The fire crackled as everyone gathered around, toasting marshmallows and trading stories from their childhood. The laughter was easy, the atmosphere warm, and for the first time in a long time, Isabella felt completely at home.

She sat beside Roman, his arm draped around her shoulders, Malachi curled up against his chest. Joelle was beside her, poking at her marshmallow with a focused determination, making sure it was the perfect golden brown.

It was peaceful-until Naomi suddenly gasped.

"Hold up-what is that?"

Everyone turned to look at her as she pointed directly at Isabella's left hand. More specifically, at the delicate gold ring resting on her finger.

Isabella instinctively tried to lower her hand, but it was too late.

Jey's eyes widened. "Ohhhh, wait a damn minute."

Jimmy leaned forward, smirking. "Roman, you got something you wanna tell us?"

Roman sighed, rubbing a hand over his face while Joelle giggled beside Isabella. "Man, y'all are nosy."

Naomi practically bounced in her seat. "So what does it mean? Are y'all engaged?!"

Isabella's face flushed as she glanced at Roman. He met her gaze with a soft smirk before turning back to his family. "Nah, not yet."

The table erupted into chaos.

"Not yet?!"

"Then what is it?"

"So you are planning to propose?"

Joelle clapped her hands together, grinning. "It's a promise ring!"

The adults turned to her in surprise, and she beamed proudly. "Daddy gave it to Mommy to show he's serious about her! And I helped pick it out!"

Naomi clutched her chest. "That is the sweetest thing ever."

Jey snickered, nudging Roman. "Damn, Uce, didn't know you had it in you."

Roman rolled his eyes, though his smirk never faded. "Man, shut up."

His mother, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, finally spoke up. "I think it's beautiful," she said warmly, reaching for Isabella's hand to admire the ring. "It's not about rushing into things. It's about intention."

Isabella smiled, squeezing the older woman's hand. "That's exactly how it feels."

Roman pressed a kiss to Isabella's temple. "We're taking our time, but we're doing it right this time."

The family nodded in approval, even as Jimmy and Jey continued to crack jokes.

The night went on, but now, there was an extra buzz in the air. The realization that this wasn't just a reunion-it was the beginning of something real.

And even though they weren't engaged yet, one thing was clear to everyone:

It was only a matter of time