CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
The Proposal Alonzo . . .
Despite everything that has transpired this past week, including in the moments right before the opening, it looks to be a huge success. Tracy persuaded me to leave the kids with her and Dale. I am glad I listened to them. I came in right on time. My beautiful bride is about to speak.
When she steps up to the podium and everyone applauds, I call, “The world is yours.”
She clears her throat, exhales, and begins to speak so eloquently. “I am going to share with you why you’re here and how New Beginnings came about. If you’re not already aware, I am Candice Brown. My goal today is to give you my position on helping women, both in this room and outside, so that you better understand the issues of sexual violence against women and teenage pregnancy.
“At the age of fifteen, I became pregnant, and my biological mother threw me away. She sent me to Hope House from the confines of her hospital bed. Hope House was supposed to be my source of solace. I had no idea what motherhood entailed. Ms. Nancy and Ms. Jasmine gave instructions on the fundamentals of motherhood, which helped prepare me and my house sisters for this lifelong journey. However, nothing compared to being and becoming a mother. I cannot imagine going through life without the emotions that come along with motherhood. There are days when I feel as though I can conquer all that life has to offer with my children in tow. And then there are days when I want to run away and question every decision that I have ever made. Feeling it all, the good and the bad, gives my life purpose. I know I would not have been able to overcome the obstacles and setbacks of motherhood and the life I was handed without the sisterhood from my house sisters.
“As a teenage mom, you’re left feeling alone, ashamed, and unsure of yourself. But all of that subsides when you realize that you’re not alone, that there are other teen moms just like you, and together you can see and help one another through the challenges set before you. Teen pregnancy rates remain high, and no, we cannot save and help every teen mom. However, we will try to help as many as we can here at New Beginnings.
“At the outset, when I decided to reconstruct Hope House and transform it into New Beginnings, there was some backlash. I thought carefully about whether I should speak about this today, and it was the negative comments and outlook that motivated me to do so, because there is still censorship with sharing and talking about these things.” She exhales and fiddles with her locket before proceeding.
“My first night at Hope House, I was sexually assaulted. It left me very ashamed. Even more embarrassed than I was before my arrival. I couldn’t process what I did to deserve any of it. I questioned God’s love for me, along with posing a host of other questions. You’d think that it would have prompted me to seek help. However, after sharing what happened to me with my house sister, she helped me see that this was the new normal. Where were we to go? Even when we tried to leave, everything backfired on us. We were stuck, confused, and afraid.
“After years of abuse, we finally stood up for ourselves. In standing up, we . . . I attended therapy and learned I did nothing to deserve what happened to me or to make any of it happen. This caused me to want and make change, which is where New Beginnings came into focus. Just like I did, my house sisters received a new chance at life. I want to be able to afford other single mothers the opportunity for a new beginning. At New Beginnings, we will ensure safety, stability, and success stories for all our teen moms.
“Lastly, I urge everyone to stand up for each other. We have to be courageous and fearless. No matter what happens in your lives, I encourage you to speak up when things are wrong. Don’t live in fear. There is always a way of escape. It doesn’t seem like it when you’re in it, but I am living proof that there is a way out. We have to unite together! Today I, Candice Brown, can boldly say that I am not scared. I am not a victim. I am a survivor. And we will birth survivors and conquerors here at New Beginnings. Thank you for listening.”
The crowd explodes in whistles, cheers, and applause, and Candice leaves the podium without a dry eye in the room.
I have never been prouder of her. She did an amazing job. Hopefully, my surprise will seal the deal, making this day one of the best days of both of our lives.
Following Candice’s heart-wrenching speech, Joanne gives the guests a tour of New Beginnings while Candice cries her eyes out in front of me.
“I did it, Alonzo. I did it. I didn’t hold back. I spoke up for all of us. For Simone and Nakita. We are not victims. I am not a victim. I shared my story, and I feel good about it.”
“You did an amazing job. I recorded you, so you, Ms. J, your dad, and the girls will be able to listen together. They will be so proud of you, just like I am.”
“Thank you for being here for me. When I saw you, it made everything easy for me. I could not have done it without you. I love you so much, Alonzo.”
She wraps her arms around me.
I kiss her lips and take this as my cue. After breaking our lip-lock, I drop down on one knee.
Looking up to her, I say, “I found the source of my smile the day we reconnected when I found you at Jenna’s. Will you let me be the reason for your smile? You are the one. You are the one I want to spend my every waking moment with. With you and our beautiful babies, my life is complete. I want to grow old with you, Candice Brown. Your dad gave his blessing. Now please make my heart skip another beat. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
With tears on her face, she replies, “Yes. I would love to marry you.”
I was so nervous before I proposed that I was sick to my stomach. Not nervous about whether she would say yes, but nervous because the proposal included asking her in front of our guests. By the time I kneeled down, everyone was making their way back downstairs. It was too late to change my mind, and besides, Candice’s eyes were already about to pop out of her head. But I just felt a sense of calm right before popping the question. Being with Candice is fated; it feels like destiny!
When she said yes, I shed a tear!
A Year Later . . .