Page 148 of Don Caselli

Squealing and running away, watching Landon get down on one knee in front of my family, his family, and books. “I couldn’t imagine a better place to ask my bookworm if she wants to be my wife.”

My makeup was ruined, even though I kept it light today. My voice was sore from the way I was squealing when he opened the velvet box and showed me the diamond ring. The blue oval cut diamond ring was beautiful.

I stared down at him and could tell he was nervous. He didn’t know what I would say, but he put himself out there and asked me a question not many men had the heart to ask. I looked at my mother, Greene, and aunt hugging each other with tears coming down their face, as they watched me.

My grandmother kissed her hands and nodded, giving me the blessing that I thought I would always need. If my grandmother didn’t approve, I couldn’t be with the person. That didn’t apply when it came to Landon.

My heart knew he was the one before I did.

“I’m not ready for this, Landon.”

He swallowed his spit and looked at me with that same look. “And that’s fine, Pooh. I’m always on your ti?—”

“Navy Bleu, stop playing in that man’s face!” my mother choked out, laughing through her tears, because she knew me so well.

I busted out laughing through my tears, as I watched Landon take a sigh of relief. “Why you playing with me, Bleu?”

I kneeled down, taking his face into my hands and kissing his lips. “Baby, nothing would make me happier than being your wife, Don.”

“You full of jokes while I feel like I’m gonna fucking throw up.”

“Don’t do that shit near us,” Menace added.

Kora and Zoya were in tears, as they held onto each other. His hands were shaking as he removed the ring from the box and slipped it onto my finger. “I love you so much, baby.”

I kissed his lips. “Say it.”

“I love you, Navy Bleu Caselli.”

“My new initials will be NBC,” I laughed, hugging him tightly.

He kissed my ear. “Nothing but cock.”

“Landon, please no… I don’t even read books that have that word,” I broke out laughing. “And you don’t even use that word.”

“Tell me what word I be using.” He pecked my lips.

“Our families are here.”

“Tell me, Pooh.”

I ignored him when I saw my father coming behind us. “Daddy!”

He wrapped me in his arms, kissing my head. My father wasn’t emotional in the least, but the redness in his eyes told me that he was feeling everything. “Mamas, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Daddy. He asked you?”

He looked at Landon, as he got up from his knee. “Yeah, my guy came and asked me what I thought… asked for my permission, too.”

“Nobody didn’t tell me nothing.”

“Duh, Pooh… it’s a surprise.”

Landon and my father embraced, and then my mother came and kissed his cheeks. “You are going to be a great husband. We are here for you both, no matter what, Landy.” She hugged him, and he squeezed her back.

“Thanks, Ma.”

Greene rushed toward me and hugged me. “I’m so happy for you. Babes, you’re gonna be a fucking billionaire. Now, when I asked to borrow some change, don’t act cheap. Lending five million isn’t that much.”

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