“I wanna pray with you…for you.” Nivéa said, unexpectedly.
Crown’s brows shot up in surprise; he hadn’t expected those words from her. The last time he heard them was from Kerri, when she prayed over them.
“Word?”
“Word.”
“Aight. Go ahead.”
Both closed their eyes and bowed their heads as she took his hands in hers.
“Father God, thank You for this man. Thank You for protecting him, loving him, and bringing him into my life when I needed him most. Please keep Your hand over him when he’s away from me. Guard his mind, his heart, and every step he takes. Give him wisdom when he has to make hard decisions and peace when the weight gets heavy. And if he ever feels like he has to carry the world alone, remind him that he doesn’t. He has You…and he has me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Amen,” Crown said in unison, opening his eyes with a full heart. This woman was leaving her mark on him one day at a time. “Damn, baby. You cold.” He added.
Nivéa laughed. “What can I say? I love you, so I want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I love you, too.” He replied sincerely before shifting the direction of the conversation. “And I owe you an apology for making you feel some type of way. It’s time for another talk. Time to reach a new understanding.”
Nivéa nodded, her expression open. “I’m listening.”
“I’m sorry ‘bout the mishap earlier, but there’s a lot of dangerous shit that goes down in my world and I can’t explain details every time. I don’t lie, but I keep certain things from you for your sanity and safety. You need to learn to trust me. I know that’s a lot to ask after what that lame-ass nigga put you through.”
“Most times, I do trust you. But sometimes…I wonder, what if? What if all this shit is smoke and mirrors? That’s all.”
“I get it. So, what you want from me? How can we meet in the middle?”
Nivéa shrugged, her insecurities showing. “I can’t promise I won’t ask questions when I feel like you’re hiding something, Ahmad. But if you just keep doing what you do, it helps.Thishelps. I’ll get better about it with time.”
“I ain’t got no problem with that. Whatever you need to feel secure. I don’t like to see you down. It makes a nigga’s soul uneasy.”
So in love with this man, Nivéa leaned in and kissed every inch of his beard while his hands found her stomach, massaging it gently.
“We’ve got our first doctor’s appointment in a few weeks. You excited?”
“Words can’t explain how I feel about this. Shit feels so good it nearly brings tears to my eyes, ma.”
Nivéa smiled at his vulnerability, appreciating the moment they shared. After a beat, she turned to face forward in his lap, taking in the details of his office. She noticed more photos on the walls, realizing Crown was in most of them at different stages of his life. Slipping on his vest for warmth, she stood up to get a better look. These were of him posing with family.
“Damn. I take it this is your father and grandfather.”
“Yep,” Crown confirmed.
“You and D look just like them. Splitting image. That’s crazy. Your father looks like y’all older brother in this pic.”
“Yeah, we heard that a lot growing up.” Crown joined her by the wall. “Hendrix Knight had strong genes.”
“That he did. You were always handsome.”
“You think so?” He smirked.
“I know so. Goodness.” Nivéa said, admiring his hair and physique in his early 20’s. Low-cut Caesar with the deep waves, Crown had always been fine indeed.
“Who’s this?” She asked, pointing to a dark-skinned man, who stood next to his grandfather in another photo.
“That’s Prophet. Been around since before I was even thought of. My grandfather’s best friend. He’s family. You’ll meet him at the reception. He’s coming.”
“Okay, I can’t wait.”
