Page 72 of Loyalty, Lust, Love
“Not a chance, so tell me.”
He shook his head. “This dude I used to work with in DC took a job out here a few months ago. Him and his wife are having a dinner party, and when I told him I’d be in town, he invited us.”
“This isn’t how I planned to spend the weekend before our birthday, but I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone you work or have worked with. This should be interesting.”
“There are two more days in the weekend that we can celebrate, baby. You know I got everything covered, right?”
“I know.”
“Why do you think this dinner party will be interesting?”
“I don’t see you interact with people outside of our circle very often.”
“You know I don’t fuck with people like that.”
“I know, which is why I’m looking forward to this.”
Lynx chuckled, and they continued to converse about their plans for the weekend. The closer they got, he became nervous and hoped Fateema didn’t notice the familiar neighborhood and cars parked on the street. He grabbed her ass and pulled her against him to distract her.
“I love you, Bunny.”
“I know, and I love you.”
They kissed briefly before tearing themselves away from each other and walking toward the house. Lynx continued to distract her with meaningless conversation until they reached the door. Lynx put his hand on the handle and turned the knob.
“Baby, what are you doing?” Fateema asked, confused about him trying to enter someone’s home without ringing the doorbell.
“It’s cool, baby. He told me the door would be unlocked.”
He turned the knob and let her enter first.
“Surprise!” everyone shouted.
“Ahh!” Fateema screamed before grabbing Lynx and moving him in front of her. “Lynx, what’s going on?”
“Calm down, baby. Happy early birthday.”
She cautiously stepped from behind him and focused on the people in front of her. When she noticed they were her friends, a few family members, and coworkers, she relaxed but remained confused.
“Okay, I’m totally confused. Somebody start explaining.”
Meaghan was the first to speak. “Happy Birthday, sis. Does anything look familiar?”
Fateema slowly looked around, and suddenly, her memory was flooded with memories of her dream home. As she walked further into the space, everyone's eyes were on her. Tears blurred her vision when she noticed the pictures in the frames were of her and the people she loved.
“Meaghan, is this—” She turned around to confirm her conclusion with her friend and saw Lynx on one knee. “Oh my God!”
“Bunny, from the moment you sat down with me at the lunch table in sixth grade, I knew you were special. Having you as my best friend has been the most fulfilling part of my life. When things between us shifted, I took our love for granted, and I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you, if you allow me. I should’ve made you my wife a year ago, as we promised, but I didn’t deserve you. I hope I’ve proved myself worthy of your love because it would make me the happiest man on Earth if you would do me the honor of being my wife.”
“Yes, yes, a million times yes!”
As everyone cheered and applauded, Lynx slipped the ring on her finger, stood, and wrapped his arms around her beforelifting and spinning her around. She cupped his face and pressed her lips against his. As far as they were concerned, they were the only ones in the room.
After minutes of getting lost in each other, he placed her back on her feet, but she remained in his arms as they disconnected. Neither of them could believe their promise to each other as adolescents would finally come to fruition.
“Can we get married tomorrow?” she whispered against his lips.
“Whatever you want, Bunny.”
