Breaking Free

22.

Kierra was excited and a bit nervous. She had decided it was time to take a big step in her relationship with Tasha. She wanted to propose, but there was a lot to plan and a lot of people to talk to.

Her first step was to talk to her mom. She invited her over for a coffee date at their apartment. Mommy arrived, looking happy to spend time with her daughter.

"Hi, Mommy!" Kierra said, hugging her. "I'm so glad you could come."

"Hi, sweetie," Mommy replied. "I'm happy to be here. What's up?"

Kierra took a deep breath. "I have something important to talk to you about. I'm planning to propose to Tasha."

Mommy's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Oh, Kierra, that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you. Do you have any ideas for how you want to do it?"

"I have a few ideas," Kierra said, smiling. "But I'd love your advice. I want it to be special."

Mommy nodded, excited to help. "Let's start with the ring. Have you picked one out yet?"

Kierra shook her head. "Not yet. I want to find the perfect one."

"I'm sure you will," Mommy said. "And remember, it's the thought that counts. I know Tasha will love whatever you choose because it's from you."

With her mom's encouragement, Kierra felt more confident. Next, she needed to talk to Tasha's mom, Bertha. Since Bertha lived far from Detroit, Kierra called her.

"Hi, mom," Kierra said when Bertha answered. "I have something important to share with you. I'm planning to propose to Tasha."

Bertha's voice was filled with excitement. "Oh, Kierra, that's wonderful news! I'm so happy for you both. How can I help?"

Kierra smiled. "I was hoping you could come to Detroit for the proposal. I want it to be a surprise for Tasha. I'll arrange everything and fly you in on the day of the proposal."

"That sounds fantastic," Bertha said. "I'd love to be there. Just let me know the details, and I'll make sure I'm there."

Feeling relieved, Kierra started planning the proposal. She knew she needed to pick out a ring. She reached out to Shamika, a friend who had a good eye for jewelry. Shamika agreed to meet her at a local jewelry store.

When they arrived at the store, Shamika was ready to help. "Hey, Kierra! I'm excited to help you pick out the ring. Do you have any ideas of what you want?"

Kierra nodded. "I want something elegant but not too flashy. I want it to be special for Tasha."

Shamika led her to a display of rings. "Okay, let's start looking. Do you know her ring size?"

Kierra shook her head. "I have an idea, but I'm not sure."

"No problem," Shamika said. "We can find out easily. Let's look at some styles first."

They looked at various rings, discussing different designs and settings. Shamika helped Kierra narrow down her choices. They talked about diamonds, settings, and bands. Shamika suggested a classic solitaire diamond with a delicate band, which Kierra thought was perfect.

"This one feels right," Kierra said, holding up the ring. "It's simple and elegant, just like Tasha."

Shamika smiled. "It's a beautiful choice. I'm sure she'll love it."

With the ring picked out, Kierra felt a wave of excitement and relief. She now needed to talk to her dad, John, and her brother, J. Drew. She wanted to make sure they were on board with her plans.

She visited her parents' home and found her dad in the backyard, working on some garden projects. "Hi, Dad," Kierra said, giving him a hug.

"Hi, Kierra," John replied, smiling. "What's going on?"

Kierra took a deep breath. "I'm planning to propose to Tasha. I wanted to tell you and get your support."

John looked pleased. "That's great news! I'm happy for you both. If you need any help with the proposal, just let me know."

"Thanks, Dad," Kierra said, feeling reassured.

Next, she called her brother, J. Drew, and invited him over. When he arrived, Kierra shared her plans.

"Hey, J. Drew," Kierra said. "I'm planning to propose to Tasha, and I wanted to tell you about it. I'm really excited."

J. Drew's face lit up with a big smile. "That's awesome, Kierra! I'm excited for you both. If you need any help with planning or just want to talk about it, I'm here."

Kierra felt a wave of relief. With her family's support and the ring picked out, she started finalizing the details of the proposal. She arranged for Bertha to arrive in Detroit on the day of the proposal and planned a special dinner at their favorite restaurant.

The day of the proposal was approaching quickly. Kierra was busy making sure every detail was perfect, from coordinating with the restaurant to arranging a surprise visit from Bertha. She wanted it to be a memorable and heartfelt moment for Tasha.

As the day drew near, Kierra felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She knew that with the help of her family and friends, and with the thoughtful planning she had put into it, the proposal would be a special and cherished moment for both her and Tasha.