19. Mali
Over the last year, my life had changed so much. I started the year in a loveless relationship, holding on to a man who honestly never truly loved me. I was afraid to be alone. I was afraid to love myself and accepted the toxic environment Juda had me in for almost a decade.
Over the last year, I learned to love myself. I learned to put myself and my needs first. I learned to be selfish with my time, my body, and my soul.
Over the last year, I stumbled upon a love unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I met a man who spoke life into me. I met a man who uplifted me and made even the bad days worthwhile.
Today, we celebrated that man—my man.
Clad in his crisp, black uniform, Artez stood in front of a room of his peers and loved ones. He took his oath as the new station 143 captain. Captain Moore passed the torch to Artez. He spoke life into his successor. I even saw Artez’s eyes mist with tears.
With shaking hands, I walked up onto the stage and pinned his new badge onto his uniform.
Captain Artez Gilliam.
A man who was resilient.
A man who beat the statistics.
A man who loved fully.
A man who saved me.
Artez came into my life when my entire world was literally up in flames. He saved me from a man who wanted to kill me. He went the extra mile to make sure nothing and no one would ever come between us.
Artez was a gift from God.
Artez was mine, and I was his.
We got married two weeks after he proposed and would celebrate three months of marriage in just a few days.
I was Mali Gilliam. He had officially signed over the deed to his home to his sister and moved in with me two months ago.
He still promised to make sure he paid their mortgage because that was what he felt in his heart was the right thing to do.
All they had to do was keep the smaller bills paid and focus on groceries.
Life was moving fast, but we took each day with a positive outlook.
“Congratulations, my love.”
I kissed him tenderly and stood beside him as the ceremony concluded.
The room erupted into a standing ovation as Captain Moore presented Artez to the room with his new title.
All our loved ones were in attendance, all seated together at a table in the front.
It warmed my heart to see how well our families meshed.
I think my daddy loved the fact he had another man around.
He could sit out on the lake, drink a beer, and talk with Artez about guy stuff. It was a cute thing to see.
One thing I loved about the 143 was how inviting it was. As soon as the higher-ups left, we turned on the music, and the vibes were like a cookout. Everyone danced and laughed and had a good time.
“Captain! Captain! Captain!” The crew cheered as Artez made his official entrance into the station as the new captain.
I was worried they would hold some animosity toward him for rising in the ranks so quickly, but they welcomed him with open arms and support. I prayed they remained close-knit as he settled into his new position with Juliet as his new lieutenant.
The two of them worked well together, and we often made jokes about her being his work wife. I trusted them both with my life, though. Plus, Juliet had a new relationship brewing.
“Thank y’all so much for the warm welcome. It’s a huge responsibility added to my plate, but I’m ready to show y’all just how dedicated I am to this station and the city we protect.”
“Cheers to Flame and Juliet!” Bradlee shouted.
We all lifted whatever was in our hand to celebrate.
I took a seat on the couch and watched my man move around the room.
He talked to everyone who called out to him, with the biggest grin on his face.
My husband looked good as hell in his uniform.
So good that I couldn’t wait for us to get home so I could take it off him with just my teeth.
I twisted the large diamond ring on my finger as I thought about all the changes in my life.
The second location for Floral Fur Pet Groomers would open at the beginning of next year.
We had already begun hiring staff. Kira would manage the second location while Dominique would manage the original location.
Both of them had become family, and I loved our growing connection.
Artez had also encouraged me to take cooking more seriously. He saw how passionate I was about feeding my loved ones and friends and bought me a food truck to run whenever I felt like traveling and cooking for people.
Joylei had agreed to join me when I felt like cooking on the food truck.
We both took the courses and got the proper certifications to properly run the truck without fear of getting shut down.
I loved that she did it with me. I think her new man was why she enjoyed trying new things and experiences now.
Charles had given my girl a new glow and kept her on her toes.
Our life was busy, and we’d sat down a few weeks ago to check in. We agreed now wouldn’t be a good time to have kids since we both were heavily involved with our careers. Plus, we had his nephews and niece to spoil when the baby fever spiked.
Of course, we both wanted a family, but we were content with getting our bearings, exploring the world, and navigating life together before we added kids to the list of things to do. When God saw it fit to bless us with products of our love, we would cherish and nurture them with our whole being.
I could feel his presence before he spoke to me. His voice was low, deep, and sexy as he leaned down close to my ear and whispered, “Meet me at engine 80.” Then he disappeared back into the crowd.
I waited a few minutes. Then I stood up and made my way through the fire station—my second home. I spoke to people in passing, thanking them for celebrating Artez’s accomplishment or telling me how much they enjoyed the meal.
Because everyone was in the common areas, the garage where the trucks were was completely empty. I could smell his cologne as I turned the corner. Then I saw him with a single rose in his hand as his eyes met mine.
“Hi, Captain Gilliam.”
“Hello, Mrs. Gilliam.”
“What do I owe the pleasure of this secret meeting?”
His shoulders relaxed as he pulled me close and nestled his face in the crook of my neck. He sighed heavily. “I missed you. There are so many people around, I needed my earth for a reset.”
I rubbed his back and swayed slowly. “I’m here. I will always be here.”
“I appreciate you.”
We stood like this for a long moment, basking in each other’s energy. When he finally took a step back, a mischievously big grin tugged at his lips.
“What?” I asked while I searched his eyes.
The fire in his eyes made me gulp as he spoke. “There’s no one here. It’s always been a fantasy of mine to have sex in a fire truck.”
My mouth fell open in shock. “Artez! I’m not fucking you in a fire truck.”
“Why not? The music is loud, and the way you’re looking in that dress, I won’t even need ten full minutes, for real.”
“Not you already got the gun loaded.”
“Since you pinned my badge on my uniform, my dick has been begging to feel you. Really, it started when you showed up in this sexy-ass dress. You know I love the way you look in a black dress.” He licked his lips.
My pussy thumped. She was just as in love with Artez as my heart and soul were. He had my whole body under his spell.
“Fine. Just make it quick.” We climbed into the fire truck like some badass kids and moved with haste. I couldn’t even lie. The thrill of having sex with this man in a fire truck, with the possibility of people coming in and seeing us, had my body hot as hell. It was crazy but thrilling.
“You better ride this dick like you love it,” Artez commanded in a low voice.
“I do love it, baby. So . . . so . . . so much.” I hissed as the pleasure built in my core.
Artez had a firm grip on my waist as he took control. He lifted me up slightly to stroke into me. I held on to the back of the seat for dear life as I let him coax my orgasm to the forefront.
“That’s right. Cum for your husband.”
I unraveled all over him. As I rode out my orgasm, he filled me with his nut.
“You’re so nasty.” I panted as I slid off him and adjusted my underwear.
We climbed out of the fire truck and made sure we both looked presentable. Just as we were about to head out, the alarms went off. My heart pounded in my chest.
His first call as captain.
“You got this, baby. Promise to make it back home to me.”
“I promise.”
He kissed my lips before he moved swiftly through the station to gather his team. I watched in awe as they fell in line. I said a silent prayer before I turned to the congregation and told them to keep the party going for a little while longer.
A few months later
“Keep your eyes closed!” I shouted as I guided Artez out of the house.
“You made me bump my shoulder on the door. I have trust issues now.”
“Just a few more seconds.”
I moved him into position.
“Okay. Open!”
As Artez opened his eyes, I presented him the keys to a 1967 Chevrolet Impala. Since he’d taken over as captain of the 143, he didn’t have a lot of time to do the hobbies he once loved. His vintage car business kind of fizzled out, but I wanted to do something special for him.
“I remember early on you shared with me how you and your dad used to drive around in a 1967 Impala. I saw how much you loved working on those old cars, so I wanted to gift you a car you can one day drive our future kids around in,” I explained softly.
His mouth hung open in shock as he took in the gift. “Bae . . .”
“Is it the wrong car? I called so many people to verify, and my daddy also made sure it ran properly. I can return it if—”
Artez closed the distance between us and scooped me into his arms. He scattered kisses all over my face as I giggled in his embrace.
“I love it. Thank you so much. This is the best gift anyone has ever given me.” He sniffled.
“You deserve it, baby. You do so much for so many people. You always go above and beyond, and you deserve to be surprised and considered too. As your wife, I want to make you feel just as special as you make me every day.”
I wiped away his fallen tears as he placed my feet back on the floor.
“Let me take you for a ride.”
“I’d love that a lot.”
With Love
Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed Mali and Flame, feel free to tag me in your reviews and reaction videos.
I enjoyed their journey to happily ever after.
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Until next time! <3