Page 115 of Crave

“Dee? Come on, baby. I need an answer.”

I nod, slowly at first, but fast and furious by the time he’s standing up to kiss my lips.

“Yes,” I croak as the tears continue to fall. He opens the little black box and slips the most perfect pink, princess cut diamond on my finger.

As soon as the ring is placed, he grabs my face with both hands and kisses me. He kisses my mouth and the tears on my face.

I hear another explosion and this time when I look up, ‘she said yes’ is flashing across the sky in pink. The words flash as bottles of champagne explode around it. A bride and groom display walk across the sky.

I throw my arms around him and despite wearing a dress, I jump up and wrap my legs around him and take his mouth in a searing kiss.

I don’t know how long we kiss, but the fireworks are still going when we come up for air. He texts something on his phone, and seconds later, our family comes running out of the kitchen.

When he finally sets me down, we’re engulfed by hugs. I don’t know how, but his family and mine are here. Both of our mothers are crying. Diana, Ebony, and Tash are screaming. JD, Luke, and Josh are hugging Jake and giving him fist bumps. The only two people who stay to the side are Troy and Tracy. They both watch the madness, unsure of their role in the celebration.

The noise is deafening. The fireworks continue, and this time there is actual champagne being popped open.

“We’re getting married!” Jake yells, and cheers erupt one more time. Tash grabs my left hand, admiring my ring.

JD lets out a loud whistle. “I would like to say a little something.” Everyone turns to face him, and Jake throws an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side. “Thank goodness for Sandy!” Everyone cheers and claps at his proclamation. “If only I had shown up at the party months ago, it would be me next to her.”

My mother looks confused while everyone else laughs. Jake leaves my side and playfully punches JD. “She’d still choose me.” JD engulfs him in a hug and Luke jumps on their backs.

“Wait,” my mom says. Everyone turns to her. “You were invited so you can meet him?” she asks, pointing at JD.

“I’m never going to live this one down,” Lil says, playfully hiding her face in her husband’s chest.

“Deedee make good choice,” she says, playfully slapping Jake’s cheek.

Everyone cheers, and Jake kisses her on both cheeks.

Troy is still watching, looking a little lost as to how to react.

I grab my mother and Tash and walk over to them. “Troy, you already met my mom and sister. Tracy, this is my mom Gabrielle and my sister Natasha, but we call her Tash.” I look behind me and wave Chris over. “And this is my big brother Chris, Tash’s husband.”

While Tracy shakes everyone’s hands, Troy lifts me off the ground and hugs me. He kisses both cheeks before setting me down.

“My best man speech is going to be epic!” JD’s voice is loud. His arm is draped around Jake’s shoulder, but when Jake sees Troy holding me, his jaw ticks. He shrugs away from JD and walks towards us with JD following him.

He pulls me from his brother and holds me against him. Tash and Chris exchange worried looks but thankfully my mother is oblivious as she carries on a conversation with Tracy.

“You’re assuming you’re going to be the best man.”

“Who else would put up with you?”

“Good point, but you’ll have to share best man duties with Tristan.”

At his words, Tracy looks away from my mother and looks at my fiancé.

“He would absolutely love that.” I hold my breath as I wait for his response. I notice that everyone is quiet as they watch this exchange. Troy has walked over to his wife and put his arm protectively around her.

“Well, someone has to show JD what to do. I can’t trust this guy with anything.” I release my breath and kiss his cheek. Even Tash and Chris breathe a sigh of relief.

“Congratulations, you two.” Tracy smiles at us both. I move from Jake and take her in a hug. When we release each other, she steps in front of Jake and the yard goes silent again. At this point, even my mother is looking on. I hold my breath, but I’m relieved when Jake opens his arms. The hug is quick and awkward, but it’s a truce. When Troy approaches, he doesn’t wait. He hugs Jake, and Jake holds onto him, hugging him back. I catch Lil wiping tears from her eyes right before she buries her face in her husband’s shoulder.

Everyone starts talking at once. Luke runs from across the yard, colliding with his brothers. They stumble back but don’t fall.

“This is the crap he used to do all the time.” Jake puts him in a headlock as Luke fake punches his brother.

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