Page 97 of Lost In London

“What? What is it?” Coco tried to lean over and look inside.

Standing, I cleared my throat and adjusted my ring so they could see that pretty crown diamond. “Quincey proposed. I’m getting married.”

Being rushed with hugs and congratulations warmed my heart in the sweetest way. These women had become my friends, my sisters.

I loved them all.

Dabbing her eyes, Luna turned the box around so everyone could see the cute will you be my matron of honor? Box. “Why can’t I be the maid of honor? What heffa outranked me?”

I tried not to get emotional thinking about him. “I, uh. I wanted to ask Cassian to be my man of honor. Tai and Melly to be my flower girls. Cashton as my ring man, but he’s still not talking to me.” I fanned my tears away.

“Men are the biggest babies when they’re sick and when their feelings get hurt. He’ll be okay.” I wanted to believe Keatyn, I really did, but this is the longest he and I have gone without talking or seeing each other. Then for him to turn his kids against me.

Ugh.

I didn’t know what to do.

“I just don’t understand.” I blew out a breath. “He’s been teaching me to demand respect and start standing up for myself. Not taking any shit from anyone who had a problem with the way I lived my life but yet the first time I step out to receive the happiness I’ve always dreamed of, it’s like he’s penalizing me for it.” I wanted to march right up to Rims & Heaux’s and force him to talk to me. Force him to forgive me.

“I didn’t think a man like Quincey existed until I met him. Y’all know how I was. I barely prayed. My faith was the size of a mustard seed or smaller, but I prayed one last time for love with no hope or expectations.” I sniffled looking down at my ring. “He loves me. He protects me. He woos me. He teaches me something new everyday. He incites me. I feel free and confident. I never knew being in love could feel so beautiful. I look in Quincey’s eyes and see God’s grace and mercy. I want Cassian to have what I have. I want him to see the joy that came after my weeping. He prepared me for Quincey and I’m so thankful to him for that.”

“Whew, girl.” Keatyn wiped her eyes.

“I’m so happy for you, London. So damn happy,” Krishna came over and hugged me.

“It’s such a beautiful sight to see when a man loves his woman correctly.” Coco looked over and winked at me. “She’s forever changed. She’s stronger and more confident. There’s no department she lacks in because where she may fall short there her man is filling in the gaps. Trust me, London. We get it. Cheers to you.”

“Cheers.” Our glass clinked together.

“What else is new, ladies? Capone, you’ve been extra quiet. How are you and Pacino? You’re going on year twenty, right?”

Damn, I didn’t realize they’d been married that long.

Looking at Capone it was almost as if she was shrinking within herself. Trying not to be seen. Trying to be forgotten. “Uh, yeah. Twenty years in December but…” She looked down and that’s when I noticed she wasn’t wearing her glacier of a wedding ring. “We’re getting a divorce.” She covered her cry, Luna moving to comfort her. “When the time is right I’ll share the details but right now, I just need your prayers.”

Wow.

I wasn’t expecting that at all.

None of us were.

Ever since the lockdown last year, I’ve noticed a shift in their marriage. Noticed a shift in their body language with each other. It was in the short responses when they communicated. Lack of eye contact and disinterest to be in the same room together. I really hoped they could work out their issues and not get divorced. Pacino has been spending a lot of time with Cassian and Amell when it came to handling business. I remember I asked Cassian will he ever retire and he said the only way he’d leave out altogether is if Pacino took over since Amell and Atlas refused to take over. I wonder if that’s why they were getting divorced.

That really sucked.

I loved them together.

“Now, for you heffas that think we don’t know that you’re pregnant.” Keatyn pointed her spoon at Coco. “I need y’all to spill the beans and drop the due dates so I can get to planning these baby showers.”

Butterflies fluttered in my belly thinking of one day carrying Quincey’s kids. Crazy how I used to not want them but now I was growing more excited as the days passed on to create a legacy of our own.

“I really can’t stand you,” Coco flung a fry at Keatyn. “I’m due in November. November twenty-fifth to be exact. And no, we don’t know what we’re having. We decided to wait until I have the baby to find out.”

“Yay, bestie. I’m so happy for you and Dre. His first child. That baby is going to be so special.” Keatyn took the words right out of my mouth.

“My pregnancy isn’t new with your over the top drama self,” Krishna rolled her eyes laughing. “We’re having a boy. Just found out the sex two days ago and I’ll be dropping this load in October. After this, I don’t want anymore.”

“Does Amell know that?” I teased.

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