Page 87 of Refuel

“Look what the cat dragged in. Little sis, you’re getting big,” Eddison Jr. joked and shook my hand. Arianna pushed him in the shoulder and picked up her nephew, giving him a kiss.

“Where’s the rest of the family?” Arianna questioned.

“Out back, cooking and waiting for you.”

“Who’s all over here? I saw about ten cars out front,” Arianna asked, heading to the backyard.

“Go see for yourself,” Eddison responded, and she glared.

“Ugh, fine.”

“Are you sure you can deal with her spoiled ass?” Eddison asked.

“Wouldn’t change anything about her,” I told him, following behind her, waiting to hear her reaction.

“Ahhh!!” Arianna screamed.

I smiled and caught up with her taking in the decorations. Rylee planned everything over the past few weeks. Even though Arianna and I separated for a short while, I knew I wanted her to be my wife, so I put everything in place for this day to happen. It was an engagement party and a family get together all in one. My mom was here with my extended family and friends. The banner read Will You Marry Me, Arianna? I had everyone holding up the words while Rylee came over and slipped the ring in my hand. Arianna stood with tears in her eyes, and I dropped to my knee as she grabbed my hand. Opening the box, she gasped in shock. It was a white diamond with our birth colors blended in the top, shaped like a heart.

“Arianna Pierce, I love you, and I’ve never felt whole until you walked into my life. We met under circumstances that normally people would think was a joke and not sustainable for a lasting love. But I promise you, baby, I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy for the rest of your life if you give me a chance,” I said, waiting for an answer.

Arianna looked up at her family, specifically at Malik, and he smiled, winking at her, and she smiled back.

“Yes. I’ll marry you, Kash,” Arianna muttered, letting me slide the ring on her finger. I knew I would need Malik’s blessing for her to feel comfortable with moving forward as a family as close as they were, constantly fighting like cats and dogs. Malik was her protector, and now I was stepping into that role.

“Congrats!” everyone screamed, and I stood and pressed my lips to hers, wanting to succumb to the tender touch of her hands. We didn’t have time for a quickie in her parents’ house, so I had to think of something else to get my dick to go down.

“I guess he’s ready for round two,” Arianna teased as she pulled back, wiping the lipstick off my mouth.

I lifted her hand, kissing her palm again, as her mother and Essence came over, pulling her out of my hold.

“Get used to it, bro. Welcome to the family again, man,” Malik said, slapping hands with me.

“Thanks, man,” I replied.

The music was turned up, and I talked with her brothers, watching her laugh and joke with our parents.

“I heard you’re thinking of retiring?” Eddison questioned.

It was in the back of my mind to spend more time with my family, and now that I was coming up on twenty-six, I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life not being there for the special moments. Colton helped me in investing to diversify, so money wasn’t an issue. Getting into other ventures was a possibility, maybe even owning a racing team.

“Not sure yet. All depends on where Arianna’s head is at,” I stated, taking a sip of my beer.

“Once the baby comes, you’ll figure it out. Enjoy these moments.”

29

Arianna

My mom hugged and passed me a plate of food with ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, and corn bread with a glass of lemonade. Cicely ran behind Madison, and Major was up under his dad. This was truly a surprise I didn’t see coming at all, and I was grateful to know that so many people loved us and wanted to see us win.

“How shocked are you?” Essence asked.

“Extremely shocked. Did you know about this?” I waved around at the decorations.

“Rylee told me about it when you came home from the hospital. During the time you and Kash weren’t talking, he was still thinking about you,” Essence stated.

“Am I too young to have a baby and get married?” I questioned aloud.

---