It had been a week and a few days since they returned from Vegas as husband and wife. Nivéa and Nyla had been staying with him since, but Crown was ready to make it official, no in-between.
Nivéa grinned as she slipped into one of his oversized t-shirts and a pair of leggings. “You ready to make it real, huh, baby?” she teased.
“Hell yeah. A nigga ain’t drop three-hunnin’ bands for nothing. I want you home with me.” His gaze dropped to her ring. “Every fuckin’ night.”
“I’m here. I wasn’t going nowhere. And you’ve got everything we need, so I don’t even have to bring much.” Nivéa replied as he turned his attention back to Nyla, who was spitting up on his shoulder.
That was her cue.
Nivéa took a moment to grab what she needed from her cardigan pocket, then walked over to him.
“But to answer your question, let’s get the reception out the way first. Then the following weekend, we can handle the move. I’m thinking of putting in a good word for Reesh with my landlord to take over for me. I’m sure she would love a house. I’d just have to help her pay for it; there’s a big price difference from her apartment rent.”
She eased into his lap. Crown shifted Nyla gently with one arm while wrapping the other around her.
“Aight, baby. Do that. I’ll pay it. It’s whatever makes you happy.” He kissed her dimple, knowing he was wrapped around her finger.
“I got something for you.” She told him.
“Yeah? What you got for me?” His eyes lowered, curiously.
Nivéa slowly opened her hand, revealing a matte black leather ring box. She flipped the lid open, exposing a platinum diamond wedding band nestled inside cream suede.
“Damn…” Crown said, caught off guard.
Nivéa’s expression shifted slightly. “What? You don’t like it?”
“I love it. But why you spend your bread? I already got one so you wouldn’t have to do that.”
Nivéa shook her head. “Absolutely not. You can’t keep wearing a ring you bought for yourself. I understand why you did it, but I want you wearing something I chose for you. And if you don’t like it, I can pick something else. I know it’s not as expensive as the one your jeweler made, but I did take the time to find a good jeweler and try to match your style.”
“I love it. I wouldn’t give a fuck if it cost you a hundred dollars. I’d rock it the same just ‘cause it came from you.”
“You lying. Nigga, your shit-talking ass ain’t wearing no $100 ring.” She twisted her lips.
“Definitely not before.” Crown chuckled, eyeing the sleek logo engraved on the box. He recognized it; she didn’t drop nochump change. “But anything from you hits different. That’s real. I’d rock it just ‘cause you copped it. I promise you that.”
Nivéa’s heart fluttered as she watched him slide off the ring he’d bought for himself, replacing it with the one she gave him. Proudly.
“Read the engraving,” she told him, and Crown began to study it.
2025 Changed Everything • C + N • Knight Forever
“I fucks wit’ it. You did good, ma. Real good. Plus, you got good taste. I appreciate you.”
“Always.” Nivéa rested her head against his shoulder, feeling fulfilled…as if her life was finally settling into something right.
The engraving felt deeply personal, marking the turning point in their lives. It referenced the year they met, the year they confessed their love, their marriage, and now this pregnancy.
When they came home from their trip, Nivéa had researched and settled on one of the most respected jewelers. Walking through those heavy glass doors felt intimidating at the time, but that feeling vanished the moment she explained who she was shopping for.
It worked out perfectly because the company offered in-house financing. She happily gave a chunk of her savings and signed the paperwork without hesitation. Crown had already done so much for her; the least she could do was buy her husband’s ring.
“How was your day?” She asked, shifting the moment.
“Straight. I walked two of the sites where construction has begun. Other than that, I chilled at the office. I know your day was long, but how you feeling?”
“Tired.” Nivéa yawned, rubbing her growling stomach. She was starving and slightly queasy.
