Page 88 of Until Forever

“Look who’s here?”

We turn. Someone’s in a Black Panther costume. Forgetting about the cake, we go to T’Challa, shaking his hand and thanking him for coming. All the grown-ups are talking or eating while we play with Black Panther, totally forgetting about dessert.

But then I look behind me. My dad tips his head, giving me the signal. I nod with a thumbs-up and hug T’Challa.

“Don’t leave. We’ll be right back,” I say, and he agrees. “Let’s get some cake now,” I holler.

Mommy puts a number eight-shaped candle on the top and lights it. Everyone crowds around me, but I make sure Mommy doesn’t move from my side. They sing to me, and when they get to thehow old are you part,I wink at Maw Maw

Holding my breath, I make a wish, peeking with one eye open so that Maw Maw can give me our secret signal.

“That’s a long wish, baby.” Mommy rubs my shoulder.

I smile because she doesn’t know it’s for a reason. Grandma clears her throat, and I lift my head and make my spine straight.

“Done,” I say really loud.

“That’s good, sweetheart,” Maw Maw adds awkwardly. “What did you wish for?”

As soon as the words leave her mouth, people step out of the way. Some ladies hold their hands over their chest or mouth, and the men have big grins. I face my mommy and grab her hand.

“I know I’m not supposed to say, but I wish for my parents to get married. Oh, and gimme a little brother, preferably one who likes baseball.”

They laugh.

Mommy giggles funny and looks around at everyone. That’s when she sees my dad, on one knee, holding a ring between his fingers, just like we planned. I take a deep breath, feeling proud that we pulled it off.

“Oh my god,” Mommy gasps, then she glances at me. “Did you know?”

“Yup. I helped. So is it a yes?” I ask.

People laugh again.

“Let me ask her first, bud.”

“Go ahead.” I wave.

He chuckles and takes her hand, staring into her eyes. “Um.” He pauses. “I had an entire speech that JJ helped me write, but now I’m a little flustered. So I’ll say that I love you. Both of you. And even though we’re still finding our groove as a family, I know that I want a life with you. I told you before that I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

She steps to him, pulling him to his feet, and, of course, they kiss…again. I roll my eyes, shaking my head, and feeling sorry for all these people having to see that. But now, I guess they know what it’s like for me.

She wiggles in place with the biggest smile and holds her left hand out in front of him. Mommy signals like she does when wants me to hurry up, and I guess it’s funny because all of the grown-ups laugh.

Dad chuckles and shakes his head. “Will you marry me?”

“Us. Will you marry us?” I correct him.

“You can’t marry your mom. That’s gross.” Brandon frowns at me.

I shrug. “Well, Mommy, say yes.” I hold my hands out toward the ring.

“Yes.” She stares at him, her voice more serious than before.

I fist pump, this time not caring when Dad grabs her and kisses her. Because it means we’re going to be a family, just like I’ve always wanted. Even Paw Paw likes my dad now, and I have a second grandpa. We don’t get to see him as much since he’s sick, and according to my mommy, he has a lot of making up to do with my dad. But sometimes, we’ll stop by to take him food and make sure he’s taking his medicine. I thought he was mean at first, but he’s actually really funny after I got to know him.

“Okay, now can we have cake?” I ask. “Itismy birthday.”

Dad pats my head and starts cutting the cake. We eat and keep partying, everybody wishing me a happy birthday over and over.

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