Chapter 24
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Navy
I shouldn’t have been this nervous, but I was.
Last year on my birthday, Zander mentioned not having a birthday cake or party as an adult.
As soon as he shared that truth with me, I knew how I wanted to celebrate his birthday this year.
Even before things turned romantic between us, this had been my plan.
I looked around the dining room once more.
All of the food was set up perfectly. The mini bar was fully stocked.
The deejay was set up and ready to go once he arrived.
Everyone had already made it and parked up the street like I advised.
I didn’t want there to be a chance of him knowing what I was up to, so it could be a real surprise.
Twyla texted me and told me they were pulling into the driveway and I squealed.
I let everyone know they were about to come into the kitchen from the garage and to be very quiet.
I made my way through the kitchen and stood next to the round table in the breakfast nook, where his cake was waiting for him.
The door opened, and Twyla let him come inside first.
She started recording his reaction to the cake as I pointed at it cheerfully and told him, “Happy birthday, bookie!”
“Oh wow.” The soft laugh he released was the cutest. His shoulders relaxed as he wrapped his arms around me and stared at the cake. “Thank you, NaeNae. I love it. It looks good as hell too. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, bae. I would offer to cut you a slice now, but you need to eat first.”
“Where we going for dinner?” he asked, gripping my neck and tilting my head.
“Aw hell. Let me get outta here,” Twyla said when his tongue slithered into my mouth.
I laughed but it turned into a moan when he deepened the kiss.
“Thank you,” he whispered against my lips before kissing them again. “You don’t know how much this means to me. To know I have a partner who listens, who sees me, who cares about my desires. I love you, Navy.”
“I love you too, Zander. You deserve this and more. Now come on. Dinner’s in the dining room. Let’s go eat.”
I led him toward the dining room, and my heart raced.
I was so excited. If this was his reaction to the cake, I knew he’d be overly emotional when he saw what else was in store.
The second we rounded the corner, everyone shouted surprise.
I thought Zander was about to have a heart attack as hard as he jumped back.
“Shit, mane!” he growled before bumping his body into mine. He buried his face in my neck, and I knew it was to avoid the display of emotion. I held him close until he picked me up. “Why you do this?” he whispered, sniffling. “Got me crying in front of folks and shit.”
That lightened the mood and made everyone laugh as they took pictures and videos.
“Because you deserve the desires of your heart. You deserve to be honored and celebrated. You deserve to be seen. Get used to it, bae. This is your life now.”
“Amen!” his mom, Rose, yelled as she raised her glass.
Everyone clapped and wished him a happy birthday while he regulated his emotions.
Once he was done shedding his happy tears, I wiped his face, then he put me on my feet.
As he hugged and thanked his guests, I watched like a proud partner.
It felt good to know I could create this moment for him.
More than that, it felt good to see my man get the love and spotlight he deserved.
Thanksgiving
My belly was full. We did lunch, or I guess it should be called an early dinner, with our parents so we could end our day with Friendsgiving.
Kaos and Serenity hosted so they wouldn’t have to travel with Serene, which I understood, and they provided a feast. After we were done eating, we picked names for Secret Santa and prepared to spend the rest of the evening playing games and cards.
Before we could head to their game room, Carson grabbed Venus’s hand. He stared at her with so much love in his eyes it made my heart squeeze in the best way.
“I can’t do this,” he said with a shake of his head.
“Do what?” she asked nervously.
“Act like I’m not ready to make you my wife.
This whole day has been about thanks, but you’re what I’m most grateful to God for.
” When he went into his pocket and kneeled, everyone in the room lost their shit.
Venus covered her face as she cried, and Carson chuckled as he pulled her hands down.
“I’m grateful this Thanksgiving for your love, your partnership, your friendship.
I can’t go another day acting like my life is not perfect now that you’re in it.
By this time next year, I want you as my wife. Will you marry me, Venus?”
“Yes,” she choked out before giggling and nodded adamantly. “Yes!”
Carson slipped the ring onto her finger then stood and took her into his arms. We all cheered, clapped, and celebrated the newly engaged couple.
I felt arms wrap around me from behind, and my body instantly melted against my man.
As his hands moved around my belly he asked, “You ready for that, sweet girl?”
“Are you?” I countered sweetly as he kissed my neck.
“With you? I’m ready for everything God has in store for us.”
Calm filled me in a way it never had with a man before.
I was never swayed by a man’s words—just his actions.
But with Zander?
His words were always true.
Always promised.
Always law.
And that surety and trust in my man had me turning in his arms for a kiss.
I knew we’d get married. I knew we’d have a healthy baby.
I knew we’d have a healthy marriage and abundant life together.
I didn’t know a lot, but those were things I knew to be sure.
The more he cocooned me against his body, the more my nervous system relaxed.
Finally, I was with a man that made me feel good. Loved. At peace.
I didn’t have to settle. I didn’t have to go against my boundaries. I wasn’t waiting for things to end. I had no complaints. We weren’t perfect by any means, but we were perfect for each other, and I was grateful to God that He opened our eyes to the love we had for one another so we could see.