An Unlikely Proposal

by Toni Shiloh

  As if six feet two inches of corded muscle wasn’t scary enough, Cap had a glower that could reduce the biggest of men into awkward adolescents trying to assert themselves in the face of authority. “I know for a fact you have more leave available.”

  Still, Omar tried to reason with the man. “There’s no one to cover my shift.”

  “We’ll manage.”

  “Captain—”

  “In fact,” a calculating gleam glittered in his eyes and dismay clenched Omar’s stomach muscles, “I don’t want to see you until next Tuesday.”

  A whole week! What was he supposed to do until then?

  “I’d imagine hang out with your wife.”

  Omar’s head jerked up as he realized he’d voiced his question out loud. “Right. Yes, sir.”

  “Dismissed. See you next Tuesday.”

  “Wait, sir.” He slid his hands down his legs. “I need to get Trinity added to my insurance.”

  “Let me contact HR. I think you can log in to our intranet and do that.”

  Omar waited as the captain confirmed with the human resources department which website he needed to use to add Trinity to his benefits.

  Cap slid him a sticky note with the pertinent information. “Luce says you have thirty days to add her, but to do it now rather than later.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “’Bye, Young.”

  Omar left the office and stopped, standing there in the open bay, a little bit stunned by the turn of events.

  Rider walked up to him. “What did he say?” He jerked his head toward the captain’s office.

  “He gave me the week off.” A whole week.

  “What?” Rider’s jaw dropped and his eyes widened. “A vacation?”

  “More like a honeymoon, Rider,” the captain called out as he walked toward the back.

  Heat crawled up Omar’s face. It wasn’t like that. He and Trinity had an understanding. Omar had no idea what game the captain was playing, but he’d figure out what to do with his time.

  He swallowed. Lord, I know the guys all have this idea of what our marriage is like, but You know better. And just why was it so important that people continued to bring up their lack of romantic love? People had been marrying for convenience for years before “love matches” came around.

  Still, it wasn’t like he couldn’t make the most of a forced vacation. He could try to see it as a blessing that would allow him to play with the girls and help Trinity transition to having two precious lives to watch over.

  Understanding dawned. This wasn’t some kind of punishment. This was a week off work to hang out with his favorite people.

  Win-win.

  By the time Omar walked through the front door of his home, he was convinced a week off would be a good thing. It would give him and Trinity time to get used to their new status and work out the weird kinks the I dos had brought. Maybe even pinpoint the source of the mysterious tension from earlier.

  Except instead of finding calm and harmony, he walked into utter chaos. Joy’s eyes were round circles as her head turned back and forth between Faith and Trinity. She looked like she was watching a ping-pong match.

  He walked closer, trying to make out Faith’s words through her tears.

  “But I wanna be married.”

  Trinity tugged on the ends of her braids like she’d lost all patience. “Faith, sweetie, you can’t marry your daddy. Plus, you’re too young.”

  “I’m not two. I’m three.” She thrust three fingers in Trinity’s face and threw her head back, letting out a wail reminiscent of the last firework at Bluebonnet’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

  Omar jiggled a finger in his ear and stepped forward. “What is going on?”

  Trinity blinked. “Omar? What are you doing back?”

  “I’ll tell you later.”

  Faith ran to him, clinging tightly to his leg. He bent down, lifting her up into his arms. “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

  “Miss T says we no marry.”

  He looked at Trinity for further explanation.

  “Faith asked me if she could marry you and when I told her no...” Trinity’s voice trailed off as she gestured toward his daughter.

  “Ah.” How could he unravel this sticky situation?

  “Sweetie, only mommies and daddies marry.”

  “Miss T is stepmommy, not real mommy.”

  He winced inwardly. Way to make things worse. He avoided looking at Trinity and instead carried Faith to the couch, sitting her on his knee. “It’s kind of the same thing.”

  Faith folded her arms and glowered at him. “I wanna marry.”

  “When you grow up you can.” He gave an inward shake of his head. No way he wanted to think—worry—about his daughters marrying. As far as he was concerned, they wouldn’t even be allowed to date until they graduated college.

  “Fine.” She pouted.

  He kissed her forehead. “Is it nap time?”

  “Yes.” Trinity’s whisper sounded like she was holding tears back.

  “Come on, girls, let’s go take a nap.” Faith held his hand and Trinity picked Joy up and trudged behind him.

  After changing them into new diapers and settling them down with some music, Omar closed their bedroom door.

  Trinity leaned against the hall wall. “I am exhausted.”

  “You need a nap too?”

  She shook her head. “I’m not sure if I had lunch.”

  He frowned. “Trin, you need to stop doing that.”

  “Yes, Dad,” she said wryly.

  “Sorry. Not to sound overbearing. You know I care.”

  She nodded. “You do.” She straightened. “I’m sorry. Just a little short on manners right now.” She tilted her head. “What are you doing back so early?”

  “Oh, the captain gave me a week off as a congratulations.”

  Her mouth opened, then promptly shut.

  “What?”

  She shrugged.

  “Come on, tell me.”

  “I just thought it strange you didn’t even think to ask for some time off.”

  “I’ve been off for two weeks.”

  “And just got married.” She pursed her lips. “Not that this is a real marriage, but still.”

  “You wanted me to stay?” Was that why she’d been tense this morning?

  All this time, he’d been so focused on keeping their friendship normal, he never thought of the changes required of him simply because he was her husband now. Yes, he had to maintain his friendship with Trinity, but she needed him to lead them as well.

  “I’m sorry, Trin. Forgive me?” He held out his arms.

  “Yeah.” She laid her head against his chest. “I’m not even sure why it bothered me so much.”

  “It’s okay. This is new territory. We’ll navigate it.” And he’d remember to think more like a husband and still aim for that friendship balance. He hoped.

  Chapter Seven

  Was this week over yet?

  Trinity slumped across her dresser, wishing for a few more minutes of quiet. Although Omar had been here to help her transition, life was hectic in the Young household. Turned out Faith, who used to love when Trinity came over, didn’t like her constant presence now that they shared a house. And Joy, well, the two-year-old was a sympathetic crier. Absolutely draining on the emotions.

  However, once the girls were asleep, Trinity’s life took on a different tone. She and Omar had streamed a movie every night this week, sometimes watching them and other times using the movie as background noise while they talked about life. In those moments, she’d been able to unwind before the chaos began all over again.

  “Trin-ty!”

  She winced as Joy’s high-pitched yell reached her ears. With a sigh, Trinity slipped on her flats in a hurry while fastening t
he backs of her earrings on. She’d learned that getting dressed first was easier than starting with the girls. If she did it the other way, one of the toddlers was sure to be naked again by the time they needed to walk out the door to wherever they had to go.

  Apparently, clothing was restrictive for them.

  Joy stood in front of the bathroom door, wiggling in a universal dance.

  “Just go in, sweetie.”

  “Can’t,” she whined, shifting back and forth.

  Trinity frowned and twisted the knob. Locked.

  “Faith, you in there?”

  “No.”

  Trinity whirled around to see Faith standing in the doorway of her bedroom. Who was in the bathroom?

  “What’s going on?” Omar walked out of the master, looking at them all in the hallway.

  Oh no. Had she somehow managed to leave the push lock in after her morning shower? She licked her lips. “Bathroom door’s locked and Joy needs to use it.”

  His eyes widened.

  Faith whimpered. “I sorry. I like button click.” She looked at Omar. “Did I break it?” Her lip quivered, but Trinity didn’t have time to comfort her.

  She nodded pointedly to Omar. He dipped his head and kneeled before Faith to reassure her. Judging from the look on his face, he wasn’t too thrilled with the situation either. “No, baby, you didn’t break it.”

  “Trin-ty,” Joy whimpered.

  She scooped her up. “I’m going to run next door and let her use my parents’ bathroom. You handle Faith.”

  Omar pulled his pocketknife out and squatted in front of the doorknob. “All right.”

  Never a dull moment. At least they could divide and conquer.

  She hurried next door, all the while praying Joy didn’t have an accident. “You okay?”

  “No.”

  “We’re almost there.”

  She pounded on the door of her childhood home. Sweet relief welcomed her when the door swung open. Her father stood there with an irritated expression that quickly softened at the sight of them.

  “Joy needs to use the restroom, and ours is locked.”

  Trinity heard the sound of her father’s laughter as she dashed to the half bathroom tucked behind the living room. She set Joy down in the nick of time. The little girl smiled sweetly at her, tears receding. After they washed their hands, they left the room at a much slower pace.

  “See you at church,” Trinity called out.

  “Why don’t you sit with us?” her mom asked, stepping out of the kitchen.

  “I’ll see what Omar says. I think he asked to sit with Rock this week. He’s a little concerned.” She bit her lip. Was that gossip or a commonsense statement?

  “Rock’s welcome to sit with us too. He shouldn’t be alone.”

  “We’ll watch over him, Mama.”

  “Or we could join y’all?” Her mother stared expectantly.

  Uh.

  “I just want to spend a little time with y’all, Trinity.”

  She nodded. “I’ll talk to Omar. I need to go and finish getting the girls ready.”

  Pride shone in her mother’s eyes. “Perhaps I can come over this week? Spend a little time with the girls?”

  She nodded. Her mother had been itching for grandchildren for ages. Trinity knew her mom had been purposely holding herself back so that Trinity could find her footing. Guess the “honeymoon” was over. “Of course, Mama. I’ll let you know when’s a good day. See y’all at church.”

  “Later, baby girl,” her dad called from the couch, listening intently to the sports channel.

  She chuckled. If his team was playing this afternoon, he’d quietly exit the church’s potluck to catch it. Probably grab a plate of food on the way out.

  Trinity and Joy strolled across the grass toward Omar’s house. She stopped, looking at the place. Maybe a good pressure washing would give the exterior a face-lift, help it not look so old.

  “Whatcha lookin’ at, Trin-ty?”

  “The house.”

  “It sad.”

  “Is it?” She peered down at Joy, waiting to hear what the little one had to say.

  “Mmm-hmm. Need fun.”

  “Oh really?” How could a house have fun? “What should we do?”

  “Pway!” Joy threw her arms up, twirling in her nightgown.

  Trinity laughed and scooped Joy up, tickling her. The sound of the screen door slapping shut grabbed her attention. Omar stood there, staring at them, his lips quirked into a half smile. Faith looked on hesitantly, like she wanted to join in on the fun but didn’t want to let go of her anger. Trinity held out her hand, waiting for Faith to make a decision.

  The little girl stared at Trinity’s hand, then her face, and back to her hand once more. Finally, her little legs pumped down the stairs and onto the grass. Trinity set Joy down and swung Faith into the air. This was the little girl she loved. The one who wanted to giggle and be swung around.

  And that’s what Trinity did.

  She didn’t stop until dizziness overtook her and let her know she couldn’t play around forever. Carefully Trinity stopped and stared into Faith’s eyes. “Was that fun?”

  “Yes. Again?”

  “We need to head for church now,” Omar called out.

  “How about later?” At Faith’s nod, Trinity continued, “Let’s go change really fast.”

  She neared the front porch and Omar held her gaze captive. She halted and cocked her head to the side, raising her eyebrows in question. Something lit in his dark eyes as he studied Trinity.

  A strange little thump beat in her chest while her pulse pounded in her ears. “Did you need something?” The airy sound of her breath made her cheeks heat with embarrassment.

  He blinked. Stepped back. “Uh, no. I’ll wait out here.”

  “We’ll be right back.”

  A little later, they each buckled a toddler into their respective car seats. Trinity gasped as she remembered her mom’s request. “Oh, my mom wants to know if we’ll sit with them.”

  “You know I wanted to sit by Rock.”

  “Of course I do. He’s invited. Or they could sit with us?”

  Omar rubbed his chin before closing the back door. Trinity followed and got in the front passenger side. “What do you think?”

  “If Rock doesn’t mind, sure. Whether it’s in his row or your parents’.”

  “Great.”

  She settled back into the seat, looking out the windshield. “Is this going to be weird?”

  “I don’t see why it has to. No different than any other Sunday.”

  “True.” Except now they had wedding rings on their fingers.

  “It’ll be fine.”

  She smiled briefly, thinking of how that had become the mantra of their friendship. If she could just tell her heart that and believe it, then maybe all really would be fine.

  Trinity faced Omar. “What are we going to tell everyone?” She tapped her wedding ring. “Someone’s bound to notice our new jewelry.”

  “Good question.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I didn’t really know what to say at the station, other than mind your own business.”

  She chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds a little rude, not to mention that won’t fly with some of the elders.”

  “How ’bout the truth. We’re friends who wanted to be there for one another in good times and bad. Maybe even ask the pastor to make an announcement.”

  Trinity mulled over Omar’s words. It was true, and they didn’t have to add the details of her needing insurance and him wanting help with the girls. Because at the end of the day, that was a matter between husband and wife. Wasn’t it?

  “Okay. I think that’s a good idea.”

  “All right. Then that’s what we’ll go with.” Omar squeezed her hand before returning his
to the wheel. “Besides, I doubt anyone will notice.”

  * * *

  Everyone was staring.

  Or at least that’s how Omar felt. This Sunday was no different than any other Sunday, except for the fact they’d visited a justice of the peace and exchanged vows the week before. But the congregation doesn’t know that. The whispers and pointed looks had to be a figment of his imagination.

  When he walked the girls to their class, Leslie—the woman in charge of the two-and-three-year-old room—noticed his ring. Her eyes had gone wide and lips parted like a fish gasping for water. He quickly escaped and scanned the lobby for anyone familiar, friendly or at least someone who wouldn’t ask a lot of questions.

  He spotted Rock grabbing a cup of coffee at the hospitality table. “Morning, Rock.”

  “Hey there, Omar.” Rock looked over his shoulder. “Where’s your bride?”

  The lady next to them popped her head up, spilling the sugar that had been balanced precariously on her spoon.

  Uh-oh.

  “She went to the restroom.” Omar slipped a hand on Rock’s shoulder, nudging him away from the table. “Do you want to sit with her parents this morning?”

  “Oh no, son. You go ’head and get to know them better.”

  “Rock, I grew up right next door. The Davises know me.”

  “They know their daughter’s best friend. It’s different when said man becomes the husband.”

  Was that true? Surely her parents wouldn’t treat him differently. A strange unease slithered in his gut. “They invited you to join us, or we could all sit with you.”

  “Go sit with your other in-laws this morning.” Rock clapped his back. “I’ll be fine, Omar.”

  But would he? For some reason, the thought of joining them without Rock left Omar slightly unhinged.

  Rock must have seen the look on his face because he peered straight into Omar’s eyes. “You can do this.”

  “Just join us.”

  “How ’bout I come over for dinner tonight? That is, if it’s okay with Miss Trinity.” He gestured for Omar to turn.

  Trinity stood near the restrooms, scanning the area for them. Omar raised his arm, motioning her over. A smile lit her whole face. Dimples winked with pleasure in her smooth brown skin. Her lips glistened from the maroon shade coloring them.