Chapter 11 Sterling #4
“Sterling, you met me when I was a scared, distrustful man who thought he was at the lowest point in his life. The person you are allowed me to remember that there is good in this world. The woman that you are nurtured my daughter and watching how much you loved her made me fall even harder for you. Your patience, your holding me accountable when I was so close to fucking all of this up made me remember that love is a beautiful thing. I love you, Sterling, with every part of me. It’s not because of what you can do for me, but simply for who you are.
You’ve held me while I cried, been a silent strength when I didn’t feel like I had any.
When I’m not with you I’m worried about you and thinking about you and Ami and wondering how I can make life better for you both.
I pray I get the chance to love you for decades to come.
Will you do me the honor of being my wife? ”
I couldn’t believe how perfect this moment was. I could hear the faint strands of Ribbon in the Sky being played and it made me tear up even more, knowing how important this song was to him and his family.
“Are you sure? It hasn’t been a year yet. I don’t want you—”
He shook his head and I knew he wanted to fuss me out for questioning him.
“There is no such thing as regretting loving you. On taking this chance to build and expand our family with you. I want the fairytale but it only works with you as my queen to complete having Ami as my little princess. Will you marry me, Sterling?”
He opened the box and the ring that was inside left me speechless.
It was a large cushion cut ruby that was an intense pigeon-blood red.
I knew jewelry and could immediately tell it was from Burma just like the ones that were in my bracelet.
The diamonds that the ruby was nestled between had their own unique design.
There were three on each side of the ring, with the one in the center being almost a full carat and the ones surrounding it slightly smaller.
It was a beautiful, thoughtful design and everything I could’ve ever wanted.
“Yes.”
I barely heard my answer even though it was the only one I would’ve given him. With the way his eyes lit up, he’d definitely heard me.
“Yes?” He repeated my answer in the form of a question like despite the grin on his face he wasn’t sure that I’d actually agreed.
“Yes. The only thing I’ve ever been more sure of was signing my name onto the adoption papers. I don’t care if this is only for two years, ten years or a thousand, I will always choose you and everything that comes with you. I love you, Aldrich. More than words can ever say.”
“I don’t need words, just the actions that you’ve shown me every day. If you can keep being you, everything will fall into place.”
“Always.” He stood up and removed the ring from the box before sliding it onto my finger. I was so thankful I’d had the manicurist come in for me and Mama Sonya yesterday.
The color of the ruby looked amazing with my nails and with my dress and I couldn’t help but start to sob.
“Is this real?” I’d assumed my makeup was smudge-proof but not waterproof. Since Aldrich had hired someone to come and do it, I was sure he’d told her what the occasion was. As I wiped my tears I didn’t think any of it was running because I didn’t want to sit here looking a mess.
“It’s very real, Tesoro. I didn’t want to do it at New Year’s because I wanted Ant and AP to have their time.
And then we were focused on the playoffs and I wanted you to have a real moment.
Spotlight. To be loved and adored the way you deserve.
Out loud and for everyone to see.” He was rubbing my cheek with his thumb as he held my left hand up for me to stare at the ring he’d just placed on my finger.
“Is there a livestream or something I don’t know about?” I thought back to how we’d watched Anthony and Aphrodite get engaged and I needed to know before I did something crazy if anyone was secretly watching.
Aldrich grinned like he knew exactly what I was thinking but he shook his head. “There’s a camera set up out of the way and someone is still taking pictures but it’s only for us. Now, whatever you want to do, I’m more than happy to follow your lead.”
“The media has been in our business from the second I got here so I’m not worried about that. They can find out whenever, nothing they say determines the love our family is built on.”
“You damn right. No matter how happy we look folks will always try us. But they don’t know about this here.” He sang the last line of the Jon B song as he pulled me closer to him.
I laughed not because he didn’t sound good; the shock of the moment was wearing off and now I was giddy.
“We’re getting married, Money!” I tried to squeeze him but he pulled away from me with an odd look on his face.
“What did you say?”
I laughed realizing what I had actually said. “I mean, you’ve moved past employer status a minute ago. I guess it’s okay to call you Money now.”
He pulled me closer to him and inhaled the skin at the crook of my neck.
“You fucking right. We about to eat this good ass dinner and when we get to the suite at the Warren Hotel I booked, I’mma have you hollering that shit, Tesoro.”
“You’re really going to spoil me.”
I felt the tears welling up again as I looked into the eyes of this man who’d made all of my dreams come true.
Who gave me the space to thrive, to love myself and to grow without excessive criticism.
He’d provided me with a home, a family and a daughter without hesitation.
Aldrich led with love and the way I took care of him was only a reflection of the love I received.
Perfect balance.
Money bent down and gave me a kiss that was soft, purposeful and filled with emotion.
“From now until forever, my love.”
The End