Page 175 of Rather: The Therapist

Without opening my eyes, I trailed the sound of the sniggers. Into my outstretched arms, I pulled Princeton onto the bed and underneath the covers with me. I squeezed his body close to mine.

“Beau–ty. The word is beauty.”

“Beau–ty!”

“Yes.”

I searched the open air with my free hand. He was near. I could smell his skin’s fragrance. I could feel his presence dominating my existence. I could hear his steady breathing. And, though I couldn’t see them, I could feel the ridges in the corner of his mouth that formed due to his smile.

“Good morning,” Priest uttered.

He ended my misery. Against my palm, he rested his cheek. Contentment filled me to the brim. From his cheek, my hand lowered to his lips.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Gently, he kissed my knuckles.

“Good morning,” I yawned.

Sunlight assaulted my eyes, but with each blink I adjusted to its brutality. And, there he was, staring down at me with my hand in his. It didn’t matter how many mornings I woke up to him, I still couldn’t believe this was my reality. He was my reality.

Fourteen days.

Thirteen nights.

Waking up in Priest’s bed was surreal. The sheets I’d dreamt of for many months covered my body every night. I was still waiting to be pinched. I was still waiting to wake up because there was simply no way I wasn’t still dreaming.

Because we needed a plan in place for Princeton, our honeymoon would have to wait. However, our marriage was official and our license had been printed in St. Catana. We journeyed to the island for that reason alone and was back within forty-eight hours so Princeton didn’t miss his father too much.

It had been two weeks since the ceremony. The thought of everything that transpired knotted my stomach and brought me joy, simultaneously. Though our worlds had been twisted upside down, our love remained intact.

“Breakfast is ready.”

“Just a few more minutes with the best cuddle buddy a girl could ever ask for.”

Princeton’s arms snaked around my neck.

“Nah. I think that’s enough. I’m not sure what this little nigga think this is.”

Priest pulled on Princeton’s shoulders. He paid his father no mind. His penetrating gaze nearly put me in stitches. I was trying my hardest not to laugh, but Priest was making it difficult. Watching him blossom in real time was the best part of this entire ordeal.

“Leave him alone.”

I locked both arms around Princeton. He was feeding right into my antics. It was more of the same with us every day. Having me around kept a smile on Princeton’s face.

He was quickly becoming my partner in crime, and making me reconsider my dreams of never bringing a child into the chaotic world we lived in. In due time, maybe I would. But, for now, he was more than enough for his father and I.

“You see the way he’s looking at you. Has no one told him, I fight niggas bout you?”

“Five year olds, too?” I cackled.

“Five month olds if they look like they’re trying to make a move.”

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