The door opened and Ronnie stepped in. "Hey, Rem. GG's parents are about to pull up. You ready?"
I kissed her hand once more before gently placing it back down with a nod. "I'm ready. Never anticipated this would be the way I meet them though." I fixed my T-shirt.
Ronnie gave me a soft, encouraging smile. "I know. But they'll love you. They're cool people."
I exhaled slowly and nodded. "You got my back in case they hate me?"
She laughed. "I got you." She gave me a playful nudge.
A few minutes later the door opened, and I was staring at my lady's parents.
Gianna definitely got her looks from her mom. Ms. Robin was beautiful. Same soft features. Same big brown eyes. She looked more like Gianna's older sister than her mama honestly.
Her dad, Laurence, was tall and broad shouldered with silver dusting through his beard. He carried himself with an air of a quiet confidence and sternness. He reminded me a little of my own father.
They both looked exhausted and terrified. They gave me a quick glance before rushing toward the bed.
"Oh, baby…" her mom broke down reaching for Gianna's face carefully.
Her dad stood beside her rubbing Gianna's leg through the blanket, jaw tight like he was trying hard not to fall apart.
Stepping back, I gave them space to have their moment with their daughter. Ronnie moved beside me quietly while I stood there awkwardly near the window suddenly feeling out of place despite not wanting to leave Gianna's side for even a second.
Her mom finally looked over toward Ronnie. "Thank you for staying with her, Ronnie"
"Always. You know that's my other half," Ronnie answered softly.
Her dad's eyes shifted toward me, steady and assessing.
I straightened instinctively. Stepping forward I extended my hand respectfully. "I'm Remy. Sorry to meet you under such unfortunate circumstances."
He looked down at my hand for a second before taking it firmly. His grip was strong.
"You care about my daughter?" he asked plainly.
"More than anything," I answered without hesitation. "I love her."
His eyes searched mine for a long moment. Then he nodded once. That single nod relieved the tension my chest.
Ms. Robin wiped at her tears before finally turning toward me fully. "So you're the chef?" she asked softly.
"Yes ma'am."
"She wouldn't stop talking about you and your little boy."
A small smile pulled at my mouth. "She has both of our hearts." I glanced over at Gianna.
Ms. Robin smiled through watery eyes. "And you two have hers. She adores you two." She touched Gianna's face sadly. "I was just happy she was happy."
Laurence looked back toward Gianna lying in the bed. "Thank you for being here with her," he said quietly.
"Nowhere else on earth I would be," I replied.
My phone rang in my pocket. Plucking it out, I saw my mom's face. Excusing myself I stepped out into the hallway already knowing it was my son. "Hey, buddy." I answered.
"Hey, Daddy! Is GG woke yet. I made her a picture."
"Not yet, son but I'm sure she's gonna love it. We'll put in on the fridge for now."
