“And why is that love?” she challenged.
I ushered her to the closet where I’d already had an assortment of clothes, shoes, and purses. Anything she could possibly need, I’d taken care of it. From her favorite body wash to lotion to loungewear, I had it all stocked for her. All Heidi had to do was wake up and everything else I could handle.
“’Cause that ain’t shit compared to this. I been getting lil’ shit here and there for you.”
“What the fuck is all of this Bentley? Why do you have clothes for me? When did you figure out my size? This is fuckin’ crazy,” she said laughing in disbelief.
“How?” I questioned with a scrunched up face. I ain’t see nothing wrong with it.
Finally releasing my hand, she walked over to her side of the closet and subtly searched through each piece. She laughed every few seconds accompanied by her scoffing. I couldn’t tell if she was pleased or not, but she damned sure wasn’t gon’ let me off the hook. I knew it was coming before the night was over.
“What’s this all about? Like, for real Bentley.”
“Why something got to be more than what it is?” I countered.
“Because it always is with you Atkins men. Poor Klarity was tricked into a marriage with Royce, Cheyonne was kidnapped and told to be happy with Genesis, and now you. I’m convincedthis is you subtly telling me that you’re getting ready to relocate me and my son,” she fussed.
“Correction. That’s our son,” I said.
Shaking her head, she smiled and mumbled, “I knew it. I should’ve altered my prayer.”
Walking over to where she was, I picked her up and placed her on the island. She could fight me on this move, but I wasn’t letting her do shit other than love me. Fuck ass Sage Springs wasn’t ‘bout to have her as a resident for much longer and I meant that shit.
“Talk to me. Why you so upset?” My hands rested on her hips, and she had yet to move me. I didn’t even think she realized that physical touch from me had become a comfortability for her.
“Are you serious right now?” I nodded and she kissed the back of her teeth. “This shit ain’t normal.”
“You on my line every single night snoring like a damn bear in hibernation. If I’m busy, you shooting text after text wondering where the hell I’m at and why I can’t put you to sleep. You ain’t mentioned Royce over the last few weeks ‘cause I’ve had you on everything you needed. Now if that ain’t relationship shit, I don’t know what is. And if you ain’t caught the fuck on yet, my family gon’ be under my roof,” I expressed.
“Family? What family do you have in me Bentley? I’m just finding my footing as a woman again. I’m just starting to get my confidence back as well. I’m healing and you aren’t helping.”
“Damn, could’ve sworn I was.”
“That’s not what I mean.” She balled up the side of my shirt and pulled me between her legs. She was showing affection, something she had a hard time displaying. “You are an amazing man. Yes, you have kept me, and Lincoln covered in every area of our lives, but Jesus Christ, you’re making this hard for me. You just wired us a few million dollars saying get what we needfor the house as if that was a few hunnid bucks. I appreciate everything you do for us love, I really do. However, Lincoln and I aren’t?—”
“I’m a lot of things but liar isn’t one of them. You talk to OG, and I do too. I told him I was gon’ bring you home and make you my wife. Lil’ Link been mine since you mentioned him. So, what I’m ‘sposed to tell him now that you denying me as yo’ man, as yo’ partner? Then again, they said tell him yo’ plans to make him laugh. I guess you making me that fool,” I said playing on her relationship with OG.
She was rooted I faith, and I was too. However, our relationships with God was completely different. He knew my heart and what I was after. I was gon’ do me regardless, I just needed his blessing behind it. His was the only approval I sought.
With those big brown eyes locked in on mine, she searched for the lies. There were none. My decision behind her and Lincoln had been set ins tone for a while. All I needed her to do was get on board. When she talked about Klarity and Cheyonne, I could hear the envy in her voice. That was a happiness she craved. I could supply that lifestyle plus more. All she had to do was accept that I was the only nigga that could provide it.
“You spoke to God about me?” she asked in a hushed tone.
“Several times. I don’t date, and I don’t just fuck around. I’m notsettling downeither, I’m marrying the person that’s been keeping a nigga grounded. When I went to him ‘bout you, all I asked for was his favor. You ain’t left my grasp since. It’s been you Heidi, and I ain’t gon’ stop fighting until you meet a nigga at the altar.”
“Can you slow down? That’s all I’m asking.”
“I can’t make no promises,” I said causing her to giggle. She nodded in agreeance. “Shower, get comfortable, and meet me back downstairs.”
“You ain’t slick either. I’m pretty sure this is the master bedroom. Plenty space my ass,” she jested.
“I ain’t lie ‘bout that. It’s plenty room, I just ain’t letting you out this one,” I threw back before walking out. I would give her the privacy she deserved for now.
Jogging back downstairs, I found Daisy in the kitchen doing what she do best. I grabbed a paper towel and butterknife. I wanted to talk over the strawberry cheesecake she had sitting on the counter. Once I had a nice healthy slice, I hopped on the counter.
“Get your narrow tail off my counters,’ she hissed.
“Finish cooking Ma and just let me be. I spoke with Senior by the way ‘bout Rhema and Bentayga. It ain’t what you think.”
