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GOON EVER AFTER…

I walked into the jewelry shop like I hadn’t just shove a gun down some bitch throat an hour ago.

Sunlight hit the glass windows just right, bouncing off diamonds like strobe lights. Sable Cove’s outdoor mall stayed luxurious, with valet out front and water features bubbling like we weren’t standing in the same city where people died every day.

Mula was already inside, standing at the glass counter like he owned the whole block. Coast was in his arms, babbling and bouncing like he had something to say. His little fists reached out the second he saw me.

“Mama Bear,” Mula said, lifting him higher. “Look who can’t wait to see you.”

I smiled and scooped Coast into my arms, kissing his cheeks as he cooed and grabbed my face like he missed me more than anything. I leaned into Mula, kissing him softly but solid, like I was claiming what was mine. He slid his hand to the small of my back, gripping it tight.

“I missed y’all,” I whispered, then added casually, “Oh—and while I was over at Solace’s shop selling bikinis, I had to stick a gun in Storm’s mouth.”

He blinked. “You did what?”

“I ain’t kill her.” I shrugged. “It was Solace’s place of business. I respected that. But she tried to test me like I wouldn’t end her.”

Mula tilted his head, low and gritty, his voice dropping a notch. “You ain’t gon’ have to worry about that bitch no more,” he muttered. “I’m about to smoke that nigga, Rivera. I don’t want none of Hurricane’s people walking my streets.”

I just looked at him, deeply. Quietly. Then, I nodded. Slowly. Loving how he handled me and this city.

Before I could respond, the jeweler walked over with a black velvet tray, smiling like she wasn’t in the presence of killers.

“Your custom wedding bands are ready.”

Half a million dollars’ worth of gold, diamonds, and love sat right there between us.

Mula picked mine up first and slid it onto my finger slow, like he was sealing something sacred. The stones sparkled under the lights— heavy and elegant, just like our story.

I took his next and pushed it onto his finger, chest tight and eyes glassy. I couldn’t stop the tears from slipping down my cheeks. He pulled me into his chest, kissing the top of my head like we were the only people in the store.

“I love you,” he said into my hair. “I’m ready to finish living the good life with you.”

And I believed him.

And we did…