Chapter 75
I wanted her relaxed when she got home.
My parents were dropping Melo off later. Her parents were getting settled in their rental and Ronnie went to pick up their keys and sign the lease. When I opened the door and helped her in, she was greeted by cool air, peace, and quiet. I could feel her body relax against me as we entered.
"Still smells like maple syrup somehow," she smiled.
Chuckling lightly, I steadied my arm around her waist. "It's embedded in the walls at this point." Setting her bag down by the door, I carried her to my room and helped her lay down. She sank down in the plush bed and let out a sigh of relief.
"Comfortable?" I asked sitting down next to her.
She smiled. "I am. Thank you, baby."
"Of course, beautiful."
She took my hand in hers looking into my eyes. "This is our first time being alone again."
"And I wanna savor every moment. When Melo comes back, he's gonna want you all to himself."
"Oh my God I can't wait to see my baby," she cooed.
"He can't wait to see you either."
A brief silence followed as we stared into each other's eyes, so much unspoken sitting between us.
Finally—
"I'm sorry," we both blurted out. We laughed.
"Ow—" she gingerly touched her stomach. "I can't laugh too hard yet."
The smile instantly slid off my face replaced by concern. "Ain't shit else funny then until you're better."
She snorted a laugh. "Liar."
I bit back a smile before becoming serious again. "I'm sorry I wasn’t there for you, baby. I shouldn't have let you go." I shook my head. "I should've fought harder. I should've—"
"Ssshhh—" she rested her index to my lips silencing me. "You did what you thought I wanted. I'm not upset at you. The whole situation just evolved so fast. None of us could've expected it to happen the way it did."
I kissed her finger before she dropped it. "My mama told me she talked to you," I confessed.
Her eyes widened slightly. "Don't blame her. She was only doing what a mother should do to protect her child."
I nodded. "I know that now. I was so pissed at her, but I get it. She can't wait to see you though. I told my parents and Angel it would be okay to drop by tomorrow. I just want tonight for you, me, and Melo. Is that alright?"
"That sounds good, babe."
I leaned down pressing a soft kiss to her lips. I missed this. Us—soft and peaceful with no outside bullshit. Just me and my girl. "You hungry?" I asked brushing my thumb along her cheek.
"A little."
"I got some soup in the fridge. Only liquids for now," I smirked slightly. "Doctor's orders and all that."
She smiled lazily. "You been waiting to play nurse."
"Damn right." I stood up. "Matter fact, don't move at all. Not one muscle. You need something, you ask me."
She rolled her eyes affectionately. "Yes, Daddy."
I pointed at her. "Aight now, don't talk like that while you laid up looking all helpless and pretty."
She bit down on her bottom lip smiling. Satisfaction warmed my chest. I moved toward the kitchen. I fixed her a small bowl before carrying it back carefully. Sitting beside her again, I blew gently over the spoon.
She looked at me amused. "You’re feeding me too?"
"You got shot, Gianna. Yes, I'm feeding you."
Her eyes softened hearing the seriousness in my tone.
I held the spoon toward her lips and she accepted it quietly. "Good?" I asked.
"Mmhm." She swallowed carefully. "Everything tastes better when you make it."
"That's cause it's made with love."
She smiled softly before her expression slowly turned more emotional.
"What wrong, baby?" I asked.
Her eyes dropped toward the blanket. "I keep thinking about how close it was."
I set the bowl aside carefully before taking her hand in mine. "But it wasn't your time," I said firmly.
Tears filled her eyes. "I saw you crying," she whispered suddenly. "In my dream."
I frowned slightly. "You did?"
"Yeah." Her voice cracked softly. "You were crying over my grave."
The air left my lungs. I brought her hand to my lips kissing her knuckles gently.
"God knew I needed you," I murmured. A tear slid down her cheek. I caught it with my thumb. "You're home now, beautiful," I whispered softly. "And I'ma spend the rest of my life making sure you never question if somebody got you ever again. I love you to death, Gianna Taylor."
Her voice was heavy with tears when she responded. "I love you too, Remel Robinson."