"With all due respect, Ms. Robin, I wasn't asking." My tone stayed calm but firm. "She almost died. I'm not about to play house-hopping with her while she can barely walk to the bathroom by herself."
Silence.
I looked toward Gianna laying there watching me quietly. My heart hurt seeing how exhausted she still looked. "She needs stability. Rest. Help." I continued softer. "I already rearranged my schedule. My mama's helping with Melo. My house is one floor. I can carry her if I need to."
Her parents and Ronnie watched me.
"I'm not saying y'all can't see her." My eyes moved between them. "Hell, stay over if you want. But she's staying with me where I know she's safe and taken care of."
Her dad studied me quietly for a long moment. "You really do love her," he said quietly.
"With everything in me." I nodded
The room went quiet again.
Then Gianna's dad sighed rubbing his beard slowly before looking over at his daughter.
"What you wanna do, baby girl?"
Everybody's attention shifted toward her. I looked at her too. And for some reason I suddenly felt nervous as hell because she could say no. I wanted her with me more than anything though.
She cleared her throat softly. "I can stay with Remy," she answered. Her head turned to me. "Are you sure it's no problem?"
I crossed the room looking down at her. "Anything that concerns you is never a problem, baby. I promise I'ma take good care of you."
She smiled gently and nodded. Puckering her lips, she lifted her chin. Smiling, I bent my head and gave her lingering kiss.
"Well…I guess that's settled then," Ms. Robin said behind us.
I gave Gianna one more kiss before I straightened. "Whenever y'all wanna come over the door is open," I assured them. "I still have a business to run so feel free to stay as long as you need."
Their faces looked relaxed, so I took that as a sign that we were good. I couldn't wait to get her home.
Iwanted her relaxed when she got home.
My parents were dropping Melo off later. Her parents were getting settled in their rental and Ronnie went to pick up their keys and sign the lease. When I opened the door and helped her in, she was greeted by cool air, peace, and quiet. I could feel her body relax against me as we entered.
"Still smells like maple syrup somehow," she smiled.
Chuckling lightly, I steadied my arm around her waist. "It's embedded in the walls at this point." Setting her bag down by the door, I carried her to my room and helped her lay down. She sank down in the plush bed and let out a sigh of relief.
"Comfortable?" I asked sitting down next to her.
She smiled. "I am. Thank you, baby."
"Of course, beautiful."
She took my hand in hers looking into my eyes. "This is our first time being alone again."
"And I wanna savor every moment. When Melo comes back, he's gonna want you all to himself."
"Oh my God I can't wait to see my baby," she cooed.
"He can't wait to see you either."
A brief silence followed as we stared into each other's eyes, so much unspoken sitting between us.
Finally—
