“Tuh. Ain’t no saving me. Ain’t no saving his ass either, Superman. He’ll be back.”
I shook my head at her and continued my stride. It was crazy that I knew her ass spoke some truth, but I had faith and hope that Terrell wouldn’t let this shit be his ending. It was time to look toward a new and better beginning.
The jet landed in the Maldives around noon. We had left the previous night, only stopping once to refuel, then we were back up in the air, heading to a place I’d only seen in magazines or commercials.
The first year I was locked down, I started strategizing and planning for the life I wanted the moment they let a nigga free. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about getting back everything I lost.
I knew I fucked up, and hearing Trouble’s confession only proved that I would never fail again.
It’d been two weeks since I took him to rehab. I made sure I found him one of the best, one that wouldn’t let him back on the streets until they felt he was ready. The place had an activity room, a basketball court, a football field, a spa, a gym, andtherapy. He was allowed one hour outside the gated compound and two phone calls a week.
He’d called me the first week, crying and saying he couldn’t do it, but with the encouragement of Killa, Meeko, and me, he agreed to keep going. The turn of events that occurred since the moment those bars slammed behind me was a whirlwind. The time I lost, the love I left behind, and not knowing my fate had me down badly that first year. Seeing Dinny’s face every time she came to see me broke me each time I had to see her walk away. The fact that Terrell contributed to me being away for so long hurt me badly, but I knew I could shake back from my life being taken away, half my life being locked away.
As I sat next to Jordin inside the SUV, heading to our resort, nothing could have stopped me from having the life I dreamed of with her. In that moment, those promises I made to her when I was a twenty-three-year-old hustler with dreams were now being put into fruition.
She was my one.
My only.
My every-fucking-thing.
“I can’t believe we’re here. This is truly breathtaking,” she said, staring out of the window.
“It is. You ready to become Mrs. Sullivan?”
She looked over at me and smiled. “Do you even have to ask?”
“Just wanted to be sure since you were about to marry another nigga.”
“Oh em gee. Are you ever going to let that go?”
“Eventually. My heart is a little bruised still, but I’ma get over it.”
She smirked. “What do you want me to do? You want a grand gesture?”
“That’ll work.”
She giggled and lay her head on my chest. I kissed her head and wrapped my arm around her. Just the feel of her body here with me physically felt so right. I knew nothing or no one would ever come between us again.
We arrived at the resort with our family and friends, and already there, I was sure enjoying myself. They had flown ahead because I had a meeting with the designer for my new watch line. Dinny refused to go without me, so she stayed behind while we sent them ahead. As the truck came to a stop in front of the resort, the butlers came to retrieve our bags. I got out and helped Dinny out as we headed inside.
The host stood at the entrance with a smile on his face. “Mr. Sullivan. Welcome. My name is Dallas, and I’ll be your host here on the island for the duration of your stay. I hope your flight with your wife was everything you’ve imagined.”
“It was.” Dinny beamed.
“Wonderful. Everything is set in place for your upcoming nuptials this coming Saturday. Between that time, I’ll only be a call away should you need anything before then.”
“Thank you, Dallas,” I said, shaking his hand.
“You’re welcome, and welcome to Lover’s Island.” He stepped around us, and we headed inside.
“Oh, this is gorgeous. Baby, you spoil me so much.” She blushed and wrapped her arms around my neck. I kissed her lips and rubbed her curly hair.
“You already know how I’m coming about you, baby. Whatever your heart desires, I’m here to make it happen.”
“I know, and I love that for me. You were and still are the same man I fell in love with. I can confidently walk into forever with you because it’s always been you. I’m so sorry for doubting you. I promise I’ll never do that again.”
“Keep talking that shit to me, mama. I can feel that little bruise fading on my heart.”