Chapter 33

33

Lila (Nala)

E arlier

"Your man owes me big time for getting me and this belly on a plane last minute," Pure said as we stood in the kitchen. "You're lucky I wanted to see you and that cute little munchkin of yours."

I smiled. "I'm glad you came. I could use a little girl time."

"Well come closer so we can gossip."

I giggled as I moved closer to her.

"Now, who is that big booty chick Ashton's talking to?"

"Latrice, my supervisor."

"You think he's gonna hit that?"

"I doubt it. She has a sorta kinda boyfriend that's a doctor at the hospital."

"A sorta kinda boyfriend? What the hell is that?"

"Everybody knows they're an item, but if you ask either of them about it, they deny it."

"Oh, hell no! That's like leaving the door open for jail time. You better claim me."

I giggled. "I agree."

"My cousin had no problem claiming you though." She playfully nudged me.

"We are too old to be playing games, girl. I know it's only been three months, but it feels like forever. Last night he asked me would I marry him if he asked me one day."

"Awwww, pooh! What did you say?"

"I said yes."

She squealed. "I hear wedding bells! You have to let me come up with the design for your wedding. Keep in mind, I'm no wedding planner, but I have an eye for detail. My husband can attest to that… well, if he's not being my biggest hater."

We shared a laugh.

I felt a tug on my dress and looked down to see Makari. My baby looked so adorable in her little blue dress. I wasn't sure when Ahmad bought it, but it was a perfect fit for her.

"Yes, ma'am?" I said, scooping her up.

"Mommy, you never gave me my answer."

I slapped my forehead. Kids remembered everything except what you wanted them to forget.

"What was the question, Kari?" Pure asked.

She grinned. "If we can move in with Papa Ahmad."

Pure gasped. "Wait! He asked you two to move in?"

"He did. I'm a little nervous, but I've thought about it."

"Well?" Kari asked impatiently.

I laughed. "You really want to move in?"

She nodded profusely. "Yes! I love my playroom and Papa Ahmad said we could decorate my bedroom any way I want."

Pure laughed. "Sounds like baby girl is moving in even if you don't."

"Mommy has to come, Ms. Pure. We can't be a family without her."

"She's got you there, babe."

I shook my head and kissed my baby on the cheek before placing her on her feet. Looking around at the impromptu party, I smiled. This was everything I could want. Not the house, but I loved the house, too. I meant the vibe; having my family, Ahmad's family, and our friends come together just to have a good time.

There was no drama.

No ill feelings lingering.

No bullshit. We came together like family, and it felt so damn good. I knew if I wanted more moments like this, Ahmad would make it happen. Maybe moving in wouldn't be such a bad idea. I mean, the man had practically proposed marriage and we were damn near cohabitating anyway. Might as well make it official.

Presently

I blinked as I looked down at the beautiful ring in Ahmad's hand as he presented it on bended knee. I was so amazed by the fact that he could sing that I didn't even pay attention to the song of choice. It didn't resonate with me until he walked over, grabbed my hand, and dropped to one knee.

"Did— did you just ask me to marry you?" I whispered.

"I did. I know we aren't perfect. I know that I'm probably the last person you should be with, but I love you, Bunny. I never pictured this as my life and now I can't picture life any other way. You and Makari complete me as a man. I've learned to be a better man because of both of you. I just want to spend the rest of my life thanking you for that. I don't think I can do that any other way than by asking you to be my wife. Will you marry me?"

I looked over at my baby, who was smiling brightly. Then my eyes landed on my parents. My mother had tears in her eyes and my father simply smiled and nodded.

"For the record," Ahmad said, breaking my stare. "I squared this away with your old man. He and I are good."

That made me cry. I knew how my father felt about Ahmad and his hesitancy about our relationship. For him to give his blessing was a huge deal.

"What do you say, baby?" Ahmad asked.

"You—you really want to marry me?"

"You see me down here, don't you?"

I playfully smacked his arm as the crowd looked on with laughter.

"Yes."

"Yes to?"

"Yes, I'll marry you."

He slipped the ring on my finger and stood to his feet. He'd barely had his balance before I threw myself into his arms and crashed my lips against his. Even with all the cheers and applause, I almost forgot that anyone was in the room and so did he. It wasn't until his hands drifted to my ass did Ashton speak up.

"Hey hey, now! Keep it PG in front of the kid!"

We parted lips with grins on our faces.

"My apologies," Ahmad offered. "We got a little beside ourselves."

"I smelled the future babies in that one," Saleem jested.

"All the babies we can handle." Ahmad released me and turned to Kari. "I can't forget about my first baby."

He stooped down to her and reached in his pocket once more. When he pulled out a tiny ring, she gasped.

"Is that for me!" she exclaimed.

"Yes, ma'am." Taking her little hand, he kissed it. "Makari Amelle Stanton a.k.a lil Rabbit a.k.a the real Moana… I love you, baby girl. You are an amazing little lady and that is all thanks to your mama. Every day, I'm amazed at how smart you are. I love how kindhearted and caring you are. There is so much good in you, and I want to protect that. I want to be your father, your hero, and your best friend."

"But you are my best friend."

He chuckled. "Yeah, you are my best friend. I just wanna know if you want to be my best friend for life?"

"Yes!"

He slipped the tiny ring on her finger. She ogled it for a moment with a wide-eyed expression.

"It's so pretty and shiny!" she declared.

Ahmad poked her nose. "Just like you, princess."

Kari's smile widened as she threw her little arms around his neck. "I love you, Daddy."

I could see the tears swelling in Ahmad's eyes as he spoke. "I love you, too."

He stood with her in his arms and pulled me into his side. Kari reached over and kissed my cheek.

"Now we really look like my picture, Mommy!"

"You know what? We do."

"This is a picture-perfect moment!" Pure declared, pulling out her phone.

She and everyone else snapped several pictures of us. I felt so much pride and happiness coursing through me. Looking up at my baby and my man, I couldn't help but smile. My heart felt so full.

"All right now, let me see this ring!" Pure said, reaching for my hand.

I proudly gave it to her. The women crowded around to ogle along with her. The ring was absolutely gorgeous. I would probably drop dead if I knew how much Ahmad spent on it.

"Cousin, you did good!" Pure said, playfully slapping his arm.

"Thank you. It took me a minute to find the perfect one."

"How long have you been planning to propose 'cause you put this gathering together quick?"

Ahmad chuckled. "I met with my jeweler a week after we touched down. I knew what I wanted. I just had to wait until the time was right. Bunny has always been the one."

I blushed as the women around me released a round of "Awwwws". For the longest time, Ahmad and I stared at each other smiling. Genuine happiness was so beautiful on him. His spirit felt so much lighter.

Ashton chuckled. "Yeah, that man is in love. Look at that grin."

"That boy happy as hell," Saleem added. "Welcome to the life of a sucker."

"That's how you feel?" Pure asked with her hands on her hips. "Don't pay him any attention, Ahmad. It's not my fault I have the upper hand."

"I let you have the upper hand."

Mr. Pryor laughed. "Son, we never have the upper hand. I don't know who told you that, but they lied."

He pulled Ahmad in for a tight hug and kissed the side of his head. His mother joined them, wrapping her arms around them both.

"We're so happy for you, Ahmad," his father said. "We love you so much and we're so proud of how far you've come."

His mother nodded. "You deserve the love and happiness you're feeling right now. Not only do we now have a daughter, but we also have a beautiful granddaughter. You all make a beautiful family."

"Thank you, Ma."

I could hear the emotion in his voice. The little boy in him was shining through. All he wanted was his parents' love and acceptance. That was enough to make him emotional.

"All right," Saleem said, going over to the stereo. "Enough of this sappy sh— stuff. We're gonna celebrate my cousin and his beautiful family. Grab a drink 'cause it's finna be lit!"

He put on some music that got everybody moving. I made my way into Ahmad's arms and went in for a kiss.

"Mrs. Ahmad Pryor… that has a nice ring to it."

He grinned. "Damn right it does."

"I'm thinking we need a little after party of our own tonight."

"Oh really? You sure you can take that?"

"Oh no, baby. It's you that gets treated tonight."

"I like the sound of that." He pulled me in for another kiss. "We can sneak away right now if you want."

"And have everyone giving us looks when we finally reemerge? No thank you. Besides, for what I have planned for you, I wanna take my time."

He smirked. "Bet."

He just didn't know. Tonight, we might just make a baby.