Page 60 of The Best is Yet to Cum

“Your mind tricked your heart into believing you wanted to die, but that was never the case, baby. Those daily text messages I sent you were my way… God’s way of reminding you that you are supposed to be here. Our meeting was not by chance, baby. I was assigned to you by God to remind you that the best is yet to come.”

At this point, I was crying like a newborn baby. I had no words, just tears, because words couldn’t express my feelings. When I told my therapist that Clinton was my angel, I didn’t realize how true that statement was.

One Year Later

Clinton’s Epilogue

We had been at the cigar lounge for a few hours, and I’d just shared with the guys that Mona was pregnant. Every few weeks, my relationship with Mona was the topic of discussion because we had yet to walk down the aisle.

“If you’re scared, just say that shit. You don’t have to put up a front with us,” Juelz said.

“I’m not scared, but Mona made it clear that marriage was not in her future,” I told him.

“Nigga, that was over a year ago. She gave you a son and let you knock her up again. What woman you know likes being a baby mama at damn near forty years old?” August added.

“I’m surprised y’all bought a house before getting married,” Evander said. “I thought for sure a proposal would follow soon after.”

“I get it, bruh. Janeevah was stubborn, too, and she had mad control issues. At the end of the day, though, she wanted me to tell her ass what to do.”

I listened to them as they advised me on how to handle my woman. Mona and I had been together for almost two years, andthe topic of marriage hadn’t come up again since shortly after our joint birthday party and pregnancy announcement.

Although I knew we were madly in love with each other, that conversation did something to me. Maybe I was scared she’d reject me. I’d be devastated if she did after all this time and what we’d been through. So, I settled for what we had because what we had was great. It would simply be greater if she was my wife.

“Let’s talk about something else besides my love life.”

“Ain’t shit else to talk about. You bought the ring, so man up and ask that woman to marry you,” Evander said.

“When did you get a ring?” Juelz questioned.

“Evander was supposed to keep that on the low, but I bought it on a whim a few weeks ago.”

“Damn, I didn’t know we’re keeping secrets. I’m hurt,” August said, touching his chest.

“Shut the fuck up. The only reason this nigga knows is because one of our clients is a jeweler, and he told him to bring some engagement rings to our meeting. Next thing I know, I’d bought one I thought she’d like, then remembered she doesn’t want to get married.”

“Who’s gon’ say it? Do I need to say it, because I don’t have a problem saying it,” August prodded.

“Say what?” I asked.

“That you’re acting like a bitch. I’m giving you one month to make some shit pop, or I’m gon’ propose for your ass,” he announced.

“You know this nigga has zero sense. You might want to take heed,” Evander advised.

“He’s crazy enough to do it and is a man of his word,” Juelz added.

“I guess I’d better stop being a bitch.”

Mona’s Epilogue

“I’m so pissed I can’t drink,” I announced as soon as our group was seated at a table.

It was me, Karla, who was recently divorced, Lariah, Austyn, Janeevah, and Norah. Our children were with their fathers, and we were out for a much-needed girls’ night.

“Why?” Janeevah asked.

“Guess who just found out she was pregnant? That would be my old ass.”

The ladies congratulated me before Janeevah said, “Chile, you ain’t old, and apparently, neither are your eggs. I know Clinton is excited.”

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