It was a warm, still, quiet Monday evening.

The sun was barely on duty.

The champagne sunset was a sight for sore eyes.

Magnolia sat on the deck that extended from Miller’s kitchen, three floors above his beautifully landscaped backyard. The view of the rectangular pool with shimmering blue water was outlined by a ninety foot tamarind tree with green feather-like leaves with purple veins.

Magnolia looked around at the exotic, tropical scenery, eyeing the peacock flowers with brilliant flame-red clusters. She inhaled the scent and the ambiance, and surrendered her body on the silver lounge chair.

She’d kicked off her two-inch kitten heels, still wearing her crème work skirt and blouse.

Miller approached with a glass of Chardonnay for him and a cold glass of cranberry juice for his future baby’s mom, and sat next to her in the cushioned chair. “So how do you feel?”

“Good, sweetie. Very relaxed.” Her sentences agreed with her look of calm. She took the glass. “Thanks,” she said, and then took a sip.

“You sure?”

“Yes.” Her nod added an exclamation point.

“I’m glad to see that. Dr. Hayes said you need to slow down. Your fibroids could mean a hostile uterus. I think it’d be good if you put in for some vacation time.”

“Sweetie, I can’t right now. Too much going on.” She set the glass down on the tabletop.

“Well, when you’re ready to get away, just say the word.”

Magnolia closed her eyes. “Thanks.” Her voice was soft.

“How’d your visit with Rebe go?”

“It was good.” Magnolia looked over at him. “Baby, Rebe is pregnant, too.”

“Rebe? Pregnant?”

“Yes, I know. I felt the same way you look.”

“By whom?”

“There was this guy she got with on New Year’s Eve. Long story.”

“Okay. What does he have to say about it?”

“He doesn’t know. It was a one-night stand. Rebe doesn’t know who he is or how to reach him.”

“Oh, man. That’s gotta be tough on her.” Miller took a sip of wine.

“She’s tough. She’ll be fine.”

“Is she keeping it? The baby.”

Magnolia nodded with certainty. “Oh yes. And she’s obviously further along than I am so it’d be a little late for that anyway. She seems happy about it, actually.”

“So both of you, pregnant at the same time. Kids the same age. That is something.”

“Yes, it is.”

“You know, I was thinking. I’ll be seventy when our baby is in the fifth grade.”

“And? You look good baby.” She gave him flirty eyes.

He winked.

She asked, eyes now excited, “Hey. Do you like the name Paisley, sweetie? I’ve always loved that name.”

“I like it. It’s different. But what if it’s a boy?”

“If it’s a boy, you pick.”

“Okay. Deal.” They both looked out along the beautiful tree-lined view of his backyard. “So, I told the kids today, especially now that you feel you’re far enough along and everything’s okay as far as the bleeding. You know, I told them about us being parents. And I told my ex-wife.”

“You did? What’d they say?”

“The first thing the kids asked was if we’re getting married. That is, after they teased me about our child being an aunt or uncle to my grandchildren.” He smiled hard.

“Really.” Magnolia gave a laugh. “I didn’t even think about that. But they’re right. And your ex?”

“She was a little amazed. Amazed I’d want to do it all again. At my age.”

“And you said to her?”

“I told her I’m happier than I’ve been since I can remember. That this was meant to be. That I’m excited.”

“I see.” Magnolia took a small sip of her juice. “Then did she stop being opinionated?” She looked like she wasn’t joking.

“She stopped.”

“I think she needs to move on.” She held her glass with both hands. “I don’t see why she needed to be told directly anyway, really.”

“She didn’t need to be. She was with Rudy when I called him.”

“I see.”

He saw her expression. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Just don’t want her to be such a part of all this. I’m not used to this. The ex-wife and my man being so tight. I mean, the kids are grown.”

“Magnolia. My ex-wife and I are friends. I’ve set new boundaries for her and she’s following them. I don’t want her. She doesn’t want me. She has a boyfriend. She’s going through some hard times, which she knows are not my concern. She’s simply my kids’ mom.”

“Miller, I admit I have trust issues. As much as I don’t want to bring that to you, it is a part of who I am. I need someone I can really trust.”

“You can. And thanks for admitting that, baby. Like I said, she just happened to be there when I told my son. She wished us well.”

“Okay,” Magnolia said, sounding like it was a warning. “I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. This is new for both of us, but I’m willing.” She shifted. “So, your kids wanted to know when we were getting married, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you tell them right away?” She looked directly at Miller. “Because I want to get married right away.”

His expression showed surprise. “You do?”

She nodded. “Miller, you can propose again when you’re ready.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes.”

Miller’s lightbulb went off. “Well damn. Hold on.” He put his wine glass down and got up. He went into the house and moments later, came back out and stood over Magnolia. His question was simple. “Magnolia Denise Butler, will you marry me?”

Magnolia wanted to giggle because he remembered her middle name, but her heart was louder than her head. She looked up, deep into his blue eyes, her mouth open, and then she looked at his hands, seeing the black leather ring box, and she replied just as simply, “Yes, Miller Thomas Lockhart, I will. I will marry you.”

“Then this is for you.” He handed her the box, and she scooted her chair back and came to a stance next to him, taking it into her right hand. She flipped open the top, and there was a four-carat, emerald-cut solitaire with four heart-cut diamonds along each side, set in platinum. It sparkled brilliantly.

Magnolia brought her hand to her mouth and froze. She gave a quick blink.

Miller removed the ring from its place inside of the satin-lined slot, and took her left hand in his. He gradually placed it on her ring finger, kissing her cheek as she still stared at her new engagement ring.

She spoke with a weak voice. “Miller. It’s beautiful. Oh my God. I love it.”

“Good, because you are beautiful. You are amazing. And I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Thanks for saying yes.”

She panted. “Oh my. Even though I asked you to go ahead and ask again, you still got this for me?”

“Even though. After the first time, I didn’t blame you for wanting to wait. But I got the ring anyway. Let’s do it.” Miller looked serious as a heart attack.

Magnolia still looked in shock. “Oh my God.” She remembered her evening with Neal, when she lied to Miller, like so many men had lied to her along the way. Would it be better to let her left hand know what her right hand had done? She looked up at him. Or should she lie by omission? “Miller.”

“Yes.” He looked down at her, fully attentive.

“I’ve gotta call Gigi. I’ve gotta call the girls,” she said in a childlike voice and then whisked off in her stocking feet, headed from the outside deck, making a beeline into the kitchen like Santa had left her a bike under the tree on Christmas morning.

Before she could get close to the kitchen table to pull open her purse and grab her phone, it rang. She grabbed it and placed it to her ear, with a voice straight from Happyland. “Hello.”

“Mag. It’s me.” The voice was deep and slow.

Her face still stayed thrilled. Her voice only shifted a bit. “I can’t talk to you. I’m busy.”

“I just need to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” Her question was rushed.

Before Neal could answer, Miller could be heard right behind Magnolia, asking, “Who is that?”

Immediately, Neal asked, too, “Who is that?”

Magnolia turned back toward her brand-new fiancé, and said to him first, “It’s my ex-boyfriend I told you about. Neal.”

“Why is he calling?”

Her shoulders shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Miller’s face was serious. “Put it on speaker.”

Magnolia didn’t hesitate. She pressed the speaker button and handed Miller her cell, taking a step back, all eyes and all ears. She glanced down at her ring for a split second, and then looked at Miller.

He held the phone down under his chin, and asked in a sarcastic tone, “What can I do for you?”

“Who is this?”

“This is Magnolia’s fiancé. But honestly, you have no right to be asking any questions. But I do. So answer mine.”

“Look, I didn’t call you. This isn’t your phone. This is Mag’s phone.”

Miller looked amused. “Mag, huh? Well, Mag is busy, like she told you. And not only that, Mag is no longer accepting your calls. I know for a fact that you know this already, but I’ll say it anyway. Mag is not available to you. Mag and I are telling you not to call again. Do you get that, ex-boyfriend?”

“Let me talk to her.”

“I’m speaking for her.”

“Then that means you’re saying what you want her to say, not what she really feels. I’m just making sure she’s okay. Funny how she told you about me, because she sure didn’t tell me about you. From what I can see, sounds like you’re insecure and controlling.”

“I’m a man, is what I am. And rest assured, she’s okay. She’s more than okay. And her well-being is no longer your concern, ex-boyfriend. I’ve got her. She’s fine. But you won’t be if you call her again.”

“Oh? Sounds like a threat to me. See, that’s sad. You’ve got to speak for your ‘fiancée’ and the two of you aren’t even married yet. Wow. Controlling her already. Bad sign.”

Miller looked as if he’d bitten his tongue hard.

Magnolia didn’t blink. She kept focused on the conversation between her past and her future. Miller looked at her. Her eyebrows gave a nervous lift.

He asked, “Magnolia, baby, is there anything I just said that you don’t agree with?”

She spoke close to the phone. “No, sweetie. I agree with everything you just said. One hundred percent.”

“Got it, ex? One hundred percent,” Miller said, as though he felt a hint of pleasure from her acquiescent reply.

“Oh wow. Okay. Got it. I’ll talk to her later. Or at work. This is cool for now.”

“And things will be cool later. Tomorrow, her cell number will change. And if you harass her at work, we will file a formal complaint with your employment department.”

“I’ll see her. I have something to tell her but also, I need to give her something. She knows what it is.”

“What?”

Neal dismissed his question, only asking one himself. “Hey anyway, how long have you two been together? Because…”

Magnolia held her breath. “Good-bye, Neal. And don’t contact me again,” she said, further solidifying her future husband’s efforts.

“Good-bye. I feel sorry for you.” And with that, Neal hung up.

Miller handed Magnolia her cell, and she made sure it was disconnected, looking down at the screen.

Miller asked, “What does he want to give you?”

She took a moment and then said, “Oh. I’m sure it’s my car keys. I’ll send him a text, telling him to mail them.”

“No more contact.” He took the phone back and scrolled, pressing the call button, and then speaker. He told her, “Except this one call.”

The phone picked up but Neal said nothing.

“Hey, ex-boyfriend.” It almost sounded as if he was calling Neal a punk, but it was semi-vanilla. “We’re re-keying her car immediately. So keep the other one as a memento.”

“Oh wow.”

“Wow is right.”

“Mag. Sounds to me like you’ve got yourself a case of jungle fever. That’s really funny. I thought you liked chocolate.” Neal chuckled.

“Bye, Ex,” Miller said, not amused.

“Hey. Can’t say that I blame you, Billy Bob. She is a good fuck, man.” Neal emphasized is. His words were antagonistic and cynical. And then he said, “Mag, Keyonna and I eloped.”

While Magnolia gasped at both sentences, looking like someone had punched her in the back, Miller hung up.

He shook his head and gave half a “Ha,” placing the phone on the table next to her purse, folding his arms along his stomach. He spoke with calm, looking unfazed. “What matters is, you’re a great woman. Let’s wish them well. Now weren’t you going to tell Gigi and the girls?”

Magnolia watched him, as though expecting some evidence that maybe his button had been pushed. Nothing. Though she was sure her face told that her button was being pushed, she aimed her glance downward toward her ring again, and sighed. “I will. Thank you. I love you.”

Miller took her by her left hand as she looked into his eyes, standing face to face. “You’re my last love. No mess. No drama. No rough times. My job is to protect you. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Magnolia said, “I’m happy,” and her face seemed to agree. She didn’t want to ruin it. Not at this point in her life. Not at the age of forty. Happiness was too hard earned.

Too difficult to come by.

Too very necessary.

“Good. Then that, your happiness, is all that matters.”

Magnolia spoke close to her grandmother’s ear. “Gigi, I heard the birds singing this morning. I mean they really sang. And I really listened. It was beautiful. And I remembered what you told me on my birthday. To stay positive and get ready. That God would bring me the right man when the time is right. You were right. Again.”

Gigi’s eyes looked pleased. “See, not saying I told you so, but it’s that ordained mate I was telling you about.” Gigi spoke close to Magnolia’s ear as well, sitting next to her after Magnolia and Miller arrived at Gigi’s home that Tuesday after work.

“Yes. That and more.”

“More singing. More love. Well deserved.”

Today, Magnolia had driven Miller’s gunmetal metallic Jaguar to work, and he took her SUV. He had the locks and the alarm system changed himself. They’d driven her car to Gigi’s house. And Magnolia had a new iPhone, with a new phone number.

Miller returned from Gigi’s bathroom and sat on the other side of the sofa, next to his new fiancée, his hand on her leg. Her hand on his.

Gigi stared and said, “You two look good together. Very good.”

“Well, thanks, Mrs. Grace.”

“Oh no, please call me Gigi. I’m Magnolia’s Gigi. And as happy as she looks, glowing like she’s been plugged back in, I’m your Gigi, too.”

Magnolia gave a snicker and watched him as he and Gigi smiled.

“Thanks, Gigi.” He confirmed her name with a respectful nod.

“Speaking of glowing, so, I’m going to be a great-grandmother, huh?” Gigi put her hand on Magnolia’s tummy.

“You are. And less than two weeks before my birthday.”

Miller said, “You see we didn’t waste any time.”

“God didn’t waste any time. It’s all God. He knows what He does, and why.” She slowly leaned forward, picking up the pitcher of lemonade, pouring more into Miller’s empty glass. Magnolia’s was nearly full.

“Thanks,” Miller said.

“Sure. So, how’d you two meet?” Gigi set it back down and seemed anxious to hear.

Magnolia looked at Miller and then told her, “We met out. We were at a club and sat at the bar for hours. Just talking. I mean, it was just like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. Gigi, the things he said were so similar to the things I thought. It was crazy. And since then, I don’t think there’s been a day we haven’t seen each other, right, sweetie?” She looked at her fiancé.

“Right.” He squeezed her leg.

Gigi grinned. “See, that’s how it’s supposed to be. I miss that. I remember when me and your grandfather Norm met, it was just like that. It was just comfortable, not forced. When it’s time, it’s time.”

“I agree,” said Miller.

Magnolia gave a major smile. “Gigi, it was kind of funny, but yesterday, Neal called, and Miller answered my phone.”

Gigi looked surprised. “What? No.”

“Yes.” Magnolia bumped Miller with her arm. “I’m sorry, Miller.”

“No. Not at all. I took the phone because I wanted to. He wasn’t respecting you. Maybe he’ll respect me.”

Magnolia added, “Let’s just say, I doubt he’ll be calling back. He tried to get ugly, but Miller didn’t give him any room for that. Besides, Gigi, he said he and Keyonna eloped.”

“Good. Very good.” Gigi said smiling. “Glad to hear it.”

“Me, too,” Magnolia said, giving her grandmother a matching look.

Miller noticed their bond. “It’s good to see Magnolia so close to you. My parents passed away, and I sure miss them. It’s just nice to have a family connection like this. I’m glad to be part of it.”

“We’re glad to have you. I’m sure Magnolia told you, I’m like her mom. And I’m so excited about this baby coming. What a way to end the year.”

“Yes, it is,” Magnolia said, and then she frowned and gave an exhale, hand on her stomach.

“Magnolia, what’s wrong?” Miller asked.

“I just feel a little dizzy. A little nauseous.” She scooted back and bounced her leg.

Gigi asked, “Do you need anything? Maybe all the sugar from that lemonade doesn’t agree with you.”

“That’s probably what it is.” Miller asked, “Do you want some water, baby?”

“Yes, please. I’ll just go to the bathroom real fast. My stomach is acting up. I didn’t eat much today.” Magnolia prepared to stand.

“She barely finished her food. Here, I’ll help you.” Miller stood and reached down to take Magnolia by the hand.

She stood at a snail’s pace, bent over, and then squinted. “Ouch. Awww, ouch. Oh, it hurts, Miller.”

“Your stomach?”

“Yes.” Her face was pained.

“We need to get you to the hospital.” Miller eased Magnolia along, prompting her to take careful steps toward the front door.

“I’ll go with you. I’ll just grab my pocketbook.”

Miller said as Gigi stood, “Hurry, Gigi. Get her purse. I’ll get Magnolia to the car.”

Gigi looked in shock. “Okay. I’m right there, two seconds.”

Magnolia walked slow, assisted by Miller, thinking in her head what Gigi had said moments earlier, He knows what He does. And why.

Magnolia said to herself, heart skipping a beat, I just pray God’s will agrees with mine. Would that be too much to ask?