Monroe

"Congratulations!"

Everyone screamed as I cut the ribbon that was strung in front of my bookstore. I looked out into the crowd, smiling at everyone who had gathered to celebrate with me. About three years ago, I'd expressed to London that I wanted to own a bookstore. Last year for Christmas he'd gifted me this building. That was the way he did things. Anything I wanted or needed, he never hesitated to give me. The last five years had been interesting. London had moved me to Miami, we'd brought a house together, and once a week, we checked off something on my never before list. I was now a gum chewing, big truck driver because my husband had taught me how to drive.

"It's hot out here, sis. Open the door!" Meechie called from the crowd, where he and Samara were standing hand in hand. They'd made their relationship public a few years ago and were planning to get married soon. He had truly become my brother and Samara, once I'd officially met her, had become my sister. I laughed as I swung open the doors to the bookstore. A rush of excitement and anticipation filled me. This was mine. A dream I'd had that London had made happen. Every day with this man was amazing. London grabbed my hand as our family and friends walked into the store. I was stoked as I greeted Tessa and Tyler.

"Hey, Monroe," Tyler greeted. He was newly five years old and the spitting image of our father. I took him into a hug and kissed his forehead.

"Do you have children's book in here?" he asked.

"Sure do."

"Do I get a discount? Since I'm your brother and all."

Tessa and I shared a laugh.

"I do have a special brothers discount," I replied.

"Bet." He ran off. "Aye, Mr. Meechie, we get a brother"s discount!" he shouted.

Again, Tessa and I shared a laugh.

"You look gorgeous." She pulled me into a hug.

"Same." I kissed her cheek.

"I'm so proud of you!" she replied.

"And me you!"

Tessa had taken over my fathers" organization and had become the first female mob boss. She'd been successful in converting the business over to mostly legal streams of income. I was proud that she was breaking tradition and leaving Tyler something he could be proud of.

"Can I borrow my wife for a minute?" London interrupted.

"Sure." Tessa walked off, and I watched as Polo approached her. He was always shooting his shot at Contessa any time we were all together, and each time Contessa had turned him down.

"That boy ain't gon' ever learn." I shook my head as London turned me around to face him."

"Yes, husband." I swooned in his arms.

"The store is beautiful. I'm so proud of you." He kissed me on the lips.

"I have a surprise for you." He twirled me around.

"I have a surprise for you!" I shot back, giggling.

"For me? On your grand opening?" He sounded puzzled.

I handed him the white box I had been carrying around in my boobs all day.

"You pregnant?" he blurted, causing me to laugh.

"No; just open it," I playfully whined. He pulled the lid off revealing a small white tube. He looked up at me then back down at the box.

"Your birth control?" He was shocked. We had discussed kids plenty of times, but London was serious about me accomplishing my dreams before becoming a mom so we waited.

"My storefront is open. I'm ready to start trying for children." London didn't say anything as he picked me up and wrapped me into a hug. Tears streamed down my face.

"What was your surprise?" I questioned.

"I just bought you a new car." He shrugged holding up a set of car keys.

"Oh my God! Where is it!" I screamed. London pulled me in closer. He placed a soft kiss on my lips before shoving his tongue down my throat. Our tongues intertwined like our family and friends weren't a few feet away.

"The car can wait, Chocolate. Let"s go start this family!" He carried me off to the back of the store. Every day since walking in that doctor's office five years ago had felt like a dream come true. I was finally being loved and protected the way a black woman should, and I was looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life with my bodyguard.

The End!