"Would you tell me if you weren't?"
She paused for just a second, then nodded. "I would."
"You promise?"
"I promise, love."
Leaning over I kissed her. Our heads turned back to the sky. My thumb gently running up and down the top of her hand, down her knuckles and back up. Slowly. Rhythmically. I heard her breathing softening. Steady and even. She wasn't asleep just yet, but she was tired.
"You ready to go in, baby? I know you're probably tired," I asked.
"Few more minutes, please," she whispered.
"Whatever you need."
"I think about her sometimes," she said after a moment, eyes still to the sky. "Kendrix."
My heart stilled, but I didn't intrude. Didn’t rush her to finish—I just waited, eyes studying her profile slowly.
"I've never met her and somehow…I feel her. But not in a bad way. A soft presence when I look at Melo. When I look at you sometimes too."
"Does it scare you?" I asked carefully.
"No." She shook her head. "It feels…gentle. Calming," she exhaled slowly. "Peaceful too."
"Yeah…that was Dri." I smiled softly, still watching her.
Finally, she turned her head back to me. "You think she would've liked me?"
My free hand reached out to cup her face. "She would've loved you, Gianna," I said without hesitation. "I know it. Us meeting was fated. She knew I was ready for a woman like you and that you were ready for a man like me. I don’t believe in coincidences."
Gianna placed her hand on top of mine. In the moonlight I saw slow tears trek down her face.
"Hey—no," I thumbed them away quickly. "Don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry."
She sniffled and smiled. "It's fine. I just…never imagined I would meet a man like you."
"Well you did, and I'm here, beautiful." I kissed her pulling her into my arms, my head resting on top of hers.
When we finally pulled away, we just smiled at each other. I could feel our connection deepening. My heart was bursting to tell her how I felt.
"A few more months, babe… and then I'll stop," she said suddenly.
I wasn't expecting that. "Really?"
Gianna nodded. "I've thought about it. You asked me if I would stop for love—" she paused. "I will."
My heart kicked up. Was she saying what I think she was saying?
"I love you, Remy."
My whole body felt like it had been kissed by the sun as warmth flooded through me. "I love you too, baby," I rushed out.
That gorgeous smile lit up her whole face and she laughed in relief. "Oh thank God." She pressed a hand to her chest. "My heart is beating like crazy. I was worried you wouldn't say it back."
"Shit, my heart was on the verge of exploding 'cause I was worriedyouwouldn't say it back," I laughed. "I was gonna tell you, but you beat me to it."
We both laughed in relief.
