I stood there frozen, stunned, humiliated, and shaking. I felt small, embarrassed, and reckless.
The signs to end things with Stacks were happening back to back. If that wasn’t God speaking through her… I didn’t know what was.
I slowly pulled my phone from my clutch. I had three missed calls from Stacks.
I felt bad seeing his name. He was probably confused, hurt, and blindsided by the message I sent.
Guilt weighed on me again. He had been kind, attentive, and present. Breadcrumbs that I thought I needed since I didn’t get it from home.
But standing there… watching my daughter celebrate her life… hearing my mother-in-law’s warning still ringing in my ears…
I finally understood that someone was going to get hurt no matter what.
And I hated to admit it, but I’d rather that be Stacks… than to destroy my husband, my family, and the life we built together.
I silenced my phone, slipped it back into my purse, and forced myself to breathe. Then I wiped my eyes, lifted my chin, and walked back toward the dance floor.
24
Kairo
By the time we made it home, it was after midnight. Kennedi didn’t even make it out of Khloe’s car awake. I stood in the driveway laughing while Khloe shook her shoulder.
“Baby… we’re home.”
She was snoring so loud. I leaned against the door shaking my head. “I knew somebody was slipping her drinks from that adult bar.”
Khloe laughed. “Stop. She’s just exhausted.”
“Mm-hmm,” I teased. “That’s what they all say.”
Kennedi finally stirred just enough to stumble inside, mumbling goodnight before disappearing toward her room like a zombie.
I followed them home in her car, and honestly… watching my wife drive our daughter home from her Sweet Sixteen felt surreal. I blinked and she was a teenager.
Khloe and I walked into our bedroom. She kicked off her heels with a relieved sigh.
“Lord… my feet.”
I laughed, pulling off my jacket. “You did good tonight.”
She turned toward me, smiling. “No… we did.”
We started undressing and she turned her back to me.
“Can you unzip me?”
I stepped closer, fingers finding the zipper at the base of her back. I moved slowly, letting it slide down inch by inch.
My hands trailed her back once it was exposed. Her skin was warm beneath my palms. I traced my hands down her back, feeling the curve of her waist before leaning forward to press a kiss against her neck.
She laughed, closing her eyes. “Someone isn’t tired.”
“Never for you,” I said.
The dress fell at her feet. All she wore was a simple black thong.
I shook my head. “You trying to kill me tonight?”
