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“Hold up. You got that shit on you right now?”
“Hell yeah,” I replied, patting my pocket. “Never know when I might decide to ask her.”
“Man, you crazy as fuck,” he replied, shaking his head. “Just don’t overthink that shit.”
“I’m not. I just don’t wanna do no corny shit,” I told him.
“Then don’t. You know Gabi better than anybody,” Joni replied, reaching for his drink.
Before I could respond, Mase came back into the den and dropped onto the couch.
“What I missed?” he questioned, looking toward the TV.
“Ain’t missed shit. They still at halftime,” Joni answered.
We went back to watching the game, talking shit about a few plays until Gee hollered from the kitchen.
“Bring y’all asses!” She called out.
“She stay cussing but be ready to knock a nigga’s teeth out if he do it,” I laughed.
By the time everybody settled around the table, Joni had blessed the food, and everyone was filling their plates.
“Girl, I told you to stop buying them babies clothes,” Tori fussed at Gabi, but that shit was useless.
“And I told you you’on tell me,” Gabi replied, making her laugh.
Every now and then, I caught myself looking over at Gabi. She was talking to Rah and Tori, and I couldn’t help smiling.
I’d been carrying this ring around for days waiting on the right moment. Sitting there with my family, I realized I already had everything I needed. I didn’t have to plan some elaborate shit when the woman I loved was right beside me.
I glanced across the table at Joni and gave him a slight nod. He caught on immediately, grinning before going back to eating.
After dinner, everybody headed into the living room to relax. Gabi was sitting with Tori and Rah, getting some time with the twins while I took a seat beside Joni.
“You doing it?” he questioned under his breath.
“Might as well,” I answered, glancing toward Gabi.
“That’s what the fuck I’m talking about,” he replied, dapping me up. “Go get your wife, nigga.”
I laughed and shook my head before getting up. Gabi had just finished handing one of the twins to Tori when I walked over and reached for her hand.
“Come here, beautiful,” I told her.
“What you want now, Jontae?” She questioned, smiling as she stood.
“I got something I wanna ask you,” I replied, pulling her closer.
“Okay, ask me,” she answered.
I laughed before turning toward everybody.
“Aye, y’all, let me get everybody’s attention for a minute,” I announced.
“Aww, shit. What you done now?” Rah questioned, making everybody laugh.
“Why the fuck I always gotta be doing something?” I shot back.
