“Good.” He reached over me and opened the glove compartment.
I stared at the envelope he pulled out and handed to me.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
I opened the envelope and removed a sheaf of papers. I quickly scanned it, not understanding what I was reading at first. Then it dawned on me.
“Deuce, is this . . . did you—baby! You didn’t have to do this,” I proclaimed, sobbing hard. I covered my mouth with my hand as he reached over and pulled me into his arms.
“I have a friend who was able to help me out. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to give my future wife peace of mind and security.”
Deuce had added my name to his property deed for his home. Never had I felt more secure in all my life. To know that he would take certain measures to ensure my security and serenity gave me immeasurable strength and stability.
“Why are you so sweet?”
“Because you’re easy to be sweet to. Now, can we please go out on a date outside the house? I feel like we haven’t had one of those in a long time.”
“I would love to. Where are you taking me, baby?”
“Sit back and relax. We’ll be there soon.”
I did exactly as he asked.
“My goodness.I didn’t realize that my feet hurt so much.” I groaned and squeezed Deuce’s hand as I closed my eyes.
I was thankful for a morning OB-GYN appointment because that allowed Deuce to pamper me throughout the day. When we left the doctor’s office, he had taken me to brunch first at A Cup of Tea, a popular brunch spot in Cherokee Springs.
After we finished eating, I wanted nothing more than a nap, and I was able to get that. He had booked a prenatal spa day at Salon Estime. During my ninety-minute prenatal massage, I gota nice little nap in as I fell asleep to the sound of trickling water, harmonious flutes, and chirping birds.
Deuce was smiling at me when I woke up. He helped me climb off the massage table and get dressed before we were taken to another room for our facial and pedicures.
“Can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
“Deuce, don’t start.”
“This is what those young niggas be doing. You come from that soft generation.”
“Soft?” I scoffed. “There’s nothing soft about me, sir.”
He reached over and grabbed a handful of my breast and replied, “I beg to differ.”
I swatted at his hand to make him move it before our attendants returned with fresh towels. He chuckled.
“But on a serious note, thank you for this day, baby. I needed it. I truly appreciate you.”
“You’d better. Otherwise, Gi?—”
“Don’t you dare start,” I warned, holding my finger up to his face. “You’re about to be living with GiGi full time, keep playing with me. You’ll only see me on visitation days when you come to spend time with your son.”
“Ohhh. You’re playing hardball.”
“Keep your balls in your pants, and I won’t have to play hardball.”
“You’ve got it, baby. You know I’m never going anywhere.” His voice was low and thoughtful, and the look in his eyes was distant.
“What are you thinking about, Deuce?”
