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“I was never married to Chandler… I was never married to Chandler!” She jumped from my lap and shouted once she realized she was always as free as a bird. “I never carried his name!”

“In that case…” I stood behind her, dropping to one knee. Spinning around, she gasped in shock when I revealed the seven-carat, princess-cut diamond ring from my pocket. I knew I was proposing during this trip, and this seemed like the perfect time. “Marry me, Noemi.”

“Why?” she whispered as tears ran down her face. “Tell me why you want to marry me, Jordan.”

Noemi has always been a lover at heart. She portrayed to be this hardcore boss bitch, but at the end of the day, she wanted to be a soft woman and live a soft life. I wanted to give that to her—I was the man who was willing and ready to give that to her.

“You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met in my life outside of Evelyn Mills,” I peered up at her and spoke honestly.

I heard my mama gasp in the crowd, and my heart filled with pride at having her and everyone else here to witness me pour my heart out.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime speech about to take place, and you could hear a pin drop as everyone held their breath in anticipation of what else ole mute Skip had to say.

“You spent many nights on the phone with me, talking about how you were willing to neglect your own happiness to bring peace to your family. Your loyalty to those you love is unmatched. Your commitment to being someone with a good heart and opting to see the good in everyone, even though life has shown you how low-down dirty people can be, sparked something within me. I tried to be your friend, Mi, but I fell in love with you. I fell in love the moment you thought taking me to an arcade was a perfect date night and how my name meant nothing to you, just as your name meant nothing to me. I don’t care about the reputation your brothers have.

I don’t care about who my family is supposed to be and the image that comes with being a Mills.

I will go to war with any man, woman, or child walking this earth when it comes to being with you. You know how I’m coming behind you.”

I paused as a thought came to mind. “That’s another thing too…

. You love Gianna. You stood ten toes for my daughter, Noemi…

that’s some shit her own mother wouldn’t even do.

My Gi Baby wakes up in the morning looking for you before she even thinks about saying hello to me.

You’re kind and supportive. You’re gentle but strong.

You talk your shit and walk in it, looking sexy as hell while doing it.

You ain’t afraid get in the field with me.

Let us not forget the way you take this?—”

“I’m killing this nigga.” Rosier gritted his teeth as she tried to reach over the table and grab him. Gabby slapped his chest, making him sit down. We all shared a laugh, and I smirked at Rosier because I loved getting under that nigga’s skin.

Looking back into Noemi’s eyes, which were overflowing with tears, I continued, “You a nigga’s best friend, Noemi. That’s why, baby. That’s why you’re going to be my wife. You deserve the moon, the stars, hell… the universe. It’s war about you… always.”

She dropped to her knees, placing her hands on my cheeks.

“You saved me, Jordan. You saved me from a life of hurt and misery.” She wiped the lone tear that slipped down my cheek.

“I no longer have to dream about a happily ever after—I’m living it.

I love you, Jordan. Now and forever. Just like you know how I’m coming behind you, I’ll never have to question how you’re coming about me.

And because of that, there’s nothing more I want in this world than to become Mrs. Mills. ”

Slamming my lips onto hers, our families clapped and cheered. I stood to my feet, bringing her with me, before sliding the ring on her finger. She beamed through her tears as the ladies pushed me out of the way to get a look.

“You did good, son,” my father said as he walked over, slapping my shoulders. “Noemi is a good woman.”

“A great woman.” I nodded, watching as she scooped Gianna in her arms and kissed all over her. “It doesn’t get any better.”

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. I guess you can kiss my sister, nigga.”

Darting my eyes to Jules, I didn’t have time to be annoyed about his bullshit as I pulled my wife into my arms and tongued her down.

Once she agreed to be my wife, I didn’t want to leave this island without making it happen.

It took us two days to get everything together for our ceremony.

I can now say Noemi Boudreaux—excuse me—Mills was mine in every way possible.

“I love you so much, Mr. Mills,” she said through a smile between small pecks. “You’ve made me so happy.”

“I plan on doing that until the day I die, Mrs. Mills,” I stated honestly. In her eyes, I saw all the love she had for me. “Even after.”

“Daddy!” Gianna came running over with her cute, little white dress that matched Noemi’s. “Now that you and Mommy are married, are we going to live together forever when we get home? She won’t have to leave us again, right?”

Two days ago, when I asked Noemi to marry me, Gianna asked if she would be her new mommy and if she could call her that.

Of course, Noemi cried and told her she could call her whatever she wanted.

We took the time to explain to her that her mother was gone and was never coming back.

My daughter wasn’t the slightest bit sad about the news.

If you were abused and mistreated by the one who was supposed to love and protect you, I assume you wouldn’t be sad either.

“She sure is, baby girl.” I kissed her face, causing her to squeal.

“We’re going to surprise her with a big house when we get back home.

” Glancing over at Mimi, I watched her and smirked as she received love from both of our families.

They all played a part in making our impromptu beach wedding a success, and I appreciated them all.

I would do anything for her to live in this moment forever. “Can you keep that a secret?”

“I won’t tell, Daddy! I promise!” She held her pinky out to me before wiggling out of my arms and running over to Big Bri. I chuckled once I saw her whisper in her ear because I knew for sure she was telling her the secret.

“Welcome to the family.” Rosier walked over, pulling me into his embrace. “Thank you for loving my sister the way you do. I don’t know how I would have lived with myself had she gone through with the marriage to Chandler.”

“Well, we will never know, nigga.” I smirked, causing him to do the same. Looking around, the sun was setting, and the real party was about to begin. “Let me make sure my wife enjoys her night so we can work on your nephew later.”

“Bitch—” Rosier placed me in the headlock, but I wrestled his big ass off me. “I’m sick of you, nigga.”

“Too bad this shit is for life, brother .” I chuckled and made my way over toward the rest of the family.

Tonight was a celebration of life and love.

We paid for a live band for entertainment as well as more caterers.

Noemi wanted steak and seafood, so I made sure we had it in abundance, plus alcohol.

She would have to drink with us fellas tonight since all the women were knocked up.

The way she and Dre were already throwing back shots, I knew I was in for a wild night.

“Thank you so much for all of this, husband.” Noemi giggled as she and I rocked to the band playing the Isley Brothers. “I’m in the fuckin’ clouds, and I never want to come down.”

“You’re married to a Mills, baby.” I winked as I gripped her ass. “You never have to.”

There was a time when I didn’t think love would ever be in the cards for me again.

There was a time when I smiled maybe once a week.

There was a time when I felt misunderstood and never tried to be understood.

None of that was true anymore. As I peered down at my drunken wife with her head thrown back as she sang “For The Love Of You,” I thanked God she bulldozed her way into my life and my heart.

“Jordan, do you mind if I share a dance with my little cousin?” Dre walked over and interrupted. His eyes were glassy as hell. “I just want to tell her how proud I am of her. Also, thank you.”

“For what?” I frowned before kissing her forehead and letting her go.

“Giving her the love she’s always wanted.”

Nodding, I told my baby I was going inside to check on business. Money and Jerome were holding down the fort until I came back home. I had a bag for those guys because they have really stepped up and in for me these past few months.

“Bro…” Money answered as soon as the call connected. The voices in the background let me know he was on the block. “Are congratulations in order?”

“Hell yeah.” I smiled as I looked down at my diamond-encrusted wedding band. “A nigga is married as fuck.”

“I know that’s fuckin’ right.” He inhaled deeply, indicating he was smoking. “Give sis a hug for me.”

“Got you.” I entered the small study, turned on the light, and closed the door behind me. “How’s business?”

For the time being, we only had one house up and running until I was back home to put together another team. I didn’t trust the niggas, so I let Money and his brothers run it all for me. Those boys were as close to me as Wild and Uno were, so I had no worries anymore.

“Everything is what it’s supposed to be.” I placed the phone on the counter, muting it while I relieved myself in the bathroom. “We’re good until you come back, but I need to know about the rat problem. I still have six of them isolated.”

Listening to him, I knew he was asking in code what to do about the niggas we found who were helping Lew. I’d had him grab them and hold them at the warehouse in Sunset Valley. It was time to rid myself of everything that didn’t mean me and mine any good, once and for all.

“Exterminate them all.” I smirked, not missing a beat. “I hate rodents.”

After making sure he didn’t need anything else, I checked in on Jerome.

When I left Florida and returned to the Grove, I made him the official manager of Club Honey.

That was all he needed, besides the pay, to go into full boss mode.

The girls, as well as the customers, loved his humor and hospitality.

We’ve seen income triple some weekends since he’s been there as the boss.

I was willing to make any demands he had as long as they didn’t involve me, my brothers, or my sanity.

“The fuck?” I looked around the dark study, confused.

I was feeling good, but I wasn’t drunk, so I knew damn well I had turned the light on when I stepped inside.

Stumbling through the room in the darkness, I heard a lighter flicker, causing me to pause.

Slowly, I looked behind me and saw the light emitting from the corner.

“Jordan Mills…” I could have sworn I heard Jules’ voice say. “The Spirit of Bonye welcomes you. Protect and love your wife with your heart and soul, and the ancestors will always welcome and protect you both.”

I tried my hardest to move my feet, but it was as if I were bolted to the floor.

Just when I found my words, I was stunned into silence when the light became brighter and a silhouette of Jules emerged from the corner.

Dressed in a long, white gown with piercings and markings over his face, he smiled at me before speaking in Haitian, then fading back into the darkness.

“Oh hell naw!” The lights flicked back on as I opened the office door and got my ass the fuck out of there. Running through the house, I made my way back to the beach. Once the family saw the panic on my face, all merriment stopped as they eyed me with worry.

“What the fuck is up?” Dre was the first to reach me. Looking around, I found Mimi near the band, dancing with my father. Dragging my eyes around the beach, my eyes stretched as they landed on Jules. He was cool as a fan, having the time of his life, laughing with Uno, Harley, and Bridgette.

Following my line of sight, Dre sighed, waving everyone off and letting them know I was fine.

“Here.” He pulled out his cell phone. Shakily, I grabbed it before dragging my eyes back to Jules. This time, he was staring dead at me, smiling. “Call Sweets and tell her you need the Witch Boy special. She’ll get you right. You’ll be fine, bro. Welcome to the fuckin’ ghetto.”