Page 133 of A King’s Obsession

“Then what’s the problem?” she challenged.

I looked down at my hand again, turning my wedding band idea over in my head. “Ain’t no problem. I just wanna do it right this time. She ain’t asked me for shit, and I don’t want her thinking I’m doing this because I feel guilty.”

For once, Ashlynn didn’t immediately have something smart to say. When she spoke again, her voice had softened considerably.

“Ezra, Jru loves you. That girl would’ve stayed married to you without a ring because she finally believes y’all can make this work. That’s exactly why you should do something special. Not because she’s asking, but because she deserves it.”

I sat quietly for a moment, letting her words settle. She was right, and as much as I hated admitting it, I was glad she’d overheard the conversation.

“Aight,” I finally said, a smile pulling at my mouth. “I think I know what I’m gonna do.”

Malachi groaned dramatically in the background. “Aw, shit. Here this nigga go. Whatever you planning, don’t involve my pockets.”

“Your pockets ain’t got shit to do with it,” I told him, laughing. “But I’m gonna need both of y’all to help me pull this off.”

Ashlynn squealed so loudly that I had to pull the phone away from my ear. Malachi started complaining about his wife being too excited over another man’s proposal, and I ended the call before either one of them could give me a headache.

I stared at my phone for another second before dialing Yara.

If I was doing this, I was doing it right.

Four days later, I stood beneath a canopy of trees overlooking one of Westhaven’s most beautiful lakes, watching Yara direct the final preparations for what had somehow turned into the biggest event I’d planned in years.

The private park was surrounded by towering trees, with a stone bridge stretching across a narrow section of the lake. White roses lined the walkway, hundreds of tiny lights hung from the branches, and floating candles shimmered across the water. At the end of the bridge stood an enormous floral arch decorated with white flowers and illuminated lettering that read, WILL YOU MARRY ME?

Beyond the trees, the Westhaven skyline glowed against the evening sky. A horse-drawn carriage waited near the entrance, ready to bring Jru through the park once Ashlynn arrived with her.

I had to admit, the shit looked beautiful.

“Ezra, could you please stop standing there looking like you’re inspecting a construction site?” Yara asked, walking toward me with her tablet tucked beneath her arm. “Everything is exactly how you requested it.”

I glanced toward the decorators adjusting the flowers around the arch. “Then why the fuck they still moving shit?”

“Because I’m making sure it’s perfect.” She gave me a pointed look before straightening my jacket. “Now relax. You’re making everybody nervous.”

“I’m paying everybody. They can afford to be nervous.”

Yara rolled her eyes and walked away, muttering something about needing a vacation. I laughed under my breath just as Malachi approached, looking around the park with his hands tucked into his pockets.

“Goddamn, E.” He stopped beside me, studying the decorations before letting out a low whistle. “You really went all out for this shit.”

I shrugged, reaching inside my jacket for the velvet ring box. “My wife deserves it.”

Malachi leaned closer when I opened it, and his eyebrows shot toward his hairline. The diamond caught the light, sending flashes across the black velvet.

“Nigga!” he exclaimed, grabbing my wrist for a better look. “You trying to marry her or blind her?”

I laughed and pulled my hand away. “Both, if she keep getting on my nerves.”

He shook his head, still grinning as I closed the box and returned it to my pocket. For a moment, neither of us said anything. Then Malachi rested a hand on my shoulder.

“I’m proud of you, bro. For real. You got your family back, and you’re doing right by them. Just keep it that way.”

I looked over at him, appreciating the rare moment of sincerity. “I plan on it.”

“Good. Because Ashlynn already told me if you fuck up again, she helping Jru bury your ass.”

I burst out laughing. “Man, fuck both of y’all.”