AP finally set the magazine aside and jumped down nimbly, meeting Joe's eye level with a defiant look. "I told you, I'm not scared. So if you came here to punk me, you can step right back out."
A sly grin spread across Joe's face as he drew a long,sharp shank from beneath his shirt, the metal catching the dim light. AP's muscles tensed, preparing for a fight, but Joe surprised him by placing the knife gently on the top bunk.
"I like you," Joe said, his voice uncharacteristically warm. "You've got heart. You remind me of Jack. I need you to be my personal security—my number two. Your big homie came up under me back in juvie. I called him—he vouched for your street cred. I'm about to run this whole unit, and I need someone solid beside me. So, you in?"
AP's expression shifted as a grin broke across his face. "Yeah, I'm in. Just say the word."
Joe nodded, "Keep that shank. That's my gift to you. Always stay strapped." With that, he turned and strode back to the door, leaving AP standing at the edge of the bed, contemplating the weight of his new alliance in the unforgiving world of the prison jungle.
——
Brenda pressed down on the accelerator as she sped along the highway, the landscape of the Tennessee countryside blurring past her window. What was usually a forty-minute drive from Murfreesboro to Treebush was cut down to thirty-two minutes, her pulse quickening with each passing mile. As she finally pulled into the gravel driveway, she spotted Marcus sitting on the tailgate of his pickup truck, his posture slumped with an undeniable weight of worry.
She swung open the door of her white Mercedes and dashed toward him, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and concern. Without hesitation, she tossed herself into his arms. The moment their bodies connected, she felt the tension in his frame. His eyes, usually bright and full of life, were red and swollen from shedding tears.
"Just seeing you takes a load off me," Marcus admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "It feels like the whole world's resting on my shoulders."
Sensing the heaviness in his tone, Brenda tightened her hug, her heart aching for him. "Baby, I'm here. You don't have to face this alone. Where's your father? How is he holding up?"
"He's inside," Marcus replied, rashly wiping his cheeks dry with the back of his hand. "He's stable for now, but tomorrow we're meeting with a home nurse to help manage things better."
"Is there anything I can do?" Brenda's voice was gentle but firm, searching his eyes for a glimmer of hope. "Just say the word, and I'll be right there."
Marcus shook his head slowly, a pained expression clouding his features. "What I truly need... is beyond your reach. It just kills me to see him like this. I can't bear the thought that he might not be around to see my daughter graduate, or to witness Jr. or any of his grandkids get married—or even to stand beside me on my wedding day. It's all too much to bear."
Brenda, moved by his suffering, she cupped his chin with her delicate fingers, lifting his head to connect their eyes together. "Why can't he be here to see you get married? If you're ready now, I'm ready to say yes."
Marcus blinked in disbelief, taken aback by her boldness. "Are you serious? Brenda—it's only been three months. I love you, I truly do—more than anyone I've ever loved before, but—"
"Marcus," she interrupted softly, her eyes earnest, "from the very first day I met you, I sensed something incredible. The way you speak, the way you show affection, the kindness you exude—it's different. When I heard you break down, it tore me apart. I dropped everything just to be here with you. I genuinely loved my ex-husband, but what I feel for you surpasses anything I've ever known. I'm not trying to rush you, but my heart is ready to spend my life with you."
Deeply moved, Marcus leaned in and kissed her passionately, pouring all of his unresolved emotions into that single moment. "Then let's do it," he whispered against her lips. "Let's get married."
Brenda let out a joyful laugh, with her tears flowing down her face. "Baby, that's not quite how a man proposes to a woman," she teased.
With a playful grin, Marcus elegantly shifted down to one knee and asked Brenda again.
Overcome with joy, she let out an exuberant scream. "Yes, Marcus! I will marry you!" Her heart soared. Marcus told Brenda, 'I don't have a ring to give you right now.' But we can go to the jewelry store tomorrow and get you one.
They hugged and kissed before walking inside to share the news.
Jackie was deep in conversation on the phone with Jasmine when Marcus walked into the living room, his phone pressed to his ear. Marcus quickly asked Michelle to come into the living room.He wanted the whole family to hear the good news.In the corner of the cozy living room, Mr. Otis was already settled on the sofa, his eyes glued to a western as usual on the TV.
"Family," Marcus began, his voice filled with excitement, "I have some wonderful news—Brenda and I are getting married!"
Instantly, Michelle and Jackie broke into applause, screaming for joy as they rushed toward them to offer their warm congratulations. Even Mr. Otis, usually reserved, turned to join the celebration, as he clapped his hands together.
Jasmine, still on the line, caught every word through the speakerphone, "Congratulations, Uncle Marcus! You truly deserve all the happiness! Please let me know the wedding date so Paul and I can make plans to be there."
Marcus promised he would keep her updated, feeling the love and support surrounding him.
Once they ended the call, Jackie urged Marcus to follow him into the kitchen to fetch some wine glasses for a proper celebration. As they stepped into the kitchen, Jackie accidentally called Jasmine back, not realizing she was on the line.
In a more serious tone, Marcus said, "I don't want to ruin the moment, but... have you told Jasmine about Daddy's Alzheimer's? I didn't want to slip up and say anything to her about it, if you hadn't told her yet.
Jackie sighed deeply, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Not yet. With everything happening right now, I didn't feel it is the right moment to bring it up."
With neither of them realized was that Jasmine was listening, absorbing every word. The revelation hit her like a thunderbolt; her phone slipped from her hand, crashing to the floor as she fell to her knees, overwhelmed by grief. Tears ran down her face right before she screamed, the news hit her hard. As it all sinked in. Marcus and Jackie heard a scream but didn't notice until it was too late. The scream came from Jasmine.
To be continued...
Chapter 10: This Can't Be the End
Start from the beginning
