Page 54 of Rose

“No, Ma. Don’t cry. If you cry, then I’m gonna cry, and Kyre’s gonna cry, and you know she dramatic as hell. Plus if Sav sees me crying, he’ll burn this whole place down.”

Bianca burst out laughing, wiping her eyes. “And that’s exactly the kind of man I hoped you’d find after William.”

She pulled her daughter into a hug, soft and warm and grounding. Then she walked away, leaving Ahzii to her thoughts as the room filled with the people Savior loved most.

Did she love him?

She didn’t know yet. But she was sure of one thing.

She could. And that scared her more than anything.

Savior walked in blindfolded, guided by Sincere and A’Mazi on either side of him.

“Bro, Sin, make me bump into one more thing and I’m beating yo ass,” he barked.

“That was Mazi that time,” Sincere laughed.

“My bad, bro. We almost there,” A’Mazi said, trying not to chuckle too loud.

Savior was tense. Ever since Ahzii left, he’d been asking questions—none of which the boys answered. He even called her. Texted her. Nothing. And now here he was, blindfolded and walking into God-knows-what, with nerves curling in his stomach like fists.

“I need a fat ass blunt after this,” Mazi muttered. “Yo ass worse than a woman getting ready. ”

Sincere snorted. “Who you tellin’.”

As they approached the door, A’Mazi fired off a quick text. A second later, the door creaked open.

Ahzii motioned silently for them to come in. Savior stood still, blindfolded, unaware she was right in front of him until her fingers wrapped around his.

“Hey, Sav,” she said softly.

He jumped slightly at the warmth of her touch. “Allure?”

Her laugh was soft, a balm to his nerves. “Yes, it’s me. It’s later. You ready to see me?”

He nodded like a little boy on Christmas morning, making her smile even wider. She kissed his lips, brief and sweet, before reaching around him. Even in six-inch heels, she had to stand on her toes to untie the blindfold.

As the fabric fell away, his eyes blinked rapidly, adjusting to the soft glow of candlelight and the shimmer of white and blue decor around them. But it wasn’t the room that had his full attention—it was her.

“Damn…” he breathed, eyes raking down every inch of her. That blue dress. Her glowing skin. That body wave wig falling like silk. The white heels that made her legs look like sin.

“You like?” she asked with a playful spin.

“Hell yeah,” he said, pulling her in to steal another kiss, then another.

“Okay, okay,” she laughed, gently pushing him back. “Before you mess up my lip combo.”

It wasn’t until she stepped away that he finally looked around. His eyes widened.

“Wait… what we doing at Gold?”

She grinned. “Would you like to have dinner with me, birthday boy?”

The way he looked at her, like she hung the damn stars, made her knees feel weak.

“Dessert too?” he asked, voice low and teasing.

“I’ll see what I can do,” she whispered, grabbing his hand and guiding him forward.

As they stepped into the dining room, voices erupted around them.

“SURPRISE!”

Savior stumbled back a step, eyes bouncing across the room. Everyone he loved stood gathered around a long candlelit table, all wearing grins and holding glasses.

“What the fuck?!” he said, stunned, then laughed as the shock melted into pure joy. He turned to Ahzii, that smile still on his face, his heart full.

“Didn’t think you were celebrating without your family, did you?” she asked, her voice soft with meaning.

He stared at her for a long moment, love swimming in his eyes.

Then Sarai and Sincere ran up, arms wrapping around him and breaking the moment as laughter and warmth filled the room.

“Happy Birthday, Savvy!” Sarai beamed, throwing her arms around his neck. Savior scooped her up without hesitation, holding her tight for a second before setting her down gently.

“Thanks, Gold,” he smiled, dapping up Sincere next.

One by one, familiar faces surrounded him—Macho, Keon, Olivia, a few of the Carter crew, A’Mazi, Taylor, and Kyre—all offering birthday wishes.

For once, the weight in his chest didn’t feel like a burden.

It felt like love. Real love. And it caught him off guard.

Aunt Marley approached last, regal in a cream-colored dress, her smile knowing.

“I told you killing for her was going to turn into something else,” she teased, her voice full of that sharp auntie intuition.

They laughed, and she leaned in to hug him. “Happy birthday, Savvy.”

“Thank you, Auntie,” he said warmly, holding her close.

As they pulled apart, Savior gestured to Ahzii beside him. “Aunt Marley, this is my woman, Ahzii. Ahzii, meet my second mother.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Pretty. Oh my… you’re gorgeous,” Aunt Marley gushed, pulling Ahzii into a warm hug.

“Thank you, and same to you,” Ahzii said with a soft laugh.

As they embraced, Aunt Marley leaned in and whispered, “My nephew really likes you. He don’t kill for just anybody.”

Ahzii laughed, low and sweet. “I’m honored.”

Bianca approached next, already grinning. “So, you’re the one responsible for that smile my daughter been wearing lately?”

Ahzii rolled her eyes, trying not to blush, while Savior turned to look at her, smiling in a way that answered everything.

“Nah,” he said, “all the responsibility belongs to her. I just make sure she keeps smiling.”

Bianca lit up. “Ouu, I really like him.”

“Ma, please,” Ahzii groaned, laughing in spite of herself.

“Bianca,” she introduced, holding out her hand.

“Savior. Nice to meet you, mother-in-law,” he said with a grin, shaking her hand as Bianca laughed and clapped her hands together.

“Better claim it,” she winked.

“Okay, let’s eat before y’all start planning a wedding,” Ahzii interrupted, pulling Savior further into the room.

Savior finally slowed, eyes sweeping across the blue and white décor glinting off the glass tables and chairs. Everything looked perfect. Everyone he loved was here, laughing, talking, alive, but the two people he hadn’t stopped searching for were still missing.

Two empty seats sat beside Aunt Marley, untouched.

He sat down slowly, eyes still glancing toward those seats like a boy hoping his parents would finally show up to his game. Maybe they’d surprise him. Maybe they’d walk through the door any second.

But they didn’t.

“They couldn’t make it,” Aunt Marley said softly beside him.

Savior nodded. Hurt settled in his chest like stone, but it wasn’t unfamiliar. It never was. He stared down at his plate, the warmth in the room dimming just slightly until a hand slid over his. Gentle. Grounding.

Ahzii.

“The people who truly love you are here,” she said softly, her eyes locking with his .

He nodded again, slower this time, then looked around at the people surrounding him. Sarai and Sincere arguing playfully. A’Mazi cracking jokes. Bianca sipping her wine, proud and peaceful. Everyone laughing. Full. Present.

And still, all he could really see—was her.

The waiter came out with the food. Plates were passed, stories were told, and the room swelled with laughter.

For the first time in his life, he wasn’t on edge.

He didn’t feel like prey or predator. He felt like a man surrounded by people who gave a damn.

And that feeling? It was a gift more valuable than anything he could unwrap.

He leaned slightly into Ahzii, his hand still under hers.

This was the best birthday he ever had.

And he owed it all to her.

Ahzii stood and lightly clinked her glass with a butter knife, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Okay, I know everyone’s stuffed and probably lit off the drinks,” she grinned as laughter bubbled, “but the party’s not over yet.

” Conversations quieted as eyes turned to her.

“I had everyone fill out a card when they arrived,” she said, her tone soft but steady, “so can y’all pull those out for me.

” Chairs shifted and papers rustled as each person pulled a small white card from their pocket or purse.

“Sav, I had everyone write down what they love and appreciate about you,” she continued, turning to him as his brow lifted in surprise.

“It’s a way of giving you your flowers. Letting you know—without a doubt—that you got people in your life who truly love and value you. ”

Savior didn’t say a word, just smiled, slow and deep, as if trying to keep that gratitude from spilling out all at once.

“Gold, you first,” Ahzii said, sitting back down as Sarai rose with her card.

“My oldest brother. My protector. My savior.” Her voice cracked slightly, her words soft but strong.

“You’re more than a brother to me—you’re my superhero.

Since we was little, you always caught me when I fell, held me when I cried, made me laugh until my stomach hurt.

I know you didn’t get the same childhood as me and Sin—really not one at all—but I want you to know I love and appreciate every single sacrifice you made for me…

and this family. Happy birthday, Savvy. I love you.

” She walked over and hugged him, and he kissed her forehead like he’d done since they were kids.