Josie opened her mouth to say something, but Bishop’s voice cut her off. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” Everyone turned his way as he stood. He sat his bottle down, wiping his palms on his jeans.
“What is he doing?” Josie asked, shifting on the stone bench.
“I have no clue,” I said, wiping beneath my eyes.
“What is it, son?” Dad asked, tucking Mom to his side.
Bishop sucked in a breath, letting his gaze drift across our family until it landed on me. He was walking my way before I could ask him what was wrong.
“What’re you doing?” I whispered as he stood in front of me. My eyes darted toward my parents, who looked extremely confused as they watched us. Meanwhile, both my sisters were wide-eyed with glee. I could practically feel Josie vibrating beside me. Even Lincoln had tears of joy in his eyes.
And then he dropped to one knee.
Thefucking knee.
The one that promised a lot more than we had ever talked about, especially considering we hadn’t even told my parents about our brand-new relationship.
“Bishop,” I said, sucking in a breath. “What’re you doing?”
He reached out for my hand, taking it in his. “I don’t really know,” he confessed, letting his thumb trace over my knuckles. “Honestly, Lennox, I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to do this. I want to tell everyone what you mean to me and hopefully what I mean to you.”
“Lennox?” Dad asked, brows furrowed. “What’s going on?”
“I know I’m an idiot. I’ve dragged my feet when telling you and everyone here tonight how much you mean to me, but I don’t wanna wait anymore, sweetheart. Not with our family growing and?—”
“Oh, shit,” Josie said, closing her eyes.
“Bishop…” I said, squeezing his hand.
“No, I don’t want to hide this anymore, Lennox. Not with everything we’ll have coming up. I know I’ve been acting weird this week, but I’ve just been trying to show you I can handle whatever news you throw at me. I’m all in.”
Dad stepped up, hands on his hips, staring down at us. “Alright, will someone tell us what the fuck is going on here? I’m old. My hearing ain’t what it used to be, so from where I was standing… It looked like you were proposing.” He laughed, and my eyes slid closed.
I was going to die.
Bishop looked up. “I am, sir. I know it’s gonna come as a shock, but I love your daughter very much?—”
“That’s fucking obvious, son,” Dad scoffed. “I’m deaf, not blind.”
“I want to marry your daughter, sir,” he said. There wasn’t a hint of doubt in his tone. If this wasn’t so wild, then it might’ve been romantic.
Dad scratched his head, gaze flicking between Bishop andme. “A heads up would’ve been nice. I didn’t know y’all were dating…”
“We’re starting a family and?—”
“Josie...” I whispered.
“You’re pregnant?!” my mom screeched, throwing her arms around my shoulders. “Oh, Lennox!”
Josie pushed to her feet, throwing our blanket to the ground before yelling, “It’s me! I’m the one who’s pregnant, not Lennox.”
The noise stopped as everyone grew silent. They all stared at Josie, who’d gone as white as a ghost. But my gaze went to Lincoln, who stumbled forward, eyes softening as he said, “You’re pregnant?”
She nodded, a single tear falling down her cheek. “About six weeks. I have a doctor’s appointment next week to make sure.”
He surged forward, gathering her in his arms. “Darlin’…” he whispered, peppering her with kisses. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I just found out last week. Lennox was feeling some type of way about her situationship?—”
