Page 115 of Anything Goes

“She just came over here and pinched me in the arm talking about we need to have a discussion. I’m guessing you told her something, because I saw y’all over there in a deep conversation.”

Trying to play it cool, I waved him off. “Boy, you know how your mama is. She’s always coming up with something to be mad about.”

“You not slick, Unc. I know something is up.”

“I guess you’ll have to wait and see, huh?”

Laughing, Alauni moved in to give him a hug. “I don’t know what you two are talking about, but I just wanted to say congratulations, and I wish you nothing but the best at Huey.”

“Thanks, Coach Jeffers. I’m glad you came. I mean, not that you didn’t have any reason to come since you and my uncle are all in love again. So, any wedding talk?”

Alauni dropped her head and laughed. “It’s way too soon to be talking about getting married.”

“You sure about that?” I teased, yanking her into me.

“Yes, it is.”

I shrugged. “You know, some people do get married after only dating for a few months.”

“Yeah, well, we’re not some people.”

I laughed.

I know it probably seemed like I was just joking, but I was dead ass serious. I didn’t question my feelings for Alauni, and I didn’t question the fact that I could see her being my wife. I wasn’t going to press the issue, but she was going to know that I wasn’t scared to make a move.

But before I moved on from the subject, I looked her in the eyes and said, “Quick question.”

“What?”

“If I asked you right here, right now, to marry me. Would you say no?”

“I don’t have to answer that question.”

“Why is that?”

“One, you’re not going to ask me that right now. Second, I don’t accept marriage proposals without a ring.”

I scoffed and dipped my hand into my pants pocket. “What makes you think that I don’t have a ring?”

Her eyes widened, and I could feel her body quivering beneath me. But it wasn't out of fear. She was anxious. She wanted to see if what I said was true, and that was answer enough for me.

“Law, I know you didn’t—”

I removed my hand from my pocket. “No, I didn’t. But with the way you just looked at me, my ass is definitely going to be handling business real soon.”

Hitting me in the arm, she said, “Why did you do that to me?”

“Damn, Unc, I really thought this was about to become an engagement party.”

“It almost was, but I have to slow my roll and get this beautiful woman a ring first. I can’t be proposing to her without the bling.”

“I’m leaving this conversation,” Alauni said as she walked away laughing.

Grabbing her hand, I said, “Hold up a sec.”

“I can’t. I need to go to the bathroom. I’ve got to pee.”

“I’ll show you where it is.”