Chapter 4 Birthday to Engagement

"Happy birthday!!!"

"Jesus, guys. You wanna give me a heart attack or what" Christina gripped her chest for fear that her heart would fall out.

Yet Christina couldn't find a place in her heart to feel anger. They did this out of love. Everyone she loved was here. Her teary eyed Grandma, Karen her best friend, Charles her man.

"Grandma, you made it. I didn't think you'd be able to come"

"I wouldn't miss your 25th birthday for anything in the world. As far back as was known, the women in our family marry around this period. He really loves you, you know" Grandma whispered the last bit.

"And I love him back just as much. Give me a hug, I've missed you so much."

Grandma and Granddaughter held each other for a while, tears glistening their eyes. There had been so much loss and pain they'd both shared.

"Karen" Christina called and sniffled.

"Hey boo. I've missed you tons. Come let me hold ya baby girl" Her ghetto twang spiced the way she talked.

"Missed you too" Christina held Karen. They'd shared so many memories and it swirled in them.

"Last but most important...the boyfriend, the heart throb, the undresser..." Karen introduced but was cut off by Christina

"Geez Kay. Grandma's here"

"I already know what y'all do" Grandma quickly retorted.

They all laughed. A deep from the stomach kind. Laughter from satisfying friendships.

Christina looked at her heartthrob. He looked so handsome holding those beautiful roses. Her thumping heart turned to fluttery butterflies.

"Happy birthday baby. These are for you" Charkes said, offering her the flowers

"Thank you" She hugged him, sinking into him. He offered her so much comfort and strength.

Christina sank her face into the petals and inhaled their sweet smell. They smelled so fresh and sweet.

"Let me freshen up and we can go. Shit, Grandma"

"Christina...language" Grandma warned

"Sorry ma. But we booked a table for three. You said you wouldn't be able to make it. So I made reservation for just 3."

"I wanted to surprise you. During my Hey days, we walked to a restaurant and ate. I do not understand all this making reservation business and wearing fancy gowns and suits. Though i like it in handsome over here." Grandma pouted

"Don't worry Grandma" Charles reassured, "if there's no other seat then I'll buy the place. Grandma is getting a seat"

"Thanks baby"

"Such chivalry. I think I'm starting to like this one. And well dressed too" Grandma said

Charles was wearing a dark blue two-peice suit. He wore a vintage shirt in it and a golden rose broach. The broach glistened even in the dimness of the palour light.

"You buying the place will be so much better than unleashing Grandma on the usher" Karen added

"That waiter will be a really bad boy not to get me a seat on the table. He'll need a good spanking, like the ones I used to give you girls"

"How could I forget, you used to redden my black ass" Karen added

"Like Dex used to?" Christina asked, ever so innocently.

Karen gasped, "I'm so killing you"

They chased each other around the room. Charles and Grandma watched them play around until they ran into the room.

"Those kids will never grow up. As long as they're together, they turn to babies. Fierce and rabid babies when someone messes with either one of them. I hope you ain't messing with my baby, Charles?"

"No Ma'am" Charles replied, startled "I love her, she's my world"

"She'd better stay that way. Life has thrown many trials my way. Lost my husband to cancer. Lost my daughter and her husband on the same day in an accident. Burying my Granddaughter is the last thing I'd ever want to do. So if you ever, ever play with her feelings, we'll spend the rest of my life watching over your shoulders. Are we clear?"

Charles gulped. He could see in her eyes that she meant every word. And there was only one answer.

"Yes Ma'am. I do love her and will do all I can to show her every single day"

"You'd Better" Grandma made to go check on the girls, "Charles?"

"Yes Ma'am?"

"I like you. I think you'll be good for my baby"

"Thanks. I appreciate the vote of confidence"

"Just don't fuck up. Girls!!" She strutted off into the room.

Charles laughed. That was some woman. A mother, a protector, a real woman.

"Dang girl. Now you're literally glowing. Too bad that you look this good and Charles ends up tearing up that dress before we get to the restaurant" Karen said

"Don't you think it's too much? I'm thinking of changing to that black one"

"Are you crazy? This is the perfect gown. Don't even think of it."

Christina stood before her mirror and surveyed herself.

The red sequin gown sparkled. Sleeveless and accentuating her cleavage. Stopping just above her knee, she had to agree that she looked stunning.

"I'll do it. Damn, look at my ass"

"Girl that shit is mighty fine. Charles is gonna have a full stomach looking at you. And a loaded groin too"

"Karen! You're so bad" Christina scolded and yet hoping that every word was true.

"You never told me that he was so handsome and hunky. Rich too"

"Well, I'm one lucky girl"

"That you are. I'm so happy for you"

"I'm happy for me too" Her eyes wetted but she pushed it back. Today was a happy day and she wasn't about to mess up her fenty mascara.

Karen hugged her and they held each other for a while. The door swung open and Grandma came in.

But he did love Christina. He loved her like his life depended on it. He'd never felt this way with anyone else. It was also crystal clear that she felt it right back, and that was so convenient for them both.

The creak of the bedroom door and the feminine squeals coming out of it brought his mind back.

His eyes nearly popped their sockets. What a beauty. Even with the three women walking out of the room, his eyes stuck on one.

"I guess the drooling man says it all" Karen said breaking the heavy sexual tension.

"You look...like a goddess. Completely breathtaking." Charles complimented, never taking his eyes off his woman.

The colour rose to her cheeks. If his words didn't show his sincerity, his eyes spoke alot more.

"I love you so much" Christina said, dragged him close and kissed him hard.

"That's enough, Grandma's still here" Grandma playfully scolded.

"Careful Christy, before mama takes your man. She's still looking sexy." Karen said

"Nah!" Grandma replied, "He's too old for me"

The laughter erupted from every lip. That woman was something else, Charles thought, with a wide grin on his lips.

"Let's go then" Charles said and checked his phone. The Uber was outside.

Charles held the door open for the three women to pass and he shut the door. His left hand fiddled with the little case in his suit pocket and his mind was focused on the task. There was no going back, he'd come this far. He wore a furrowed brow, stern eyes and and a killer's grin as he entered the suv.

This was going to be a long night.