He Granted My Wishes!

We met at a common supermarket where, at the time, I worked. He walked into the store with his friend. When I saw him, I said to myself, "This man is fine." Little did I know he wasn't here for pleasantry. He came into the store for business because he started to have an attitude. After all, at the time, the team I had was very messy, and we were behind on work, so he had to come and play cleanup. I was not a fan of James AT ALL. I thought he was rude and very cocky. I would cringe every time he came into the store or when I had to be near him. As we got to know each other, we soon realized we had mutual friends. We soon became close friends. Before I knew it, I started walking around saying that he is my best friend. At this point in the relationship, we were inseparable. Feelings started to grow, and they were strong, but at the same time, we were both scared of rejection, so we kept it low-key. Until I, Shakima, couldn't anymore. I was feeling bold, and my song came on, "Just Love Me" by Kendrick Lamar. While this song was playing, I kept looking at this man while we were in the car with a couple of friends, singing my little heart out every time the chorus came in. Flash forward to the next morning, James asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history.

It was never "If"; it was always "When." I never once questioned whether I would pop the question, but I wasn't sure when I would... until I was. Around Valentine's Day that year, I began planning my proposal, and I couldn't wait! The year before, around Christmas time, Kima began dropping subtle (loud and often) hints, suggestions, and recommendations on the fact that she was ready for her ring. Luckily, my plan was already in motion as I found the perfect ring to propose with. Kima would sit next to me on the couch and hold her hand out, saying, "Oh, my finger feels cold, baby!" or "I feel like something is missing from my hand," and who could forget my favorite, the "Stink look!" I would stare at her hand, dumbfounded but amused. You see, as she began making this a nightly thing, she had no idea that her ring had come in and was literally in a bag right next to me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. HAHAHA. I began setting up the proposal with some help from our family. The place I picked felt like the perfect spot; it was at the waterfront in downtown Jersey City, across from the city skyline. The week leading up was insane, but with the help of our family and friends, I was able to pull off the perfect proposal. Finally... WISH GRANTED!!!