Chapter 35: Forever Yours

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Zay had been planning this trip to Jamaica for months, keeping everything on the low while making sure everything was perfect. He wanted to give Gabby a break—she worked too hard and deserved to experience something special. What she didn't know was that this wasn't just a vacation; it was about to be a moment she'd never forget.

The flight to Montego Bay was smooth, and as soon as they touched down, Gabby was in awe. The clear blue skies, the smell of saltwater in the air, and the warm sun on her skin—it all felt like paradise.

"Zay, this is crazy," Gabby said, looking out the window of the luxury car he had rented. "I ain't never seen nothin' like this before."

Zay smirked, leaning back in the seat. "You deserve it, baby. Just relax and let me show you how I do."

They pulled up to a private villa tucked away near the beach. Gabby couldn't believe her eyes—the place was huge, with a pool overlooking the ocean and staff waiting to greet them. She turned to Zay, shaking her head.

"Boy, you out here showin' out," she said with a laugh.

Zay chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist. "You ain't seen nothin' yet."

The Proposal

The next few days were like a dream. They swam in the ocean, ate fresh seafood, and explored the island together. Zay made sure Gabby felt like the queen she was, but the real surprise came on the last night.

He had told Gabby they were having dinner at a fancy beachside restaurant, but when they got there, it was completely empty except for a candlelit table set up in the sand. The waves crashed gently in the background, and the moonlight made everything glow.

"Zay... what is this?" Gabby asked, her eyes wide as she looked around.

"It's just us tonight," Zay said, leading her to the table.

They ate their meal, laughing and talking like they always did, but Gabby could tell something was on Zay's mind. He kept looking at her like he wanted to say something, but he hadn't yet.

After dessert, Zay stood up and reached for her hand. "Come here, baby," he said softly.

Gabby stood, looking at him with curiosity. "What you up to?"

Zay took a deep breath, his usual confidence mixed with a rare vulnerability. He dropped to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. Gabby's hand flew to her mouth as her heart started racing.

"Gabby," Zay began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, "when I met you at that hotel, I knew you weren't like nobody else. I saw somethin' in you from the jump—a light, a strength, somethin' real. You've been through so much, but you never let it break you. And you let me love you, flaws and all. I knew from the first day you was gon' be my wife."

Gabby felt tears welling up in her eyes as she stared down at him.

"You ain't just my girl," Zay continued, his voice dropping lower. "You my partner, my peace, my everything. And I wanna spend the rest of my life makin' sure you know that. So, Gabrielle, will you marry me?"

Gabby was speechless. The tears started falling as she nodded quickly, her voice breaking as she said, "Yes, Zay. Yes, I'll marry you."

Zay slid the ring onto her finger, a stunning diamond that sparkled in the moonlight. He stood up, pulling her into his arms as they kissed, the waves crashing softly in the background.

"I love you, Gabby," he whispered.

"I love you too, Zay," she replied, her voice full of emotion.

The Next Morning

Gabby woke up with the biggest smile on her face, the ring on her finger catching the sunlight streaming through the window. She turned to see Zay still asleep, his arm draped over her waist.

She couldn't believe how much her life had changed. From the girl who had no family and was just trying to survive, to a woman who had built a life, a business, and now had a man who loved her unconditionally.

"Thank you, God," she whispered, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.

Zay stirred, opening his eyes to see her staring at him. "Morning, future Mrs. Carter," he said with a smirk.

Gabby laughed, leaning down to kiss him. "Good morning, Mr. Carter."

They spent the rest of the trip basking in their love, planning their future, and celebrating the next chapter of their lives together.

To Be Continued...

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