Page 22 of Free to Love You
I stood there in a daze.My mother had a stroke. “Baby, baby! What’s wrong?”
Erygon’s voice and the feeling of his fingers on my cheeks to wipe away the tears that I didn’t know had fallen brought my mind back into the room. I thought I was in shock. When I didn’t say anything, he took the phone from me. I heard him introduce himself to my sister as my husband. I could only imagine what she thought about that. I was surprised he said that, but I understood why he did. In prior conversations, I told him if I ever went back to Pennsylvania, I wanted to be married.
“Alright, we’ll catch the first flight in the morning. Thank you for calling, Rachel.”Erygon’s comment brought me back down to earth. What did he mean we were going to catch the next flight?
Let’s Make It Real . . .
Ayriss had a school play that I refused to miss, so Erygon and I decided to wait until after her play to go to Pennsylvania. Rachel promised to keep me updated on Mother’s condition. I’d spoken to her every day since she called Beyuna’s phone.
Tonight was Ayriss’s play, and I was so excited. The production wasMary Poppins. I heard of the famous story but didn’t know it. Erygon made a family night of it, and we watched the movie.
It was kind of awkward at the play because of Hope’s presence. She looked uncomfortable around us, but I wasn’t sure if that was something that could be fixed. Erygon and I were in a relationship now, so I would be around. Erygon kept his word. He only spoke to Hope about Ayriss and nothing more.
By the end of the performance, I was out of my seat clapping. She did so amazingly, and I was so proud. The entire family was here in support.
We all waited in the front while Hope went back to get our little thespian. Erygon, Beyon, and Beaunir, Beyon’s father, held large bouquets of roses in their arms for Ayriss. I knew that she wouldn’t be able to hold them all. Mama Beauvia and Beyuna bought her a beautiful necklace with an umbrella charm. I was able to find different Mary Poppins fabrics to make her a custom quilt.
“Our little star!” Erygon called out when Hope and Ayriss came into view. “Let me start interviewing people for yoursecurity detail. You’re about to be too big and Daddy won’t be able to protect you.”
Her little giggles were like angel songs. “Daddy, you always gonna protect me best. You’re the best protector.”
His lighter skin reddened as he blushed. “Come here, baby girl.” He lifted her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “I love you and am so proud of you.”
“I know, Daddy!” She wiggled out of his arms, then turned to me. “Ms. Lovina, did you like it?”
I used my fingers to tuck some of my hair behind my ear before I lowered myself to be eye level with her. “You did so amazingly.” I cupped my hand next to my mouth to hide it, then whispered, “So much better than that girl in the movie. You brought Jane to life.”
“I know, right!” She hugged me around my neck. I loved her hugs.
When I stood to my full height, I told her that I had a gift for her and extended the gift bag to her. Her eyes widened before she took the bag. I expected her to open it right then, but she handed it to her mother.
“I got something for you too! Mommy, can I have my bag please?” Hope smiled with a hint of curiosity as she handed Ayriss her bag. I glanced around at everyone who looked on as she sat on the floor and pulled things out of her bag. When she found what she needed, she popped back up. “Here it is. This is for you.”
My forehead creased at the small box that she held out to me. “This is for me?” I smiled when she nodded and told me to open it. My eyes almost popped out of my head when I saw what was inside. “Ayriss, are you sure this is for me?”
She jumped up and down with the brightest smile. “Yes! Yes! It’s for you.” She pointed behind me. “Turn around, Ms. Lovina!”
I turned quickly to see Erygon on one knee. My hand went over my mouth to cover the loud gasp that escaped my lips. “Erygon, what are you doing?”
“Lovina, baby, I love you. I knew that from the moment I met you. You’re everything I need. I know God sent you here just for me to show you how it felt to be loved and to allow you to love. I want to be able to do that as your husband. Will you let me do that? Will you marry me?”
There was no hesitation or thought when I gave him my answer. “Yes! God, yes!”
Everyone around us erupted in cheers. That was when I noticed that we had a group of onlookers that also cheered for us.
He took the ring box from my hand, took the ring out, then slipped it onto my finger. It was so beautiful. He stood and wrapped his arms around me. Our lips connected.I’m engaged!Erygon’s lips went to my ear. “We get married in two days at the courthouse.”
I pulled back from him. “Wait, what?”
A Week Later . . .
Pennsylvania
“Hold your leg, Love. I’m not going to tell you again. You came out of the bathroom hollerin’ you wanted to get fucked. Not you wanna have sex, but you wanna get fucked. I’m fuckin’ you, Love,” Erygon taunted from his position on top of me.
I went to the bathroom to take a shower and lost my mind. I blamed it on my nerves. We were finally in Pennsylvania. Mymind had formulated a thousand different ways this pop up could go.
I got a better grip on my leg and held it like instructed. “Erie, oh gosh! I’m about to explode.”
