Uvaldo’s POV
I was in and out of meetings all day, and all I wanted to do was to come home to Jakoby and Jamaica. I smile.
It’s funny how those two crept their way into my heart.
When Eric mentioned marriage this morning, I froze; not because I didn’t want to get married, but I was afraid Jakoby wouldn’t. She’s only eighteen. She has her whole life ahead of her. I was afraid that she wouldn’t want to commit to a man who was closer to her mother’s age rather than hers. But then I realised she never even mentioned the age difference and it was probably because it didn’t bother her.
There was also the look on her face when I was released from jail last week. I couldn’t describe exactly what it was, but it made my heart turned.
If she didn’t love me now, then I’d teach her how.
I manage to get Kevin, Harlyn and Eric to organise a little surprise for Jakoby. I’d ask her to marry me properly.
As I pulled the apartment, I notice the trail of rose petals on the ground. There were small notes every few steps. I closed the door behind me and smile.
What was she planning?
I bent down and took up the first note. It read, “The first thing I noticed was your eyes, and then you touched my hands, and a shiver ran through me. I couldn’t help but let my eyes follow after you, knowing that I might never see you again.”
I smiled. I knew it was my eyes but did touching me really made her shiver?
I took a few more steps then bent to pick up the second note. “But fate had different plans. The next day, the shivery feeling came back, so I looked up and there they were enchanting blue eyes. I wasn’t used to the feeling, and so I decided to run.”
I took up the other note and continued reading, “Of course you just wouldn’t let me get away. You followed me. I’m going, to be honest, and say I thought you were a creep, especially when you told me I could live with you. Do you know what went through my head? For now, I’ll keep those thoughts to myself.”
“The very same night hoodlums tried to kill me, I was lucky. One of them actually had a heart; they took everything I had and let me go. After walking for hours, fate brought me to your address, and you gave me a home without hesitation.”
I turned and picked up another note. “After a while, you started to steal my heart with your kindness and warmth slowly. You didn’t care that I was a homeless, pregnant teenager. You gave me a family, one that I’d never imagine having.”
I looked at the last note which was laying by Jamaica’s door. I slowly picked it up, “You’ve managed to capture my heart without even trying. You’ve treated Jamaica as your own, and she too has something to say.”
I swallowed and pushed the door opened.
“Wow,” I said involuntarily. Jakoby was sitting in front of the crip. Her hair was straightened with a centre part. She was also wearing makeup, something I’d never seen her wear before. She was wearing a red dress that complimented her curves. She looked terrific, and so I told her. “You look beautiful.”
She blushed, and her face became pink, “Thank you.” She pointed towards the crib where Jamaica was sleeping soundly. “There is a final note.”
I saw the paper laying beside Jamaica. I gently removed it and lifted it to my face. “Will you be my daddy?”
As I read the note, my heart left my chest. I looked on Jakoby only to realise she was starting to bend her knees.
Was she going to propose?
I shook my head; I couldn’t let her do that. “Don’t,” I commanded. “I know what you’re gonna ask, and I don’t want you to ask.”
She slowly lifted her self with a frown on her face.
It wasn’t the woman’s job to propose. I would never let her do that, especially not when I’ve already planned the perfect proposal party.
“Don’t say anything just yet.” I bent and lifted Jamaica out of her crib. “Follow me,” I said, then exit the room.
Jakoby followed me behind me in silence. I could tell she was genuinely disappointed. I would be too if I planned a surprise engagement and it got thrown back in my face.
I really wanted to comfort her, but I knew it wasn’t my time. I’m sure she’ll forgive me as soon as we arrived at the Center.
I placed Jamaica in her car seat, and Jakoby sat beside her. It kind of hurt me that she didn’t want to sit next to me in the passenger seat, but I understand why she was acting like that. She’ll be happy when he sees the real reason I rejected her proposal.
I sent a text to Kevin before driving out of the garage.
The drive to the Center was silent, just as I suspected. It made me a little guilty that I didn’t even try and break it either, but I knew she wasn’t in the mood.
“Why are we here?” she asked when we were out of the car.
“You’ll see. Here, hold Jamaica for me.” I could see the tears in her eyes when I handed Jamaica over. It made me sad because I knew I was the reason for her tears. When Jamaica was safely in her arms, I spoke again. “C’mon. Walk ahead of me.”
When we entered in the main area, we were greeted with, “Surprise!”
I laughed at Jakoby’s confusion. It took her a while to notice the sign made of balloons that everyone was standing under. When she read it, she slowly turned around to look at me. I was already on my knees by then. I repeated the words for her, “Will you marry me?”
A big smile came on her face; now she understood why I rejected her proposal and my heart melt.
“I’d like to be Jamaica’s daddy.”
She looked down and Jamaica and laughed, “Did you hear that? He wants to be your daddy? What’s your answer?”
Jamaica let out a high pitch sound, and everyone laughed.
“I guess that’s a yes,” Kevin shouted.
“She answered,” Jakoby said with a smile.
“So what’s your answer?” My heart was having a party in my chest. I could hear it beating rapidly as I waited for her response.
“Hell, yes!”
I let out a deep breath I didn’t know I was holding. Everybody clapped and laugh.
“Girl! What are you waiting for? Go get your ring?” Emily shouted. She moved towards Jakoby and took Jamaica from her arms.
Jakoby blushed as she walked closer to me. She stood in front of me and pushed out her left hand. I took her hands in mine then place the ring on her finger. She brought it up to her face and smile.
“Just like your eyes,” she whispered.
I laugh. I knew she’d love her ring if the stones were similar to my eye colour. “I also knew you only wanted me for my eyes.”
She shook her head and bent down in front of me. “That’s definitely a bonus. But I want you more.”
“So are you gonna kiss me?”
She looked us for a second, “In front of all these people?” before I could answer, she wrapped her hands around my neck and placed her lips on mine. The kiss was short, but it was beautiful. We pulled away from each other and stood up.
“You know upon till three minutes ago, I was very angry with you.”
I looked at her and smirked, “You were? I didn’t notice.”
“I thought you were rejecting me. I felt my heart being ripped from my chest,” she confessed.
“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t let you propose. It’s a man’s job to make the first move.”
“You’re living in the 21st century. A woman can propose too.” she shrugged.
I shook my head, “I was born in the 20th century, and so I believe it’s the man’s job.”
“Potato, Potato,” she mumbled.
“Don’t tell me you’re already arguing.” Eric grinned, “You haven’t even got married yet.” he patted my back, “Congratulations.” he turned to Jakoby, “You’ve got a good one right here. Protect him.”
“I will.”
“Oh, my baby is getting married.” My mother came over and wrapped her arms around both of us. “I knew you were the one from the moment he brought you home.” she smiled at Jakoby, “Welcome to the family, officially.”
I smiled. I’m glad my mother approved of Jakoby and I.
Gizelle came over to congratulate us as well, “Are you sure you don’t have a brother?” she joked.
“He doesn’t.” my mother confirmed. She looked at Eric and smirked, “He has two best friends.”
“I’m taken.” Harlyn clarified.
Eric smirked, “I’m not.”
Gizelle laughed, “Aren’t you sweet?” she gave him a small glance then looked at me. “I wish I could call you son, but you know…”
I laughed, “It’s okay. I’ll settle for friends.”
“So now that we’ve finished talking, who’s ready to celebrate?” Kevin shouted.
“Me!” half of the persons in the room shouted.
I looked down at Jakoby and smile. She was going to be my wife. Jamaica will be my daughter.
What more could I ask for?