ONYX

*Sandra* 

After we had our desert and talked for a while the brothers and Jospeh went to vet the companies we wanted to use for the wedding. I don't know what goes into that but apparently it took the inner circle and Hector because they all left, including Joseph. Sophia and I talked color schemes, flowers, and food. Henry had already talked my ear off about appetizers and dinner choices when we left to get a snack earlier. He was ready. “We don’t need to worry about food.” I laughed when Sophia brought it up. “Si. I know the cocinero.” She used Spanglish so much sometimes I just nodded hoping we were on the same page. She was such a sweet woman. She talked of Hector like he was her ultimate super hero. She told me how when they met, he was just a shop owner. When he met Joseph, it was because a local gang was tearing his shop apart for protection tax. At that time, Hector was weak and scared. She was younger than him, but not by much. She told me her family lived near the shop and when she came in, he would give her free treats. “I asked him once why and he told me that he didn't know how to approach my beauty.” Her cheeks pinked up as she told me her story. When they got married, he had made it to his leadership position in the brotherhood. “We owe Smoke so much.” She squeezed my arm. I could tell she meant her affection towards Joseph. “I can tell Smoke has upmost respect for Hector.” I smiled and she nodded in agreement with tears in her eyes. 

“Okay, Sunshine. You want red, black, and white. What flowers do you want for your bouquet?” I looked at the wedding books she had sprawled out in front of us on the table. “What about red roses, white lilies, and black calla lilies?” Her eyes got wide and sometimes I couldn’t tell if she enjoyed my ideas, or if she hates it. “That sounds so beautiful and elegant. They can throw in some baby breath, I’m sure.” She smiled and kissed my hand. “You have the best taste. It’s too bad this is such a small wedding; it would be the talk of the town.” I looked down with warm cheeks, embarrassed by her compliments. “Thank you, Sophia.” She nodded, but something had grabbed her attention. I looked around and found Jospeh finally back from vetting all of the establishments. I smiled and waved before even noticing that the brothers were clearing out the other people from the area. When he got to me, he kneeled in front of me on one knee. “It came to my attention that I never did this the right way. Sunshine, my future queen, you are like a wave of something I never knew I needed in my life. You are my vulnerable, my rest, my solace. You are the peace I never knew I could have. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Marrying you will be my greatest accomplishment. I will love you for the rest of my life. This ring...” He pulled out a beautiful white gold princess cut onyx ring, “is nothing compared to what you saying yes has done for me.” He slid the ring on my finger and I couldn’t stop looking at it. He stood up and pulled me up to him catching me off guard. He kisses me, taking my breath away, and causing me to moan softly into his mouth. Everyone who loved him just exploded into applause. “I love you too, boss.” I whispered into his ear as he held me close. He held me there for a moment, and I was suspicious he was composing himself. I felt his breathing shift, and I believe he got emotional as he held me close. After he let me go, we both sat down at the table with Sophia. Her eyes puffy from her own tears. “I am so proud of you Smoke.” She whispered and he nodded at her. “We vetted everyone, they will bring the dresses this evening and the florist just needs a number of arrangement and what you would like from the bouquet things.” Joseph said, like he was reading from a list in his mind. I smiled at him, giggling slightly. “You can lead one of the biggest crews in the united states, and remembering that wedding stuff sounded like it was difficult.” Joseph playfully shoved me backwards, “This girlie stuff is all for you, darlin.” He kissed my forehead before standing back up. “The dresses will arrive shortly, so, I am going to go get some work done. I want a full week of nothing but you after this wedding stuff is finished.” He openly looked me up and down before walking back towards the office. 

I sat there with a big stupid smile on my face. “Can I see it?” Sophia asked. Her voice sounded like it was coming from a tunnel. I sat there focused on that beautiful ring and zoning out. I felt complete joy at that moment, and my anxiety didn't comprehend that. I started to feel panic set in. Every time something felt this good, something smacked me back down. “Hello, earth to the bride to be.” Sophia waved her hand in front of me causing me to be startled. “Sorry. I was daydreaming, I guess.” I shrugged. “Your ring is gorgeous Sunshine. I know this can be scary, but I have never seen Smoke that vulnerable. He will give you the world.” She squeezed my forearm to comfort me. I nodded. I knew she was right; it wasn't him I was worried about. Nothing this good is ever good for long. “I must use the restroom before they bring the dresses.” I stood up to head to a bathroom. I didn't know which bathroom, i just knew I wouldn't be going through the door to the holding cells. “Seven, show me to a restroom please.” I noticed the guard was still posted close to me. “Yes, ma’am.” I followed him down the hallway and back up towards the room “Smoke would want you to go up here.” He said pointing at the bedroom door. I walked into the bathroom in our room, and splashed water on my face. I didn't want anything more than to marry him, so this panic had to go away. My sundress was wet at the neck now from the water, but I didn't care. I took three big breaths in through my nose and slowly released them out of my mouth before heading back to the dining area. 

As I was heading back down, Seven looked back at me and smiled. “I am okay.” I assured him the second time he glanced. “I know.” He said before standing off to the side while I returned to the table. “The dresses are coming.” Sophia exclaimed. Excitement washed over me. I wanted to marry Joseph. I looked down at the ring again. The brotherhood onyx just must have made it become more real. “I can’t wait to see how beautiful you look in that ballgown dress with the red accents, ooh lady, you are going to be the most beautiful bride ever.” The dress she spoke of was so expensive it took my breath away, but Joseph told Sophia to spare no expense in the planning and she was not going to. The lady walked in, looking around the dining area. She looked nervous, probably never sent to a compound like this before. I walked towards her and she looked me up and down, grabbing my hand to look at my engagement ring. “So, it’s true, the most eligible bachelor is getting married.” She said smiling at me. I nodded, unsure of how I felt about her comment, but I sure didn't want her to touch my hand. “Well, let us make sure everyone is as jealous as I am right now.”