One Year Later
Clinton’s Epilogue
We had been at the cigar lounge for a few hours, and I’d just shared with the guys that Mona was pregnant. Every few weeks, my relationship with Mona was the topic of discussion because we had yet to walk down the aisle.
“If you’re scared, just say that shit. You don’t have to put up a front with us,” Juelz said.
“I’m not scared, but Mona made it clear that marriage was not in her future,” I told him.
“Nigga, that was over a year ago. She gave you a son and let you knock her up again. What woman you know likes being a baby mama at damn near forty years old?” August added.
“I’m surprised y’all bought a house before getting married,” Evander said. “I thought for sure a proposal would follow soon after.”
“I get it, bruh. Janeevah was stubborn, too, and she had mad control issues. At the end of the day, though, she wanted me to tell her ass what to do.”
I listened to them as they advised me on how to handle my woman. Mona and I had been together for almost two years, and the topic of marriage hadn’t come up again since shortly after our joint birthday party and pregnancy announcement.
Although I knew we were madly in love with each other, that conversation did something to me. Maybe I was scared she’d reject me. I’d be devastated if she did after all this time and what we’d been through. So, I settled for what we had because what we had was great. It would simply be greater if she was my wife.
“Let’s talk about something else besides my love life.”
“Ain’t shit else to talk about. You bought the ring, so man up and ask that woman to marry you,” Evander said.
“When did you get a ring?” Juelz questioned.
“Evander was supposed to keep that on the low, but I bought it on a whim a few weeks ago.”
“Damn, I didn’t know we’re keeping secrets. I’m hurt,” August said, touching his chest.
“Shut the fuck up. The only reason this nigga knows is because one of our clients is a jeweler, and he told him to bring some engagement rings to our meeting. Next thing I know, I’d bought one I thought she’d like, then remembered she doesn’t want to get married.”
“Who’s gon’ say it? Do I need to say it, because I don’t have a problem saying it,” August prodded.
“Say what?” I asked.
“That you’re acting like a bitch. I’m giving you one month to make some shit pop, or I’m gon’ propose for your ass,” he announced.
“You know this nigga has zero sense. You might want to take heed,” Evander advised.
“He’s crazy enough to do it and is a man of his word,” Juelz added.
“I guess I’d better stop being a bitch.”