Page 128 of Business Casual

“I want you there.” I intertwined my fingers with his. “I want you everywhere I am.”

He brought the back of my hand to his lips. “Good. Because I’m not planning to ever leave your side.”

I exhaled as butterflies danced in my belly.

We climbed out of the car and headed down a winding path. “Will you wait right here?” I asked as we approached a big oak tree.

“Of course,” he said, before pulling me into him and kissing me softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Looking into his eyes, I believed him.

Leaving him at the tree, I walked between headstones until I reached my father’s twenty yards away.

“Hey, Dad,” I murmured, pulling my coat tighter. “I’m sorry I haven’t been down here in a while. Work has kept me busy. But I always want to bring the good news to you as soon as I can. So…” I looked over my shoulder at Tre who was staring back at me. “I fell in love. And I just wanted you to know that I’m happy. And he’s Jimmy approved so I know you’d be happy.” I took a deep breath. “His name is Alexander Franklin III, but he goes by Tre. He’s kind and generous and thoughtful. He’s really good with finances and he gives back to the community. He’s smart and funny and insightful and silly. He drives a sportscar, so he has good taste. Even though he doesn’t know as much as we do about cars, he’s a good driver. He inspires me and he supports me and he wants what’s best for me. He’s… the one. I remember you told me one day that you knew Mom was the one for you because she made even the rainiest of days seem like the sunniest of days.” I swallowed hard. “That’s what he does for me. And you told me that you prayed that I’d find a man that does that for me. And I just wanted to tell you thank you… because your prayers worked. I love you. I wish you were here.”

I closed my eyes and said my own prayers before kissing my fingers and pressing them against the headstone.

Taking a deep, shaky breath, I turned around. The moment I started walking, Tre started walking toward me. Without saying a word, he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground. I squeezed him tight. I felt so warm, so loved, so cared for. My eyes filled with tears instantly.

“Are you okay?” he asked, slowly sliding me down his body until I touched the ground.

“I’m better than okay,” I answered, blinking up at him.

He used his thumb to wipe a tear away. “You sure?”

I nodded. “Yeah.” I intertwined my hand with his. “I’ll show you which one is his.” Walking him over to my dad’s gravesite, I felt a little overwhelmed. “I’m going to introduce you. Don’t be alarmed.”

He lifted my hand to his lips.

We stopped in front of the granite stone that bore my father’s name. “I’m headed home, Dad. But before I go, this is my boyfriend, Tre,” I stated. “He takes good care of me, so you don’t have to worry.” Covering my mouth so the snicker couldn’t get out, I added, “His only flaw is that he thought a Porsche was better than a Ferrari. I don’t hold that against him though.”

“I hope you won’t hold that against me either, sir,” Tre spoke up, surprising me. Amusement made his eyes dance. “I didn’t know any better.” He glanced at me. “But Imani’s teaching me.”

Tearing my eyes from Tre, I stared at the plot of land where my father’s body was buried. “I’ll be back soon, Dad.”

“Me, too,” Tre added before we walked away.

We were silent all the way to the car and once we climbed in, I got a chill.

“Let’s get back before Mom starts stressing out.”

We made it back home in time for an early dinner, caroling and touring lights. It was a night full of fun and nostalgia. My family loved Tre almost as much as I did. When we got back, Mom pulled out three big photo albums for Tre to go through while she went to the kitchen to make chocolate chip cookies from scratch.

“I’m going to go change,” I announced. Looking at Tre, I extended my hand. “You want to change out of your jeans? Slip into something a little more comfortable.” I winked and pointed to myself.

Because he could slip into me any time, any place.

Amused, he leaned forward and kissed my hand. “I’m going to help your mom with the dishes and then I’ll be in there.” He winked and mouthed, “Wait for me.”

With a devious grin, I nodded. “Okay.”

I went to the guest bedroom to change, but before I took off my jeans, I found Aunt Di’s card. She’d wanted me to hold it for her and I had completely forgotten about it.

Opening the door, I padded my way down the hall, but I stopped when I heard my mom yelp. Curious, I tiptoed closer.

“…she makes me a better man, a better version of myself and I want to spend the rest of my life with her,” Tre said. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.”

“When are you going to do it?” Mom questioned, her voice two octaves higher and bordering a squeal. “Oh my God! I’m so happy!”

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