Epilogue
Miles
E ight months later
“How is she?”
“Pissed but playing it off,” Justice says with a giggle. “She almost threw out your flowers.”
“Damn, that’s cold.” It’s not like I had red roses delivered.
“This is Emma’s first Valentine’s Day with someone she loves. The holiday isn’t her favorite, but she’s in her feelings that you’re not there. Your trip took too long.”
“Well, excuse the fuck out of me for flying to the other side of the world and back.” I chuckle. “I wasn’t exactly jerking off in the Outback.” My kitten deserves the best. If that means digging out a diamond by hand from an ethical mine in Australia, so be it.
Low and gentle, Justice says, “I know. Did you get it?”
“I wouldn’t be going to face her wrath otherwise.” I signal to get off the turnpike and groan at the glow of brake lights stretching beyond the ramp. I landed in DC instead of Newark to handle some business and drove back. The weather is threatening to dump a shit ton of snow, and I didn’t want to chance the airline canceling my flight.
“Don’t screw this one up.”
“Aye.” My eyes narrow at the navigation screen like Justice can see me. “That was a fluke,” I say at her laughter.
Emma and I went back to the singles’ retreat last month. It was supposed to be a getaway for us to reminisce and dabble in some bondage at Ravenous. The resort screwed up the reservation that had us in the honeymoon suite. I never intended to propose, but I figured, what the hell? We had the flowers and champagne to celebrate.
Why not bypass an over-the-top ceremony and elope? It made sense to me, but Emma pulled my ass together. She gave a speech about the people most important in our lives not being there. She also chewed me out for my audacity to entertain what she calls microwave nuptials. The discussion turned into an argument that ended with us naked on top of the dining table. Had I known asking about a quick marriage would activate a new level of freak, I would’ve mentioned using Burger King to cater.
We don’t need a marriage to validate our relationship, but I want her in every way possible and would say “I do” tomorrow—hamburgers or not.
Em has revealed more parts of herself to me since we got together close to a year ago. I didn’t think marriage would be in the cards for us. Not yet, given the shit with her parents. But I hopped on a plane two weeks ago to cut a diamond from the earth, based on her reaction at the retreat. My lady wants me to come correct, and I’ll show her better than I can tell her.
Making a diamond into an engagement ring took longer than expected. I couldn’t get home before Valentine’s Day. Em still thinks I’m blowing it off for work, but I still have three hours before the day ends.
The East Coast has been our home since the holidays. We spent Christmas with my mama, who iced me out for her new friend like I wasn’t shit. She and Emma are as thick as thieves, and I couldn’t be happier. Even if I’m an afterthought in their presence.
Emma and I also saw her dad. Things are still tense, but they’re working on their relationship with a therapist. John is still sorting through the aftermath of Carter’s deception but faces everything head-on.
He refused to sweep the betrayal under the rug. He’s been working with a communications team that specializes in crisis management. They’re on loan from family friends who own a DC law firm and are handling it. Chanda is a real-life Olivia Pope. Through political scandal and a divorce, John came out on top. Voters looked at him as an honest man who won’t tolerate betrayal.
Emma’s mom put up a fight but found her bags packed after the stunt she pulled with Carter. We’ll never know if they worked together or with the network I unearthed, but Juliette is on her own. John had an ironclad prenup and cut her off. She got a condo outside the DMV but lost access to the circle she prioritized above her family. Through therapy, Emma is learning that love is a choice. She’s choosing to sow it into people who have her joy and best interests at heart.
As for Carter, his ass is behind bars. He hasn’t said a peep about the people he works for, likely because he wants to stay alive. They’re ghosts in the wind who erase any breadcrumbs that lead to their identities. I gave the information I uncovered to my homegirl in Baltimore. She’s an investigative journalist dedicated to bringing darkness to light.
I turn onto Marin Boulevard, grateful to leave the traffic to the Holland Tunnel in my rearview mirror.
A baby wails over the phone. “My godbaby is up. Time to put on the cape, Mama,” I say to Justice. “Kiss them both for me and tell T I said what’s up.”
As if on cue, Terrence grumbles. “I got it,” he says, half asleep. I imagine him hurrying off to the nursery, and I smile.
We were all surprised to learn that Justice and Terrence had two babies on the way: Edith and Graciela Reyes. Emma and I flew to Austin last month to meet our godchildren. We’re still set on no kids but are buying a house nearby to be closer. Cali is nice, but family is where the heart is. Time with T and Jay during their trip out west cemented the decision. Em and I will still travel and float between our properties but want to remain connected.
Austin has emerged as the fashion capital of Texas. With a growing demand for luxury and designer events, Emma got the green light to open a Soie office in the city. It will take time to get up and running, but we’ll be closer to our friends, and Em will also have Kojo nearby. He relocated to the area months ago after opening a design studio.
“Have a wonderful time away, and take care of my friend,” Justice says.
I plan to knock the Mario coins out of her pussy.
“Will do,” I say.
I pull up to the curb of my condo and dap up Marquis before handing him my keys. I drove up my Audi R8 after swinging by my Virginia house and visiting Justice’s mama. She wanted to see the ring for Emma and sobbed before hopping on a video call with my mama, who damn near fell out like it was the first time she saw it. My mama called me every two days while I was in Australia asking for updates but gave the BET performance of her life with all that hollering on the phone. Between the gorilla grip that Jay’s mama had me in and the trio of squeals once they called Terrence’s mama, I never thought I’d make it out on time—much less with my hearing intact.
The mothers showered Emma with love during Jay and T’s vow renewal ceremony in Mexico last year. Their affection was right on time, given Em’s fallout with Juliette. That woman has yet to reach out to her daughter, but Emma has three mamas now who pour into her—their bonus daughter. We now have a blended family with those who love us the most.
I hit up Em’s pops out of respect before driving up to Jersey. John had given me his blessing last year, but he didnt’t know I’m dead serious about loving his daughter for the rest of my life. I’m also serious about him treating her right.
Emma is endgame; there are no two ways about it.
The wind picks up on my walk inside the building. I tighten my peacoat and step through the parting glass doors. This place has everything you need—and then some. It’s a stone’s throw from the city, a major plus whenever Emma has a fashion event. The security is also legit. We have a private elevator. Our condo has panoramic views of the skyline and a split-level terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi.
The elevator door opens to concrete flooring and high ceilings. I drop my bag, pull off my Timbs, and walk through the foyer. Sade’s “By Your Side” is crooning through the speakers. It has become the song we play almost every night while we watch the sunset.
Emma is on the large sectional that overlooks Manhattan. She’s in one of my hoodies, her hair tossed up in a messy bun. Snowflakes coat the night sky as city lights streak through the living room. Emma sighs and sips her wine before reaching for her phone.
Emma
Hi.
Hi. Like your gifts?
Emma
They’re nice, thanks.
I roll my lips to suppress a chuckle. She’s pissed.
I had presents delivered for each day I wasn’t here. A stuffed animal from the Santa Monica Pier arrived last night, and flowers today. I planned to wrap my dick in a red ribbon, but we’ll see how the night goes.
You mad, kitten?
Emma
I’m fine.
Liar.
I haven’t had to travel for work in almost half a year. With Em splitting time between New York and LA for fashion events, I follow her around these days. My sudden departure sparked suspicion.
Emma
Just checking in to see how work is going.
I got what I needed.
The five-carat diamond ring weighs heavily in the box in my pocket. I had the jeweler add two small stones from GG’s wedding ring. Emma has my heart, and now she’ll carry a piece of the woman who helped shape me into the man I am today.
Emma
Good. I’ll see you home soon.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” she mumbles under her breath.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, kitten.” Emma startles at my voice. She whips her head around to face me, her brows knitted and eyes wide.
“Wh—what are you doing here?” She clutches her chest. Shock dissolves into a smile that dents her cheeks.
“I need a reason to come home?” I chuckle. Emma rises to her knees when I reach her, still in disbelief that I’m here. I tip her chin and peck her mouth. “I wouldn’t miss our first Valentine’s Day.” I kiss her again to savor her taste and lift her from the couch. “Fuck, I missed you.”
Our lips crash. My dick swells at the weight of her in my arms. Emma slips her tongue into my mouth and grinds her hips against my pelvis.
“I missed you, baby,” she pants. “So much.”
Her breath catches at my fingers grazing her entrance. I pump a thumb in and out. “Look at this greedy pussy sucking me in,” I say and bite her bottom lip. She whimpers. “Em?”
“Yeah?” She groans when I remove my hand to cup her face.
“I want this for the rest of my life.”
Emma’s eyes search mine. “You have me in every way.” She presses her lips to mine and wiggles her booty. “Now fuck me like you’ve missed me.”
“I’mma stretch your walls and contort those legs.” I nip at her neck and walk us back to our bedroom.
“You talk too much, Miles.”
“And you’re about to choke on this dick. Get those vocal cords ready to scream and suck.” I kiss the laughter rumbling up her throat and sprint the rest of the way.
“Miles!” Emma squeals.
I toss her on the bed, spread her legs, and eat.
An hour later, we finally come up for air to catch our breath and eat dinner. Emma had two sushi platters in the refrigerator, which we placed between us. We’re in front of the fireplace next to our bed with a picnic spread, butt-ass naked, surrounded by blankets.
I kiss Emma’s shoulder and hold up a tuna roll she sucks into her mouth. I hiss at the flick of her tongue over my fingers. “I’ll pin you down and fuck you right here if you keep it up.”
Desire dances in the flames reflected in her eyes. “Promise?”
“I love you. For real.” My smile spreads at her laughter. “I’ve never experienced the happiness I have with you. You’re it for me, baby.”
She sucks in a breath and stares, her eyes brimming with tears. “I love you too.”
“Don’t cry, kitten. I didn’t mean to get sentimental with my dick out.” We snicker. “The shit just hits me.”
Emma nods and takes my hand to place over her heart. “You unlocked a love inside me I didn’t know was possible. Thank you for seeing me and loving me without conditions.”
Well, shit. I might let some tears fall too.
“Alright”—Emma wipes her eyes and laughs—“We don’t do Hallmark. Do you want to watch a movie?”
“We’re getting snowed in and have nothing but time.” Outside is a curtain of white with low visibility. “Another horror movie?”
She leans back and squints. “How did you know I watched them?”
“Lucky guess.”
Her finger trails down my pec. “What about a rom-com?”
“Oh, hell no. I thought you said no Hallmark!”
She laughs. “Nothing cheesy. Just something for the occasion.”
“If it has Ken in it, I’m out.” I have already sat through four Ryan Gosling movies. One more, and I will personally ask for his autograph if I ever see him on the street. La La Land pissed me the fuck off. Emma was crying all hard, and I was shouting at the TV. Right person, wrong time, my ass.
“What’s the matter? Can’t handle romance on Valentine’s Day?” Her lips curl in defiance.
I scoff. “I’m smooth as a baby’s ass.”
“Care to bet? You and me, this weekend,” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck. “No fancy restaurant this time.”
A brow hikes. “Do you remember what happened the last time you bet me?”
“Whoever proves to be the least romantic has to do whatever the other person says.”
I lean forward and press my lips to hers. “Don’t come crying when I hurt your feelings again.”
“This is payback, Miles. I may have lost the first time, but I won’t lose again.”
My grin widens. “You sure this is what you want? I’mma pull out all the stops,” I warn.
Like déjà vu, Emma gets in my face so we’re inches apart. “Do I need to remind you that you’ve met your match?”
My gaze steadies on her. I could spend a lifetime telling Emma how much I love her, and it wouldn’t be enough. “No,” I say, my voice thick and unsteady. I lace our fingers together and kiss her forehead. “I’m game.”
Make no mistake, I’m handing Emma her ass again. I planned to wait until we left the country to propose, but it feels right here, snowed in at our home. I would never force her to uphold the bet, but you best believe I’ll add extra razzle-dazzle.
“You’ve got a deal, kitten.”
“Alright. What are we playing for?”
A slow smile eases over my face. “Forever.”
THE END