Chapter 21
Dreu
Christmas Day Midnight
‘Idon’t have to think about it. I’ve never been in love. Well, I only dreamed about it. I wondered what it was.’
Outside the world was asleep. Inside, my heart was wide open.
Jatavia slept on her side in the middle of the bed.
She had on a two-piece silk pajama set the color of warm champagne.
Her face looked relaxed like she was having the best sleep ever.
I stood still for a long time, just looking at her, afraid to move and disturb her peace but had to.
The notes to the song ‘Never Make A Promise’ filled the room and hit me hard at the same time.
‘I promise I’ll never hurt you, I’ll never make you cry, no. I promise I’ll never hit you, cross my heart and hope to die.’
Tears slid down my face before I could stop them.
I averted my eyes to the rose covered floor then gripped the gift bag and flower bouquet in my hands a little tighter.
Inside the bag were two sets of keys. One was the keys to ‘Atmospheres By Tavia’ and the other was to the big-body Benz parked in the garage.
Tucked underneath all of that was the pearl shaped diamond ring that I gave her years ago.
The music continued to play on as my heart ached for her to wake up. Finally, her body shifted when the song replayed. Her eyes fluttered open before she looked around groggily and confused.
“Tavia…” I whispered, voice cracking.
Her eyes flickered over to me then gazed around the room.
She took in the sweet-scented lit candles that she loved to burn whenever she soaked in the tub.
She eyed the dozen rose petals scattered all over the bedroom floor.
She pushed herself up on one elbow and batted her eyes like she was trying to wake up out of a dream.
Her eyes landed back on my face, wet with tears and her hand flew to her mouth as I lowered myself to one knee.
‘Cause I know I’ll keep you safe…I’ll keep you warm, I’ll keep you satisfied. I’ll be your sunshine in the morning…be your everything at night.’
She let out a soft gasped as her own tears welled instantly as she crawled to the edge of the bed. She didn’t stand; she slid down onto her knees in front of me. I reached for her trembling hands with my free hand, and we cried together.
Seconds later, I cleared my throat and got myself together to say what it was that needed to be said.
“I know I fucked up in the past being selfish… I end up being everything a man shouldn’t be when claiming to be in love with a woman that’s meant for him—”
She shook her head and cried harder.
“Dreu—”
“Let me finish, Pancakes…Please.” I begged lowly.
I took a breath that felt like it came from the bottom of my soul.
“You are my first and only love… The kind that taught me more of who I am as a man even when the world, or my family tried to tell me something different. When I lost you… It was one of the loudest lessons God ever taught me.” I reached into the bag and pulled out the first set of keys.
I placed them in her shaky hands and smiled through my tears.
“This is for your office,” I leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose. “It’s a store front actually. Enough space for you to have meetings and host interviews for the small team you need to assist you. That space is gonna be where you can relax and dream big in.”
She dropped her head in the palms of her hand and cried hard.
“It’s in your name too baby, don’t ask how I did it.” I chuckled lightly.
I grabbed her hands softly away from her face then pulled out the next set of keys.
“I got you a big body Benz too… I don’t consider that a gift because I’m supposed to boss you up, Pancakes.”
She pressed her forehead into mine, tears continued to fall between us.
“Dreu, thank you so much… I love you so much and I’m in love with you.” She said in a shaky voice.
I reached back down in the bag and pulled out the ring.
“This ring,” I said softly, “Represents the man I wasn’t ready to be…and the man I am now.” I took her hand again steadily despite my tears and the ache in my chest.
“I can’t promise perfection, but I promise presence, patience, and to choose you every day and only you.” I looked her dead in the eyes.
“I promise to choose you too and—”
“Jatavia,” I cut her off because I needed to get the words out before my emotions ruined it. “Will you marry me? I want your last name Langston baby…I want kids and a life with you forever. Let me prove to you that I deserve you.” I released the breath I was holding and let my tears flow freely.
She cried my name out like a prayer and nodded her head rapidly.
“Yes, baby, Yes I’ll marry you.” She whispered.
I sat the bouquet of roses to the side of her then slid the ring onto her finger with shaky hands. My heart felt full as hell and my soul felt like it was tangled and knotted with hers.
The song continued to croon lowly serenading us in love as we stayed on our knees holding each other. I silently thanked God. This right here was a promise that I vowed to Jatavia and myself that I would keep forever. Our bond, our love, and trust was now the focal point of my life.
The End!