Page 66 of Surrender to Love

“Try hard, baby.”

“Alright. I will.” She raises one arm to her face and inhales loudly. “I can smell the vanilla, coconut, and honey. I’m going to grab a few more bottles for me and my girls. They will love this. You like it?”

“It smells good,” I say because she’s so excited.

“I know, right? I should get a bottle for Shuga too.”

“Get however many you want.”

“The bottle says it’s unisex. Maybe you should get your brothers a bottle.”

“Nah. They good,” I say, then smile. Them niggas would clown my ass if I brought them body wash from Hawaii. “On the way to the airport, I’ll have the driver stop by the distillery they were talking about at the luau and get them bottles of that rum.”

“Oh, the Mahina rum? They’ll like that. I’m so glad I brought that extra empty suitcase. Oh, we can’t forget Niya and Alami. We can find them something at one of the resort shops. I’m thinking a luau skirt for the princess.”

Hearing her talk about Niya, words I’d never thought I’d say fall off my lips before I can think them over. “When are we going to have our own little prince or princess?” I ask and she turns sideways to face me.

“You’ve never mentioned kids before,” she says, surprised. “I didn’t know you wanted kids.”

“Hell, neither did I. I’m the only one of my brothers who doesn’t have any and I never even thought too hard on that until now. Being with you has me thinking about and wanting all of that. Why? You don’t want kids?”

“I never thought about it either. I’ve been so focused on my career; I didn’t have time to think about children. Plus, until Niya, none of my besties had kids. They weren’t a part of our lives, which made it even easier to not think about them. But that’s changed and that has a lot to do with you.”

“I see my whole life with you, baby. Everything: marriage, children, hell, even a dog. I want all that shit.”

“That sounds like forever,” she says with a little laugh.

“That’s what I want. Forever with you.”

“Forever starts with a ring and promises.”

“What kind of ring?” I ask.

As I await her answer, I realize the perfect moment to ask has legit been every one we’ve already spent together. I love this girl and want to marry her. No matter when or how I ask, as long as she says yes, it’ll be perfect. Forever isn’t the proposal; it’s the life we will have together.

“Hmm. I love amethysts, and diamonds of course. I’d definitely want both gemstones. An elegant ring that makes a statement of luxury without screaming it.”

“Like a princess-cut amethyst platinum ring with diamonds, maybe three karats?” I say, describing the ring I’ve had on my person this entire trip.

“Yeah,” she says with raised eyebrows. “Like that.”

“Let me see what I can do,” I say, then rise.

Her eyes stare into mine then she tilts her head and stares deeper. When I actually step out of the tub, I see when things start to register.

“Shiro!” she exclaims as I grab the robe from the small hook on the wall. “Shiro! Don’t play about this.”

“Wait right here. I need to check something,” I say, then rush out of the bathroom. Before my call to Quintus, I took the ring out of my pocket and slid it into the side pocket of my duffle. So I head to the closet and grab it. When I walk out, she’s standing right there, wrapped in the other robe and staring again.

“What’s in your hand?” she asks in a shaky tone.

“Baby, I’ve been carrying this box with me every day and night of this trip, waiting for the perfect time to do this,” I begin and step closer to her. “Then I realized every time you’re near me is perfect. I’ve been waiting too long for the moment that has been here all along. Kyrah, I love you. I really love you. I want everything with you and I want it right now. No more waiting.” After opening the ring box, I pull it out then reach for her hand. Her eyes get big as hell at the sight of the ring and her pretty lips part. “Marry me, baby.”

With her free hand, she covers her mouth and sighs, “Shiro.”

“Is that a yes, baby?” I ask and she nods first.

“Yes,” she finally says after dropping her hand. “You know I will!”