The Deed to a Gangsta’s Heart

Chapter 24

24

R emedy

I’d taken Callie shopping for her classroom. What I thought would only take an hour or so took three. Callie was like a kid in a candy store. The shit was so cute. I knew she would make a great teacher and an even greater mother.

As we pulled into my parents’ driveway I asked, “Are you ready to tell them about us?”

“Yes. Honestly, I don’t think we’d be able to hide it even if we wanted to.”

I couldn’t deny that. It was hard for me to keep my hands off her. So much time had passed with me wanting her and thinking I’d never have her. Now that I did, I had to make up for that lost time.

“You’re right.”

“Do you think they’ll approve? ”

“Of course. Even if they didn’t, I don’t care. I love you.”

Her grin was bashful as she leaned forward and cupped my cheek for a kiss. “I love you too. I still can’t believe you acted a fool last night. The only reason I am speaking to you is because you took me shopping for my classroom.”

I had no arguments or excuses, so I didn’t even bother. Last night was a shit show. My mind took me back to our time at The Food Hall . What started as a good time ended with one of her ex’s taking a nap.

I left to refill our drinks, and when I came back, I saw her squirming to get out of his arms. He was yapping about how happy he was that she was back in town and kissed her. I dropped the drinks, pulled him off her, and almost snapped his neck. The only thing that kept me from killing him was the fact that there was a crowd of people around us. Instead, I choked him out.

Sucking my teeth, I opened the door. “He’s lucky he’s still alive. I’m tempted to change that.”

Her eyes rolled as she unbuckled her seat belt. “Johnathon didn’t know I wasn’t single, Rem.”

“I don’t give a fuck. He didn’t have no business hugging you and kissing you without asking your permission and if you were single. Had we been alone, I would’ve killed his ass.”

“Was it really that serious, babe?”

I felt my face harden as I looked at her. “Yeah. It was.”

Callie’s eyes rolled as I got out of the car and walked around the other side to open her door. She could have her little attitude all she wanted. As I helped her out of the truck I told her, “If you’re that worried about these niggas safety, I’ll buy a billboard and put a picture of us on it, so they’ll know you’re taken.”

“The sad part is, I really think you’re serious. ”

“Dead. I’ll buy that shit today.”

That made her smile as she slipped her fingers around mine. I kissed her hand as we headed toward the front door. Like most people in Jasper Lane, my parents kept their door unlocked. I rang the doorbell before letting us in.

“Pops!” I called out. “Ma, where y’all at?”

“I’m in the den,” Pops replied. “Your mama is in the dining room getting lunch ready.”

I didn’t know what was on the menu, but I was ready to eat. We made our way into the den and Pops couldn’t wait to pull Callie into her arms. They’d only seen her once since she’d made it back home.

“There’s my girl.”

“Hey, Daddy Frank. How are you?”

“I can’t complain. It’s good to see you.”

“You too. I’ve been meaning to come and have dinner with you and Mama Tootie but—”

Her mouth snapped shut as she looked back at me. I guess she didn’t want to tell them we’d been busy consummating our relationship ever since things became official. If I wasn’t at work or working on the stable, I was taking her out or dicking her down.

“Is that my Callie wally?” Ma called.

“It’s me!” Callie replied as she scurried out of the den toward the dining room.

Pops and I found them in the dining room hugged up like two peas in a pod. Ma was kissing her all over her face and Callie was turning red as she sniggled and held her close.

“Oh, I’ve missed you. I was expecting to see you more since you’re right down the street.”

“My schedule’s freeing up a little more. I’ve been a bit active enjoying being back home. ”

“That’s understandable. Just don’t forget to make some time for your second mama before school starts. At least come over for our weekly family dinner.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She gave Ma a kiss on the cheek then asked if she needed help with anything. Mama told her no and that everything was good to go.

We took our seats, where she had a table full of party food per Pops request for lunch today. Let him tell it, no one in our family was pregnant and he had no excuse to eat baby shower food. Ma made sure she took care of his desire with party wings, meatballs, Rotel, chicken salad, and deviled eggs. As we passed the serving trays around, I kept stealing glances at Callie to make sure she was okay. The change in our relationship status made me hyperaware of her needs.

My parents pretty much spent lunch gushing over Callie which I expected. When we were done, we headed outside to walk around. They loved taking walks after their meals. Callie and I stayed close to one another, stealing brushes against each other and kisses when we could. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I took her hand into mine and kissed it.

Ma looked at us and her eyes widened. “Are you two together?”

“Yes, we are,” I answered, wrapping my arm around Callie as Ma cheered.

“I told you to never say never,” Pops said with a wink. “Congratulations, Son.”

We shook hands as Ma hugged Callie.

“Thanks, Pops.”

“Your mama will be hooking up with Alegra soon to plan y’all wedding,” he teased .

“Who says we haven’t planned it already?” Ma replied as she held Callie to her side.

“You thought we’d get together?” Callie asked.

“I knew you would. It was just a matter of time. As soon as Remedy said you were going to be staying with him, me and Alegra started planning.”

Callie’s head hung briefly as she smiled. When her eyes returned to mine, I saw a vulnerability in them that was unexpected. Was she wondering if there was a chance marriage was in our future? If she wasn’t confident, that meant I needed to do something to make sure she knew that was the plan for us.