Page 56 of Book Bae

“Are you impressed with what you’ve seen?”

“The outside could be more secure, but it’s clean and has an upbeat vibe. I like the atmosphere,” he stated, looking around.

My office was decorated in hues of creams, tans, and grays. There were large potted plants all over along with abstract paintings hanging on the walls. The tan and ivory marble floors sparkled throughout the offices.

“If I would have known that you were coming, I would have rescheduled the staff meeting.”

“No need. I brought you lunch because I was concerned that you didn’t eat.” He stood and busied himself with removing food from the bags and setting it out on the table. Everything smelled delicious, and my belly growled.

“If you called or told me you were coming, I would have informed you that I ordered lunch for the staff meeting.”

“Did you eat?”

“No. I didn’t have an appetite. I was focused on the meeting more than anything else.”

“And that’s why I have to make sure you eat.”

We sat down, prayed, and took our time eating. There was barely any talk, just moans of appreciation, mostly from me.

“Was it good?” he asked when we were finished.

“Mm-hmm. Are you sure you were just in the area?” I asked, grabbing our things and dropping them in the trash can.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I don’t know. This unexpected popping up just caught me off guard.”

“Real talk?” he asked as I stepped in the restroom in my office and washed my hands.

“Please.”

“Last night when we were on LiveTime, you didn’t seem like yourself. You seemed a little down and tired.”

“I’m fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”

I walked back out of the restroom as he walked toward me.

He grabbed my hands in his. “I can’t help it. You’re carrying my princess.”

I couldn’t help the smile that broke out on my face, but deep inside, I wondered if all the attention on me would go away the moment that I gave birth. I was really falling for Micaiah, and I couldn’t hold back the tears that followed the smile.

“Hey, what’s with the tears?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s my hormones, but I keep thinking about the time we spent together last weekend.”

“It made you cry? I thought we had a beautiful time.”

“I did. I enjoyed meeting your family and our time together, but when I returned to my house, I couldn’t help but think about my future. I don’t want to be alone, Micaiah. You said that we would share custody of our child, and while I’m willing to do that, I don’t want to. I want a full family, complete with a husband and kids underneath the same roof. I want to go to church and family events with my husband. I don’t want to co-parent or share custody with anyone. I don’t want to be alone some weekends while my child visits her father.”

The tears wouldn’t stop welling up, and Micaiah grabbed a handful of tissue and wiped my face.

“I made my princess a promise. I won’t let a single tear fall from your eyes, so that means I need to do whatever makes you happy.” He grabbed my hands and pulled me into his big, strong arms. I felt at home as he held me close and smothered my face with kisses.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I. You’re too beautiful to be doing all that crying.”

“I’m sorry. It must be your princess that has me all emotional, and now I know I look a hot mess.”