Page 86 of A Perfect Pairing
Our friends. When he moved back, he never expected to develop new friendships so quickly. But in a short time, he had bonded with Gabriel and Jon and looked forward to hanging out with them. “I’m cool with that. I don’t think they’ll have a problem keeping our secret.”
“Not at all. In fact, I can see them running out Monday morning and placing those bets and acting like they don’t have a clue.”
Antonio smiled over at her. He parked in front of the house. “Looks like we’re the last to arrive.”
“That’s good, because I don’t know how long I’m going to be able to keep this to myself.”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to wait until after dinner?” he asked with amusement.
“Yeah, I know. I’m just so excited. Okay, okay, after dinner.”
“You don’t have to wait if you don’t want, Tasha.”
“No, no. I’m going to wait.” She turned the ring around so that the solitaire was facing her palm. “I’m ready.”
He helped her out of the car, eased the tote from her hand, and with a hand at the small of her back, guided her to the door.
“About time you two got here,” Serenity said, pulling Natasha inside and hugging her. She repeated the gesture with Antonio.
“You said three, and it’s five till,” Antonio said with a little laugh. They followed her out to the back deck, where the table sat beneath a canopy. Two outdoor air coolers were placed at opposite corners. With July right around the corner, summer was in full effect.
After all the rounds of greetings, he went inside to pour himself and Natasha glasses of wine while she set the table. “It smells so good in here.” The counter was lined with platters of fried pork chops, mac and cheese, candied yams, greens, and Serenity’s hot-water cornbread. His grandmother was the only one who could make the little oval pieces of bread, so he hadn’t eaten it in years. “You two need help with anything?”
“Nah, man, we’re good. As soon as Natasha is done, we can eat,” Gabriel said.
Antonio nodded and took the wine outside. He stopped short at the sight of Natasha bending over the table. The shorts she wore stretched tight across her rounded backside, and he took a big gulp of the wine to keep himself from doing something crazy like stepping behind her and caressing every inch of it.
Jon came and stood next to him with a knowing smile. “Problems, my brother?” When Antonio didn’t answer, he chuckled. “We’ve all been there.”
The conversation halted when everyone joined them outside. Antonio seated Natasha and placed her wine in front of her, then took the seat next to her. Plates were filled, lively chatter ensued, and he had to admit that Serenity’s hot-water cornbread was the best he’d ever tasted.
He must have groaned because Natasha said, “I told you.” She bit into hers and pretended to swoon. “It’s so good, huh?”
“It is. Just like everything else.” Antonio raised his glass. “To Serenity. You outdid yourself with this meal.”
“Thanks, Antonio. Although my wonderful husband did help.” She smiled at Gabriel, and he placed a tender kiss on her lips.
Antonio and Natasha shared a secret smile, and he went back to his plate.
After everyone had finished first and second helpings, Natasha said, “That was so good, Serenity. I’m definitely going to let my food settle before I get a piece of that cake. But in the meantime, y’all wanted to get the inside details, sobam!” She whipped her left hand out and waved it around.
All four women screamed. Terri, seated closest, grabbed her hand. “You did good, Antonio. It’s amazing.”
Serenity and Dana rounded the table and alternated checking out the ring and hugging Natasha.
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Gabriel said, extending his hand for a fist bump. “Welcome to the club.”
“Thanks. I’ve waited a long time for my girl.”
Serenity bounced up and down. “We have to make a toast. Gabriel, fill everybody’s glass.”
“I will, but I need you to slow your roll with all that jumping.” He stood and placed his arm around her shoulder, gently rubbing her belly.
She waved him off. “I’m fine. Hurry up.”
Gabriel poured wine for everyone and sparkling cider for Serenity. He held his glass up. “Antonio and Natasha, you two went through a lot to get to this point. May your love continue to grow always. Congratulations.”
They all touched glasses, and Antonio lowered his head and kissed his future wife. She was his first, his last, his forever love.
