"He asked me to keep it a secret," Rhonda said.
I blew my nose into the big wad of tissue I was carrying around with me. Through a stuffy nose, I said, "Okay, you are forgiven."
"He put that ring on your finger, so stop worrying about what he is doing. He should be home soon," Rhonda assured.
I remembered when he proposed. It was the day I walked across the stage to get my college diploma at Auburn University. When the dean called my name to come up and receive the well-deserved master's degree in psychology, Titus called my name on a bullhorn. As everyone searched the audience for the source of his voice, each of his homeboys held up a fluorescent letter that spelled out the words, "MARRY ME SHAYLA." After reading the words, our eyes locked, and he stood there on the sidelines with the biggest, cutest grin on his handsome brown face. In his hand, he held a black velvet box. With my heart full and head swirling, I took the degree papers from the dean and ran over to hug the man I would be spending the rest of my life with.
Once I reached him, I said, "Yes… yes… yes! I will marry you, if you promise to always love, honor and respect me."
Daddy's lessons were still embedded in me, then. I felt like the most special woman in the world when Titus looked into my eyes and said, "Woman, how could I not respect you for your beauty, intelligence, and elevating me to heights no other woman could? I love you, Shayla."
Not only had I received the first college degree in my family, but I had someone special to share my dreams with. He wrapped his arms around me and the warmth of his kiss embraced me. The quick trip down memory lane reminded me of how much I loved that five-foot-eleven, bow-legged, muscular in all the right places, pretty brown-skinned brother. Dried tears on my cheeks cracked as a genuine smile crept up on my face. I told Rhonda, "I love that man. Thanks for always being there for me. You always help me come back to reality."
"You are welcome. I'll always be here for you."
I took a look around at all the expensive things that I couldn't make love to, laugh at a funny joke with, or sit beside on the couch to watch a comedy show with. When it was all said and done, I couldn't get any love from the chinchilla coat or Chanel pumps. The whole ordeal had me completely drained. I walked through the kitchen into the den and sat on the plush leather sofa. Its warmth and comfort provided intimacy.