Page 66 of Embrace

“If y’all don’t mind, I like to record the one-year interview on camera. Do you both consent?”

We nodded. “We do.”

“Great! Let’s dive right into it shall we?” Lamya asked.

“Let’s get it!” Blaze clapped.

“How would you describe the first year of marriage? Were there any obstacles to overcome?” Lamya questioned.

I sat up and placed a hand on the big, round belly that took up most of my energy. “The first year was amazing. We weren’t complete strangers, so we were able to mesh well together. I had my fears and reservations in the beginning because I forgot how much life changes after marriage. The legal documents, the moving in, and having to share a bed with someone after being used to solitude.”

“We had our obstacles, though. A couple exes couldn’t believe I’d up and gotten married. They started some shit, but my lady handled it like a boss,” Blaze added.

“Yeah, and this knucklehead got arrested for beating up one of my exes. No matter how prepared we thought we were, we weren’t sure what kind of response we’d get from other people. It’s an unconventional way of finding love and getting married, but the results are beautiful to witness.” I gazed over at Blaze, and he leaned forward to kiss me.

“My heart is so full. The love is oozing from y’all,” Lamya observed.

“We have you to thank for that. Did you know when I was giving my answers Suvi was my match?” Blaze asked. “I remember the look you’d give me after some of my answers.”

Lamya covered her mouth. “I did. I didn’t want to jump to any conclusions, but once the team confirmed what I already knew, I was so excited to call you both. I remember how sad Suvi was about the weddings being on the same day, so I was happy to see her face brighten up when she saw you waiting.”

“The reveal is something I’ll never forget,” I admitted.

“What advice would you give to those on the fence of signing up?” Lamya asked.

Blaze cleared his throat. “Do that shit. The fees be expensive as hell, but only someone serious about finding love gon’ pay that shit. Look, I said I only did it because Suvi asked me to join her, but a part of me wanted to take out the footwork and have someone find my soulmate for me. It turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made.”

“Arranged Hearts made us embrace feelings we were too scared to admit. I’ve never felt more safe, secure, and happy. I married my best friend.” The tears streamed down my face in long, thick rivers. “I hate it took a third-party service to show me that my soulmate was in front of my eyes the whole time, but at the same time… I’m glad it was y’all who did it.”

Lamya grabbed some Kleenex and held it out for me. I dabbed at my eyes, while she swiped a stray tear from her cheek.

“Stories like yours are what motivates me to continue to invest in our company.” Lamya exhaled.

“We thank you,” Blaze concluded.

Lamya ended the camera and relaxed. “So! How many more weeks until the big day?”

“We’re less than 12 weeks away,” I informed her.

“Wow! Have y’all picked out a name?” she asked.

Blaze chimed in. “I wanted a junior, but we found a great compromise. Sirius Morris Snow.”

“Sirius is spelled like the constellation but pronounced likeCyrus.” I added.

“Stars blaze in the night sky, and we wanted him to have an S for Suvi,” Blaze explained.

“Will y’all keep the same theme as more babies pop up?” Lamya asked.

I laughed. “Girl, please don’t speak a lineup on my uterus. Let’s make it through the first baby and we can give you an update in another three of four years.”

“I hear you, girl. But unless you want back-to-back babies, take heed of the fertility window after those six weeks is up. You’ll be a target for all his little swimmers.”

“You hear that?” I addressed Blaze. “We’re going to invest in condoms.”

“I don’t know about all of that, baby. We’ll see what happens.”

I shook my head. If Blaze had his way, I’d be barefoot and pregnant the rest of our lives. Though, my baby fever had increased since I’d hit my six-month mark. My heart wanted the biggest family, but we’d have to see what God had in store for us.

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