Chapter 25

25

D ejvi

"I trust y'all, but this doesn't feel big enough," I said, looking over the plan Malay and Dallas had given me. They'd been getting together what would be the perfect proposal for Enjell for the last week. I told them to include the things she loved—old school, nostalgic vibes, candles or food, and something intimate and sensual. What they'd come up with was cute, but it wasn't the grand proposal I thought they'd produce. Maybe my expectations were too high.

"This is perfect, Dejvi, trust us," Dallas said.

"Enjell is simple. She likes luxury, but when it comes to romance, she prefers thoughtful, intimate gestures," her sister added.

"It will mean more to her to spend time with you and get a couple of gifts than some big, grand scheme with a whole lot of people involved," Dallas said. "I don't even think she'd want us there."

I nodded and looked over what they'd suggested again as Malay said, "Now when it comes down to the honeymoon, that's what you'll need to be prepared to go big with. She likes to travel in style and luxury. No coach flights and no basic hotels. It'll have to be exotic places with resorts or Airbnbs in mountains or on beaches."

"Aight, I trust y'all. I'm going to plan that myself because I already had some ideas in mind. If y'all think this will make her happy, I'll do it."

They squealed and high fived, making me chuckle.

"What about the ring?" Malaysia checked. "She likes gaudy and simple pieces, but I don't know which she'd prefer for her wedding ring."

"We actually talked about that on our first date," I shared. "I was thinking about this…" Pulling out my phone, I showed them the three-carat cushion cut diamond Micropavé Harry Winston engagement ring. "This for the engagement ring and a custom piece from Elite to give her at the wedding." They eyed each other and looked at the ring again before looking at me.

"Oh hell yes, but let me find out I need a fireman if they bringing in bank for a ring like this," Malay said.

"Trust me, they ain't," I replied with a chuckle. I didn't bother going into detail about my other sources of income. All they needed to know was there were no limits when it came to what I would give to and do for Enjell and that she would be well provided for.

The Next Weekend

I'd taken Malaysia and Dallas's advice for the proposal and planned a weekend alone for me and Enjell in Rose Valley Hills. It was the perfect place to come because they had venues that allowed us to spend the weekend doing everything she loved.

We started our trip Friday with a trip to the farmer's market, where she was able to try some different foods for inspiration. We got some fruit for our stay, and she got a few pieces of jewelry too. After that, we went to the boardwalk, and after spending the day on the beach, I learned she had a love for farmer's markets and boardwalks. That piece of information tucked itself into my brain, giving me an idea to take her on a tour so we could experience both before we started having our kids.

Saturday, we went to Mali Tyson's botanic garden before taking a gondola ride to the artsy side of The Hills, where we spent some time at Cre8, which was a small studio where we were able to create our own candles, bouquets, and clay molds of our hands together. Our night ended at a cigar lounge and The Tipsy Grill for drinks.

This morning, we had a lazy start. When we finally did roll out of bed, I took her to the designer mall and outlet where I allowed her to shop until she got tired. The trunk was completely full by the time we headed to The View for lunch. After that, we went back to our suite to chill before our last activity of the day. And naturally, that was the one I was most nervous about.

I knew she'd say yes to the marriage because of Robin… but I questioned if she'd want to stay married to me. There was no point in me overthinking it because I'd find out soon enough. Once I got the text from Laguna that everything was ready, I headed into the bedroom area to check on Enjell. She looked beautiful, as always, dressed in a red floral sundress that made her cocoa brown skin look more edible than usual. Her natural hair was back under a sew-in, styled in loose wavy curls. Light makeup covered her face, and my eyes kept zeroing in on her juicy lips for a kiss.

"You ready to go, love?" I checked, walking over to her. "You look absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you, handsome, and yes, I'm ready. I just need to spray my perfume and slip into my shoes, and I'll be good to go."

"Aight, cool. I'll be waiting at the door."

"All right, bae."

It didn't take Enjell long to join me, and soon, we were off. I was quieter than usual because of my nervousness, and I was glad the music kept her occupied enough to not notice or acknowledge it. When we made it to The Park, she followed me to the center of the space that was usually used for outdoor movies and events. I told her we were grabbing something to eat, but I wasn't more specific with the details, so when she looked up and saw the picnic that Laguna had put together, she gasped and clapped with a smile.

Laguna had customized the picnic using Enjell's favorite color, yellow, along with white and gold. There were balloons, flowers, and a canvas painting set up along with the wicker basket filled with wine and food.

"Aww, bae, this is beautiful! Thank you!" She gave me a kiss before quickly pulling her phone out to take pictures.

As we ate, we talked and enjoyed each other's company. Once Laguna came to collect the food, she gave us the supplies we'd need to paint. At that point, Audré came out to serenade us, and I think that was the moment Enjell realized this was more than just an ordinary date. Her smile fell and eyes watered as she looked from me to Audré, but she didn't ask any questions. She released a shaky breath before returning to her canvas.

Her picture was a couple. Enjell thought I had the same thing to paint, but I was actually painting a question. When we were done, Audré began to sing "Why I Love You" by MAJOR.

"All right, let me see yours first," I said, already holding back my laughter because Enjell couldn't paint or draw for shit, but she loved doing both. As I suspected, the painting looked a mess, but she was happy and proud, so I hyped my woman up.

When it was my turn, I pulled in a deep breath and flipped the canvas over. Her hand instantly covered her mouth as she read, Will You Marry Me ? With a giggle, she crawled over to me and gave me a kiss.

"Of course I'll marry you, Dejvi. You know that."

"Nah." Setting her on my lap, I pulled the ring out of my pocket. "I mean for real."

Her smile wavered slightly and eyes teared up. "For real?" she whispered, cupping my cheek. "Past your birthday?"

"Yeah." I chuckled, pulling her even closer. "I'm thinking past forever and into the next lifetime." I kissed her left hand. "Will you marry me, Enjell? For real?"

Sniffling, she nodded. "Yes," she whispered before giggling and tugging her bottom lip into her mouth. "Yes!" I lifted her hand and slid the ring onto it, laughing heartily when she almost tackled me with her hug. "Mm… I love your ass, girl. So fucking much."

"I love you too," she almost moaned before connecting her lips with mine.

And in that moment, I didn't give a damn about Audré or anyone else in the park. All I cared about was the woman on my lips and in my arms.

Back in Memphis

I was shocked by what Robin's mother said to me. I'd stopped by to tell Robin about my engagement, only to learn she was no longer staying with her parents. Apparently, I wasn't the only person she'd been acting weird with. Her attitude had gotten her kicked out of their home. Amusement filled me as I left, but I couldn't help but be a little concerned. There was clearly something going on with my girl… my… ex-girl, and if we were still in a good space, I would have tried to figure out what was going on.

Cheryl told me that Robin was staying at River Inn, so I headed downtown to meet her there. I texted her and asked her what she was doing but didn't tell her I'd be pulling up. When I arrived, I told her to meet me at Paulette's. It took a few minutes, but she eventually made her way across the street to the restaurant. I motioned for her to sit on the opposite side of the two-person table. The comfortable smile on her face would soon be fading away—that I was sure of.

"Here to tell me you've come to your senses?" she asked, picking up the menu as if we'd be here for a while.

"Actually, I came to let you know I will be married by my birthday."

Her eyes shot up to me. She released a bark of laughter as her brows wrinkled before she frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Yesterday, I asked Enjell to marry me, and she said yes."

Scoffing, she shook her head. "Wow. So you'd rather marry a random woman than keep your promise to me?"

"She isn't just a random woman, Robin. I've been obsessed with her since the moment I laid eyes on Enjell. She took full control of my heart and soul and hasn't released either yet. My feelings for her are very real, and if you would have taken the time to check in with me sincerely, you would have known that." Her expression softened as I continued. "I actually want to thank you for doing this because it pushed me to marry her sooner, and becoming one with her will be the best decision I will ever make."

Robin gripped the edge of the table, huffing as her jaw clenched. Hopping up from her seat, she hovered over the table.

"You win, V." She chuckled. "You fucking win. You don't have to keep your promise to me, and you never have to worry about me ever speaking to you again."

As she stormed off, the moment was bittersweet. I was glad she had finally given up, but I hated it had to come to this. Only God knew how much I'd miss having her as my friend, but I was completely content with having Enjell as my wife and life partner instead.