Page 73 of For the Lover in You
"I got you," I whispered.
"Looking good, my man. Let me know where you got that coat from, so I can cop one."
"Yes, sir." KJ grinned.
I looked at Mila. "Ready, baby?" I asked with my hand out, waiting for her to accept.
She placed her hand in mine, then nodded. "Ready, KJ?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"Let's go, y'all."
We walked out of the house and were greeted with applause by all our close friends and family. We wanted to keep the event intimate and low-key.
"Thanks, everybody, for being here this evening. I can say I'm truly blessed that I could open two offices, which means more people in houses and more money in my pocket."
Everyone laughed.
"But in all seriousness, I wouldn't have been able to do this had it not been for my support system, but I wanted to give a huge shout-out to my partner in all of this."
I looked over at Mila. She smiled at me.
"Mila, thank you for supporting me through all of this. Even when you tried to run away from a nigga."
"Don't forget how she tried to check your manhood in Justine's," Chasity shouted out.
A few of the people laughed while Mila tried to hide her face. I pulled her and kissed her forehead.
"Shit, it's all good. If she hadn't, I would've missed out on the opportunity of falling in love for the first time."
The crowd swooned at my admission.
"Alright, y'all cut all that sappy shit, but for real, thank y'all." I looked over at Mila. "Do you have anything you want to say?"
"Oh wow, just put me on the spot. Um, many of you know my story, and you remind me every chance you get how you're proud of me, and I thank you all for that, along with the reassurance and the words of encouragement. Thank you."
Mila sighed and turned to me.
"To my man, thank you for everything, and when I mean everything, I mean everything. From day one, you saw me for me and would travel far and wide for me, and it never went unnoticed. Thank you for helping me find myself again. I love you."
"I love you, too." I kissed her lips.
"When's the wedding?" someone shouted.
"In due time, but until then, y'all enjoy each other's time and company."
Mila and I had discussed marriage on many occasions. I was ready to pop the question, but Mila wasn't ready yet. She wanted to give herself time, and I respected that, but sooner or later, I knew that as soon as I proposed to her, we're going to the courthouse that day. There was no way I would lose Mila.
"Hey, babe. I'm going to take KJ's coat back in the house. It's already damped. I don't want it to get worse."
"Yeah, I'll walk with you."
"Don't try any freaky stuff."
I held my hand up, surrendering. "I can't make no promises."
She giggled as we walked toward the laundry room of the house. I watched as she hung the jacket on a hanger. Regardless of opening the offices, being with Mila still topped the success.
