Chapter 26
She thought we were just going to dinner. I told her to wear something sexy and be ready by 7:00 p.m., and my baby did not disappoint. She walked out of the penthouse glowing like perfection. The ivory dress she wore hugged every curve, and she’d done something new with her locs. It was like sorcery how she’d made them fall like waves down her back.
“You look like a damn goddess,” I whispered, unable to stop myself from staring. “I guarantee you that you’re not making it to the six-week mark before I pop another baby in you.”
She blushed and rolled her eyes, but her smile said she knew I was telling the truth.
“You’re something else, Kellon Barnes.”
“Nah, baby. You’re something else,” I said, helping her into the car and kissing her forehead gently.
Monte gave me a nod from the front seat, signaling that everything I’d been planning for the last four weeks was in full motion.
We drove through the city with my hand resting on her swollen belly. This was month seven and baby boy would be here soon. I couldn’t lie; his timing couldn’t be more perfect. If everything went as planned, I would welcome my baby boy two weeks before having to report to training camp. We drove out of the city to a gated community in the hills. I’d rented out a secluded estate for tonight. As Monte pulled into the circular driveway, melodies drifted from inside, greeting us as soon as he opened the door.
“Kellon…” Phileigh looked around with her eyes wide. “This not a restaurant?”
“It’s not.”
“What did you do?”
“Just live in the moment, Phee.” I escorted her out the car. She clutched my arm as we walked the candlelit path to the entrance.
“Is this a party or something… For who?” she questioned. Her wheels turned trying to figure it all out.
“For you.” I pushed the doors open. “For us.”
The soft sounds of a live band filled the air, making Phileigh gasp. Her steps slowed. Jazmine Sullivan appeared in the foyer and began singing our song “Let it Burn,” and Phileigh froze.
“Wait, is that Jazmine Sullivan?” she whispered.
“Yep.”
I took her hands in mine and dropped to one knee. Her hands flew to her mouth, and everything seemed to start moving in slow motion.
“Phileigh Cheese, I’ve loved you since that day I saw you posted up in that stairwell, hiding away from the world.” I took a deep breath to blow away my nerves. “You looked like you needed a friend. I didn’t know if it was really me that needed you and Baby J. Baby, you have brought me peace. You’ve made me a father. You’ve made me a better man. Baby, you made me believe that happiness isn’t just something other people get to have. It’s something I can have because I deserve it.”
A tear slipped down her cheek, matching the one that slipped down mine.
“I couldn’t let Baby J come into this world without us being an official family. So, Phileigh Read… my favorite number three at O’Charley’s… will you marry me?”
She didn’t hesitate.
“Yes,” she cried out. She was barely able to say the word through her sobs. “Yes, Kellon. Yes!”
As I stood and slipped the ring onto her finger, the room erupted in applause. Phileigh’s head whipped around, scanning the space.
“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Mama? Daddy? Lolo? Ms. Barnes? Kellon, you didn’t…”
“I did.” I glanced up at our family and friends, smiling as I took them all in. Phileigh’s parents waved happily at us snapping pictures. Lolo and Braelon were applauding. My mama stood next to them, looking like she’d been waiting on this moment her whole life. It was perfect.
“I had to get our people here for this,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “This is the start of our family, baby. I wanted everybody to witness it.”
I led her into the grand ballroom.
“Kellon!” She gasped.
Her breath caught in her throat once again as her eyes scanned the room taking in the scenery. I’d spared no expense for the occasion. White roses spilled from tall, gold vases. Gold balloons floated above the tables. Hell, I even had a champagne tower sparkling under a chandelier. The focal point was the crystal sign that hung from the ceiling.
Welcome Baby Barnes!
“Is this our baby shower?” She slapped my arm in shock.
“Yes, it is!
“Surprise!” our family called out, making their way down the stairs as the Vogue photographer snapped pictures.
“You… you threw me a surprise baby shower?” She barely got it out through her sobs.
“And proposed.” I grinned. “Had to remind you who your man is. I told you on day one this was our fairytale, baby.”
“The best fairytale ever.” She laughed through her tears as Vogue’s lead editor approached us with her camera crew trailing just behind her.
“Kellon, Phileigh, congratulations. Everything is absolutely beautiful. The proposal? Chef’s kiss,” she said, smiling. “We’d love to get a few shots over by the floral arch for the piece and then maybe a few with Jazmine.”
“You called Vogue ?” Phileigh glanced at me in disbelief.
“Exclusive spread.” I shrugged. “Figured this was going to make the tabloids anyway. Might as well tell it our way.”
She shook her head, looking overwhelmed. “You’re unreal. I’m going to be in Vogue !”
“You sure are, beautiful.” The editor smiled as we made our way over to the window where the floral arch was.
We posed for a few photos. I kissed her forehead in one shot and cradled her belly in another. “These are perfect. We’re going to grab a few candid photos, and then we’ll let you two enjoy the rest of your big night. Someone will be in touch for the interview later.” I nodded as Phileigh thanked the photographers.
“To Kellon and Phileigh!” Cheers erupted in the air as champagne glasses clinked together.
I thought winning the Super Bowl would be the highlight of my life, but then I walked Phileigh down that candlelit path tonight and made her my fiancée, and I knew nothing I’d ever accomplished could top this.
“I have something to say!” Braelon stood up from the crowd, and I sighed.
I didn’t know whose idea it was to start doing speeches, but we needed to wrap it up. I dropped my head knowing this nigga was about to air me out in front of everybody. He cleared his throat and hit his glass with a spoon.
“Aight, aight! Y’all know me. I don’t usually do speeches, but this ain’t just any night.” He glanced at me. “This is my boy’s transformation.”
Some people chuckled, but he wasn’t joking.
“I’ve known KB since before the cleats and contracts. I knew the version of him that ran from anything too deep, that didn’t open up, stayed in the house, and stayed to himself. You know? The type of nigga that pops out engaged and expecting a child overnight. Phileigh…” He turned to her. “Sis, you’ve gave him peace and purpose.”
He paused. “And to my godson, you already got a father who would burn this whole world down behind you, and that’s a flex, kid.”
The crowd clapped. I dapped Braelon up hard when he sat down. He tried to play it cool, but I knew he was choked up too. Then Mr. and Mrs. Read stood, and my chest tightened.
“I’ve always wanted Phileigh to have the storybook fairytale romance… marriage then a baby. Clearly, that’s not the way your story has played out, and now, I see it’s not about the order but the journey. I’ve watched my baby girl glow these last few months. She’s more herself now than she’s ever been. And you, Kellon, that’s because of you. Thank you for showing her what real love is. I’m so proud of y’all.”
They walked over to us and gave us hugs. Mr. Read dapped me up and told me I’d done good. Their relationship with Phileigh still had a long way to go, but it was moving in the right direction.
“Room for one more!” My mother clinked her glass, and all eyes turned in her direction. I already knew she was coming. My mama wasn’t about to be left out.
“Okay… umm…” She was already crying. “I prayed for this day… for my boy to find a woman who challenged him and loved him unconditionally. I used to tell him all the time to find a woman who loves Kellon Barnes, not KB. Phileigh, baby, you’re everything I wanted for him and more.”
She turned to me, pointing her champagne flute.
“And you, Kellon Barnes, better treat her right every single day. You hear me?”
“Loud and clear, Ma,” I said, and everyone laughed as she made her way over to hug us.
“We want a speech from the groom-to-be!” someone in the crowd shouted. I was sure it was Lolo.
“Nah, I don’t need a mic.” I pulled Phileigh closer. “Just this,” I murmured, touching her belly then her cheek. “You... the baby… this life we’re building… that’s all I need.”
“And you’re all I need,” she whispered back, and right there, with our whole village around us, we kissed and began our new beginning.