Page 128 of Say You're Mine

I bite my lip, suddenly nervous. "I've been thinking... about my dad."

June's expression softens, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Yeah?"

I nod, leaning into his touch. "I want to take Onyx to his grave in Nigeria. It's time, you know?"

"Of course," June says without hesitation. "We'll make it happen."

Relief washes over me, and I press a kiss to his palm. "Thank you. And after that..." I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Maybe we could finally make that move to the Bahamas? Start our happily ever after for real?"

June's eyes light up, a grin spreading across his face. "Our own little slice of paradise? Cara Mia, you don't have to ask me twice."

The next few days pass in a whirlwind of planning and packing. My mom, Song, Sonya, and Louis all agree to join us, turning this pilgrimage into a proper family affair. Even Judith surprises us, showing up at the airport with a suitcase and a sheepish grin.

The flight to Lagos is long, but Onyx is an angel, sleeping through most of it. When we finally touch down, the heat hits me like a wall – familiar, comforting. It smells like home, like childhood summers and laughter-filled family gatherings.

Our hotel is a slice of luxury overlooking the ocean. The moment we step into our suite, I'm drawn to the balcony. The view takes my breath away – endless blue stretching to the horizon, the crash of waves a soothing rhythm.

June comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Beautiful," he murmurs, but when I turn to look at him, his eyes are fixed on me.

Heat rises to my cheeks. "Flatterer," I tease, but I can't hide my smile.

That night, after my mom whisks Onyx away for some grandma time, June and I hit up a club in the heart of Lagos. The bass thrums through my veins, and for the first time in forever, I feel... free. We dance like no one's watching, bodies pressed close, inhibitions melting away with each pulsing beat.

June's hands settle on my hips, guiding me to the rhythm. His eyes are dark, intense, filled with a hunger that makes my breath catch. "God, you're gorgeous," he shouts over the music.

I respond by grinding against him, delighting in the way his breath hitches. "Take me back to the hotel," I purr in his ear.

We barely make it through the door before June's lips are on mine, hungry and demanding. Clothes fall away like autumn leaves, and we tumble onto the bed in a tangle of limbs. Every touch feels electric, setting my skin ablaze.

After, we lay tangled together, sweat cooling on our skin. June traces lazy patterns on my back, and I feel more content than I have in years. "I love you," I murmur, the words carrying a weight they never had before.

June tilts my chin up, his eyes soft and filled with emotion. "I love you too, Cara. More than anything."

The next morning dawns bright and clear. Today's the day – we're visiting my father's grave. Anxiety churns in my stomach as I dress, my hands shaking as I try to fasten my necklace.

June comes up behind me, gently taking the clasp from my trembling fingers. "I've got you," he murmurs, securing the necklace with ease.

I meet his eyes in the mirror, grateful beyond words. "Thank you," I whisper, leaning back against his solid warmth.

The cemetery is quiet, the air heavy with the scent of flowers and memories. My mom leads the way, Onyx balanced on her hip. I clutch June's hand like a lifeline as we approach my father's grave.

The headstone is simple, elegant. Just like Dad. I trace the engraved letters with shaking fingers, tears blurring my vision. "Hey, Daddy," I whisper. "I brought someone to meet you."

I take Onyx from my mom, cradling her close. "This is your granddaughter," I say, my voice thick with unshed tears. "Onyx Adanna Emezi-Heckle. She's perfect, Dad. You would have loved her so much."

June's arm wraps around my waist, anchoring me. I lean into him, drawing strength from his presence. "I wish you could have met June, too," I continue. "He's... he's everything, Dad. He makes me so happy."

We spend hours at the graveside, sharing stories and memories. Laughter mingles with tears as we keep my father's memory alive. I tell Onyx about her grandfather's mischievous smile, his terrible jokes, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his family.

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, a sense of peace settles over me. I press a kiss to Onyx's forehead, making silent promises to the man who'll never meet his granddaughter.

"I'll make sure she knows you, Dad," I whisper. "Your story, your legacy – it'll live on through her."

That night, back at the hotel, we gather in the restaurant for a celebratory dinner. The mood is light, buoyed by good food, flowing wine, and the catharsis of the day.

"A toast," my mom says, raising her glass. "To family – those here with us, and those watching over us from above."

We clink glasses, the sound ringing out like bells. As I look around the table at this mismatched, perfect little family we've built, I'm struck by a wave of love so intense it nearly knocks the breath from my lungs.

---