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“Okay.”
He chuckles. “Love you.” He kisses me quickly and strolls out the door.
Stopping at the front door of my aunt and uncle’s, I raise my hand to knock. The door swings open, and Aunt Carol is standing there. She glances at my raised hand and places her hands on her hips. “Girly, I know you weren’t just about to knock on this door. How many times have I told you? You are family, and this will always be your home. You don’t knock here. You come and go as you please.” She pulls me into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you so much.” She steps back and turns toward Deacon. “Deacon Setty, it’s been too long. How have you been?” She steps up to him and wraps her arms around him in a hug as well.
She’s nothing like my mother. It’s hard to believe they are sisters. Not only that, but as soon as we pulled into the driveway, I could feel the love of this place. It’s a home where love and hugs are shared daily, and I owe my aunt and uncle a lifetime of gratitude for showing me what that feels like.
“I’m doing well. Met a nice woman, fell in love, moved her in. You know, living the dream,” he tosses it all out there like it’s no big deal.
“You be good to my girl.” She points at him.
“It’s the only way I know.”
“Come on in, you two. I made Ramsey’s favorite.”
“How did you know we’d be here?” I ask her.
“It seems that man of yours sent out a text to his best friend. It said something like my girl is coming home for dinner, and she wants you all there.” Aunt Carol winks and disappears into the kitchen.
“You did that?”
“You wanted them all here. I told you there’s nothing I won’t give you if it’s within my power.”
Tears well in my eyes. It’s stupid really to get so emotional over something like him sending out a notice to my rowdy brood of cousins, but it’s more than that. It’s the effort and the way he loves me. There are so many emotions bouncing around inside me. I love this man with my entire being, and I wish I knew how to tell him. I wish I could find the words he’s always asking me for, to explain to him what he means to me. Then it hits me. Something that I can say that will tell him not only how I feel but what he means to me. I’m nervous to even put them out into the universe, but I’m going to do it anyway.
Taking a deep breath, I let my hand rest against his cheek. He’s smiling down at me. His eyes are soft and so full of love for me. All my nerves melt away, and it’s just the man I love and me. I open my mouth, and the words escape freely. “I’m going to marry you someday, Deacon Setty.” My voice is strong, my heart is full, and the confidence I feel in my statement fills me with contentment.
He swallows hard before his lips press to mine. “Ramsey Setty, it has a nice ring to it.” He hugs me, but before we can say anything else, my cousins appear.
“Come on, man, not in my parents’ house,” Sterling jokes.
“Let the girl come up for air.” This is from Brooks.
“Are you making babies in the hallway?” Declan asks loudly.
“Ma! We need popcorn.” This is from Orrin.
“All right, funny guys.” I turn to face them. “Just you wait. You’re all going to fall, and I’m taking notes.” I point my finger at them.
“Hey, we’re innocent,” the twins, Maverick and Merrick, state at the same time. It’s that freaky twin thing.
“Yes, the two of you are off the hook. For now,” I add, giving them a pointed look. “Bring it in.” They both come to me and wrap me in a huge Kincaid sandwich.
“Can't breathe.” I pretend to be choking on air, making them laugh.
“Give them some room,” my uncle calls out to his sons. My cousins fall away, disappearing into the kitchen and living room, leaving us with Uncle Raymond. “Ramsey.” He opens his arms for me, and I walk into them. He’s hugged me several times since I called Aunt Carol that fateful night, but this time it feels different. Almost as if I’ve accepted Deacon’s love, and now, I realize I’ve had theirs all along as well. I knew that, but this… it just feels different. It feels free.
“Uncle Raymond, you know Deacon.” I step out of his embrace and look behind me. Deacon steps forward and shakes my uncle's hand.
“You’re taking care of her?” Uncle Raymond asks.
Deacon looks at me and smirks. “I’m going to marry her someday.”
Uncle Raymond tosses his head back in laughter. “Well, alrighty then. Welcome to the family, son.” With that, he turns and walks away.
