Meant to Be (16 page)

I moved to one knee and pulled the box out of my pocket. I made sure my left hand was exposed, and the ink around my left finger was noticeable. Even though the box was empty, I opened the lid. “Will you marry me?”

She gasped then fell to her knees in front of me, her tears about to broach the surface. She looked at the empty box then noticed my hand. Her fingers touched the inked skin, her eyes mesmerized. “You got a tattoo…”

“It’s the only thing I deem worthy enough to mark my skin.”

Then the tears fell. “And I want a matching one.”

I knew that’s exactly what she would say. I knew my baby better than anyone else. She didn’t care about jewelry or expensive things. All she cared about was me and the love we had for each other, which was timeless and unconditionally true. “You still have to say yes.”

“I don’t need to say anything. You know my answer.”

I felt my own tears burn my eyes but I kept them back. I cupped her face and gave my fiancé our first kiss as a betrothed couple. I tasted the salt on her tongue, but loved the taste. Those tears were from joy, not sadness. “Thank you for being mine.”

“Forever and Always.”

She and I held each other for a long time, the candles burning around us. Nothing was said, but the quiet companionship was perfect. It was a moment I’d remember for the rest of my life. She was the one.

“How about that tattoo?” I pulled away and blinked my tears away.

She smiled. “Let’s do it.”

I guided her to her feet then pulled her to the chair. She didn’t seem nervous or scared by the needles or what I was about to do to her. She trusted me and wanted the matching marking.

I gave her a reassuring smile then began my work. We didn’t speak while I inked her skin. She pressed her head to mine and watched me work on her left hand. When I was done, I dabbed it then reached for a bandage.

“Leave it off.”

“You should cover it.”

“I’ll cover it later.” She stared at the marking affectionately. It was still slightly red but the ink looked great.

I kissed her again then rested my hand on the back of her neck.

“Can we come out now?” Scarlet voice was heavy with sobs.

I rolled my eyes. “Fine.”

The girls were all crying, and even Cortland was a little choked
up.

“That was beautiful,” Scarlet said. “I can’t believe you did that.” She eyed my tattoo.

“Yes, I can be romantic,” I said.

The girls huddled around Janice and looked at her new ink.

“It’s perfect,” Monnique said.

“It really is,” Scarlet agreed.

Janice smiled while she turned her hand over, examining the marking.

“So, when’s the wedding?” Sean asked.

“Whenever Janice wants it to be,” I said while I stared at her affectionately.

Scarlet kept crying then hugged me tightly. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I said as I patted her back.

“You want me to be your best man?” she asked.

“God, no.”

Everyone laughed.

Scarlet glared at me. “Well, I’m your best friend.”

“Actually, I’m his best friend,” Cortland interjected.

“Me too,” Mike added.

“What about me?” Sean asked. “I’ve known him longer than all of you.”

“Not me,” Scarlet said.

I rolled my eyes. “Calm down, everyone.”

Janice left the chair then moved into my arms. The emotion was still in her eyes, bright and heavy. Her arms latched onto me like she’d never let go.

“Let’s go out and celebrate,” Mike said. “The rounds are on me.”

I gripped Janice’s lower back and told her exactly what I wanted to do.

“Let’s hit the bars,” Scarlet said. “We’re going to party all night.”

I pulled Janice toward the door. “You guys have fun.”

“What?” Monnique asked. “Where are you going?”

“Where do you think?” Mike said with a wink.

“You guys have fun.” I walked out with Janice then headed back to our apartment. I didn’t care about anyone else, including my family. I just wanted to be with Janice, to combine our bodies in light of our unbreakable commitment. Her presence was forever ingrained on my skin, and hers was etched with mine. All I wanted to do was be inside her repeatedly, telling her I
loved her without words.

The Next Installment of the Forever and Always Series

Here and Now

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