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“This is nice, Mase,” I told him.

“I’m glad you like it,” he replied.

I turned toward him when he took my hand. He was looking at me with an expression I couldn’t quite figure out.

“What’s going on?” I questioned.

“Rah, I love you. I love the woman you are, and I love what we got together,” he began. “I’ain looking for nothing temporary with you. I want you beside me for the rest of my life.”

My heart started beating faster when he reached into his pocket.

“Mase,” I whispered.

He smiled before lowering himself onto one knee and opening a velvet box. Inside was a gorgeous oval-cut diamond on a platinum band.

“Rasheeda, will you marry me?” He asked.

I covered my mouth, already crying as I looked between him and the ring.

“Yes!” I exclaimed, nodding. “Yes, Mase!”

He stood and slipped the ring onto my finger before pulling me into his arms. I kissed him, still trying to believe he’d actually proposed.

“Baby, this ring is beautiful,” I told him, admiring it.

“I’m glad you like it,” he replied, kissing me again.

“Like it? Mase, I fucking love it!”

He laughed and wrapped his arm around me as we headed back inside.

On the way home, I questioned him about how long he’d been planning everything. He admitted he’d had the ring for a little while but hadn’t told anybody what he was doing.

I was glad he’d kept it to himself. Knowing my family, somebody would’ve accidentally ruined the surprise.

“So, you wanna tell everybody tomorrow?” He asked.

“Yeah, you know everybody will be there for dinner so it’ll be the perfect time,” I replied.

“Sounds good to me.”

When we got back to my house, I barely gave him time to close the door before wrapping my arms around his neck.

“What?” he questioned, smiling.

“Nothing. Just looking at my fiancé,” I replied.

He laughed and kissed me, pulling me against him.

“Come on,” I murmured, taking his hand and leading him upstairs.

We spent the rest of the night enjoying each other, and I fell asleep happier than I’ve ever been.

***

Sunday afternoon, Mase and I arrived at Joni and Tori’s house for dinner. Gee and Mama were finishing up in the kitchen while everybody else was scattered between the living room and dining area.

Tori was sitting on the couch holding Khori, and Joni had Khajoni against his chest with Leah beside him clocking his every move.