s beautiful, and the diamonds are huge,” she noticed, sticking her tongue out.

Laughter erupted around the table as Amor’s dramatics took center stage. She wiped tears from her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion as Syncere bent down, placing a tender kiss on her stomach. He rubbed her belly with reverence, feeling an incredible sense of love and gratitude for the woman who completed him. There was nothing, no one in this world he loved more than Amor. She was his peace, his heart, his everything. He needed her like air, and the thought of her becoming Mrs. Carter was all he’d ever dreamed of.

Syncere leaned in to share their signature eskimo kiss. Their foreheads touched as his dark eyes locked with hers. “You ready to be Mrs. Carter?” he asked, his voice low.

“Damn right!” Amor teased, grinning. “A new puppy, a house, and now a proposal? You showin’ out, baby.”

Stepping back, Syncere grinned, popping his collar with playful arrogance. “You know how I do,” he replied, making her shake her head at his antics.

“Alright, y’all, let’s celebrate! My baby is getting married!” Ms. Moore’s voice rang out, her excitement infectious as she clapped her hands together.

The group moved into the formal living room, where Ms. Moore cranked up the music. Syncere pulled out the dominoes for the guys, while Rae set up the card table for the ladies. The room was full of love and joy.

Ms. Montgomery called out as Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing boomed through the surround sound. “Ooh… Amina, that’s my jam, girl! Turn it up,” she shouted, pulling Mekhi to the dance floor.

“Come on, baby, let’s show these youngsters how to party,” she told her man, Mekhi.

“Oh Lordy, you hear her, Missy?” Rae joked, rolling her eyes at their mother’s theatrics.

But, Promise wasn’t paying attention. Roe had captured her interest, and they were deep in conversation, his charm clearly working its magic.

Syncere smirked, watching his boy. Roe was either feeling the drinks or feeling Promise, but either way, something was brewing between them. His mom and Ms. Moore were in their own world, sipping margaritas and talking about wedding details. He could already picture them driving the wedding planner insane with their meticulous planning.

Amor leaned in close to Syncere, her breath warm against his ear. “Let me put this pussy on you right quick,” Amor offered. “If I tap out first, I’ll rub your feet for a week. If you tap out first, which you will. I want a new Chanel bag.”