CHAPTER 25
“Here, I’ll take it.” Jay retrieved the roses from my hand.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, folding my arms as I pulled my jacket closer to me.
A cold, chilling wind rippled through the air, ruffling the leaves on the trees lining the road. It was a quiet street with little to no traffic, only a few houses up front with the church and the cemetery taking up most of the space.
I took a deep calming breath as I waited for Jay to gather the rest of the flowers while I stood by the curb with my book clutched in my hand.
“Ready?” Jay asked, his arms full of roses—of every color. She liked them in every single color.
“Hmm.” I frowned. “Are you sure you can carry them?” I inquired.
“Yes.”
I let him be, following his steps as he walked ahead, knowing exactly where to go. I couldn’t believe it’s been a year since we last visited her. The last time I came here I was a broken girl but this time I was anything but .
Unlike the usual sadness I always felt when I visited her, this time I felt nothing but joy. Because I had so much to tell her, so many good things.
I smiled as Auntie M’s name came into view and a thunder rumbled through the sky and that made my smile deepen.
I eased down on the grass beside the headstone as I watched Jay arrange all the flowers neatly.
“Is that okay?” He wrinkled his nose in question as he rose to his feet.
I nodded, reaching out my hand, and he smiled, taking it. He dropped down as he held me from behind.
I leaned back, sinking into his warmth. “Do you remember the last time we came here?”
“How can I forget?” he muttered.
“A lot changed, hasn’t it?” I asked, picking at the grass. “You wouldn’t believe the things that happened, Auntie M.”
“Yes, Marie, you wouldn’t believe it. Evelyn wears heels now and actually learned to walk with her two left feet. Also, she sometimes makes decisions—all bad ones but she tries her best. And she wears dresses!” Jay teased, his eyes gleaming with mirth.
I gave him a sharp elbow to the gut. “Ass.”
“Ouch, woman.” His grip tightened as he bit the shell of my ear.
“Ah.” I swatted him away before returning my attention to her. “So first things first. I published my book.” My fingers traced over the spine and it wasn’t like she could see it but I showed her anyway. “And I dedicated it to you,” I said, slipping it through the pages till it landed on the dedication section. “Let me read it out loud, ‘To my dear Auntie M., Life wouldn’t have been possible without you. This wouldn’t have been possible without you. You gave me strength and courage when no one did and taught me how to love. Even though you’re not here today, you are always in my heart.’ ” I finished, closed the book, and gently laid it by the flowers. “This one is yours.”
“She would’ve definitely bawled at that,” Jay added softly.
“I think so too.” I smiled. Auntie M was definitely a crier. For the next few minutes, I carried on giving her the cliff notes version of everything that transpired last year. It was the happiest monologue I’d given her in all the years I’ve visited her, and I know deep in my heart that it was only going to get more happier.
“That’s all I have.” I ran my thumb along Jay’s hand, which was laced with mine. He sat quietly offering me comfort while he listened to every word I said with no judgment or opinion. It was at moments like this, that he made me fall a little more for him.
“There’s one more thing,” Jay whispered in my ear.
“What?” I frowned, snapping my head in his direction, my mind reeling back to the events of the previous year. Did I miss something?
He grinned. “Marie, I think you know, I already asked you once. Do you think I can, one more time?”
“Ask what?” I scrunched up my nose.
“Permission,” he affirmed with a knowing smile on his face as he tipped his head at the sky.
The dark gray clouds crashed as lightning lit up the sky followed by the roar of the thunder. “For what?” I mumbled, watching as a fat drop of rain landed on his cheek .
“I think that’s permission granted.” His grin widened as he dragged his longing gaze to my browns. “This,” he whispered softly as he nudged my lap.
Confusion still marred me as I averted my gaze, twisting to my front.
And I froze, wide-eyed at the sight in front of me.
His lips brushed my ears as he leaned in. “Will you marry me, Evelyn?”
I swallowed as a shudder wrecked through my body, and tears trickled down my cheeks as the edges of my vision blurred. So many indescribable emotions flooded my heart, making me feel like I was flying yet nose-diving off a cliff at the same time. “Are you not going to say something poetic, like in the movies?” I whispered, still shell-shocked over his question.
“I don’t have to.” He gently tugged the huge diamond ring from the box. “You already know. So what’s the answer? Yes or no?”
He was right. There was nothing he had to say. I just knew. How much he loved me.
“So?” He hooked a finger under my chin, pulling my eyes to his.
A watery smile spread across my lips as I nodded. Resting my forehead on his, I leaned in. “A thousand times yes, Jay.” My words brushed across his lips.
“Good.” He smiled, sliding the ring on my finger. And I hardly got a moment to appreciate it because the skies burst open, and at the same time, Jay consumed me in a sweet, deep kiss, caressing and teasing my mouth as the rain poured on us.
“I love you,” I breathed as we parted .
“I love you more.” He kissed me once more before he lifted me off the ground. “Come on, let’s go,” he screamed over the rain.
“Okay,” I screamed back as he ran toward the car. “Wait. Go back, I have to tell Auntie M.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckled, gripping me tighter as he ran back.
“Auntie M,” I shouted, waving my left hand in the air. “I just got engaged. I’M GOING TO BE MARRIED!”
He chuckled harder.
I bid one last goodbye to her and glanced back at him.
My hands cradled his cheek while he peered at me with so much love. “We can go now.”
He was still chuckling when he sprinted toward the car, and the rain only intensified by the second.
I was shivering by the time he dropped me in the passenger seat and watched as he scrambled over to the other side.
The sound of the loud rain filled the car when he opened the door and dove in, shutting the door behind him, and the quiet ensued.
My teeth chattered as I folded my arms, trying to draw some warmth.
“Come here,” he mumbled, and in one effortless move, he lifted me off the seat and draped me over him, adjusting the heat to us.
A sigh of relief escaped my lips when the heat blasted over my skin, immediately warming me. I leaned my head against his shoulder as I sank into him deeper.
He reclined the car seat farther as we got comfortable .
It took me a second to realize that I didn’t even get a good look at my ring.
When I snapped my gaze to my left hand, my eyes rounded at the size of the diamond staring at me. It was so big but also elegant and classy at the same time. I had no idea what the cut was, but it was rectangular in shape and set in a thin infinity band. Even in this dull lighting, the light pink hue was visible and sparkling.
“It’s so beautiful, but it’s so big.” My panicked eyes sliced at him. “What if I lose it?”
“It’s insured or.” He raised a brow. “I can buy you a new one.”
“No,” I shrieked, holding it to my chest. “I will take good care of it.” I once again held my left hand to my face, taking in how perfectly it fit me. “I love it.” I sighed.
A smug grin pulled up his lips. “I know what you like, Evelyn.”
“Smart-ass,” I commented before realization hit me. “Wait.” I gaped. “Did you just propose to me in a cemetery?”
He shrugged, the grin still dancing on his face. “Death is the beginning of life.”
But my throat lodged thick with emotion. “In front of Auntie M? Is that why you waited?” My voice cracked.
“Yes.” His eyes filled with love. “I knew how much you would’ve wanted her to be with you on your big day. I couldn’t give you that, so I gave you this instead.”
My heart squeezed as tears started to pour out of my eyes once again, and I buried my face in his neck. “I thought you didn’t want to marry me. That’s why I was so sad.” I blubbered like a mess .
“Evelyn.” His forehead planted on mine. “I wanted to marry you the moment I met you.”
“Thank you.” My lips wobbled. “For including her.”
He kissed my lips, taking my hand in his. “I waited so long for this. Trust me, my patience was running very, very thin.” He laughed dryly. “Do you know how fucking embarrassing it is when your baby sister gets married before you?”
I giggled. “She deserves it, but I was a little jealous too. But I’m not anymore. I can’t wait to get married.”
“Good.” A cheeky grin plastered his lips. “Because we’re getting married on Sunday.”
“What!?” I jumped on his lap. “That’s two days away.”
“Yes.”
“How is that possible? Are we going to Vegas?” I wrinkled my nose.
“Nope.” He kissed my nose. “You just worry about being pretty, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Okay.” A bright smile lit up my face. “But what about a wedding dress? Can we get one in a day?”
“For you, yes. I’ve asked the boys to bring the girls in tomorrow. I’ve booked an appointment in the morning with the designer. They’ll take care of everything.”
“What about Strawberry?”
“Lily packed her up too.”
I nodded. “Where are we getting married?”
“That’s a surprise.” He leaned forward, swiping his thumb along my chin. “Unless you want to plan—the flowers, decor? Is that something you want?”
I shook my head, smiling. “I don’t really care. I just don’t want you to see me before the wedding or see my dress. ”
He groaned, nuzzling my neck. “Does that mean we can’t spend the night together tomorrow?”
“Yes.” I threaded my fingers through his wet hair. “But after that, you’ll have me forever. It’s just that I read somewhere it was bad luck, and it got stuck in my head. Traditionally, it was back in the day when marriages used to be arranged so the bride couldn’t run off if the groom was ugly.”
He laughed. “Thank God you established that I’m not. Or I would’ve chained you, you wench.”
“I don’t know, I think I might need to get my eyesight checked.” I dragged my teeth along his cheek.
He gripped the back of my neck, his eyes darkening as he brought his lips to me.
My breath hitched.
“Since I don’t get to have you tomorrow, you’re mine tonight, fiancée,” he promised before taking my mouth.
The following morning, after a night of complete and utter satisfaction that left me sore and brimming with love, Jay and I got dressed and were currently waiting for our friends to arrive.
I wore a simple dress and a cardigan, knowing I was going to be trying on dresses the whole day. My heart still couldn’t believe that I was engaged and was going to get married in less than forty-eight hours.
I kept looking at my ring every five seconds like it was going to disappear, but I couldn’t help it. It was so pretty and shiny, especially in the sunlight. This morning, I stood on our balcony for ages just so I could appreciate the sparkles.
“It’s not going anywhere,” Jay commented.
I looked up from my ring to watch him regard me with an amused look on his face, plopping a strawberry in his mouth.
And I blushed just looking at that fruit—I think I was always going to after that night .
I feigned nonchalance, sipping my coffee while I ignored him. We were seated in our suite’s living room—yes, our hotel room had its own living room decked with a bar and kitchen and two separate bedrooms, all with an expansive view of Elliot Bay, with its deep blue glittering waters.
As much as I loved the opulence, I don’t think I would ever get used to it.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he teased, smirking as he plopped another strawberry in his mouth before taking a long sip of his strawberry milk.
My cheeks pinked with heat as the lust rose in my chest. Even after an entire night of having this man, it wasn’t enough.
Just then, a heavy rumble rocked through the door.
Grateful for the distraction, I jumped to my feet. “I’ll go get it.”
“Wait,” he steeled, but I was already on my way, and before my hand could twist the knob, Jay pulled up in front of me and pushed me aside.
“You don’t know who it could be,” he chided and then proceeded to do the same thing I was about to do.
I rolled my eyes at his protective tendencies. But the thought fled from my brain when Katy, Lily, Sierra, and Gabe barged in and squashed me in a hug, almost knocking the breath out of me.
“Congratulations,” they screamed so loudly in my ears that I could hear a faint ring.
“Thanks guys.” I laughed, stepping back.
“Show us.” An excited Lily gently lifted my left hand in hers.
“Oh my, it’s a Cartier light pink diamond—emerald cut. Definitely, seven carats or more,” Katy gushed, glancing over her shoulder at Jay. “You did good, Emmie.”
“Yes,” Lily agreed. “I would’ve gouged his eyes out if it was an ugly ring after making her wait for so long.”
I frowned. “I would’ve married him with an ugly ring.”
“We wouldn’t have let you,” Lily and Katy both said in unison, and Gabe nodded.
Sierra shook her head, draping an arm over my shoulder. “Men think they have all the power in a relationship, but actually, it’s the woman. You’re worth more than him.” Sierra was the newest addition to our little group; she was a lot younger than us but was a breath of fresh air. She was also a badass professional e-gamer training for a big tournament, which was why she couldn’t join us at the party last week.
My frown deepened. “What does that have to do with my ring?”
They all collectively sighed. “Fuck, we need to teach her a lot.”
“Don’t you dare corrupt my girl,” Jay hollered, pinning them with a glare.
Mikey sidestepped everyone and pulled me into a hug, congratulating me followed by Lan and Matty, and Raphy, who suggested that he still wasn’t giving up on me and knew in his heart that Jay would fuck up. He got a punch in his gut from his sister for that.
Then my girl, Strawberry, lunged for me, barking for my attention. “I missed you, baby,” I mumbled, cuddling her close to me while I curled my fingers around her soft fur. She waggled her tail, nuzzling her nose in my lap. “I love you so, so much.” I kissed her head.
Soon, we left the boys and boarded the car to get myself a wedding dress.
Tyler dropped us off at an expensive-looking wedding boutique in the city.
Within minutes, we walked in. The decor was all polished marble walls, chandeliers, and cream carpets.
“You must be Ms. May.” A tall Asian woman with a gracious smile greeted us, introducing herself as Mina. “This way, please. I have the room ready for you.”
We thanked her and followed as she led us to the far right of the store and through a double door that opened to an expansive private fitting room.
We all settled into the comfortable plush couches while Mina and her assistant, Loraine, handed us flutes of champagne. They asked us to wait for someone to come in to take my measurements. That way, they could show me dresses similar to my size so there are minimal alterations.
“Gabe.” I smiled, turning to him beside me as he raised a brow. “You know you’re my best friend; a very annoying best friend, but I love you anyway and wouldn’t be here without you.” I swallowed as I took his hand in mine. “I know the wedding is mostly planned, but will you still do me the honor of being my man of honor at the wedding? ”
Surprise flooded me when instead of his usual comeback, a single tear rolled down his eye. “Of course, chica.” He crashed me into a tight hug. “You deserve this more than anyone, and I love you so much.” He released me, wiping away his tears.
I sniffled through the thickness stuck in my throat. “Thank you.”
Parting, I glanced behind my shoulders at the girls who were all beaming at us. “And you girls, will you all be my bridesmaids?”
“Yes,” they all squealed in unison.
I spent the whole morning trying on at least twenty dresses or more while the girls and Gabe voiced their opinions. I initially wanted something pink but then decided against it. I didn’t want to look like a cupcake at my own wedding. I wanted to look like a bride. And white was just a color to me these days. I didn’t associate it with her. She was simply Cece. That was all she was. Nothing about her or the past would control my life anymore. I wasn’t going to let it.
“I think this is the one.” Katy teared up, sighing. “You look beautiful.”
I thought so too as I glanced at myself in the mirror.
The silky satin cream dress smoothed over the curves of my body, and the full pleated princess skirt added a bit of flair and elegance to it. The off-the-shoulder sleeves tied in nicely with the wide square neckline and fitted bodice. The back was special, with a deep V and laces interlocking in a braided pattern.
The cream color of the dress shined with a tinge of vintage gold, which caught the light perfectly.
Taking a deep breath, I smiled.
This was it.
This was the dress that I was getting married in.