"If this isn't love" Part IX

When taking a road trip, most people begin by starting the car (or by, at least, getting in one). Then you have to determine the right direction in which to travel. Once you know which way to go, you increase your speed to a comfortable pace. And then, and only then, do you hit that button…the cruise button. That’s where we were. Cruising.

We had to settle back into our old, but trusty routine. We’d live our separate lives from Monday through Thursday, but we made sure to spend every moment of every weekend together as a family. The dynamics between us were still a little off. We were both in that “try not to do anything wrong, but watch out to see if they mess up” mindset. You know, walking on eggshells, but still waiting in the shadows with your 100,000 watt taser. It was an odd time, but we worked through it. We had our blow ups, but we talked through them. We just wouldn’t let each other just give up on 'us'.

It was the beginning of spring, which meant new life, bears coming out of hibernation, and me getting to go out in public. It, also, meant it was closing in on my and my lovely line sisters’ pledge birthday. This was the time that the eleven of us vowed to celebrate together every year…no excuses. I was beside myself with excitement, because 1) it really was my first time out in almost four months, and 2) it was Mr. Marcus’ first time on solo daddy duty. Well, sort of. He was on daddy duty, along with his two best friends, so I guess it was more like Davin being on daddy and uncle duty. Anyway, I kissed my boys goodbye, and headed out for a great time with my girls.

The girls and I had already decided that we were going to try to step things up a bit and make this year a big deal…after all, it was our 2^nd birthday!!! A few of us started the afternoon off at the mall for a little light shopping. We then headed across town to a tattoo parlor, intending for all of us to share in the experience and get a tattoo. Of course, several of us punked out, but there were a few brave souls that left that little shop with some new ink…myself included. Unfortunately, I didn’t leave that little shop as a happy customer. (PSA: Never, EVER, consider getting a tattoo as a good spur-the-moment idea.) Oh well. I wasn’t going to let that ruin my first night back in the midst of grown ups.

After tattoos, it was time for some dinner. We headed downtown to a fun spot on the river, known as Cajun’s Wharf (better known by the locals as just Cajun’s). Great food. Great atmosphere. Great company. We were definitely in for a great time. We sat down, ordered a few drinks, and began to reminisce about the “good ol’ days” back when we had no real responsibilities, like rent, student loan payments, and full-time jobs. Back when you felt like you were really living. ; )

Just as the appetizers were being brought out, I turned to see a familiar face come through the door, and it happened to be my honey’s best friend, Gill. Now, don’t get me wrong; I love Gill. He’s a great guy. But I couldn’t figure out, for the life of me, why he was walking into Cajun’s when he’s supposed to be helping to watch my baby. And he wasn’t just at Cajun’s; he was fast approaching my table. As he got closer, I could see that this wasn’t a chance meeting where we had coincidently crossed paths. There was a look of angst in his eyes that made my heart fall into the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong.

The closer he got to me, the more I could sense it. The room went silent, and I could only hear the pounding of my heart. I felt my hands grip the seat of my chair, as I, unknowingly, braced myself in preparation for the news he was about to deliver.

Coco, it’s something wrong with Davin. He’s not breathing right.

What do you mean, ‘he’s not breathing right’? What happened?

Iono! Something’s wrong. Leroy’s (Mr. Marcus, for those of you who didn’t know)  bringing him in now!

WHAT!?! WHY??? Why didn’t y’all take him to the hospital? What did y’all do?!?!?

Can you sense the panic??? Can you??? I was beside myself! How dumb could three grown men be to bring a non-breathing baby to a restaurant???

I was sitting at a table with 10 other, now,  panicking females, not knowing what to do or think. I look up to see my baby’s daddy walking through the restaurant with my newborn son bundled in his arms. He walks up to me and places Davin in my lap, not saying a word.

What’s wrong with Davin??? Why did you bring him here??? What have y’all been doing??? What happened???

He never said a word. He stood over me as fired my questions at him and peeled the blanket away from my son. I was almost in tears, as I feared the worst. I opened the blanket, only to see my beautiful son sucking his “Mute Button.” Fervently, I checked his nose, mouth, and all of his extremities. He was fine. He was healthy. I couldn’t find a thing wrong with him. However, I did find something.

Dangling around Davin’s neck, there was a shinny, silvery ribbon. I could tell that something was on the end of it, but it was tucked under his tiny body. I tugged on the string to dislodge the mystery object, only to find the most beautiful thing I had ever seen…

A ring…

A RING!!!

MYYY RING!!!

I looked up at Marcus, only to see him lowering himself down to one knee. Right then and there, in front of the hundreds of patrons that surrounded us, his friends and my sisters, the love of my life publicly proclaimed his love for me…and PROPOSED!!!

Of course, I said, YES!!! That man had just given me the best moment of my life! And it couldn't have been more perfect!!!

You HAVE to come back for the rest of the story...this ride, is just getting started.