Page 44 of Kisses Behind The Spotlight 2: Finale

“You like it?” Q inquired again, pulling me into his arms, and I finally addressed him.

“I love it. What are you doing here? I called you. Why is your location off?” I quizzed.

“I didn’t want to ruin your surprise,” Q responded.

“My surprise?”

“Yeah, I closed on this house for us yesterday,” Q beamed, raising a set of keys.

“Really? For us?” I gasped.

“Yeah, the buyers backed out just in time for me to scoop it up! New construction, and you get that view and space you wanted,” Q informed me, pulling me by the arm toward the back door.

I bounced on my feet, seeing the breathtaking view in the backyard.

“Ahhhhhh!” I squealed, turning around to jump into Q’s arms.

He held me tight while I cupped his cheeks and peppered kisses on his face. “Let me show you the rest of the house,” he offered once I was back on my feet.

“This is perfect, and I couldn’t care less about what the rest of the house looks like. As long as I have easy access to this backyard and that balcony in the front, I’m satisfied,” I gushed, staring up at him.

Q leaned down and pecked my lips, and I thought about all the things I was going to do to him when we had privacy.

“Engaged, new house, and my father is out of the hospital. The year had its downs, but we up now!” I cheered.

“Period!” Amill exclaimed. “Now let’s pop open the champagne.”

We went out on the pool deck, and even the outward-swinging doors were showstopping. Q did the honors and popped open the champagne bottle, and I recorded the moment at our new home. After everyone’s glasses were filled and my dad had a bottle of water, Q led us on a house tour. As we went room to room, I thought of decor ideas and where to place my plant babies. It was going to be so exciting to live off the water and have more space for plants.

Two glasses of champagne later, the tour was over, and we all stood in the driveway saying our goodbyes. Q let up the garage and backed his hidden Ferrari out. I walked my dad to Uncle Sam’s car. He took his time, walking steadily with the cane. We hugged for the fifth time as Uncle Sam slipped into his car.

I stared up at my dad, searching for the words. “I really would’ve preferred that you came to stay with us.”

“Jameera, I’m going to stay with Sam. You’ve been a helicopter daughter because of fear and guilt. I’m here, I’m alive, and the past is the past.”

“I know. I’m still sorry I blocked you out like that,” I bit into my bottom lip.

“We all make mistakes, and the optics were bad. It’s my fault you even thought I would let something like that happen on my watch. We’ve come a long way, but I haven’t always been present.”

“Our relationship has come a long way,” I admitted.

“I’m still flabbergasted that D3 would do that as if I would overlook it. He thought the publicity would be worth it. It was lucrative, I admit that. We were getting all types of requests, but I shut it all down. There isn’t a dollar amount that would let me condone that bullshit,” he explained, pulling me in for another hug. “I’ll always have your back, Jameera.”

“And I got your front,” I giggled, thankful to share that corny moment with my dad.

My dad kissed my cheek, and I helped him into the car. “See, this is why I’m staying with Sam. I can get in the car without a helping hand,” he protested.

“Hush. I’ll help when I see fit. I love you. I’ll call you in the morning to make sure he keeps you in good shape overnight. My door is always open if you change your mind.”

“I love you too. But I won’t be changing my mind,” he clarified and pulled the door shut.

I climbed into Q’s car, and Amill followed us back to our building. As I relaxed in the passenger seat, the love song Q recorded for me was playing. The top was down, and my fresh wash-and-go flowed in the breeze. Q reached over and gripped my hand, his eyes on the road as he rapped the lyrics. Life was exemplary. I was blessed.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Khaleesi

With my arms wrapped around my mother’s neck, I squeezed tight while Xain rolled her suitcase over to us. My mom broke the hug, ripping away her familiar scent.