Chapter 19
Chapter
Nineteen
Zander
As much as I didn’t want to let Navy go, I knew she didn’t have any extra clothes.
Last night, after we solidified our relationship, we showered and crashed.
I gave her one of my shirts to lounge around in this morning until we fixed breakfast together and ate.
Now, she was getting ready to go. I still hadn’t completely processed the fact that my sweet girl was back and that we were in a relationship.
Even though I knew we’d get to this point after we confessed our love for each other, it still felt surreal.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” I asked, leaning and resting against her car.
“Just relaxing since I start back up with work Monday. I didn’t plan anything for the rest of the weekend. Oh! I do need to stop by the store and get a Plan B pack.”
Her last statement confused me. My head tilted and brows wrinkled as I looked at her. “What you need a Plan B for?”
“Because I’m not on birth control and you came in me last night . . . and this morning.”
Sucking my teeth, I stood upright and slipped a hand in my boxers. “I know what happened. I asked why you needed a Plan B.”
We both looked at each other with confused expressions until she laughed.
“So I won’t get pregnant,” she said, but it came out more like a question than an answer.
“I thought we agreed we wanted to have at least two kids?”
“Well yes, but I didn’t know you wanted to get started now.”
“Hell yeah. I feel like you think I’m playing. I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life, Nae. I want you and everything that comes with you. I’ma be cumming in that pussy as much as I possibly can, so you might as well get on birth control if you ain’t ready to be a mama.”
Her blushing was cute as she covered her face and giggled.
“I’m okay with letting things happen naturally but I also want to be spoiled by you for a while too. If we had a baby any time soon, I think that would take our focus off each other, don’t you?”
“Not really. Having a baby with you would only make me love, respect, and appreciate you more. Cherish you more. Care for you more. Obsess over you more. We can take our time, though, but I meant it when I said I wasn’t pulling out, so it’s on you.”
“Ah!” she squealed. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. It still feels like a dream.”
“Trust me . . .” I kissed her. “This is very much real.” I kissed her again—longer and deeper that time. The second she swirled her tongue around mine, my body reacted and made me want to put her in the back seat and fuck her again.
“Let me go, otherwise I’ll never leave.”
“I’ll be okay with that. I know your folks missed you, so I don’t mind sharing, but I’d like it if you came back to me after our date tomorrow.”
“I’ll make sure I have my bags packed. Can I have a hint as to what we’re doing?”
“No, but I’ll let you know how to dress once I’ve finalized everything.”
Her shoulders hiked as she smiled and leaned forward for another kiss. We said our goodbyes, then I watched her pull away from the valet station.
For the first time, I’d be taking the woman I knew I’d be spending the rest of my life with on a date this weekend. I needed to get with my brothers for some advice to ensure I didn’t fuck this up.
That Evening
It required little thought to decide where I wanted my pops and Luke to meet me.
My father, Anthony Gough, had always been a simple man.
In fact, the only thing that made him exciting or extra was my mother, Rose.
She came into his life and breathed life into a version of the introverted man that had never been exposed before.
In exchange, my pops made sure Mama’s days were filled with love, service, and everything she wanted and needed.
While Pops may have cultivated and made Mama better by putting her through school so she could work her dream career, Mama influenced and made him a better man overall.
I admired their marriage, their friendship, and hoped it was a sign of what was to come for me and Navy.
Pops and Luke both studied the cognac in their glasses briefly before taking small sips.
I’d asked them to meet me at Puff Cigar Lounge.
The owner posted that he’d gotten a new order in from Cuba, and I knew they’d enjoy the experience.
Since I was in no rush to get to the point of the meeting, I let them finish a drink and cut and light their cigars before I confessed the intent behind my call.
“As much as I enjoy spending time with the both of you, I was intentional with this meeting,” I shared.
“Now that Navy is back home, we are in a relationship, and she’s going to be my wife.
I asked you two to meet me here for your approval, though being honest, I’ma be with her regardless.
I also wanted advice on how I can ensure this period of me courting her will give her the confidence to accept my proposal when I do it. ”
Pops had a smug expression on his face while he sat back in his seat. Luke wore a grin while he sat up in his.
“I knew it,” Pops muttered, more to himself than either of us. “I knew you was gon’ marry that girl the day y’all met.”
“How’d you figure that?” I asked curiously.
“You helped her with her boxes and personal items and completely ignored the fact that we were there for your sister, and you fed her. You followed her around like a little puppy, and that’s usually how the men in our family act when they’ve found the one.
We’re tough and can say no to anything or anyone .
. . except the woman we’re in love with.
For her, we’re soft, we’re yielding, but we’ll burn the whole fucking world down to protect her if we had to. ”
“Yeah, you’re right,” I agreed with a smile as recollection filled me. “I guess I’ve always had a thing for her. I just didn’t allow myself to act on it until now.”
“What made now different?” Luke asked.
“There was something about Ian. Something that suggested he had a hold on her. They’d been together for over a year, and regardless of how many issues they had, she stayed around.
I think a part of me was scared another man would get my treasure.
My heart. So I let her go so she could see if that was truly what and who she wanted, and I’m grateful to God she chose me. ”
“I know you love my daughter, but I want you to make sure you always like her,” Luke said.
“Always value her and see her as your most valuable treasure. That will ensure you do what you have to, to keep her. If at any point you no longer like, value, and want my daughter . . . give her back to me. Don’t intentionally hurt her, disrespect her, or abuse her.
If I give her to you, I’m expecting you to provide the same lifestyle, love, and protection as I am.
Shit, better. Whatever she wants, you provide.
If you can’t on your own, come to me or God. ”
“I got you, Pops. I’ve been taking care of my sweet girl from day one. That won’t change now,” I assured Luke.
“Things will be new and exciting as you enter this new territory,” my pops said.
“Don’t think all you need to provide now is romantic gestures.
Those things will increase desire, but don’t overlook the foundational things you’ll need to continue to build—your friendship, your discipline, your listening skills, your effort, your loyalty.
If you want her to confidently say yes when you ask her to marry you, show her the things now that will make you a good husband in the future. ”
They piggy backed off each other for the next thirty minutes or so, giving me advice that I locked in with gratitude. After that, we had another round of drinks and cigars before parting ways, and I had the confidence I needed to plan the perfect first date for Navy tomorrow.