An Unlikely Proposal

by Toni Shiloh

  “Uh...thanks?” He knew most of the folks in Bluebonnet expected him to marry Trinity, but Christine had been it for him. One look at her caramel skin and bright sunny smile, and he’d been a goner.

  “Of course, Omar. I’m happy your girls will have a woman in the house. You would have gone completely gray as a single father. My Harry always says I’m the reason he still has pepper in his hair.”

  Trinity shook beside him, probably trying not to laugh at Mrs. Whitam’s antics.

  They walked to room three and entered. Mrs. Whitam wished them “all the best” and left them waiting. Trinity’s parents took the first row of seats in the gallery. Omar looked around, wondering what to do. He slid his hands into his pockets.

  He’d worn a tuxedo the first time he married but Trinity hadn’t wanted to dress up today, so he’d thrown on his dress uniform. It was better than jeans and less formal than a tux. At least, that had been his way of thinking. He couldn’t help but notice how his uniform complemented her red dress.

  Finally, Judge Hanvoy walked in, looking down at his paperwork. He halted and slowly gazed up, doing a double take. “I thought I read the wrong names.”

  Omar chuckled. “No, that’s right.” He assumed the judge held their marriage license, which Omar had given Mrs. Whitam earlier.

  Judge Hanvoy walked over to the middle of the courtroom and motioned them to join him on the other side of the partition. “Is there something y’all want to tell me?”

  “Uh...” Omar looked at Trinity. Seemed like the people of Bluebonnet didn’t know how to act about their marriage.

  She shrugged.

  “I wasn’t aware you two had been dating.”

  Omar’s gut clenched. “As you know, we’re best friends.” His hands curled into a fist, hidden by his pockets.

  “I know, but when did y’all graduate to more?”

  They hadn’t, and he had no plans to go that direction. Just a mutually beneficial marriage with friendship and respect. Most married couples could only hope for those things, right? The kind of love he’d had with Christine didn’t happen twice in a lifetime.

  He pulled himself from his musings. “With all due respect, sir, does that matter?”

  “I take the sanctity of marriage seriously, Mr. Young. Just because we’re in a courthouse and not a church doesn’t mean the Lord’s not watching.”

  “We understand that, sir. We’ve discussed it, and we’re not here to play games.”

  The judge stared at Omar and then turned his unwavering gaze on to Trinity. Omar wanted to sigh in relief now that the judge’s hawk eyes were off of him. He could sense Trinity trying not to fidget.

  Judge Hanvoy must have come to some conclusion because he placed the paperwork down and spoke to them. “Very well, then. Join hands and repeat after me.”

  Omar held his hands out, offering them to Trinity who slid hers against his palms. His heart pounded as his mind pulled up two different ceremonies—a bride in a glorious white dress and one wearing red with white polka dots.

  Lord God, please help me focus on the woman before me. I don’t want to tarnish Christine’s memory or disrespect Trinity.

  He looked deep into Trinity’s eyes as she pulled a ring out of her dress pocket and posed it over his ring finger.

  “I, Trinity Davis, take you, Omar Young, for my lawfully wedded husband.” Her voice shook as she continued. “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

  He glanced down, noting with surprise the black-and-red silicone wedding ring. It was the kind he could wear on the job and not worry about any complications from wearing metal. Trust a friend to put thought into his ring. He pulled her wedding ring his mom had shipped him overnight out of his pocket. The three stones sparkled in their simplicity.

  As he spoke his vows, he fought memories of hospital visits and graveyard sites. A bead of sweat rolled down his spine. Finally, he slid the ring onto Trinity’s finger. Trinity, not Christine.

  “I now pronounce y’all husband and wife.” Judge Hanvoy took out a pen and signed the certificate with a flourish. “Y’all sign above the husband and wife spaces. Trinity, your parents can sign as witnesses.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Omar passed the pen to Trinity, who signed and passed it to her father. He looked down at his left hand. It was done. They were married and officially husband and wife.

  Now what?

  Chapter Four

  Trinity stared at the red-roofed, two-story farmhouse. The white siding needed repair, but the black shutters framing the windows appeared sturdy. It had an aged look that was more welcoming than dilapidated. The front porch and its swing were her favorites. Maybe she could add a small table and a couple of chairs for the girls on the portion of the porch that wrapped around to the side.

  Don’t get ahead of yourself.

  All of her stuff had been placed in the guest bedroom—her room—last night. The other items that couldn’t fit had been given away to the church. Trinity had to remember she couldn’t just move in and put her stamp on things right away. It would be pretentious, domineering, and...

  She didn’t know what else. Just knew she couldn’t steamroll Omar, despite feeling like an outsider taking up residence in a place that had no room for her. Which was ridiculous. This was her best friend, and she already knew the girls. You’re not an outsider. She forced herself to move toward the porch steps.

  Omar had already climbed them and waited for her at the top. If he thought she was going to let him carry her over the threshold, he had another think coming. Thankfully, he simply held out his hand when she made it to the last step.

  “You ready?”

  “For what?” She gave him the side-eye. Do not pick me up.

  “Family life.” He winked and waggled his hand, reminding her she’d left him hanging.

  She placed her palm against his, and he squeezed her hand in return.

  “We’ve got this, Trin.”

  “Right. Nothing abnormal about the past few hours.”

  “Hey, everyone thought we’d marry at some point anyway, right?”

  She didn’t know whether to laugh or shake her head in bemusement. She went with a tight-lipped smile.

  Omar stopped, turning to face her and took her other hand. “Hey. We’re best friends, remember?”

  “I remember.” She stared at the light brown flecks in his eyes. Same Omar, but everything else had changed. “It’s just that this is kind of weird.”

  “It will be if we let it. We’re going to go in there, hang out with the girls and maybe play some Mario Kart.”

  “You mean you’ll lose to me.”

  He chuckled. “Exactly. A normal day, only you won’t have to leave anymore.”

  “All right.” She exhaled. “Just an everyday sort of day.”

  “Right.” He squeezed her hands once more and then opened the screen door before heading inside.

  “Daddy!” Faith squealed, pumping her little legs to get to him.

  Joy followed, trying her best to catch up.

  Trinity wanted to chuckle at them, but she was too delighted. The love between those three warmed her heart. Omar bent, swinging Faith up into his arms and tossing her a little above his head. He caught her, kissed her cheek and set her back down. Then he repeated the greeting with Joy.

  “Miss Trinity.” Faith held her arms over her head in the universal motion of wanting to be picked up.

  She scooped Faith up, inhaling the baby bodywash scent. Faith wore two braided pigtails that had seen better days. Guess that was one duty she could take over. She’d always loved braiding hair and didn’t have any sisters to do it on. Every doll she’d owned growing up had been to her pretend beauty shop.

  “Are you here to play wit
h us?” Faith’s obsidian eyes watched her.

  Trinity looked at Omar, waiting for his lead. Rock had taken the girls to the park yesterday so she could move all her things into the guest room. Part of her believed they should have told the girls before the wedding, but then again, if one of them hadn’t shown up today that would have raised a lot more questions.

  “Girls, let’s sit down,” Omar suggested.

  Faith wiggled, signaling she wanted to walk, so Trinity put her down. They all sat on the couch.

  Omar met Trinity’s gaze then studied his daughters. “Miss Trinity is going to live with us from now on.”

  “Why?” Faith’s eyes darted back and forth between Trinity and Omar.

  “Well, we got married today.”

  “Ma-weed?” Joy repeated, her grin showcasing her baby teeth.

  Faith tugged on his arm. “Daddy, what’s married?”

  Omar’s mouth formed into a small O. Trinity would have laughed if nerves hadn’t rendered her mute.

  “Uh, well, baby, it’s when a man and a woman care about each other and want to live together to raise a family.”

  Faith’s brow wrinkled and she turned her gaze toward Trinity. “Trinity is our family?”

  Trinity’s heart turned over. She always wanted a family. Although she and Omar had taken an unconventional route, this made the nerves of earlier worth it. These girls needed a mother. “I am. Would you like to be family with me?”

  The girls’ heads bobbed in unison, and she smiled.

  “Good,” Omar stated, “because now Trinity’s my wife and your stepmom.”

  “Stepmom?” Joy parroted.

  Faith jerked her head up, her eyes wide as she stared at them. “Like a mommy? A not-in-heaven mommy?”

  Tears sprang to Trinity’s eyes. She hugged Faith to her side and squeezed Joy’s hands. She looked toward Omar, wondering how he was handling all of this.

  He slowly nodded. “Yes, Faith.”

  “Yay.” She clapped and turned to Trinity. “Let’s have tea parties.”

  “Of course.” Trinity smiled at the girls. “But right now, do you want to make a cake? I could use a helper.”

  “What kind?” Faith’s little face scrunched up in consideration.

  “Chocolate?”

  “’Kay. I help.”

  “Me too.” Joy tugged on Trinity’s dress.

  “Of course, you too.” She stood and picked Joy up, sliding the little girl onto her hip. “Wow, you’re getting big.”

  “Me too, Miss Trinity.”

  She hoisted Faith up and stilled, making sure she had a good hold on both of them before moving. “I don’t know if I can walk.” She exaggerated her movements, pretending to struggle as she slowly walked toward the kitchen.

  Their giggles filled her ears. Such a sweet sound. She continued her slow movements until she reached the kitchen doorway where Rock stood. While Trinity and Omar had been at the courthouse, Rock had watched the girls. He’d probably even watched their moment in the living room just now. Her throat sounded out a hello, the word swallowed up by the girls’ laughter.

  Rock gave Faith and Joy a slow smile before dipping his head Trinity’s way. “Everything went well this morning?”

  “It did.” She gulped, trying to push down the apprehension slithering up the back of her neck. Would he resent her presence in Omar’s home? Think she was encroaching on Christine’s territory? What had he thought about the conversation she and Omar had just had with the kids?

  “I’m glad to hear that. Those little girls need some mothering.” His voice choked at the end.

  Trinity’s heart dropped to her feet. She set the girls down and took his hands in hers. “I promise to do right by them, Rock. All of them.”

  He sniffed, eyes watering a bit. “I know you will, Miss Trinity. You’ve always been a good friend to Omar and my sweet Chris.” He patted her hand. “Love them with all the good Lord gives you and you’ll be just fine.”

  Now it was her turn to get a little teary-eyed. She nodded as she took a moment to get her emotions under control. “You’re staying for dinner, aren’t you?”

  “Nah. Don’t let this old man get in your way.” He pushed off the door frame. “Y’all need to find your footin’ before inviting me into the mix.”

  “You’re always welcome here, Rock,” Omar said, coming to stand by her side.

  “My thoughts exactly,” she chimed in. She would never run the girls’ grandfather off.

  Besides, she’d always had a warm spot in her heart for Rock. He had lots of wisdom to offer if a person took a moment to talk to him.

  “I appreciate that, but I need to be alone right now.”

  Omar’s gaze darkened, but he nodded in understanding.

  Trinity wished she knew what to do. Both men had an intimacy with grief she wasn’t privy to. It left her feeling inadequate. What did you say to a person who’d lost their spouse? The one they’d pledged their life to until death. I’m sorry for your loss seemed so insufficient in the face of such heartache.

  “Miss T, cake!” Joy tugged on her hand, pulling her toward the kitchen.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen. Cake baking awaits.”

  Rock dipped his head in acknowledgment while Omar simply smiled.

  She followed the girls into the kitchen. The floor plan had an old school feel with an eat-in kitchen to the right and the actual cooking space to the left. A small square table with two of the chairs outfitted with child’s seats completed the dining area.

  She looked around the kitchen counter, searching for step stools. Nothing.

  “Whatcha looking for?” Faith eyed her curiously.

  “A step stool. Do y’all have those?”

  The girls shook their heads. Joy clutched a small blanket that had a bunny head to her chest. It was cute but rather worn.

  “I suppose we’ll have to mix everything at the table then.”

  Once she strapped the girls into their high-chair booster seats, Trinity filled the table with measuring cups and supplies to make the cake. She’d added her personal groceries to Omar’s fridge and pantry yesterday. He didn’t have a lot of the staples she used in her daily diet.

  Trinity tried not to eat so stringently that she left no room to enjoy life, but she couldn’t deny the modifications necessary for a Type 1 diabetic. Avoiding excessive sugar and heavy carbs were a must, but she also left room for the occasional splurge like today’s chocolate dessert. She’d be programming her insulin pod to cover the spike her blood sugar was bound to have.

  As she took care measuring out the coconut flour, her mind slowly settled. She had been unnerved from the moment Omar had slid the ring onto her finger. The three-pronged diamond sparkled every time the sunlight caught it. She could tell the ring was aged. Had it belonged to an older woman in his family? The thought had almost sent her running from the courtroom.

  The ring was much different from what Ja—he had given her. The one she had given to her mother to hold on to. She should probably sell it now, considering she wore another man’s ring on her finger. Trinity really wasn’t sure why she’d held on to her old engagement ring, but with no job or prospects, the money could certainly come in handy. For now, she would focus on settling into this new life and pray for the tension to fade from her thoughts.

  * * *

  “Trinity’ll be good for the girls.”

  Omar nodded, peering at his father-in-law. “I think so.”

  “Christine would be glad someone’s caring for them.” Rock turned his rheumy gaze toward him.

  A lump appeared in Omar’s throat. It was one of the things that had made him question the arrangement. “You think?”

  “I sure do. Y’all meant the world to her. She wouldn’t want ya wandering around lost and unhappy.”

  “Thanks, Rock.�
�� Omar appreciated his father-in-law’s vote of confidence, but still, he wondered. Would Christine truly be happy with the circumstances?

  “Anytime, son.” Rock clasped a hand on Omar’s shoulder. “Now I’ma mosey on out of here and let y’all celebrate.”

  Omar wanted to call him back. Instead, he watched as Rock shuffled out the front door. Giggles floated from the kitchen, begging him to join in on the festivities. But he needed to sit for a moment and reflect. For the second time in his life, he was married.

  The hairs on the back of his neck raised. Would this marriage be like the first? He shook his head. Of course not. He didn’t love Trinity like that. At most, he could pray that it would chase away the loneliness that had been his life the past two years with Christine gone.

  Lord God. He paused, wondering what to say. What was he truly thinking? Feeling? He ran a hand down his clean-shaven face. He’d put a razor to his goatee this morning, thinking it would be appropriate. Some things one just did before a wedding—even a justice of the peace one.

  Lord, please bless our union. Please rid me of this unease. No, it wasn’t unease. More like discomfort. He’d teased Trinity about her anxiety, but he’d been trying to ignore his own thoughts of the morning’s events. Not once had he imagined marrying anyone but Christine.

  She’d been his high school sweetheart and willing to wait for him through his college dreams, and later his time at Bluebonnet’s firefighter academy. The early years of their marriage had been fraught with infertility, until finally, they’d been blessed with Faith. Hence her name. They’d wanted to commemorate the blessing of their daughter.

  They’d been so excited to learn they’d be parents a second time. But when she went to her first doctor’s appointment when she was pregnant with Joy, they’d found out Christine had cancer. The doctors wanted to eradicate it quickly and aggressively. With one decision born of love, Christine had sealed her fate and blessed Joy with a future.

  Lord God, please bless this union. Please rid both Trinity and me of this awkwardness. We’ve always been comfortable with each other. I pray it remains that way.