Page 88 of The Phyre that Burns

After I met everyone, I finally got a chance to talk to Phoenix and Kevin.

“I appreciate y’all coming.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world, Big Bro. I’m so excited for you,” Phoenix said, looping her arm through mine.

“Me either. I honestly thought you’d be single forever, because I didn’t think this reunion would ever happen. It’s a good thing your faith is stronger than mine.”

“I always knew God would answer my prayers. I just didn’t know when or how.”

“Is everyone ready to eat?” Devyn shouted, getting everyone’s attention.

Bodies moved toward the group of rectangular tables that had been placed together to create one long table. Ginae and I sat in the makeshift center on one side, while her parents sat across from us. Devyn, Tariq, and their son were on Ginae's left, while Phoenix and Kevin were on my right. Everyone else filed into an empty seat.

“Daddy, can you bless the food?” Ginae asked.

“Of course. Everyone, bow your heads and close your eyes.”

“Actually, Mr. Burns, would you mind if I did the blessing?”

“Of course not. Go right ahead.”

I held Ginae and Phoenix’s hand as I began the blessing.

“Lord, thank you for the food we are about to receive and for those who prepared it. Thank you for the gathering of family and friends, who came to celebrate the birthday of my Sweetness, Ginae. It may sound cliché and probably not very manly, but lately, I’ve had to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Only a few people know how much I prayed for God to bring me and this beautiful soul back together. I’ve been asked hundreds of times when I would get married and have children. My answer was always, not until God brings the woman who is supposed to be my wife back to me.”

I released Phoenix’s hand, reached into the pocket of my slacks, pulled out the ring box, and got on one knee.

“Phyre, what are you doing?” Ginae whispered, but everyone could hear her.

“Four and a half months ago, my prayers were answered, and I am eternally grateful to God. My Sweetness, somebody said absence makes the heart grow fonder, and in my case, as far as you’re concerned, that phrase couldn’t be truer. I loved you more with each passing day we were apart, and I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife. Ginae Elise Burns, will you marry me?”

“Yes, baby. I will marry you.”

One Year Later

“I have some exciting news,”I announced when Phyre crawled into bed next to me after putting our daughter to bed.

“You’re pregnant?”

“What? No. At least I don’t think so. My parents are moving to Black Elm.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. I just got off the phone with them, and they put the house on the market today.”

“Wow. What made them decide?”

“It’s more like,whomade them decide.”

“Phinley, of course.”

“They can’t stand being away from her for months at a time. She’s almost one, and they don’t want her to think they’re strangers.”

“I get it, and I’m glad they’re coming. They’re basically the only grandparents she has.”

“Phyre, don’t say that. Your mother is a lot nicer person than she was a year ago, and she loves both her granddaughters to pieces.”

“I guess.”