Page 47 of Embrace

“Your time is coming,” Blaze addressed her. “You gon’ find you a nice gremlin to grow old with.”

Mari’s mouth fell agape. It took her a moment to gather herself. “Now if I called you a b?—”

“Aht!” I snapped my fingers. “Don’t y’all start.”

“Blaze!” BJ’s voice shouted from across the backyard. He stalked over to us with powerful strides. “Nigga, I know you ain’t dodging these shots.”

“Man, I just took six shots! I need a break.” Blaze shook his head.

“Six shots in the Texas heat. BJ, you tryin’ to have my man pass out?” I asked.

BJ shook his head. “Aye, you can take the shots instead, Su.”

“I ain’t ever been one to back down from drinking. I used to drink circles around niggas twice your size.” I grinned.

“These are the new adults,” Mama Ashley stated as she shook her head.

We all laughed.

“We’re doing great. We’ve all had amazing role models to look up to. You, Mama, Papa Brandon, and Daddy all showed us what real love, family, and traditions look like. We gon’ lead the next generation of Snow and Summer babies to success.” I explained as I wrapped my arm around Blaze’s waist.

“So, y’all planning on popping out babies soon?” Mama asked.

“If God sees it fit,” Blaze added. “We both were cool with one or two, but I ain’t gon’ lie. I can’t get enough of Su?—”

“Blaze, please remember we’re around our mamas and daddies. Do not overshare.” I covered my face as my cheeks began to heat up. I knew if I didn’t interrupt him then, he’d start talking about our sex life. I loved our parents, but I didn’t need them to know the explicit intimate moments between me and Blaze.

“My bad,” he replied. “Blame BJ and the liquor.”

“Hate the game, not the player,” BJ responded.

“My siblings are idiots,” Ally complained.

“Blaze! BJ! Y’all come on over here and help us take the meat off the grill,” Daddy called out near the smoker with Papa Brandon.

Blaze pecked my lips again before he and his brother went to help the older men. I leaned back in my seat and looked out at my family. I loved them so much. I loved how no matter the reason, we could always gather around and have a good time. These moments were timeless. The memories unforgettable. I prayed when I have children, we could keep the traditions alive.

Forever with Blaze would be the best thing. We’d fell into a beautiful harmony, and nothing and no one could deter us from our happily ever after.

ARRESTED

“Happy two-month anniversary,” I sang as I lifted the mixed drink we’d ordered.

“Happy two-month anniversary,” she repeated as she mimicked my movements.

We tapped our glasses together and took a quick sip. Then, we leaned forward and pecked our lips together. Two months seemed to go by fast. We got married at the beginning of April. May seemed to fly by as we found our new normal. Now as we sit on the padded chairs at Top Golf, the realization of our anniversary seemed to take me on a mind journey through our lives together.We’d done dinner to celebrate many times, so I wanted to switch it up a little bit. Top Golf was both fun and different. We could get drunk off the drinks as well as laugh and play around while we enjoyed a couple hours of hitting balls into holes.

“Don’t try to get me drunk,” Suvi warned. “I’ll beat your ass sober or under the influence.”

My head shook at her threat. “Baby, you are not going to win, and that’s okay.”

“Put your money where your mouth is, Blaze!”

“I ain’t trying to take your money, beautiful. However, I do have a proposition. Loser has to…” I lowered my voice and leaned close to her ear. In a soft and seductive whisper, I continued. “Loser has to let the winner do anything they want to them for two hours.”

Suvi let out a shaky breath. “Anything?”

“Yup.” I brushed my lips against her earlobe, and she visibly shook. I smirked as I leaned back and took another sip of my drink.

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