Capricorn
Epi(c)logue 😉

Capricorn
The Goat
December 22 - January 19

The tenth sign of the zodiac is concerned with:
* practicality, realism, hard work, accomplishments
* planning, determination, persistence, success
* high status, good quality, reputation
* responsibility, difficulties, problems
* paternalism, authority, discipline
* money, wealth, long-term projects
* wisdom, loyalty, sensitivity to beauty

*

*1 year later

Adena sighed as the wind blew around her. She bent down and then put a small bouquet on the grave. "This never gets easier," she said, wiping a few tears. "I picked these special for you. You can't get this bouquet anywhere else. It's one of a kind. Just like you were."

The cool September air swirled around her, the leaves had begun to fall again, the humid temperatures were gone, and everyone was pulling their sweaters out of their closets and obsessed with pumpkin spice lattes. That's what you think when you hear the word 'September.' 

September had a different meaning to her, especially the one from last year.

"This is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but all I can think about is you. And I wish you were here. My therapist said I never got the closure I needed since you were taken from us so quickly. I don't know if I ever will. But I know that if you were here, you'd be proud of me. I want to think so. You probably want me to move on, but I never will. I don't know if I'll ever move on or get over losing you."

She stood there in silence for a while. She was lost in thought.

"Adena," a voice called, and she turned around. "It's time for us to go."

She smiled as Craig approached her, and he was holding her pride and joy and her whole world, Dayna. 

"Time flies," she said as she looked at her watch. Then she held out her arms, and Dayna eagerly leaned toward her, wanting to be held. "Hey babe, you ready to go?" she asked in a high voice. "I love you, Grandma. I'll tell you all about it," she said, looking down at her grave. "Say bye, great Grandma," she said to Dayna.

Whenever a big event happened, she always came to the cemetery to tell Grandma about it. It helped her, it helped her feel close to her, and maybe if she did it enough, it would give her closure. The day she introduced Grandma to Dayna was a big one. There were so many tears. She cried tears of joy but also sorrow.

Dayna gave us all quite a scare that night. When Adena arrived at the hospital, she was informed that Dayna wasn't responsive. Out of nowhere, she just stopped fighting. She was tired from trying too hard. But just like the alarm came out of nowhere, she took a turn for the better. She came back stronger too. Adena believed that she was reborn somehow. The Dayna she held now wasn't delivered five weeks early by emergency C-section. She was born again that almost fatal night. She came back so strong that she and Adena were able to be discharged nearly a week earlier than planned. Dayna made a miraculous improvement. She was barely 6 pounds, but Adena didn't care.

She made it. She could finally take her home.

And a few weeks ago, Dayna celebrated her first birthday. Of course, it was a huge affair.

Adena plopped her into the car seat and secured her. She put the tablet on with Elmo episodes playing on repeat to distract her from the fact that she couldn't be held right now. She got in the front seat and sighed. Craig started the car. "You ready?" he asked her. She nodded. "You excited?"

"More nervous, can't believe this day is finally here."

"It's going to be amazing. It's a celebration, nothing to be nervous about. Your dream is coming true," Craig said, leaning toward and kissing her. She pulled him closer for one more before he could pull away.

"I love you," Adena blushed.

Craig held her small hand in his and kissed it. "I love you, too."

An hour later, they were back in the city. Adena couldn't believe how many people turned out when they pulled up. "Ohmygod, there's so many people."

"That's my fault. I've been announcing it every night on the radio."

"It's probably my fault. You know how many invitations and emails I sent this month alone?"

"We all did our part. Had to make it special for you," Craig said as he parked the car. "Even if you hired another DJ..." he teased.

"I didn't want you to work today. Are you crazy? You need to enjoy today just like I do. I wouldn't be here without you."

"You keep saying that," Craig said to her with a smile. 

"It's because it's true," she said, winking at him. Dayna started to fuss in the backseat, wondering where Mommy went. "I got you, love," she said as she exited the car. She unbuckled Dayna from her seat and lifted her out. "There we gooo, there we go," she said as she kissed her head. She inhaled her baby's scent. She would never get over it. "I'm so glad she could finally fit this," she said as she straightened out her little dress and adjusted her tiny sandal. 

"She's the best-dressed one here," Craig said with a chuckle. "And the youngest."

"She's better dressed than me. I don't have any Gucci to wear." 

Mrs. Hill, as a joke, bought Dayna some Gucci outfits for her.

"I'm working on that, babe," Craig said. "Ok, you ready?" he asked her. She nodded. 

They walked to the front of the building and thanked people for coming and saying hello to the ones she knew. She looked up. It was finally here. The Art Park was finally open for business. Kehinde came up to her and gave her a huge hug.

"Congratulations," he said to her.

"Congratulations to you too. I couldn't have done this without you,  she said to him.

"Hey, you said you couldn't do this without me," Craig said as he dapped up Kehinde and held Dayna.

"Craig," Adena said with a laugh. 

"Hey, it's a community effort, don't worry, Craig." He looked at his watch. "Before we start, let me introduce you to a special someone. This is Diane," he said as he gestured for a woman to come over. She wore a black dress and a big smile as she stood beside him. "This is Adena."

"The famous Adena, it's so nice to meet you," Diane said as she shook her hand. "Congratulations. I've heard so much about you."

"I bet you have, so you're the one he jet-sets across the world to see?" Adena asked teasingly. Yep, when Kehinde spent those few weeks in Italy, he met Diane. Now he flies there every other month. 

"Yes, guilty," Diane said. "But that will change, right babe?"  he asked Kehinde as she rubbed his back. "I'll be in New York more often too." 

While Adena congratulated them, Craig sighed with relief, lifted Dayna's slightly chunky little hand, and shook it playfully. "You hear that? Mommy's crush finally has a girlfriend, mommy's crush finally has a girlfriend," he sang in a whisper to her. However, Dayna practically laughed out loud, though she had no clue what was happening. "Shhh, you're gonna get me-"

"And this is my daughter, Dayna," Adena said proudly as he handed her over.

"She is beautiful," Diane said as she admired Dayna. "Is that Gucci? She has such great taste."

"And this is my boyfriend, Craig," she said, grabbing his hand with her free one. Craig stepped forward and shook her hand. After that exchange, Craig turned to Adena and kissed the top of her head. He was really, really proud of her. She did it. She pushed through and DID it.

Kehinde looked at his watch again, "It's 11:59 am. You ready?"

"More than ever," Adena said as she followed Kehinde to the front of the building's staircase, where a podium was set up. Reporters, art bloggers, content creators, art students from SCAD, and New York's artist elite gathered around. A news station was even there. He helped her through the crowd and then gestured toward the podium. "What? Me?"

"You gotta have something you want to say."

"You know I hate public speaking," she said as she got a sheet of paper out of her pocket.

"She says as she pulls a pre-written speech out of her magic hat," Kehinde said with a laugh.

"I had a feeling you would put me on the spot."

"So you'll be fine. You got this. You can handle anything, remember?"

Adena smiled at him and then stepped up to the podium. The chatter calmed down, and the applause started. She was convinced everyone was here for Kehinde. "Thank you all for coming," she said as cameras flashed and phones were put on live and record. "I'm Adena Capricorn, and I am ecstatic to see so many smiling faces celebrating a lifelong dream of mine. I've loved art since I was a little girl, but unfortunately, I can't draw. I can color, though," she said and almost winced. It sounded cornier once she said it out loud. Craig chuckled but so did a few others. "That broke my heart. I loved art so much but couldn't excel in the craft. I thought I would have to get another dream," she said. She glanced to her right and saw Donatella navigating the crowd. "Until I met one of the best in the art dealing business, Breeann Donatella," she said, and there was more applause as people noticed her arrive. Donatella, of course, basked in it. She came just in time. 

She continued, "She showed me that art was more than just painting masterpieces. Many pieces have to come together to make an artist's work spectacular, and I love my job. Then she introduced me to THE Kehinde Wiley. We got off to a rocky start, long story, but I have always been a big fan of his. I never dreamed I would be working beside and being co-partners on a project as big as this with someone I studied in school. I was honored when he approached me about doing my first art event, and it went so well that this was born from it. We couldn't have done it without any of you. Thank you all for your support and for supporting the arts. Art is a new, colorful world of possibilities that children and adults can enjoy, regardless of age or expertise. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Now I want to introduce the man of the hour and who you all truly came to see, a world-famous painter. The first African American to paint the portrait of our first African American president. Kehinde Wiley," she said, then stood to the side as the crowd cheered and cameras flashed. 

She let out a huge sigh. Kehinde could hog all the spotlight if he wanted to. She was fine being the 'brains' of the operation behind the scenes. She noticed her parents standing next to Craig, and her mother was holding Dayna. She quickly hugged them as Kehinde made everyone laugh and cheer with his rousing speech.

"You did beautiful, sweetheart. I didn't know you would make a speech," Gladys said.

"I didn't either," Adena chuckled.

"...So now, without further ado, I know we're all anxious to see what our creation will do for the community. The Art Park is now officially open for business," Kehinde said, and the crowd cheered. A city official handed an oversized pair of golden scissors to him. "I'm going to let you do the honors."

 "What? Me?" Adena asked, and Kehinde handed them to her. They took pictures for the paper and blogs, and then Adena took a deep breath. She sighed happily as she cut the enormous red ribbon roped in front of the entrance. The crowd cheered. 

Soon they were pouring in, and some stragglers came by to see what the fuss was about. Adena stood in the middle of the spacious lobby of the building as she hugged and shook hands with everyone. She smiled as Donatella approached her and wrapped her arms around her. A tall and dashing man was with her. "Thank you for coming."

"I wouldn't miss it. Especially since I inspired the place," she said with a wink. "Congratulations. I'm very proud of you. Honestly."

"You know that means a lot to me."

"Oh, and this is Gerard, an art critic from Paris that I met last year," Donatella said as naturally as she could, gesturing to the tall man beside her. 

He and Adena shook hands. "Congratulationz, Mz. Capricorn, thiz iz a fine achievement," he said, his French accent rolling naturally off the tongue.

Lloyd came over and hugged Adena, and he was also introduced to Gerard. They all chatted for a bit, then walked away to mingle. "So he is real," Lloyd said in shock. "I was starting to think he was a figment of her imagination."

"He had to be real. Why else would she go to Paris every other month? I can see why. He's cute. He could be a supermodel."

"Isn't he? He would look so cute in a beret. All that hair," Lloyd said as he licked his lips. Adena nudged him. "Oops, glad she didn't see that."

"Thanks for coming, Lloyd. I appreciate it," she said as she hugged him again.

"Oh, honey, I had to. I also came to thank you," Lloyd said. "I have to turn down your job offer because Donatella promoted me. Did you have something to do with that?"

"Congratulations! Why would you think that? You've been very impressive this year." 

"I'm just not used to the hopelessly devoted schoolgirl Donatella. She's so nice."

"It's better than the opposite. Enjoy it. Let's hope they stay together."

"Ohmigod, please. Imagine if they break up? Can you imagine how much of a bitch she'll be?"

"I can exactly imagine."

"Well, even if you had nothing to do with it. Thank you. The gallery won't be the same without you," he said as he hugged her. "Promise that we'll do lunch soon?"

"I promise," Adena said as she gave him another hug. 

"Now, where's my little play niece?" Lloyd said and then spotted Adena's mother holding her. "Oh, and Craig Mack Daddy! Hey!" he said as he walked over to them.

As soon as Adena turned around, another person wanted a word, hello, or tried to congratulate her. As she continued to mingle and take pictures, she looked toward the front doors just in time. She smiled. "Here she is," she said as she walked up to her and hugged her. "The It Girl of the Hour."

"Isn't that what you are?" they said. 

"You ready to see it all?" Adena asked her, and she nodded yes nervously. Adena put her arm in hers and led her over to the gallery section of the Art Park. She gasped as she saw herself blown up and hanging on the walls. People were walking around, admiring, commenting, and showing it off to their followers.

"Ohmygod, Adena, this is amazing. These look so good. I want to take them home."

"Of course, you're going to have your own copies," Adena said with a smile as she hugged her again. Her first exhibit in her gallery was, just as she promised, a photography series featuring 'agirlwithyoursign,' Yasmine Suarez. Yasmine was standing in front of a dark black wall, a brick wall, or stairs of random buildings around New York, holding her affirming signs. "Oh! Someone bought this one."

  picture

"I can't believe this, Adena. I never could have imagined this. Congratulations. What you both are doing is amazing," Yasmine said to her.

"I couldn't have done it without you." Adena found herself saying for the 100th time that day. This was a group effort. A great group effort. She was used to carrying out her visions by herself and on her own. It felt great that she could ask for help, and it came out better than she imagined. Her therapist was right again. "Oh, I need to introduce you to someone; he painted the series at the front," she said, waving him over. "This is Raymond Hines, my first prodigy."

"You're way too kind," Raymond said as he shook Yasmine's hand. She smiled at him, impressed.

"How did you two meet?" Raymond and Yasmine both asked each other at the same time. They all laughed. "Adena chased me down a street in Soho while I was holding one of my signs," Yasmine explained, and Adena playfully rolled her eyes.

"Oh! I know you! You're the Sign Girl. The one that keeps going viral," Raymond said, now looking at her impressed, and then looked up at Yasmine hanging on the wall. "I love what you're doing. I met Adena in San Francisco at an event. My first art show was last year, and she introduced me to THE DONATELLA, and poof, I'm an artist now?"

"You've always been an artist. He's the next big thing," Adena said, talking him up. She let the two get to know each other and snuck away, but she didn't get far. 

"Is Steven around?" Yasmine asked as she approached her. Steven was the talented photographer who took the photos of her.

"Yeah, he's around here somewhere. So what do you think about Raymond?"

"He's very talented," Yasmine said with a blush as she tucked her curls behind her ear. "This place is packed," Yasmine said, quickly changing the subject as she looked around. 

"I just hope that people sign up for all our programs."

"They definitely will. This place is going to be a massive game-changer," she said. "Oh, and I made you something."

"You did? Oh, you didn't have to."

"I did. Thank you for helping me be seen. Like I want to be seen. Not clickbait for someone else's page. I couldn't bring it today because it wouldn't fit on my bike," she said as she got out her phone. "But, um, I set aside this piece just for you."

Adena gasped as she looked at the picture. It was one of Yasmine's original cardboard signs, but it was inside a golden frame and protected with glass. It said: GO WHERE YOU ARE CELEBRATED,  NOT TOLERATED.

"That's the one, right?" Yasmine asked her, and Adena nodded. She and Yasmine got close while working on the project. She opened up to her about the first time she saw her sign. That freezing January night, she forced herself to leave Craig's place to return to her real life. She was still sick and remembered contemplating suicide, stressed over everything, almost letting that car hit her. Then she saw this very sign, and the person she thought of when she saw it was Craig—that moment changed the subsequent sequences of her life forever. She returned to him, someone who celebrated her even though he knew nothing about her. She remembered crying at his door, unable to return home, realizing it would be worse if she did. Her life hasn't been the same since.

"Thank you so much."

"I'll drop it by your place later this week," Yasmine said as she hugged her. As more people looked at the photos of Yasmine and realized she was there amongst them, people wanted to take selfies with her. Adena left her to revel in her glory and looked around the room. Searching for...

Craig. She saw him talking to Ron and Missy near the open bar. She practically skipped over to them, smiling at him. "There she is-" Craig said. Before he could finish his sentence, she pulled him close and kissed him passionately. She was feeling so nostalgic. Going back to him that night was probably one of the best things she ever did for herself.

"Um, hello, girl," Missy said, interrupting them. "It's nice to see you too."

Adena pulled away and hugged Missy close. "Sorry about that. Thank you so much for coming."

"Sorry, we missed your big speech. You didn't tell us you were doing one."

"That's because I didn't know either."

"Surprise!" Missy said and winked. Adena shook her head. She hugged Ron too. They got close, and their bond strengthened after he saved her life and Dayna's. Speaking of Dayna, Rich brought her over, and she reached her arms out for Craig immediately. 

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but she's getting heavy," Rich said, winking at Adena. He kissed her cheek and then returned to mingle with Gladys and the people he knew. 

The four of them caught up as Dayna made her rounds, soon wanting to be held by each of them. She loved being held, and it didn't help that Adena never put her down. It would be like pulling teeth, weening her off of that. When Adena glanced toward the front door, Missy was blowing raspberries on Dayna's little plumpy cheeks. As soon as she saw them, she wished she didn't. "What does he want?" she mumbled to herself. 

"What?" Craig asked her as Missy handed Dayna to him. He looked to where Adena was looking and scowled, " You invited-?"

"Of course not. I'll be back. Let me take care of this."

"You sure? Don't let him ruin your big day?" Missy said. 

"I'm good-"

"Just signal me, girl, and I'll be all over him like white on rice," Missy said.

"Ok, I will," Adena said and walked over to him. "Taye, what are you doing here?"

"I can't come and say congratulations?" he asked as he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.

"Thank you," Adena said, giving him a 'church hug.' "Is that all you needed to say?" she asked him? 

Taye sighed. He glanced over at Craig, saw him holding Dayna, and rolled his eyes. "No, I also came to do what I promised," he said as he pulled an envelope from his jacket pocket. 

Child support. "You could've just Cash Apped it like you normally do?"

"Wanted to kill two birds with one stone. This makes my coming here a little bit better, right?"

Adena shrugged as she counted it. It was all there. "I guess." 

Taye stayed away as he promised, then six months ago, he came back around, and Adena finally agreed to the paternity test so he would leave her alone. Having it in writing will only help her more anyway if anything else pressing happens. Of course, the test came back as Taye being the father. He, of course, was the only one who was shocked. He was so appalled that he didn't appear or say anything to Adena for several weeks. He finally called her back one day and told her he didn't want to break up her happy home with Craig. They had just started truly getting back together at that point. Then had the nerve to say he wasn't ready to be a father; doing so would complicate things, and he'd rather have a "loose visitation." Whatever that is. Whatever helps him sleep at night. He didn't want to leave her and Dayna hanging, so they agreed on a monthly payment. He's been doing as he promised ever since, though. 

"Um, also, the streets are talking like they usually do," Taye said, and Adena stood there waiting for him to spit out whatever else he needed to say. "I wanted you to hear it from me and no one else. I at least owe you that."

"Hear what from you, Taye?"

"Kim. Kim's pregnant."

Adena chuckled sarcastically. Wow. Really? "Is it yours?"

Taye rolled his eyes, "It is. That math adds up, of course, and we stopped being careful a while ago."

"I would say congratulations, but I would be lying," she told him. She couldn't believe this. Was she ever going to escape these two? Now her backstabbing ex-bestie was the mother of Dayna's future half-sibling? 

"There's more. So because of that, we're getting married in the spring. Make an honest woman out of her or whatever they say."

Adena was too stunned to speak but quickly recovered. "How does a man that's a pathological liar make anyone honest?"

"I know this complicates things further. Whatever you decide, I understand," he continued like he didn't just give her a double whammy at her event too. 

"What's there to decide? You're nice enough now not to break up my 'happy home,' and I'll gladly do the same for you. You'll never hear a peep out of me unless this," she said as she held up the envelope, "stops coming. How are you going to support two children?"

"Let me worry about that. Dayna doesn't have to worry. I'll have her taken care of. I promise "

"You better. It's the least you can do." Adena sighed. "Well, I'm going to cut this conversation short and get back to MY celebration." 

And with that, she walked away from him without a goodbye. Ugh, that boy, why was she surprised? "You alright? What did he do?" Craig asked as she walked over to them. He could tell by the look on her face that he pissed her off somehow. He was lucky they were in public and he was holding a baby.

"I don't want to talk about it now. Later," she said to him, and he nodded. He handed her a glass of champagne.

"ADENA!"

Soon Adena's smile came back. "Beverly!"

Craig's smile came back as well. To think that these two refused to get along a year ago, and now they were the best of friends. Kim who?

"And where is my little goddaughter?" Beverly asked as she hugged Craig and pinched Dayna's cheeks. 

"Nuh uh bitch, I'm the godmother," Missy said as she hugged her. "Who was at her christening?"

"We all were."

"But I was a part of the ceremony and poured the special water on her head. That's what godmothers do."

"Ugh, fine,  Beverly said as she held and kissed Dayna. Brandon walked over, and the guys dapped him up. She loved saying she was the godmother just to mess with Missy. "I guess I'll just be the Cool Aunt."

 "No bitch, I'm the Cool Aunt," Missy said.

"You can't be both!"

"Really?" Adena said as she nudged Missy, "Stop calling her auntie the 'B' word. Language."

"You're just Auntie Beverly hoe," Missy said, and the two laughed. Adena shook her head. "Ok, come on, you know you want to. Let's see it."

Beverly blushed and then held out her right hand, "Pow!" Missy held her hand as they admired her massive engagement ring. Brandon proposed to her on the 4th of July. It was a major event, with fireworks and diamonds. Now Missy wanted the same ring. It was the right size, big, beautiful, and an eye-catcher. "Girl, you're lucky you live in the Hamptons. If you lived where we're at, you would've gotten mugged already."

"Remind me never to come back to your place."

Adena smiled as the diamond ring sparkled under the sun's rays from the Victorian glass ceiling. There was once a time that whenever she saw an engagement ring, it would trigger the memories of Taye proposing to her. Luckily, that no longer was the case. She looked at Craig and admired him. She couldn't look away. Instead of being disgusted by the ring, she yearned for one. 

And so did Missy. "Look, Ron, take a good look at it," Missy said as she grabbed Beverly's hand and put it in Ron's face. "That's what I want."

"I've seen it, Missy. Relax, you just moved in last week."

"Don't tell me to relax; that's like telling me to calm down!"

Beverly withdrew her hand from the middle of the circle and handed Dayna to Adena. "Dayna is going to be our little flower girl, right?"

Ron looked at Brandon and rolled his eyes, "I could kill you, man, seriously?" he said to him as Brandon laughed apologetically. "Look what you've done." They glanced at the girls fawning over Beverly's ring, but Craig couldn't look away. Adena practically had stars in her eyes as she gushed at it. He's already looked at a few rings, but if Adena wanted one like that, she'd have to wait a little while. Of course, it wasn't cheap. It was like buying another car.

Which he was also looking at...

"Of course she is," Adena said to Beverly. 

"And what about Mommy?" Beverly asked her. "Did you think about what I asked you? 

"Of course, I'll be your maid of honor, B," she said as she hugged her. "I'm still shocked you want me of all people."

"Girl, you're family. You're a major part of this new family we're building," she said as she looked over at Craig, who was laughing with Ron and Brandon. "I love what you did with his chain."

 Yeah? I had to. It's perfect." Craig's chain now had a diamond encrusted 'D' and the ABC she got him for his birthday last year. D stood for Dayna even though he would tease her and say the D was for David, his last name. She gave him that for his birthday a couple of months ago.

"ADENA!" someone shouted, and Adena looked over and smiled. "Lulu, you made it!" she said and hugged her. She then noticed a few of the other moms from her Lamaze class had come along too, and they all brought their bundle of joys, except for one.

"I needed a fucking break. I want to be a normal adult again, not a maid," Leslie said. She had twins, and she and her boyfriend looked exhausted.

When Adena went into labor just hours after their spontaneous dinner and during a blackout, the Lamaze Ladies, their group chat name, did everything they could to help her. And still do. They all were scared shitless. They came by the hospital regularly and hosted a surprise party for her when she and Dayna first came home to her apartment in Brooklyn. Yeah, she loved that. She was much better playing it all off because she was so happy. When she needed a babysitter, they were there for her—helped her around the house when she didn't have time. She did the same for them too. Thankfully the others had theirs on their due dates. Except for Lulu, she had to induce her baby boy into the world a week late.

Oh yes, Lulu and David were fine on the night of the blackout. They were stuck in traffic, and it took hours to get home. By the time they made it to the apartment, Adena was being taken to the hospital. It all happened so fast. 

"Oh hey, Missy!" Lulu said and hugged her close. One thing about Missy was she got along with everybody that Adena was friends with. Half of the time, they were just as crazy as she was anyway. Lulu was one of them. "Bitch, when are you going to come over and babysit?"

"I can't be the godmother for all you bitches babies," Missy said, and the two cackled. She was holding Lulu's son, David Jr. He was a chunky baby who was Chinese and Latino. 

"Girl, when I say babysit, I mean let's gossip the fuck up and get drunk. I have so many bottles of wine that haven't been opened."

"Oh, I can do that anytime. You ain't gotta ask," Missy said as she handed little David back to her. 

"Bitches, we need to schedule another play date. David wants to show off his new toys," Lulu said. She held David up so he could face Dayna. "Look, here's your future wife." David reached out to Dayna. They all awwed. "See? It's fate."

Then Dayna started to cry; Lulu may have spoken too soon. Adena returned her to Craig, which calmed her down for now. "You're alright. I know Lulu's a lot," Craig said, looking over at David. He rolled his eyes, but Craig was right. He was one of those laid-back, chill guys who loved over-the-top women.

"Dah," Dayna said to him, and all the men paused. The girls had their circle right next to the girls. All of them had a beer bottle, and the girls had wine. 

"Did she just call you Dad?" Ron asked him.

"Shhhh, please don't say that with Mama so close. Say, Mama. Mama." Craig whispered to her.

"Oh, this already happened?" Ron asked. "Does she know?" Craig shook his head. All the guys winced. "Damn, well, when you two have that conversation, make sure to go live or make it into a Tiktok."

"Shut up," was all Craig could say. "I'm not pay-per-viewing a private conversation."

"Oh, speaking of the next fight, where are we watching it?" Ron asked the guys. He was like Missy; though he was laid back, he could make friends with anyone. All the guys got together recently, and it was lit. 

Adena zoned out and found herself looking around the gallery. It was all so surreal. She had everything she ever wanted. She was so touched that everyone showed up for her.

Hours later, Adena and Craig drove home after a long day of celebrating and mingling. Dayna was knocked out in the backseat. Craig shook his head, "Why am I not surprised?"

"I feel the same," Adena said. She told Craig what happened with Taye. She shook her head and looked out the window as they stopped at a traffic light. "Oh! There's the house," she said as she looked at the cute little house on the corner. Then she saw the 'SOLD' sign in the yard. "Oh no! Babe."

"What?"

"It's sold already. That's the one you wanted, right?"

Craig sighed, "Yeah...but good thing I'm the one who bought it."

Adena snapped her head back toward him, almost giving herself whiplash. "Craig. Don't play," she said to him, and he smiled widely as he made a right turn and turned into the little driveway next to the house. "Are you serious?"

"I am," he said, holding up a silver key. She leaned over and kissed him.

"Congratulations, baby!" Adena said, "I know you wanted this one."

"You like it too, right?" he asked her.

"Doesn't matter what I like, but yes," she said, and they laughed. 

"Of course, it matters. Come on, let me show you inside," he said as he pressed a button, and the garage door opened. Adena shook her head as she exited the car and carefully lifted Dayna. She was so exhausted from today that she may sleep the whole night. Adena felt the same.

Her jaw dropped to the floor when they walked into the house. It was practically fully furnished already. "You mean to tell me you bought and moved into a house behind my back?"

"Surprise," he said, and she swatted him. She was running out of fingers trying to count all her surprises since last year. The garage door led them into the other side of the living room. She looked around at the beautifully decorated room and noticed a small chest of baby toys next to the new tv. Her heart was full, knowing that he considered Dayna and her a part of the big future he was planning. "There's a small basement, but lemme show you the upstairs," he said. Tears fell from her face when she saw a brand new nursery for Dayna. "You like it?"

"I love it," she said, kissing him, "When did you find the time?"

"While you were running around getting the grand opening ready." This past month has been their busiest yet. "Rich helped too," he said with a smile and waited for her response, her jaw practically dropping to the floor. He took Dayna from her and laid her down in the crib. "See, she likes it already." Adena laughed. If there were any more big surprises, she felt she would explode. "Come on." He then led her into the bedroom, where there were yellow and red rose petals on a brand-new king-sized bed.

She laughed through her tears, "What part of I hate surprises do you not understand?"

"It makes it more fun. I can't help it," he said as he kissed her. "Do you like it? Is this all too much? 

"Yes. No, it's perfect." She could barely put into words what she was feeling right now. She watched as Craig took something out of his back pocket. It was another silver key. 

"I want you to have this." She looked at him questioningly. He walked over to the bedroom door and closed it. She could almost faint at what she saw. Craig had painted on the door. "I remember you telling me that when Basquiat was starting out, he would find random pieces of wood, like doors in the dumpsters, to paint on because he couldn't afford canvases." Adena nodded; the tears would not stop. "That, and you, inspired me," he said as he came up behind her and hugged her. He put his chin on her shoulder. "So what do you say?"

In sloppy writing, Craig had painted on the back of the door 'Will You Move In With Me?'. He also painted random hearts all over it. Her heart wanted to explode.

"I can't believe this. Are you serious?" she asked as she clutched the key tightly.

"Yes, babe. I miss waking up next to you every morning and having everything in one place. You can move in whenever you want, immediately, preferably," he said as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"I have like another six months on my lease."

"Rent it out. This has three bedrooms. One for us, one for her, one extra." 

 "I'll have to start looking for renters now."

"Don't worry about that. Remember Brandon is opening an office in Brooklyn? He's looking for a place..."

Adena turned to look at him in shock. "Brandon can afford something way nicer than what I have."

"What are you talking about? You have like the best view of the city. Besides, he says it doesn't have to be fancy. The main office is still on the island. It'll be more of a vacation home for them. He can afford it."

"You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

"Of course, I got to. I got a big future planned," he said as he kissed her forehead and held her close. "I want to surprise you for years to come. You down?"

"Yes, surprisingly, yes," she said happily.

Being surprised by him was starting to become one of her favorite things.

*

Capricorn's Spiritual Goal: To learn to understand the feelings and needs of other people.

*

https://youtu.be/OoclrsxO7kQ

THE END

Coming soon: Book 2 of the Zodiac series, Aquarius. Who's ready? ♒

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Sources:

The Little Encyclopedia of the Zodiac - The Diagram Group

Cafeastrology.com - Annie Heese

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