Epilogue #2
The women returned to their positions and stood along the red carpet, which was covered in rose petals.
As Peace walked down the carpet, they handed her some flowers.
Her hand covered her mouth as she tried to hold back her tears.
When she finally reached where I stood, she observed the glowing side that read, ‘Will you marry me?’ and broke down crying.
Promise rushed over and stood next to me.
I started to get emotional when I looked at the little family I made.
Peace and I stood in front of each other, and I held her shaking hands in mine.
“I planned to be a bachelor for the rest of my life. Love didn’t exist in my world, and I wanted to keep it that way.
When you came into my life, I thought I would help you and go about my business.
I had no idea that the big man upstairs had already been writing our love story before I even knew who you were.
I never wanted to fall in love, but you and baby girl came in and stole a niggas heart right from under me.
Now, I can’t imagine a life without you in it. ”
I picked Promise up so she could show her momma our surprise. She handed her the piece of paper as Peace eyed me curiously. I watched her unfold it and read over its contents.
“Tell your momma what your name is.”
“Promise Amour Davis!” she squealed. Pride filled my heart because my baby was so happy to have my last name. Since the day I found out she belonged to me, I made plans to get her name changed, and I couldn’t be happier. Now we just needed one more thing to make it all official.
“Since our babies are carrying my last name, I was wondering if you would carry it too.” I placed Promise down, then dropped to one knee.
“Breathe, baby,” I coached her, realizing she was about to hold her breath.
“Peace Haven Graham, will you marry me?”
She nodded her head, but that wasn’t enough for me.
“Naw, use your words the same way you do when we fuckin’”
“Dreaux!” Nadira hissed from the crowd.
“My bad, momma.”
“Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you,” Peace announced.
The room erupted with cheers as I pulled her into my arms and shoved my tongue into her mouth.
I almost forgot where we were until our families surrounded us.
Everyone wanted to hug and congratulate us.
I dapped up my brother, Jameer, and Nazeem first before Nadira made her way through our circle.
Her face was reddened with tears as she wrapped her arms around me.
“I’m so proud of you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. I can’t wait to see you get married and become the amazing husband I know you can be. ”
Her words meant a lot to me, and I was proud of the progress we were making.
Nadira stayed with us for a month after I was shot, taking care of my family and me.
We had to move into a new place, and she stepped right in to decorate and cook for us.
I was grateful for her love and prayers.
We were taking things one step at a time, but she made it easy to love her because her heart was so pure.
Doniese was still alive, but I meant what I said about cutting her off.
When I found out all of the shit she did to Nadira, I realized she was more evil than I thought.
She still hadn’t made any effort to reconnect with my sisters, and they had finally decided to wipe their hands of her.
Dominique was heading off to college, and I couldn’t wait for her to leave because she was bleeding my pockets dry and stressing me out with all of her college needs.
I was proud of my sister, but I needed her to find something better to do than send me links to college-dorm necessities.
When I got to the fellas, they were ready to congratulate and talk shit at the same time.
“Welcome to the club, mothafucka!” Messiah roared.
“Man, don’t even start.”
“Oh, you gone hear our mouths. You talked all that shit about us being married and sprung. Now, look at you. I know you can’t wait to get home so you can lay up with your woman. Ol’ soft ass nigga,” Loyal teased.
“Damn right. I’m ready to go now, but I gotta feed my babies. I can admit I was wrong. I’ve always admired what y’all had with your women, but it wasn’t something I ever planned for myself. I don’t have any complaints, though. I would choose this life over being single any day of the week.”
“Hell, yeah. I’m proud of you, bro. I’ve always admired your strength and ambition, but seeing you become a family man has taken you up another level.
We’ve been on this journey together for a long time, and I’m grateful that our friendship has never wavered.
I’m excited to stand beside you as you walk into this new season in life, and I’m here for whatever you need.
I love you, Dreaux.” Justice was my brother, and the person who knew me better than anyone.
I learned a lot from him over those years, and it meant a lot to me to know he was proud of me.
We all moved to the next room, where a catered dinner awaited us.
Money was never an object when it came to family, and it felt good to have everyone I loved in the same place.
Peace couldn’t stop smiling the entire time, and that meant more to me than anything.
She deserved a soft life full of love and whatever else she desired, and I planned to give it all to her.
“I love you. I hope you enjoyed your night. I wanted to make it special for you.” I kissed the back of her hand as we sat next to each other at the table.
“Tonight has been incredible. Every day with us is amazing, but this was everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
I’m really happy, and for once in my life, I’m not afraid of it.
Your love has healed so many parts of me, and I’m thankful for you.
For some reason, I thought I was hard to love, but it turns out I was giving my love to the wrong people.
Thank you for showing me what real love from a real man feels like.
I would carry a million of your babies because I know what kind of father they are going to get.
You’re an incredible human being, Dreaux Davis, and I’m honored to have your heart. ”
Her words moved me in a way I hadn’t expected. I would always be a hood nigga at heart, but for her, I wanted to be everything she ever needed. Her love melted the ice around my cold heart, and now I wanted to show her what it meant to truly be loved by a thug.
Life couldn’t get any better, and it was only the beginning.
The End