More Than Friends

Chapter 28: Settlin' In

A few months had passed since Nicole and Devin moved into their new place together, and life had started to fall into a comfortable rhythm. Nicole was busy with school, takin' on more design projects, and Devin was focused on his own goals, workin' to expand his business. They had built somethin' special, somethin' solid, and every day felt like a step toward a future they both wanted.

One evening, after a long day of classes and work, Nicole sat at the dining table, her laptop open in front of her, scrollin' through her latest project. She was tired, but it was the good kind of tired—the kind that came from doin' what she loved.

Devin walked in from the kitchen, carryin' two plates of food, settin' them down in front of her with a grin. "I made your favorite."

Nicole looked up, her eyes lightin' up at the sight of the food. "You spoilin' me again?"

Devin chuckled, sittin' down across from her. "Nah, just showin' love. You been workin' hard, you deserve it."

Nicole smiled, feelin' that familiar warmth spread through her. Devin always knew how to make her feel appreciated, and she loved that about him. "You know, Dev...I been thinkin'."

Devin raised an eyebrow, curious. "'Bout what?"

Nicole set her fork down, lookin' at him seriously. "About us. We been livin' together for a while now, and it's been great, but...I feel like maybe it's time we take the next step."

Devin leaned back in his chair, his eyes studyin' her. "What kinda step you talkin' 'bout?"

Nicole's heart raced a little, but she knew she was ready to have this conversation. "I mean...we been talkin' about our future, about marriage. And I know we said we weren't in no rush, but I feel like I'm ready, Dev. I'm ready to start plannin' for that. For us."

Devin's eyes softened as he reached across the table, takin' her hand in his. "You serious, Nic? You ready to start plannin' for that?"

Nicole nodded, her voice steady. "Yeah. I am. I know we got a lot goin' on with school and work, but I don't wanna wait anymore. I want that future with you, Dev."

Devin's smile grew, and he squeezed her hand, his eyes fillin' with love. "I been ready, Nic. I was just waitin' on you. We can start plannin' whenever you want. Ain't nothin' I want more than to make you my wife."

Nicole felt tears well up in her eyes, the emotion of the moment hittin' her hard. "I love you, Dev."

"I love you too," Devin said softly, leanin' in to kiss her hand. "We gon' build somethin' real, somethin' that lasts forever."

The Next Day

Nicole couldn't stop smilin'. The conversation with Devin the night before had left her feelin' excited and a little nervous, but in the best way possible. They were takin' the next step—seriously talkin' about marriage, buildin' their life together. It was somethin' she had always dreamed of, but it felt even better now that it was real.

She met up with Tasha for lunch, eager to share the news. Tasha had been there for her through everything, and Nicole couldn't wait to tell her what was next.

"So, what's goin' on, girl?" Tasha asked as they sat down at the café. "You got that glow like somethin' big just happened."

Nicole grinned, takin' a sip of her drink. "I think me and Devin gon' start plannin' for the next step."

Tasha's eyes widened with excitement. "Wait—are you sayin' what I think you sayin'? You and Devin 'bout to get married?"

Nicole nodded, her smile growin'. "We ain't picked a date yet or nothin', but yeah, we talkin' 'bout it. I feel ready, Tash. I want that with him."

Tasha let out a little squeal, grabbin' Nicole's hands across the table. "Girl, I'm so happy for you! Y'all deserve this. After everything that went down, it's 'bout time y'all get your happy ending."

Nicole felt her heart swell. She knew Tasha was right. They had been through so much, and now, they were finally gettin' their moment. "It feels good, Tash. I finally feel like I'm movin' forward, like everything is fallin' into place."

Tasha smiled, leanin' back in her chair. "I'm proud of you, girl. You didn't let none of that stuff with Keon break you. You came out stronger, and now look at you—'bout to be somebody's wife!"

Nicole laughed, feelin' a rush of excitement. It was true—she had come a long way from the fear and uncertainty that had once ruled her life. And now, with Devin by her side, she was ready for whatever the future held.

That Night

Back at home, Nicole sat on the couch, flippin' through wedding ideas on her phone. She wasn't one to get caught up in the details, but she couldn't help feelin' excited about what was to come. A small, intimate ceremony, maybe somethin' outdoors. She wanted it to be simple, but full of love.

Devin walked in from the bedroom, stretchin' as he joined her on the couch. "What you lookin' at?"

Nicole smiled, showin' him her phone. "Just some wedding ideas. I know we said we ain't rushin', but I couldn't help myself."

Devin chuckled, his arm slidin' around her shoulders. "You can't help but plan ahead, huh?"

Nicole laughed. "You know me."

Devin kissed the top of her head, pullin' her closer. "Whatever you want, Nic. Long as we do it together, I'm down for whatever."

Nicole leaned into him, feelin' a deep sense of peace. They were buildin' somethin' real, somethin' that was rooted in love and trust. And now, as they planned for their future, she knew there wasn't nothin' they couldn't face together.