Page 63 of Betrothed To Love

“He healed a little piece of my broken heart with this. I don’t think he even realizes how special this is,” I say.

My ma loved gardening. She even had a small one in the backyard. When Papa upgraded her ring, he got a special one for her, and somehow Quintus got me an almost exact replica. My beautiful ring has the same marquise-shaped diamonds that wind like graceful vines around the center stone in a signature organic design. The only differences are mine is platinum, Ma’s was gold, and my diamond is two karat, Ma’s was half a karat.

“Oh, he does. Trust me. After I met him, I knew that man had fallen fast. This ring and the way he looked at you and held you at the winery proved it. I hope you are leaning in to all he’s offering you, because that’s love, something you are so deserving of.”

“Aww, thank you, Alex. Trust me; I’m leaning all the way in. I’m not staying here all night with y’all. After the movie, I’m going home to my husband.”

Smiling, she asks, “I know you’re not driving to Diamond Falls. That’s already your second drink.”

“No, I’m not. He and Niya are at my condo. They dropped me off and he’s going to pick me up. He told me to drink as much as I want ’cause he’s got me.”

“Aww. I’m jealous. Which one of his fine ass brothers is single?” she asks with a laugh. “’Cause friend, they are all fine.”

“I know, right. Ace, the oldest, is married. The other three are single. Well, maybe not Shiro, the biggest one. I think Kyrah has him on lock.”

“And do,” Kyrah says from behind and we both turn around. She’s walking in with Giselle and the young looking delivery driver. When Giselle leads the young man to the area she has set up for food, Kyrah walks over to us and hugs us both. “What about Shiro?” she asks.

“I don’t have much to tell. You’re keeping him under wraps,” I admit.

“Under these thighs,” she says with a titter. “But not under wraps. We are just having fun, enjoying each other’s company and fucking like rabbits. That fine ass man knocks my head into my bed frame and I’m loving every minute of it,” she adds with the brightest and biggest damn smile.

“I know that’s right,” Alex exclaims.

“I knew it,” I gush, excited for my friend. Her ex-husband was a trash ass and he took her through it; she deserves all of this. “But that smile looks like more than fun.”

“It’s not. At least for now. I’m really loving the no-strings-attached thing. That’s why I’m late. He called, asked if he could come over, and I said hell yes,” Kyrah says, beaming.

“Late for dick. That’s a new one,” Alex says. “But one I approve of.”

“Y’all can eat. I’m going to walk him out,” Giselle says. “This poor boy has heard enough anyway,” she adds while grinning.

“Whatever it is definitely smells delicious. I’m starving,” Kyrah says before standing.

“I bet you are, slut,” I tease.

“I’ll be that,” she says with a smirk.

Kyrah walks over to the food table and me and Alex are right behind her. The food looks as good as it smells. If Abuelito’s tastes as good as it smells and looks, then they are about to gain a new patron. There’s cilantro line rice, Borracho beans, avocado salad, a trio of dips with what looks like homemade chicharrónes, and a mixed fajita with chicken, steak, and shrimp. There’s even extra grilled bell peppers, jalapenos, and onions on the side.

“I swear I gain two pounds every FNF,” Alex says as she piles her plate.

“All that Pilates and hot yoga shit you do, no one sees the damn two pounds,” Kyrah scoffs. She’s beautifully thick like me and we love and embrace every damn pound. Alex is slim thick and she’s addicted to working out. “Pile that plate up, sis.”

“Oh I am,” Alex assures as she does just what Kyrah suggests.

My plate is filled too by the time Giselle returns to her theater room. She walks in and joins us at the food table.

“I had to double tip that baby. He was damn near blushing when y’all were talking about dick. He looked younger than twenty. You each owe me twenty, shit!” she teases.

“Charge it to my heart,” Kyrah says.

“I forgot he was even in here,” I admit.

“Hell, me too. He looked over eighteen. He’ll be fine,” Alex says.

“Where did you get this from again? These beans taste, shit, good,” Kyrah says before putting another spoon of them in her mouth.

“The new place, Abuelito’s. But tell me about this dick. Who the hell does it belong to?” Giselle asks.