Page 119 of Senior

“I love you, Stephanie. Across all space and time, my love for you has never wavered. So many people said I needed to just give up on winning you back completely but delayed, not denied. A not right now, isn’t a never. Make no mistake, I have always seen forever when I looked at you. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but the biggest was fumbling your heart. I’m sorry I ever put you in a position to not trust my words because my actions weren’t aligning. I’m sorry that I couldn’t be all you needed the first time around. But I’m here now. I’m ready. I’ve been ready for years, Steph. All I need is you and my… our kids. None of that outside shit matters.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring box, flipping it open as I dropped to one knee. Tears were streaming down her face as she stared at me.

“I love you,” I said, my voice cracking. “I love you so fucking much, Steph. We’ve done this too many times and I’m praying this is the last time I have to be down here like this.”

She smiled as she touched my face.

“Stephanie Ann Micheals… my love. My best friend. My world… will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She cupped my face and stooped to kiss my lips. “Yes.” She kissed me again. “Yes, Stanley.”

I slipped the ring on her finger and stood to my feet, pulling her into my arms. Our lips fused together in the most passionate of kisses. I gripped the back of her neck with one hand and her ass with the other. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I gave it a hard slap.

“Fuck yeah. I’m tearing your ass up tonight, wifey.”

“And I’m gonna let you.” She looked down at the ring and smiled brightly. “Okay now, Mr. Dillinger. You did your big one with this ring. This is beautiful, Senior.”

“Only the best for my baby. Come on here. I’m not done.”

She squealed as I lifted her bridal style and carried her through the rest of the maze. When we stepped out, Deuce was standing there in a suit similar to mine, with a smile on his face.

“Stanley?” his mother asked, as I placed her on her feet. “Did you know about this?”

“Who do you think gave their blessing, ol’ lady?”

She playfully pinched him but allowed him to pull her in for a hug.

“Congratulations, Mama,” he said, kissing her temple. “I’m happy for you. For both of you. This old nigga always said he could have you back and I guess he made a liar out of me.” He pulled away from his mother and came to hug me. “I love you, Pops. Make me proud and keep her happy.”

“Always.”

He kissed my head like I always did to him and his siblings.

“Wait, Deuce why are you wearing a suit?” Stephanie asked.

He looked at me and I nodded.

“Well, I thought it would be befitting considering I’m giving you away.”

“You’re what!” She looked to me. “Stanley, what is he talking about?”

“We’re getting married, my love. Today. Right now, to be exact.”

“When did… how did… Stanley!”

I chuckled. “I’m gonna go take my place and I’ll see you at the altar.”

She was still struggling to get the words out when I kissed her lips and headed for the backyard. It was showtime.

I fanned my face as I tried to get my tears under control.

Stanley Dillinger was going to be the death of me. A proposal and a wedding? I couldn’t even see the backyard, but I knew it had to be something because this man didn’t half-ass grand gestures.

“Ma, you’re about to go out there with a wet ass face in a minute,” Deuce said.

I slapped his chest. “Shut up, Stanley! I’m trying to get it together.”

He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed my eyes.