Chapter 58
There was a bit of discourse over where Gianna would recover once she was discharged the next day.
Ronnie had found them a townhome rental, but Gianna was in no condition to unpack boxes or climb stairs.
Her parents wanted to rent an Airbnb for a month and stay with her until she fully recovered.
My family wanted her at my place where we could all help.
Everybody had opinions.
Meanwhile, my baby was half asleep in the hospital bed trying to rest while everybody quietly argued around her like she wasn’t laying there with fresh stitches in her stomach.
That shit irritated me. "She's staying with me," my voice cut clean through the room.
Everybody went quiet.
I stood near the window with my arms folded across my chest staring directly at Gianna's father.
"Remy—" Ronnie started carefully.
"No." I shook my head firmly. "I'm not budging on this."
Gianna's mom looked hesitant. "Sweetheart, we appreciate everything you've done but—"
"With all due respect, Ms. Robin, I wasn't asking." My tone stayed calm but firm. "She almost died. I'm not about to play house-hopping with her while she can barely walk to the bathroom by herself."
Silence.
I looked toward Gianna laying there watching me quietly. My heart hurt seeing how exhausted she still looked. "She needs stability. Rest. Help." I continued softer. "I already rearranged my schedule. My mama's helping with Melo. My house is one floor. I can carry her if I need to."
Her parents and Ronnie watched me.
"I'm not saying y'all can't see her." My eyes moved between them. "Hell, stay over if you want. But she's staying with me where I know she's safe and taken care of."
Her dad studied me quietly for a long moment. "You really do love her," he said quietly.
"With everything in me." I nodded
The room went quiet again.
Then Gianna's dad sighed rubbing his beard slowly before looking over at his daughter.
"What you wanna do, baby girl?"
Everybody's attention shifted toward her. I looked at her too. And for some reason I suddenly felt nervous as hell because she could say no. I wanted her with me more than anything though.
She cleared her throat softly. "I can stay with Remy," she answered. Her head turned to me. "Are you sure it's no problem?"
I crossed the room looking down at her. "Anything that concerns you is never a problem, baby. I promise I'ma take good care of you."
She smiled gently and nodded. Puckering her lips, she lifted her chin. Smiling, I bent my head and gave her lingering kiss.
"Well…I guess that's settled then," Ms. Robin said behind us.
I gave Gianna one more kiss before I straightened. "Whenever y'all wanna come over the door is open," I assured them. "I still have a business to run so feel free to stay as long as you need."
Their faces looked relaxed, so I took that as a sign that we were good. I couldn't wait to get her home.