“No, the fuck you shouldn’t,” he cut her off. “That’s a grown-ass man. Stop coddling him. That’s how he manipulates you. Fuck him.”
“Okay, Noble,” she groused. “It was only a suggestion. I only wanna keep the peace.”
“Ain't no peace. You're pregnant by his general. Ain't shit peaceful about that.”
Irish folded her arms over her chest and looked over at the ocean. Noble immediately felt bad. Irish was delicate, and he needed to remember that when he was upset.
“I’m sorry.” He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “I didn’t mean to bark at you, but I need you to stand on severing ties with him. I know y’all have your friendship, and I’m not saying you can’t maintain that, but you gotta let go of that hold he has on you. I’m not about to compete with him.”
“You won’t. I promise.”
Noble gently touched her diamond pumpkin pendant. “I’m surprised you didn’t throw this shit in the garbage.”
Irish playfully gawked at him, looking down at the necklace. “I haven’t taken it off since you put it on. I would never throw it away.”
Noble’s gaze locked in on her face, appreciating all the unique features she possessed. The auburn hair, ginger lashes, and speckled face were a masterpiece that he didn’t get tired of looking at. He wondered if their unborn child would inherit her distinctive traits. Would his gene pool win or would Irish come out on top with a miniature version of herself?
“I want you to meet my son.”
She beamed, showcasing her straight teeth. “Really? You're ready for that?”
He bobbed his head, caressing her cheek. “Yeah, it’s time, especially since you're about to be in my life forever, right?”
Grinning, she leaned in, pressing her lips against his. “Forever, huh? Do you mean forever because we’re about to have a child or forever because you're going to want me forever?”
“Both.” He kissed her again, feeling as if he had gotten locked in a trance.
Irish pulled back, cupping his face with her hands. Their eye contact was lethal. It could spark a fire with the chemistry they shared.
“Do you remember when I asked if you would be in my corner?”
“Yeah.”
“Well,”—she touched the collar of his T-shirt before sighing—“I need you to assure me again. Not because I like to hear it but I’m going to need that affirmation when I finally ask for a divorce. I’m going to need your strength.”
“You don't need my strength. You got your own strength, Pumpkin.” He tapped her chest. “Use it.”
Rubbing her lips together, she ruminated on his words. “You're right.”
“Now are you done ‘cause I need my pumpkin spice.”
She rolled her eyes, immediately making him chuckle. “You and this damn pumpkin spice crap.”
“You don't say that when my tongue in that pussy, so don't complain now.”
Tittering, she kissed his lips. “You're right, I could use that right now. So, come on.”
Cali walked inside the salon, smelling the nostalgic scent of burning hair. Much to her surprise, the job she applied for in Diamond Falls had requested a Zoom interview after their initial phone interview. She was shocked by their request, thinking they wouldn’t reach out. When they did, Cali quickly scheduled an appointment with Rozalin so that she could get her pixie done.
“Bitch, Chiquita done broke the fucking internet!” Clarice yelled before laughing with her tongue out.
Perplexed, Cali asked, “Why are y’all so hyped up?”
“Girl!” Clarice boomed. “Chiquita done posted pictures of Tuck sucking dick!”
Cali gawked as her hand landed across her cheek. “Tuck who?”
“Girl, Tuck Tuck,” Roz answered.
