Page 45 of Til Death
As the dinner went on, the conversation changed periodically to different things.
“Have you two decided on a date for the wedding yet?” I questioned Ryo and Shantel, his fiancée.
“We have!” Shantel gushed. “We were waiting until all the details were pinned out, but I guess we can reveal it here. You mind, babe?” She grabbed Ryo’s hand and grinned at him.
“Go ahead.” He nodded.
“Okay. Next spring, in Paris!” Her excitement grew.
“Next spring? That’s only a year away. Don’t you want more time to plan?” Michelle asked.
It was no secret that she wasn’t the biggest fan of Shantel. When the two first started dating, she came on too strong and that rubbed Mama Chelle the wrong way. She felt like Shantel’s personality was an act. Truthfully, none of us expected their relationship to last to the point where marriage was considered. When Ryo first brought Shantel around, we knew it was serious. He was more private with his dealings and didn’t bring just anyone around his family. The pair got engaged on New Year’s and already had the wedding planned.
“We both decided why wait. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Shantel Barnett.” She batted her lashes at Ryo.
He smirked at her and lifted her hand, kissing the back.
“Still… it seems fast,” Erik commented, his face stoic.
“Didn’t you and Mom get married after six months of knowing each other?” Ryo asked.
“Oop, he’s got you guys there.” Reginae snickered.
The couple made eye contact. “Fair, but times are different now. We just thought you would enjoy your engagement a little longer,” Mama Chelle explained.
“Well, I for one say why wait. If baby bro wants to sign his life away sooner, who are we to complain?” Roman cut in.
“Speaking of. When are you going to settle down?” Now his mom’s attention was focused on him.
“I told you, Mama, not everyone’s goal is to settle down and get married.”
She scoffed. “Seriously, Roman, you’re too old to have that mindset. You and your sister need to get it together.”
“How did I get into this?” Reginae questioned. “I’m actively dating at the moment and still young. Besides, I would have settled down already if someone didn’t weasel their way into the mix.” She smirked in my direction.
“Oh give it up. You two were never gonna happen,” Ryo complained.
“You don’t know that.” She frowned.
“Yosiah, this is getting sad. Tell the girl you never had any intentions of being with her.”
“Ay, leave me out of it.” I tossed my hands up.
Reginae rolled her eyes. “Anyway, the point is, I’m dating. And if the right one comes along, then I’ll think about marriage.”
“What’s with all this marriage talk anyway? Yosiah, brother. What’s next for you?” Roman interjected, easily changing the subject.
As the conversation shifted, the mood at the table lightened. Eventually Mama Chelle brought out a cake she had made for tonight. Most people had the luxury of being supported by their parents, I was thankful enough to have both them and the Barnetts on my side.
“Yosiah.” Reginae called out as I headed for my car. Dinner was nice. It was never a dull moment when I was with the Barnetts. Being that their family was bigger than mine, the entertainment was endless.
“Wassup?” I stopped and turned to look at her.
“I wasn’t going to bring it up, but after the conversation at dinner, I’m curious. Are you in love with your wife?”
My head cocked to the side and my hands went into my front pocket. “What made you ask that?”
She wet her lips and shrugged. “Just curious is all.”
