Page 44 of Mister Fireman

“Price aside, is there anything else tying you to this place?”

My head shook as I tilted my head for the kiss I knew was about to come now that he was closer. “Nope, that was it.”

“Aight, so I’ma pay for you to break your lease.”

“Oh… okay.” Chuckling, I wrapped my arms around him. “Where exactly am I supposed to live?”

“We can get with Coop and let him find us a home. Or build us one. Do you have a preference?”

It took me a second to respond as he dropped a kiss to my nose.

“Um… I… have some things I’d like my home to have, but I don’t really have a preference on if its built or not. You plan for this to happen sometime soon?”

“Yeah. The apartment was cool while I was spending half of my year at the station. That’s no longer the case, so I need something bigger.” His hands lowered to my ass, and he squeezed. “We might as well get something that can be our starter home.”

My heart slowed down as I grinned. In the past, things like this with men would make my heart race. I used to think that was excitement and something good. My time with Dejvi had been teaching me peace was best. I wasn’t naïve enough to think we’d always be at peace and on good terms without disagreements, but when we were making decisions about our future, I should always have the confidence and faith that we were on the right path and that I could trust him with me.

“Something big enough for babies and puppies?”

His sexy smile spread before he kissed me. “As many as you want.”

“You sure you ready to start planning for those types of commitments?”

“I’ve been ready since the day we met, baby. Soon… you’ll believe that.” He released me, and instantly, I felt the lack of his touch. “In the meantime, I want you out of here and in my apartment until we find our home.”

I looked around the room I’d once shared with Gino as Dejvi walked out of it. I hadn’t noticed until just now that he preferred the guest room over this one. The only time he’d lay in here was if he came over late and I was already in bed. It made me question the kind of thoughts he had as he lay with me. Did he think about my time here with another man? It didn’t matter anymore, because from the looks of it, I’d be out of here soon…

25

Dejvi

“I trust y’all, but this doesn’t feel big enough,” I said, looking over the plan Malay and Dallas had given me. They’d been getting together what would be the perfect proposal for Enjell for the last week. I told them to include the things she loved—old school, nostalgic vibes, candles or food, and something intimate and sensual. What they’d come up with was cute, but it wasn’t the grand proposal I thought they’d produce. Maybe my expectations were too high.

“This is perfect, Dejvi, trust us,” Dallas said.

“Enjell is simple. She likes luxury, but when it comes to romance, she prefers thoughtful, intimate gestures,” her sister added.

“It will mean more to her to spend time with you and get a couple of gifts than some big, grand scheme with a whole lot of people involved,” Dallas said. “I don’t even think she’d want us there.”

I nodded and looked over what they’d suggested again as Malay said, “Now when it comes down to the honeymoon, that’s what you’ll need to be prepared to go big with. She likes to travel in style and luxury. No coach flights and no basic hotels. It’ll have to be exotic places with resorts or Airbnbs in mountains or on beaches.”

“Aight, I trust y’all. I’m going to plan that myself because I already had some ideas in mind. If y’all think this will make her happy, I’ll do it.”

They squealed and high fived, making me chuckle.

“What about the ring?” Malaysia checked. “She likes gaudy and simple pieces, but I don’t know which she’d prefer for her wedding ring.”

“We actually talked about that on our first date,” I shared. “I was thinking about this…” Pulling out my phone, I showed them the three-carat cushion cut diamond Micropavé Harry Winston engagement ring. “This for the engagement ring and a custom piece from Elite to give her at the wedding.” They eyed each other and looked at the ring again before looking at me.

“Oh hell yes, but let me find out I need a fireman if they bringing in bank for a ring like this,” Malay said.

“Trust me, they ain’t,” I replied with a chuckle. I didn’t bother going into detail about my other sources of income. All they needed to know was there were no limits when it came to what I would give to and do for Enjell and that she would be well provided for.

The Next Weekend

I’d taken Malaysia and Dallas’s advice for the proposal and planned a weekend alone for me and Enjell in Rose Valley Hills. It was the perfect place to come because they had venues that allowed us to spend the weekend doing everything she loved.

We started our trip Friday with a trip to the farmer’s market, where she was able to try some different foods for inspiration. We got some fruit for our stay, and she got a few pieces of jewelry too. After that, we went to the boardwalk, and after spending the day on the beach, I learned she had a love for farmer’s markets and boardwalks. That piece of information tucked itself into my brain, giving me an idea to take her on a tour so we could experience both before we started having our kids.