An Unlikely Proposal

by Toni Shiloh

  He swallowed and pushed his plate away.

  “You okay?” Trinity asked, frowning at the food still on his plate.

  “Just can’t seem to eat.”

  Her brow furrowed. “Does your stomach hurt?”

  “Daddy sick?” Faith asked, eyes widening and tearing up in a matter of seconds.

  “No, baby. I’m fine.” He leaned over, placing a kiss on her cheek to assure her. “Guess my mind’s thinking too much to eat.”

  Faith stared at him, confusion puckering her lips. “What?”

  “Oh, Faith, sweetie, don’t say ‘what’ like that,” Trinity lightly scolded. “If you don’t hear your daddy, just ask him to repeat that.”

  “Repeat dat,” she snapped out.

  Omar bit back a chuckle. Certainly, Trinity had meant it to sound like a respectful request and not a demand from his challenging toddler. He looked at Trinity, and she shook her head as if to say Toddlers.

  They finished their meal, did their bedtime routine, and soon it was just him and Trinity. Omar wanted to ask her about her blood sugar but a glance at his app showed no alerts. He wondered if there was a way to change the parameters and get all the information she received on her app instead of only alerts. No. I said I wouldn’t be overbearing.

  He sighed, closing his eyes as he sank into the couch cushions.

  Footfalls sounded behind him then the sofa dipped as Trinity joined him on the couch. “Tired?” she asked.

  “A little.”

  “You know why?”

  He peeled an eye open, turning his head to see. “Why?”

  “Stress.”

  “What stress?” His lips twitched as he closed his eye again.

  She lightly shoved his arm. “You know what I’m talking about. You’re going to go prematurely gray checking on me twenty-four/seven.”

  “You’re my best friend.”

  “And don’t forget, a grown woman.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

  She chuckled, and the band that had been squeezing his heart loosened. He really was making last week’s episode a big deal. The doctors said it wasn’t her fault, just the pod’s. It was the pod’s, not Trinity. The pod’s, not Trinity.

  Maybe if he could get that stuck in his brain, he’d be able to relax and get back to the status quo. Or maybe he just needed to emphasize their relationship as one of friends and not married friends.

  “Want to play Mario Kart?” He eyed Trinity, waiting for her response.

  “Sure.” A sly grin deepened the dimples in her cheeks. “You ready to lose?”

  “Bring it.” He powered on the video game console, picked up a controller and handed one to Trinity.

  This was normal. This was the old them. He could handle it. Except when Trinity laughed with delight when coming in first, Omar found himself grinning along with her. He had a sense of pride every time he managed to make her smile or laugh outright. Like he’d accomplished something important.

  And wasn’t that something a husband wanted to do? He wanted to groan in frustration, but Trinity couldn’t know the turmoil he was in.

  He cleared his throat. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “Is this you concerned or curious?”

  “Curious.” He chuckled despite the aggravation in her tone.

  “I was thinking of taking the girls to storytime.”

  “Fun.”

  “I hope so. Pray there’s no meltdowns.”

  “No kidding.”

  The more they talked, the more Omar was able to relax. He didn’t know how, but he was hopeful he could remember Trinity was his best friend and nothing more. He just couldn’t let their friendship turn into anything else. It was the only way to keep his heart safe.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Trinity opened the door to All the Spines, the local bookstore that sold new releases and used books. The best of both worlds really.

  “Mommy.” Joy struggled to turn around in the stroller. “Book?” She pointed toward the children’s section.

  “In a moment, Joy. I need to find Kris or one of the other employees.”

  Movement sounded to her left and she turned. Amanda walked down the aisle and smiled at the them. “Good afternoon. A little early for storytime, isn’t it?” Amanda checked her watch.

  “Actually, Amanda, I wanted to know if y’all are hiring part-time.” She held her breath.

  She’d been wrestling with the idea since she’d been back home from her health scare.

  “Oh.” Amanda blinked owlishly behind her thick red-framed glasses. “I’m sorry, but we aren’t.” She leaned forward. “In fact, someone’s getting laid off this week. Sales have been down.”

  Trinity frowned. “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Especially since she needed a way to contribute somehow to the arrangement with Omar. If she had a job, maybe, just maybe, her heart would have room to breathe and keep the protections she’d placed secure.

  “Bluebonnet is small and sales in bookstores are down nationally.”

  “Still. I love this place.”

  “Well, keep visiting and doing your part.”

  “We will.” Trinity thanked her and pushed the stroller toward the children’s section, then parked it out of the walkways.

  Where else could she work in Bluebonnet? She couldn’t do anything outside of the home full-time. That would defeat the whole purpose of her helping Omar with childcare.

  After unbuckling the girls, she helped them each pick out a book, but they quickly became distracted by the puppet show toys. Her cell phone chimed within the diaper bag and Trinity pulled it out to check her notifications. She clicked on the alert from Omar.

  I’ve been at work for two hours and I can’t stop worrying. How’s your blood sugar? How are you?

  I’m fine, Omar.

  Are you sure? I can take off work and be there in a jiffy.

  And get fired?

  Fine, make sense.

  Trinity chuckled.

  You know I’m fine.

  Maybe I do.

  Three dots appeared, bouncing on the screen so she waited for Omar to finish the new text.

  Rider wants to know if we’d like to go bowling tomorrow.

  You won’t be tired from your shift?

  Nah.

  Sure. Who else is going?

  Why don’t you invite Jalissa?

  Will do.

  Trinity quickly fired a text off to her friend and waited for her response. When she got an affirmative, she let Omar know. Tomorrow would be fun.

  * * *

  Bowling with two competitive people was not fun.

  Trinity eyed Jalissa and Rider as they bickered about who stepped over the line. She always thought the line was a suggestion, not a rule you couldn’t cross. Omar sat next to her, draping an arm over the back of her chair.

  “Do you think they like each other?”

  She snorted. “No way. Jalissa doesn’t like firefighters.”

  “What?” Omar jerked back as if he’d been punched. “So, it’s not me? It’s because I’m a firefighter?”

  Her lips twitched. “It might be a little of both. But with Rider, it’s one hundred percent his occupation and lackadaisical attitude.”

  “Eh, I get that. His personality gets under my skin at times.”

  “Poor baby.”

  Omar rolled his eyes at her good-natured teasing. “Seriously though, what’s her deal with firefighters?”

  “Besides their egos?”

  “Hey.”

  She laughed. “Her word, not mine.”

  “As long as you remember you married one.”

  Every day. She blinked wondering where that thought came from. Somewhere between I do and today, the ring on her finger no longer made her panic. Inst
ead it filled her with a contentment she hadn’t realized had been lacking until now. Being a part of the Young household had given her a new purpose. It was almost as if she...liked being married. And not married to just anyone, but to Omar.

  But he’s my best friend.

  “Well, whatever that is between them,” Omar stated, his words breaking into her musings, “I wish they’d hurry up and bowl.” He shouted the latter part of the sentence so the two could hear him.

  Trinity quickly clamped down on her lips, hiding her laughter from Jalissa and Rider. Jalissa frowned and Rider motioned her forward, reminding her to stay behind the line. Jalissa rolled a strike, throwing her hands up in victory. She stuck out her tongue at Rider, and Trinity lost it. She doubled over at the waist, laughing at her friends.

  As she wiped her eyes, she smiled with pleasure. Her mother had been ecstatic to watch the girls so she and Omar could hang out with their friends tonight. Trinity was glad she didn’t have to worry about them right now. She wouldn’t miss the funny shenanigans between her friends for anything.

  Trinity turned to Omar. “I didn’t realize bowling was so serious.”

  “To competitor A and competitor B it is.” He shrugged. “I just wanted to get out of the house and do something fun. It’s been a while since we hung out just for the fun of it.”

  “You’re right. My days have been filled with kid shows, naps and tantrums.”

  “Oh, come on. The one I threw the other night wasn’t that bad.”

  Trinity’s shoulders shook with laughter. He’d pouted when she beat him in Mario Kart. His facial expression had reminded her so much of the girls, she couldn’t help but laugh, which made him mope even more. Nights like this reminded her of why she had so much fun with him. He could always keep her laughing even when she didn’t want to.

  “Your turn, Trinity.”

  “Right.” She hopped up and grabbed the neon green ball. She lined her feet up to the middle arrow and slowly walked forward, swinging her right arm back and then letting it fly free when she threw the ball forward. The ball spun to the left and landed in the gutter.

  She groaned and trotted to the ball return, waiting for a flash of neon green to appear.

  “Hey, Trin?”

  “Hmm?” She looked up at Omar.

  “If you move a little to the right maybe it won’t go in the gutter anymore.”

  Heat filled her face. She’d alternated between gutter balls and knocking down a pin or two. She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just not that good, but I am having fun. Promise.”

  “At least let me help you a little.”

  She picked up her ball and Omar placed his hand on the small of her back. He guided her hand, holding the ball, and goose bumps broke out along her skin. Embarrassment twisted her insides at the reaction. How ridiculous for her to respond in such a way to her friend. Just because she was forgetting the oddness of marrying for convenience didn’t mean she had to develop feelings for him.

  You’re better than that, Trinity.

  She willed her mind to remember Jason’s face and reopen the old wound of being jilted. To remember the stunned faces of the attendees. How broken she’d felt. The lack of closure she’d dealt with, until finally, Jason had emailed her saying he was sorry but not. Yet even the memories stung a little less than before, and Omar’s soothing voice continued to drone on with instructions on how to stand and swing.

  It was oh so tempting to let her feelings run free toward romance. To think of the kindness Omar showed her on a daily basis. The easy rhythm they’d fallen into taking care of the girls. Like a unit. A couple. But she needed to remember that if things fell apart this go-around, she wouldn’t be the only one affected. Faith and Joy were integral to this arrangement. So when Omar asked if she understood, Trinity nodded and stepped away from him. She pictured the word romance with a line through it and swung the bowling ball.

  Spare!

  * * *

  Omar hadn’t felt so relaxed in...well, he couldn’t remember how long. A night out with friends was just what he needed. No temperamental toddlers to worry about. No need to have his mind braced for an alert—medical or parental. He could clear out his mind and enjoy the company of friends.

  Except when he showed Trinity how to bowl, he’d been struck by the rightness of it all. Them together, enjoying one another’s company, and the distinct impression that all was right. And when he pictured home, Trinity was the first person to come to mind.

  For a moment, he’d sunk into the feeling, let the thought settle in like the warmth from a bonfire for Friday night football. He’d been tempted to wrap her in a hug and just be, but she’d shifted away and reality doused him like cold water.

  He was a widower. He’d already married the woman of his dreams and lost her when cancer had ravaged her body. There was no need for a repeat of heartache. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a companion again? A wife to love and cherish and who would respect and love you back?

  He swallowed. What did allowing Trinity into his heart mean for the life he’d created with Christine? What would it do to his heart to love and lose again? But Trinity could live well into her eighties.

  Maybe developing feelings wasn’t such a bad thing?

  “Omar?” Jalissa snapped her fingers in front of his face.

  He blinked, moving his head away from her fingers. “What did I miss?”

  “Want to go grab something to eat?”

  “Sure.” He looked at Trinity. “You good with that?”

  Her lips quirked, the dimple winking in amusement. “I already said so. We were waiting on your vote.”

  “Oh.” He ran a hand across the stubble lining his chin. “I must have zoned out.”

  “I’ll say.” Jalissa shook her head. “Hickory’s good with you?”

  “Oh yeah.” He rubbed his stomach. Hickory’s had the best barbecue and a dance hall to boot. “I love that place.”

  “Great. Let’s go.” Rider grabbed his bowling ball and placed it on a shelf.

  One by one, they all followed and after returning their shoes, headed out the door. Hickory’s was about a mile away and was sure to be packed. If people weren’t cooking at home, they were eating at Hickory’s.

  When they pulled up to the old warehouse that was now Hickory’s, the waiting area only had a couple of families. Maybe they wouldn’t have a long wait after all. Omar looked around the building, taking in the sights and smells. Five years ago, Old Man Hickory had bought the place and refurbished it. One side had been outfitted with round dining tables with black-and-white checkered tablecloths. The other held an old jukebox with ample room for dancing on the rubber floor. The industrial piping had been spray-painted white, giving the inside a crisp, clean feel. The live music on the weekends brought the people in droves.

  Val seated them at a table in the back of the room, giving them full view of the space. Omar sat on the left of Trinity as Jalissa took a space to her right, with Rider taking the last empty spot.

  “What are y’all ordering?” Trinity asked.

  “Barbacoa tacos,” everyone said simultaneously, before breaking out in shared laughter.

  The slow-cooked shredded beef had a melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Hickory served his on a puffy taco that made Omar want to eat as many as possible. Their server quickly took their orders, returning soon with their cold drinks.

  Omar slipped out his cell phone and checked Trinity’s diabetes app. No notifications.

  “I’m fine,” she whispered. “I even ordered a diet soda.”

  “Who can resist a diet Dr Pepper?”

  She chuckled. “You.”

  “What can I say? I’m a purist.”

  “What are you two whispering about?” Jalissa interrupted.

  “We’re talking about our drink preference,” Trinity piped up.

  “
Big Red all the way.” Jalissa raised the red-colored soda.

  Omar felt his mouth scrunch up. It tasted like cotton candy to him. No thanks.

  “My favorite too,” Rider said, holding his glass up.

  “Cute. Y’all have something in common.” Rider rolled his eyes at Omar’s comment and he snickered.

  Their conversation flowed freely as they ate until they pushed their plates away. Blues and country music had been alternating on the jukebox all night long. Maybe he should get out there and dance.

  As if Rider had read Omar’s mind, he turned to Jalissa. “Want to dance?”

  She shrugged a shoulder. “Sure.”

  Omar turned to Trinity. “Want to join them?”

  “Why not.”

  A slow song streamed through the speakers, talking about love and marriage, as they took to the floor. The irony wasn’t lost on him. Omar cupped the side of Trinity’s waist and interlaced his other hand with hers. They’d danced in the past at Hickory’s but probably when they were teenagers. We didn’t even dance at our wedding.

  Granted, it hadn’t been that type of affair. No fuss, no heart.

  He peered into Trinity’s eyes. “Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

  “That seems impossible.” Lines around her eyes crinkled in amusement.

  “Yeah because we’ve known each other forever.”

  “Practically.”

  He shook his head. “There’s gotta be something I don’t know.”

  She bit her lip as if searching her memories and twenty-plus years of friendship to find the elusive nugget. “Jimmie Roland was my first kiss.”

  His insides clenched in a mixture of shock and an emotion he didn’t quite want to name. “He was a tool.”

  A choke of laughter escaped. “I thought he was charming.”

  “Seriously? How could you date that guy?”

  “We didn’t actually date.” She sighed. “The guy I originally had a crush on started dating someone else and then Jimmie came around. Made me feel beautiful and worthy of another’s attention. So when he kissed me, I didn’t object.”

  “But you never dated him.” It was more statement than question. An affirmation he desperately wanted to hear. Maybe even needed to?