Page 72 of His Noble Heart
“Don’t be mad at him, Noe. He probably thought I told you.”
“I guess that’s possible. Anyway, does it feel weird having big brothers after all these years?”
Since I met my brothers, she would ask me random questions. I was surprised she hadn’t asked this one sooner.
“It doesn’t feel like anything, at least not yet. I’ve only seen them a few times since we met.”
“I guess that makes sense. At least you’re not angry at them anymore. Are you open to building a stronger relationship with them?”
I shrugged. “I’m not against it and taking it a day at a time.”
“Good. They’re good people, and unlike the Westside Riders, Onyx City Mayhem does a lot for the community. They’ve partnered with the youth center often since it opened, but they were doing a lot before that.”
“I get a good vibe from them. Ramina used to work at a rec center in Savannah, and when she told Rocky, he pretty much hired her on the spot.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad your uncle ignored your wishes and reached out to your brothers.”
“Yeah. Me too, I guess.”
“Surprise!” Everyone yelled as we entered Shyne’s backyard.
Noelani was startled, so she clung to my good arm. I watched as she looked around at the décor with a look of confusion covering her face.
“Is this for me?” she asked.
“Yes, it’s an early birthday celebration for you,” I said.
“Happy early birthday, Lani!” Indira cheered, holding up a red cup I was sure was filled with liquor.
“Aww! Y’all did this for me? I feel so loved.”
“You are loved, sweetheart, and you’re also nosy. It’s hard to surprise you, so we couldn’t be too obvious with our plans,” Mrs. Natavia said.
“Y’all got me good because I had no idea.”
I followed her around as she greeted everyone, and I spoke to them as well. When she got to two women I hadn’t met, she squealed as they embraced, and I noticed the two men with them.
“Oh shit! Dakari Bentley and Bronx Ravens from the Blazers?” I questioned.
They nodded and stood, offering me a handshake as I introduced myself. Once they greeted Noelani, they returned to their seats. She finished greeting the guests, and while she found a place to sit, I found Shyne and pulled him to the side.
“Thanks for doing this, bruh,” I said in a low voice.
“You know it’s not a problem. I’ll do anything for the people I love.”
“You got the ring?”
“It’s inside. I had to hide it from Raine because she would’ve asked too many questions and none of the women in my life can keep a secret like this. Remember that for future surprises.”
I nodded and laughed as I followed him inside. He’d hidden the ring in the guest bedroom, in a shoe box at the top of the closet. I shoved the ring in the pocket of my sweats.
“I appreciate this. I can’t lie. I’m nervous as fuck, so I need to do this as soon as possible,” I admitted.
“No worries. I got you. I’ll suggest we sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake now before we forget. That’s happened quite a few times, so it won’t seem strange, and nobody will be opposed. Once we’re done, the floor is yours.”
I blew out a breath and nodded in an effort to relieve my nerves. Shyne noticed and put his hand on my shoulder.
“You got this, man. Noelani loves you, is carrying your child, and wants to be your wife. She’ll say yes.”
