Page 93 of A Don & His Doll

“My dad. Love. Feeling safe. My sister or brother that’ll be born soon. You,” Monae stated seriously.

Promise was speechless. She hadn’t expected Monae’s answer to be so deep.

“The things in life that matter most to me are the things I spent years praying for,” Monae continued, taking a sip of her juice. “The things my mom’s money or time could never compensate for no matter how hard she tried, and she tried hard as she could…it just wasn’t enough. I loved my father before he even knew I existed. I wanted a sibling all my life, and wanted to know who my family was,” Monae said truthfully, then took a bite of her sandwich.

Promise didn’t know what she had expected for Monae’s response to be, but it wasn’t that. This is who she was to everyone though. Promise was a safe place. Her demeanor, aura, her heart, and ability to listen with her heart was a gift to those who got a chance to experience her.

“How long will it take for everything to be delivered because I want to be here to help you decorate the room if that’s okay,” Monae asked.

“I’m finna call your dad to see if he can get them to deliver it today,” Promise said, lifting her crossed fingers from the table.

“Yes!” Monae excitedly exclaimed, while Promise called Monroe on speakerphone, and added more items to the cart as the phone rang.

“What’s good, ma?” Monroe answered, stepping out of a business meeting.

“Hey handsome. You busy?” Promise asked, smiling at Monae.

“I ain’t never too busy to pick up for you, Queen,” he charmed. “What’s up?”

“Monae and I wanna start decorating the baby’s room today. I’ve already paid for it, but can you see if they can deliver it today?” Promise asked, hoping he could make it happen.

“Send me the invoice, and I’ll make it happen,” Monroe confirmed.

“Thanks, babe. I love you,” Promise said, sending Monroe the invoice.

“Fa’sho. I love you too, and tell Monae I love her too,” Monroe said.

“I love you too, dad!” Monae said, smiling.

“Ms. Promise,” Monae said as soon as the call concluded.

“You can call me Muffin like my parents do,” Monae approved. “I don’t mind.”

“I sure will,” Promise agreed. “And instead of Ms. Promise, you can call me Missy. That’s what my family calls me, and it sounds a lot better than Ms. Promise.”

Monae laughed. “Ms. Missy. I like how that sounds.”

Promise laughed. “Sounds like a deal.”

Just as Promise scrolled out of the text thread between her and Monroe, a back notification popped up from Monroe.

Bank of America ‘BOFA’: Monroe A. Black Jr. sent you $30,000.00 for “Our Son’s Room.” Text stop to end account texts.

Promise laughed because this was typical Monroe behavior. He didn’t give a damn about her money, she was going to spend his. Shaking her head, she sent him a text.

You didn’t have to send me the money I spent on the baby’s room, babe. I promise I didn’t break the bank with that lil’ bit of money.

My Man: Neither did I.

You get on my nerves! Thank you baby.

My Man: Already.

About four hours later, the elevator sounded, and Monroe was stepping off with the men who were delivering their baby’s room furniture and decor. He led them straight down the hall, and into the room where Promise and Monae had been waiting patiently to direct them on where they wanted everything to go. It took three trips on the elevator to get everything into the room, but once it was there, Monroe stayed home to make sure everything was put together correctly, while Monae and Promise went downstairs to bake cookies and listen to some good music.

Monroe observed quietly the way Monae gravitated to Promise, and snuck off guard pictures when they weren’t paying attention. Promise had blessed him in ways that made him love her more. Ways that made him want to do more for her in every way possible, and Monae had become the blessing he never knew he needed in his life. Having her in his life settled something inside of him that nothing else could. He had needed her just as much as she needed him. Being a real father came with sacrifice, responsibility, patience, and being present no matter how he felt or personally going through. It came with a weight… a weight that Monroe would willingly carry for the rest of his life.

Monroe didn’t feel right watching the delivery guys do all the work, so he walked out and changed into something more comfortable. When he returned, he was ready to put in work. The sound of Promise and Monae laughing downstairs made him smile before walking back into the baby’s room.