The Deed to a Gangsta’s Heart

Epilogue

A rmor

Several Months Later

To celebrate our six month anniversary, I took Luci where we met and made sure the table we shared would be available. Our flight would leave in the morning to take us to Miami then Vegas, but before that, I had to propose. The last few months of us living together had been perfect. We’d met each other’s families, and I was closer to mine. The only thing that would have made my life better was having her as my wife.

We had the same menu—cognac, wine, chocolate cake, and a charcuterie board. I requested the same songs be played for us to dance to. By the time our night drew to an end, I felt peace and calm more than I felt nervousness. Nervousness would have been a sign of a lack of confidence, and I was more than confident that Luci would agree to be my wife.

“This was fun,” she said after I paid the tab.

“It was. I’d stay longer but we need to rest up for our trip tomorrow.”

“I’m excited.” She shimmied in her seat as I casually stood and walked over to her.

“Thank you for the best six months of my life, sweetheart.”

“You’re wel—Armor…”

Her eyes widened as I kneeled and pulled her ring out of my pocket.

“I meant it when I said I wanted you to be my wife. I also meant it when I said I was waiting for time to align with what was in my heart. I hope six months is enough because—”

She collapsed into my arms and covered my lips with hers. Her arms wrapped around me as I deepened the kiss.

“Yes,” she muttered against my lips before kissing me again.

As those around us clapped, I cupped her face and tilted it as I slipped my tongue into her mouth.

Finally, my heart had the protection of my rib.

Finally, I had the armor for my heart, and I would be the same for Luci.