Page 64 of Solomon’s Temple

“Man, you know she’s always been overprotective and nosy as hell. Does she know about . . . you know?”

I eyed him, hating that he brought that up.

“What? Don’t leave me in the dark. What y’all talking about?” Gabe asked, looking between us.

I straightened my shoulders and looked at him. “Temple used to dance at Club Lucid. I didn’t know when I first met her, but I saw her in there when I did a job for Knowledge and his wife. By then I was already locked in. She hadn’t been there since I took her to Italy.”

Gabe smirked while Karon chuckled.

“One thing we know how to do is apply pressure. Her past is nothing if you’re changing her future,” Gabe schooled.

“Facts.” Ron agreed. “Who told Auntie though?”

I shook my head. “Shareece.”

“Should’ve known she was gon’ tell it all. Don’t let what ya moms do stop you from having your happy ending. If anybody deserves it, it’s you. Almost lost your life there, champ, but you made it out alive. I’m not into all the religion, but I know the Big Homie set it up for you to have exactly what you need out of this life. I can’t wait to put on that tux and witness you walk into your forever.”

That made me feel good. “Appreciate you, Cuz. While we’re on the subject, clear y’all schedules this week. Y’all need to go get fitted and help me find the perfect honeymoon spot.”

“You about to pop the question?” Ron asked.

I shook my head. “I already locked her down in Italy. Now we’re planning the big one for the family.”

“I knew ya ass wasn’t gon’ be able to hold out!” Ron exclaimed.

“You see what I see. It was pure torture for both of us for real, but I couldn’t break. She understood and agreed to be my wife.”

Gabe whistled. “If Urina finds out about that⁠—”

“She knows that too. I let it slip. Intentionally though.” I shrugged.

“I just know she fainted after hearing that shit,” Ron said.

We laughed again.

“You know we got you, my G. Anything you need,” Gabe said, slapping me a five.

“’Preciate you, fam.”

“Ronnie!” Sky called to him, then rushed over. “Come dance with me.”

He took her hand and ushered her to the dance floor. Shortly after, Lessyn came and pulled Gabe away as my eyes found Temple.

She wrapped up a conversation with the MC then headed back over to me. She smiled and walked into my arms.

“Joy” by Blackstreet serenaded the space as I looked down at my wife in admiration. I couldn’t believe she was all mine.

“Don’t tell me you can’t dance to slow jams with your wife.”

“Believing in God isn’t what you think it is, my love. I admit I stopped listening to songs like this after I turned my life around, but now, I have a reason to resonate with the lyrics.” I kissed her forehead. “May I have this dance, beautiful?”

“Yes, you may.” I took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

We danced for two songs before we decided to make a few plates to go. While making our rounds to bid my people a good night, I spotted Dominic talking to his cousin.

“I’ll be right back, baby. Give me two seconds,” I told Temple, then walked over to Dom and his cousin Truce.

“Fellas,” I greeted.