Page 58 of Deacon

“Shut up,” I say.

“All I know is you might want to make it clear that Deacon is off limits because these hos only care about dropping those tired pussies.” Dimples rolls her eyes before standing and leaving the table with her sights on Boston.

An undetermined time later…

My adrenaline has begun waning, and fatigue settles within my extremities as a yawn escapes my lips. I search around the room for Deacon or Tinker Belle, as both of them have somehow gone missing. Turning behind me, I study the pockets of people gathering in small groups, trying to determine if Deacon or Tinker Belle is amongst them.

*tap, tap*

“Aye, can I have everyone’s attention,” I hear, causing me to turn back toward the front.

My mouth falls open and my hands instantly cover my chest at seeing Deacon kneeling on one knee.

“Before I pass this nigga the mic, me and the officers of Baxtown Iron want to know if you’ll join the club and officially become secretary,” Gunz says, standing beside Deacon.

“Right. We’ve given your stubborn ass enough time to come to your senses,” Diesel says when he and the other officers join Deacon on the stage.

Shadow winks at me when Gunz passes the microphone, and my eyes shift to Deacon and the open ring box he’s holding. My stomach flutters with butterflies, and my heart palpatates when Deacon speaks.

“These niggas ain’t got no home training ambushing my damn proposal and shit,” Deacon says, causing laughter to sound around the room.

I’m too unsettled to join in or receive Deacon’s attempt at humor because my nerves are spiraling the more my eyes watch Deacon’s unyielding position.

“Meeting you was destiny. Becoming your man was fate. Yet falling in love with you was beyond my control. I haven’t done a single thing right in my life until I gave my heart to you. I wish I could turn back the clock to find you sooner. Nevertheless, I plan to spend the rest of my days loving you longer. I’m complex, determined, and can be slightly touched?—”

“Slightly… bro, stop capping,” Shadow interjects, causing Deacon to shoot daggers in his direction. “My bad, continue with your lying ass.”

“Anyway… I can be slightly touched, but I’m hoping that none of those qualities have given you a reason to ignore how much I love you. Will you give a heathen a reason to believe God didn’t make a mistake extending grace to me? Will you marry me, Squeak?” Deacon asks.

Heat surges throughout my body, and my dry mouth prevents me from speaking because my mind instantly swirls with thoughts.

Is loving Deacon gonna be enough to ignore the fact that Mom has reservations about him? What if I say yes and Mom objects when it's time for us to get married? Or if she tells me she doesn’t support our nuptials? Oh God! Am I gonna lose Mom if I say?—

“Squeak,” someone calls my name, causing me to open my eyes, not realizing I had closed them until that moment.

Tinker Belle walks to the other side of Deacon, and someone grabs my hands, nearly causing me to jump out of my skin. Pulling my eyes from the stage, I look to my right to see Mom, and she leans over, whispering in my ear.

“Any man who not only stays after being unjustly ridiculed by his woman’s mother but also sets out to change said mother’s perception deserves to be a part of our family. It’s okay to say yes… you have my blessing,” Mom says, and tears rapidly fall from my eyes.

“I’m waiting for your answer, Squeak,” Deacon says in an uncertain tone.

Mom nods, taking my right hand, and I feel someone else grabbing my left hand, causing me to shift, noticing Dad smiling.

“Let’s not make the man wait any longer, baby girl,” Dad says.

With the assistance of Mom and Dad, I walk to the stage wordlessly. A pin drop can be heard in the room from how quiet it is. Climbing the steps, I ignore the pain in my head from howfast my blood pressure is elevating with every step the three of us take. When an inch of space separates us, Mom and Dad release my hands and step behind me, allowing me to speak. Deacon’s eyes shine with love, adoration, and confidence, giving me the energy I need to answer.

“Saying yes was always my intention but knowing that my parents agree makes this moment even more special. Yes, I’ll marry you, Deacon. I also look forward to becoming a part of the Baxtown Iron family.”

Loud and thunderous applause echoes around the room when Deacon slips the ring on my finger before pulling me into a passionate kiss that has my heart skipping beats.

“You’re the answer to the prayer I didn’t have sense enough to utter. It’s you and me for life, Squeak. I love you,” Deacon whispers after ending our lip lock.

I never knew that returning home would ultimately free me of the traumatic incident I’d been forced to live through, especially when I was running from the man determined to not only steal my peace but take my life as well. It goes to show what can happen when you let a Deacon have possession of your heart.

The End