A Moment of Forever

by Stephanie Nicole Norris

mind to run anyway. “You should know. I’ve always been a believer that when my future arrives, she would walk into my life with such simplicity that it wouldn’t make sense for us to depart. You see…I, too, love dogs, drink white spirits, harbor a love for animals, take care of my financial obligations, but above all,” he held her eye. “Your heart is a gift I will cherish until my last breath, and even though you’re ready to run from me now, I would sign a contract, tonight, that said, in the event that I am unable to uphold my end of the bargain, you can take everything that belongs to me.”

“Vanessa…” She quivered and didn’t try to hide the shake as it slipped through her body before she had a chance to stop it. “I’ve prided myself in making investments that have catapulted my career, garnering me the title of ‘Most Successful Investor of the Decade.’ In my personal life, I’ve safeguarded my mind, only allowing myself to be led by my heart and spirit when necessary. It would be possible if I were a man who said things just to be charming. But I am not, and somehow I think you are not a woman who accepts bullshit.”

“I’ll tell you what—if it’s in your interest to date before you decide

become my wife, then I’m most certainly along for the ride. But you should know, it means you and I are exclusive. No dating other people while we...

Drea’s forehead creased even more. “Ahhh. This is about an old flame, isn’t it?” She chuckled. “Well, I’ll tell you one thing. Fuck Kevin. I don’t know him, but it sounds like he could get the middle finger. Anyway. Girl, the reality is, we will always run into more toads then princes—but ba-baee, when we find our charming, the last thing we’ll do is disregard him because of Kevin’s weak ass.”

“Oh, my goodness, you are crazy.” Her laugh subsided. “Thanks for the laugh.” “There’s more where that came from, and besides, while you might not be as hopeless of a romantic as me, you are definitely open to it.”