It was almost ten o’clock when I pulled my car onto the circular driveway and killed the engine. I love my new life, I thought as I gazed at the grand house. I was practically living at Kaleb’s. The house was dark, no lights were coming from his bedroom window, which was disappointing because I was hoping Kaleb was still up waiting for me.
I sighed then grabbed my purse and climbed out the car. It was such a beautiful night. If I wasn’t so tired I would have sat out on the porch with a glass of wine and meditated. Instead all I wanted was a hot shower and the bed. Brice and I had spent the evening clearing out my mother’s storage shed for Goodwill tomorrow. Seeing all that stuff had brought back way too many memories of a time in my life I’d just rather forget.
I moved up the stairs and typed the four-digit passcode into the keypad and stepped inside. No one came down and greeted me. Not even Honey. I slipped off my heels and padded into the kitchen barefoot where I retrieved a bottle of water. It was then I noticed the red rose petals on the floor. I followed the trailed up the back stairs and when I reached the landing I saw roses scattered all down the hall. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I moved toward his bedroom. But as I passed CJ’s door, it swung open. His big horse and Honey came dashing out the room. For some odd reason the two of them were thick as thieves.
“Ms. Jae, can I talk to you for a moment?” CJ asked and looked so freaked out about something.
Damn, talk about bad timing. “What is it CJ?” I said and followed him into his funky bedroom.
CJ swung around and it was then that I noticed he was holding a small box. Is that what I think—
“Ms. Jae, will you marry me and my dad?”
At that very moment I heard movement behind me and I swung around to find Kaleb standing behind me with a single white rose in his hand. I smiled then looked over at the ring again. Hot damn! That rock was huge!
“Well babe, you heard the boy… will you marry us?”
I looked from the pitiful look on CJ’s face to the solemn one on his father’s face. They both looked like they were preparing for me to say no. Sure, I wanted to marry Kaleb but I was thinking months from now after he started spending some of his money on me. If Kaleb had proposed in private maybe I could have convinced him it was a little soon but there was that sad look in CJ’ eyes that said these two mothafuckas desperately needed me.
I paused briefly, glancing up at the ceiling as if considering my answer and then I answered. “Yes… I’ll marry you.”
CJ’s shoulders sagged with relief and he looked to his father and grinned.
“You made us so happy.” Kaleb stepped inside the room and I wrapped my arms around both of them. We were now a family. Apparently Honey liked the idea. My little Pomeranian was out in the hall dry humping Midnight.