“For you,” he said, eyes serious, “I will be.”
Something in his gaze made my heart soften, and my nerves tightened. He turned me to face him, and I rose onto my toes to kiss him. He met me halfway and deepened it, steadily as shelter.
He kissed my nose softly and disappeared toward the shower. I slipped out, needing a breather, my body tender, as if love had left fingerprints everywhere.
I got dressed quickly and headed downstairs, running straight into Reagan.
“Heeey, sis. Breakfast is starting,” Reagan sang.
I smiled and slid into a seat. Reece was already bent over her notebook, pen moving like it had a purpose. She never stopped creating, and I prayed she’d share that gift with the world one day.
“What are you working on?” I asked.
She smiled without looking up. “Something breathtaking—a love unfolding with no bounds.”
Reagan set a plate in front of me—red velvet pancakes, eggs, hash browns, fruit—like she was feeding my spirit, not just my stomach. “I know that’s right,” she said, proud. I thanked her with my eyes and a soft, sincere, “This is beautiful. Thank you.”
We fell into easy laughter, the kind that felt like home, and didn’t even notice Roman in the doorway until he was there smiling. He kissed our heads, told us he loved us, handed me my phone from upstairs, then slipped out like he had business with peace.
Pride and nerves tugged me at once. I let him be what he was built to be, and I prayed I’d get to keep him a long time.
After we cleaned up, the girls and I piled into my car and headed to meet Mel and NanNan at The Pour House. H.E.R. played while Reagan and Reece sang like joy had taken the wheel.
We arrived at The Pour House, and they got out and ran in. Mel and Jonay sat together with Elias. Nan was blushing as she placed a lemon bar in front of Elias.
“Here you go, Mr. Detective, on the house. I am so proud of you and how you turned out. Got this pretty lady on the side of you. Ya daddy would’ve been so proud of you. Whew, chile! God is good!” She threw her hands up, and he just smiled at her as she walked away.
“When Ro first said he had a woman he was serious about—marriage serious—my ears perked up,” Elias said with a quietchuckle, lifting his coffee. “That man got burned back in college and stopped talking about women altogether. We were worried for a minute.”
His smile faded into something more careful. “He’s in love with you, and love makes men move reckless if nobody checks them. Have you heard anything about your old coworker? I’ve heard some things, sis, and I’m trying to stop Ro before he does something he can’t undo. You think he’s got plans . . . or even wants to?”
I forced a lightness I didn’t fully feel. “It’s good seeing you, Elias. And I don’t know what you’re talking about. Roman isn’t thinking about him.” I tilted my head, switching lanes on purpose. “Now, what are we doing this weekend? The Oilers are playing. We should catch a game.”
He studied me, then stood and nodded like a verdict. “Lil’ bro, she solid. Keep her close. Sis didn’t fold, and I knew she wouldn’t.”
Roman stepped out from the back, and my jaw dropped. “So I’m getting tested now?” I laughed, shaking my head.
Roman lifted a hand. “Don’t catch an attitude with me, Connie. You know the police moves how they move.”
Elias tapped the back of his head. “Watch your mouth. Sis, this was on me. I knew you were straight. I just had to see if my instincts still sharp. A little harmless fun.”
Roman kissed me, then pulled my chair out like manners were part of his protection. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Checking on my ol’ girl before I link with Chase,” he said, eyes cutting to Elias.
Elias sighed. “Let’s go, Gorgeous.” He was already ushering Jonay up. “I don’t need details. Keep Cory out of it. He’s got a family and a new life. And let this be thelasttime. Call me when it’s handled.” He kissed Jonay’s forehead and guided her away.
Jonay glanced back at me, smiling softly. “Let them be them,” she said. “They live and breathe protecting us. Don’t fight it. I love you. I’ll call later.” Then Elias whisked her out, all business and boundaries.
“I love you, Pretty Little Dipper. I’ll see you soon, love.” Roman kissed me softly and steadily, then slipped out of The Pour House.
I went to check on Nan. She was laughing with Reagan, Reece, and Mel, happy but tired in that tender way that made my chest ache. That was my old girl, my best friend, and sometimes, I wanted to wrap her in bubble wrap and keep her close forever. Since I couldn’t, I treasured every minute like it was counted.
It still amazed me how life expanded. For so long, it was just Nan and me, and now I had a whole tribe loving me with the same stubborn devotion. I was grateful, deeply.
And Jonay’s words sat in my spirit like a seal. Roman is a protector. So, I let my big dog do what big dogs did—post up, quiet, eyes sharp, guarding the porch without needing to bark—and I prayed he stayed out of trouble because love like his didn’t wander; it watched.
I pulledup to a warehouse in the East District, a good hour outside Central Self, and clocked a black Suburban tucked deep in the rear lot. I’d never been here, just following directions, but the silence was heavy enough to confirm I’d arrived.
