The Unusual Suspects Book 2

Toya

"Well you know I always had faith in you to make it. You've been able to accomplish any and every goal you set your heart to. I am so glad to be your father. Considering all that has transpired, you have to be able to see how truly blessed you are. When the doctor placed you in my arms, I knew you were destined for greatness. You decided you wanted to be a designer and I support that 100% baby. So when I say I know I am bestowing my eyes upon the next greatest designer the world has ever seen, just know I'm not just saying that because you are my daughter, it's because of what you've shown me. Never allow that light to diminish LaLa." my dad said to me as we sat there at dinner and he declared that toast to me. Everyone clinked their glasses as I fought back tears. If anyone knows it from beginning to end it was my dad. We hadn't talked as much in the last couple of months as we usually did since he had told me the shocking truth about himself. At the same time, I was eternally grateful that he was able to conceal that from me my entire childhood. He gave me the life I was supposed to have and never let me have to worry about that things that plague most of my friends for real. What more could I really ask for? Surprisingly Karen was here for the dinner as well. Her and her new boyfriend Maxwell. He seemed really nice and that was great for her. The level of maturity at this table was so nice and I'm glad they did this for me. This dinner consisted of my dad, Elizabeth, Karen, Maxwell, Tony's parents, him, and I. All of these adults had played pivotal roles in my life, well except Maxwell but maybe he is why she became a better person. Who knows?
"If I may?" Karen said as she began to stand up. "Toya, of all the things I've done in my life, the only thing that feels completely right is having you. I know we've had a rocky road and for that, I deeply and sincerely apologize. Despite going through those things growing up, you never ceased to amaze me. You began to walk ahead of schedule. Your vocabulary has always exceeded that of anyone else your age. Your grades have always been superb. And between designing and cheerleading, you've always excelled. I'd love to take credit, but babe, that was all you. You, your determination, your drive, and your willpower. If God blesses me with a least a quarter of the amount of all of those that you possess, I know I'll be okay in life. Today, we celebrate you." she said as everyone took another sip from their glass and she took her seat.
"My turn!" Tony's dad said proudly as he stood up himself.
"La'Toya you came into our lives at a point of time when we were not completely together. But you helped to mend that with the influence you have over this one here. We depended on Tony to step up when I was not able and I know he was able to do that with your guidance and assistance. We know he wouldn't have gotten the correct amount of focus and results out of his high school career if you did not open his eyes. So, we humbly want to thank you for the influence that was necessary to push him ahead. So while you helped yourself, you extended that help to my eldest child. That is something that is beyond words. As yall take this next journey into parenthood and in your education, remember what brought you here. That dedication is what will push you further in everything that you do. Never let the workings of this cruel world take away from you that which is deeply rooted. So, we say thank you Toya. Also thank you to Giovanni and to Karen for birthing such a beautiful human being. I mean beauty on the inside as well as outside to be able to bless our family as she was able to be blessing to yours. Glory be to God." Everyone sipped their wine again while I choked back tears over here. It's one thing to know what you have done, it is a complete other for people to recognize and to give you your flowers while you can still smell them.
"Lord yall really trying to make me cry." I said as I took my napkin and dabbed my eyes because I didn't want mascara cascading down my face.
"Well...let's just say I guess we saved the best for last." Tony said as he turned to me and held both of my hands. "Toy, I'll try to keep this short baby. From day one, you showed me things that no one else had. And from that, you stuck with it no matter what we encountered. You're the one who helped me buckle down in school, focus on my game, and to be an overall better person. One would be a fool to ever let you go. Which is why I put this ring on your finger. Toya, you made me a man. You're making me a father, and a husband. Everything that I am, I wouldn't be without you. I love you and I appreciate you. So for everything you've been to me, I plan on being more to you. I cannot wait to continue to spend the rest of my life with you." he told me without ever looking away or anything the entire time. I knew it was real, he said it in front of our parents and all. And that did it for me, I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks. As happy as I was right now, I couldn't imagine anything better than this moment right here. And as soon as the thought crossed my mind, the craziest thing happened. "Your water just broke." Tony said to me calm as ever.
"You okay?" my dad asked me as everyone began to move out of the way.
"Yes, I'm fine." I said as Tony went right to what he was supposed to be doing and grabbed the overnight bag and started to help to get me out of the house. Lord, just give me a safe, healthy delivery.