Daphne handed her one of the small, glossy advertisements, and Johnny's handsome face was the first thing she saw. She was quiet for minutes.
"You okay, Roni?"
"Oh my God. I love him so much, Daphne," she wailed.
Daphne spun the chair around and looked her friend in the eyes. " Then, tell him, Roni."
"Roni, Angie, Karla and Tony, and Daphne and Jas, all took a seat in front of the stage at the Hole. Karla was doing her usual complaining about the smoke. The show hadn’t started yet. People were sitting around and talking.
“Everybody, I know this is not the best time for introductions, but this is my girlfriend, Jas. Jas this is Roni, Angie, and Karla, and her friend Tony.“ she said, pointing to each of them.
“Hi, Jas, nice to meet you,“ everyone seemed to say simultaneously.
“Same here,” she said in her deep, sultry New York accent.
After several poets had performed, the fat emcee, Bigg-Boi Rob came back out to introduce the grand finale act.
"I got a treat for ya'll. Back by popular demand. Ya'll know him. Ya'll love him. Ya'll wanted him...and YA'LL GOT EM! Back home in the A-T-L from New York city, Tha’ Baddest! Johnnnnnnnnnnnnnnay Parkerrrrrrrr!"
The room was over it's capacity. People were lined up against the walls and the screams were almost deafening, as Johnny walked out on stage. As usual, he was humble.
"It's so good to be back home. I just want to thank everybody in this room, because without you, I wouldn't have come this far. My hit single, Don't Wanna, will be available in stores near you, in a couple of weeks, October 25th, to be exact."
The music started. " I know there has been some requests, and I was gonna sing another song, initially…but sometimes you gotta follow your heart and let your feelings just flow. So, I'm gonna give you what's on my heart tonight.....This one's for the lady of my life. The lady I love." He began to sing.
"I never thought I'd feel this way ...baby until you came my way...
My life has changed.....in more ways than I can say....
Roni......Roni........I can't leave without you..
Baby please say you'll stay...."
Roni didn't fight the tears that streamed down her face. All of her friends looked in her direction. Angie put her arm around her and hugged her. Daphne and Karla smiled at her.
The spotlight shined in her direction, as Johnny stepped down from the stage and grabbed her hand. He continued to sing
"I want the world to know.....that you're the one.........
Roni..................
marry me! marry me! oh mar-ry meeee!
baby let's start a fam-i-ly"
She was smiling from ear to ear, as he held her close and sang to her on stage, in front of everyone. After the song was over, he looked into her eyes, then turned to look at the audience of emotional fans. "That wasn't an act ya'll. This is the woman I love. I want the world to know." He turned back to Roni, knelt on one knee , and reached into his pocket.
All of the females in the room were screaming wildly. When their screams subsided momentarily, he opened the box. "Veronica Carter, say yes. Say you'll be my wife. Say you'll be in my life forever."
Roni looked into the audience at her friends. All of them were smiling. Angie was wiping her eyes. "Yes, baby! I will!" she squealed.
He placed the ring on her finger. “I was made to love you,” he whispered into her ear. They stood, oblivious to the cheering crowd, softly kissing, in a loving embrace.
"That's my girl!" Angie screamed over the crowd.
Roni had taken Daphne's advice. The man she loved had come back to propose to her. Finally, she knew, there was nothing to fear. Her love had come back to find her and this time she wasn't afraid of anything. Neither was he. Together, they were fearless and ready to be in it for the long haul.
Tony looked into Karla's teary eyes and squeezed her hand. His expression was hopeful. Karla gave his hand a squeeze, in return. She turned her head and gazed at him, with a look, that was equally hopeful. She was sure that everything that was meant to happen for them, would do so in time.
Deep in love, Jas and Daphne enjoyed a passionate kiss. There was no shame, no boundaries, and no holds barred. The world mattered not, to the couple in total bliss.
Angie was alone, by choice. She was thankful for the lessons she’d learned and was content with her life, for the moment. She knew that true love would find her one day, and it didn't matter the size of a man's wallet, but the depth of his love, and willingness to make a strong commitment to her.
Roni‘s internal smile was just as real as the one she wore on her face. She had finally gotten a love that was genuine. The one she’d been waiting on for a lifetime.
Chapter 32
Epilogue
Inside Mount Calvary Church, in New York city, Daphne, and Karla, assumed their positions as bridesmaids; and Angela, as maid of honor. "Heaven" by Jamie Foxx, floated from the speakers. The sacred altar was dimly lit by two ivory candelabras, and accented with beautiful pillars and an ivory and champagne balloon arch. They watched in awe and elation as their best friend, Veronica Charmain “Roni” Carter, walked down the aisle, to her waiting husband-to-be, and her new life as Mrs. Jonathan Albert Parker.
Single Ladies Page 16