Chapter 20 #2
Hollis shook her head. “I sat in the stands with the common folk tonight. I haven’t heard from Angie and didn’t want to make shit awkward in that damn box.”
“Ah shit, that’s why she got me on pass the message duty. She didn’t think you were here. I told her to call. You know what, I’m out of y’all girl shit at this point. Nigga, I’ll get up with you later. You off tomorrow, right?” I chuckled as I hooked Hollis closer to me, placing my hand on her ass.
“Yeah, it’s our anniversary.” I glanced down at my wife who blushed under my gaze which only had me wanting to attach my mouth back to hers, taking as many sweet kisses as I could.
“Ah shit, well, happy anniversary, my fellow beautiful, Black couple. What year is this?”
“Twelve, officially.”
Shep’s goofy ass smiled widely.
“I love to see it.”
One more nod and we were headed out.
We made a pit stop at the Chinese spot before going home.
After I placed the order, I returned to the truck to wait fifteen minutes for our food. Hollis was quiet. I grabbed her hand, kissing the back softly before I locked our fingers.
“What you over there thinking about?”
“Our anniversary. Baby, what are we doing tomorrow? I didn’t even know you took the day off.”
“Of course I took the day off, Holls. It’s our day, ya know the one when we vowed before God to live and love as one as we asked for his blessing.
Not celebrating wouldn’t be a good look.
Plus, we’re still in our anniversary season.
If you don’t feel like going out, we can stay in, but I made plans. ”
“Ooh where?”
“Dang nosy, you’ll see,” I joked. That was all I told her as the sound of my phone ringing stopped any further questions since our food was done.
I leaned over, grabbing her chin and kissing her poked out bottom lip.
“Trust me, we’ll have fun. Now let me get this food. I’m tired as hell and I’m ready to cuddle up for the night.”
I glanced over at Hollis as we pulled into the parking lot next to the dock of Anchored and Drifted. She flashed me her perfect white teeth as a low shriek escaped her. I snickered as I got out, rounding the car.
“Did I do good, baby?” I asked as I hugged her waist, her hands landing on my chest. Hollis playfully rolled her eyes, giving me all the sassy attitude I loved.
“Yes, Deke, you did good. The girls and I have been wanting to book a yacht for a while but these heffas stay pregnant during the summer now.” I booked us a yacht ride while the main event of our anniversary celebration was underway back on the mainland.
I cleared my throat as we made our way down the dock.
“Um…excuse me, but I think you can add yourself to the list this year, Hershey.” She paused, hanging her head to the side.
“Oh yeah.” Her laugh was heavy as we made our way inside the main building. I had to check in for our reservation.
Once we got it all squared away, we were led to a yacht with the captain going over the basic safety procedures as well as introducing our crew and chef who would be here to accommodate all our needs.
Hollis’s food cravings hadn’t gotten too crazy, but my baby, babies, kept her eating. As we set sail, I grabbed my wife’s hand, leading her upstairs where R&B music played.
“Hershey, I know we never got a chance to have a real honeymoon before, so consider this one a pregame. I promise as soon my season is over I’m taking you away, baby bump and all.
” I placed my hand on her small pudge. Raja let us know that since Hollis was carrying twins, she might show a lot sooner.
“Well, make it fast before I’m not able to fly because of your big headed babies. They gon’ have me popping next week, I can feel it,” she said as I helped remove her cover up so I could put sunscreen on her body before we laid out.
We only received one letter from Jimmy for our final month of Skyla checking-in before we signed the deed, taking full ownership of the house.
I took this as a sign from Jimmy knowing that we were back together for real.
Upon Hollis request, we’d been waiting to read it until we could do it together.
Hollis thought today would be a good day considering us being here right now to even celebrate our anniversary was thanks to him.
“Hershey, and if you do, you’ll still be beautiful.”
“Thank you, Deke, but that’s not my issue. It’s my clothes not fitting anymore. I buy clothes and they don’t fit after one or two wears. Shit’s not fair.” I smirked as I helped her onto the chair, settling her between my legs, then pulling out the letter.
“Oh, Hershey, that’s an easy fix—"
“Yeah, yeah, I know. ‘Just swipe the card, Hershey. That’s why you got it. Let your husband feel good as a bomb ass provider, please and thank you.’” She mocked me, which had me nipping her ear.
“Ouch, you act like I’m wrong. That’s what you were about to say, Deke.”
“If you know, then we can focus on this letter,” I said, passing it to her so she could open it and read it out loud.
Deacons,
Oh my, I can’t believe time flew by so fast. This will be the last letter from me on your journey, hopefully on the road of love and happiness.
I feel as if I gave all the lessons needed from an old man like me.
Now it’s up to you to make sure you stay on the path together.
Remember, the long road only works if you do it connected to your love.
I do have one last request.
Don’t sell the house.
I know it’s probably on your minds to handle once you get the deed, but I gave it to you because it was always meant to be y’all’s.
Too many firsts occurred for you two there and some lasts still need to be corrected if you two didn’t fix that missed anniversary yet. I left the cake in the freezer for you, Deacon (wink, wink).
Hollis and I shared a look then laughed before she continued reading.
And before you say, Jimmy, what are we going to do with an old house?
I’m sure you’ll think of something useful. Keep it in the family as long as you can. Again, that’s what the babies will be good for.
No, it’s not a demand, but I trust you two will honor the request nonetheless, just like I know you two will be good to each other for the rest of your lives.
Until time and space brings us back together again,
Jimmy.
“It’s forever, Jimmy,” Hollis said as she folded the letter back up, sealing it with a kiss.
“That’s crazy that he brought that up because I was going to tell you the more I go over to the house, the more I want to keep it. He’s right. Too many good memories just to let the next person paint over them or something, Deke. Plus, I can use it as my office or something.” I kissed her temple.
“Okay, baby, whatever you want.”
I would never tell her I’d planned to keep it all along, even if I had to just give her the money as if it sold. That was my last good memory of Hollis and from back then, and like now, I was never letting her go.
After a few hours we finally made our way back to the mainland.
Hollis held my hand which lay comfortably between her thick thighs as we drove home from our private yacht party.
The water was peaceful as hell and I had fun being there with her, even if all we did was eat and lay up in the sun.
I also enjoyed the show she put on as I watched my wife toss her fat ass in circles to the fire ass playlist that they had.
“Thank you for today, Deke. I had fun,” she said, then leaned over, kissing my cheek as I pulled into the driveway of the house. She had no idea that the whole family and her friends were waiting for us in the backyard for the real party. The night was just getting started.