De'Shawn's POV:

I brush Maria's long curly hair and put it into two big twists that connect at the ends by a butterfly Barrett. I dressed her in a pink dress with white polka dots and a white ribbon belt that I tied in a bow around her waist. I slipped on her white sandals and white bow head band. I made sure that I put on her necklace that D gave me before she was born because I wanted it to now be hers. That situation doesn't bother me anymore but I think the necklace looks nice on her.

Me: "You look gorgeous, princess"

I poked in the pearls in her ears and a little silver charm bracelet I bought her.

Maria: "Thank you, Shawny."

She slips up and calls me mommy at times and I correct her because I wouldn't want my child calling anyone else mommy either.

I had on a navy blue "Just For Dinner" gown with black heels and matching jewelry. I put my hair in a a hump with a long ponytail, I found my appearance a little too much but D thinks I look good.

D had on a black blue suit to match me. He even pulled his dreads back to show off his fresh line up that I did. He's taking us out to dinner tonight and everyone is going to be there just because we want to chill with the kids and the family I guess.

Me: "Okay, We're ready."

D: "You look amazing, and so do daddy's little girl!"

He picked her up and had her surfing in the air. He acts like She's still 5 but Maria doesn't mind so I guess it's alright. He tickled her until her begged him to stop and we went out to the car.

We made small talk on our way to the restaurant and of course we was fooling. D was so happy and it did nothing but made me smile. I couldn't stop staring at him.

D: "Why you staring at me like that, Bae?"

Me: "Because, I just love how happy you are right now. It's making me smile and warming my heart. It's look good on you, Baby."

D: "What looks good on me?"

Me: "A smile."

He blushed and licked his lips and bit down on the bottom one as he grabbed my hand interlocked our fingers.

Maria: "Dad, can you turn the radio up?"

D: "Get that for me, Bae."

I did as I was told and sang along to the music with Maria. That girl is just like her daddy. She gone be singing in No time. We pulled up to the restaurant and met everyone inside. All the kids sat next to the parents so D and I put Maria Im between us.

Dinner is going great and smoothly. Cassie is pregnant again and RJ Is happy because this one is his. My mom is having twins and Ari is having Another boy. We don't know what's Jaee having though. Devin is hoping for a boy of course. Maria dropped some food on her dress and I needed to wipe it off.

Maria: "Oopsies."

Me: "Daddy, can you hand me Another napkin?"

My Dad and D both reached for the same napkin at the same time and my face glowed with embarrassment. Everyone chuckled at the awkward moment except for D. He's gotten really nervous every since we've walked in.

Mia: "Oot."

Mia always gotta make it known that she peeped what happened. I just acted like nothing happened.

D: "Yah, wanna hear some music?"

Everyone agreed and was relieved that he asked. D whispered something in the waiters ear and the the music came on instantly. It was my favorite love song called Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran. I heard Chris's beautiful voice and he began singing the song as he walked towards my side of the table with a note.

" When your legs don't work like they used to before
And I can't sweep you off of your feet
Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love?
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?

And, darling, I will be loving you 'til we're 70
And, baby, my heart could still fall as hard at 23
And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe just the touch of a hand
Well, me-I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am

So honey now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades
And the crowds don't remember my name
When my hands don't play the strings the same way
I know you will still love me the same

'Cause honey your soul could never grow old, it's evergreen
And, baby, your smile's forever in my mind and memory
I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe it's all part of a plan
Well, I'll just keep on making the same mistakes
Hoping that you'll understand

But, baby, now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
Thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

So, baby, now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Oh, darling, place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are
Oh, baby, we found love right where we are
And we found love right where we are"

He handed me then note and it read,

"?"

I looked around confused to see that the lights have dimmed and all the kids held up a card.

Twins: "Will"

Anthony: "You"

RayRay: "Marry"

Maria: "Me"

I looked back at my card to finish the question and noticed that D had been down on one knee right infront of me the whole time. Im fighting back tears and can't believe this is happening to me.

D: "Shawny, I never knew that this day would actually come. Because, I always thought that you would leave me because I was No good for you. This ring, I bought the day I got you that second necklace and I've been saving it only for you. I've put you through so much shit and you still loved me like I was the only man on earth. Youve sacrificed and risked so much for me that I am in debted to you. Every Hood nigga needs his ride or die and I found her. You've changed me into something I thought it was impossible to be. Every King needs his Queen and I need you. I want to call you mine for the rest of your life. I want to wake up next to you every morning and be responsible of you. I want you to never worry about Another female because I put the ring on YOUR finger. I want you to be happy because a smile looks good on you too, Baby."

He opened the diamond ring (Multimedia). He grabbed my hand looked me in the eyes. I can tell he was really nervous cause he was trembling and his hands were clammy. I find it very cute and loved every bit of this.

"De'Shawn, Will you marry me?"

He waited for an answer as If he didn't know the answer but I was so busy trying not to cry that I forgot how to speak. I just let the tears fall and said with a proud smile that I turned my baby boy into a grown man.

Me: "Yes, of course I'll marry you De'Mario"

D: "Really?"

Me: "Yes!"

He sighed with relief and happiness as he slipped the ring on my finger. Everyone cheered and Mia and my momma cried at the scene. D smile was the realist smile I've ever seen and he kissed me like it was his last time. Once he pulled away, he looked at a cheering Maria.

D: "She said yes, princess."

Maria: "I told you, Daddy."

He embraced her and kissed her cheek. I love the bond he has with her. That's just wonderful.

After all I've been through, the shit the at hits the fan and the blessings I've had. Everything fell right into place.. Who would have thought that I would be getting married at 25 to a man that I thought was the wrong type for me and didn't want anything to do with a relationship but is now the air I breath and the heartbeat that keeps me alive?

Yeah, thats my California Lover...

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THE END

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