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MAY23. The day Lori Ramos, originally born Lori Bryant, was brought into the world. She wasn't especially fond of her birthday, but she was extremely grateful for another trip around the sun. However, her husband refused to let her live her special day as normal.
"That I'm a selfish man. Want my cake and eat it too." Lori watched as Clarence moved around the small kitchen. He used one wrist to flip two pancakes simultaneously, before using the other to stir the grits.
"Baby!" Lori shouted over the cracked stereo sound of Jon B.'s voice. "I can help." she started to move off the stool, but he shot her a look.
Clarence continued to move smoothly around the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the both of them. When he finished, he peeked behind his shoulder to ensure Lori wasn't looking before pulling the hidden bottle of whip cream out the refrigerator.
"Happy birthday m'lady." he smiled placing her two plates in front of her. Lori looked at spread of fruit, eggs, grits, bacon, and stack of pancakes with a whipped cream heart in admiration.
"Awww."
"Stop that." he pointed at her. Lori waited until he fixed his plate, and joined her at the counter. The couple both grabbed a strawberry covered in whipped cream for a toast."To your birthday, and many more."
"Ugh, I'm getting so old." Lori slumped in her chair. "Just yesterday we was 16 sneaking out."
"Don't say that like it was a mutual decision." Clarence laughed. "You were forcing me to sneak out."
"I was forcing you?" she gasped. "You literally threatened to ring my doorbell, in the middle of the night!"
Clarence's head fell back as he laughed loudly. "That was one time."
"Now be for real." Lori straight faced him. "No, do you remember when you threw up on my guinea pig's cage and he literally died?" she said before laughing noisily as Clarence just was.
"Why would you even say that?" he chuckled as his face heated up from embarrassment.
"It's my absolute favorite memory of us!"
Clarence shook his head, remembering the incident. "It happened when we first started dating too. I never wanted to talk to you again."
"You could've broken up with me." she shrugged, plopping a strawberry into her mouth
"And have you knocking down my mama door?" he raised his eyebrow. "No thank you."
"I wouldn't have done that." she frowned.
"You would've but it's okay because I love you." he kissed her before going back to his food.
The Ramos' finished their breakfast with a side of laughs and plenty of love. When they finished Lori offered to clean the kitchen while Clarence went to prepare his present.
Lori was surprised. The couple didn't have ample funds, so they last thing she expected was gift. But she also knew their love was so strong, and Clarence would always find a way.
"Close your eyes!" he yelled from down the hall.
"Boy. Stop playing and come on." she rolled her eyes and perched her hand on her hips.
Clarence stuck his head out their bedroom. "You always tryna' ruin the fun baby." he chuckled. "Close your eyes."
Lori huffed, but did as she told. She also placed her hands over her eyes for dramatic effect. The floor creaked as Clarence moved closer. When close enough, he placed his hand on Lori's waist and guided her towards the breakfast bar, where they were just sitting.
Clarence prompted Lori to open her eyes, still holding the gift behind his back. "I know we not living big like we planned but," Lori started to shake her head but Clarence stopped her. "We're not. But through it all you always stayed down."
"I can't picture my life with anyone else. You make every single moment of my life beautiful and I couldn't be more grateful to have a woman like you in my life. I love you so much, baby."
Lori was on the verge of tears, but when Clarence pulled a Blue Nile bag from his back she was shocked. "So of course," he dropped the bag in her lap. "I had to spend a couple racks on my lady."
"Clarence." she looked up at him, but he jerked his head towards the bag. Lori quickly untied the ribbons and pulled out a jewelry case. With one last look at Clarence, she opened the case to reveal a 14K White Gold Diamond Drop necklace.
"Awww." she dragged looking at him.
"Man stop." he laughed. "Take it out, put it on." he urged her. Once it was on, Lori moved in front of the microwave to see her reflection.
Clarence moved to stand behind her. "I want you to know that I love and appreciate you so much. And when our time come, I'll buy you whatever ring you want."
"Clarence." she whispered, turning around in his hold. "I love it. I love you." she grabbed his face and pecked his lips."I just have one question?"
