Page 72 of Ride

“What?”

“I promise to always be here for you and have fun, and you never have to question if I’m in your corner.”

“Okay.”

“Get some sleep.”

A family dinner, tucking a kid into bed, and falling in bed with the love of my life like this? I hoped it would last for more years to come, with additional kids laughing and playing together. Amena had brought more to my life than I could ever imagine.

Chapter Fifteen

Amena

Three Weeks Later

I got out of the limo holding Laikin’s hand. Sarai directed us to the dressing room. I smiled at the team that would be assisting today.

“Amena, you’re in this room. Laikin, you’re next door,” Sarai said.

“Thanks, Sarai.”

“Why can't we share?” Laikin suggested.

I stuck my tongue out jokingly. “Because we need you to be ready on time.”

The makeup and hairstylist laughed. Sarai threw her head back in laughter, too.

Sarai shoved Laikin to the side. “Exactly. Amena, you understand the stress he brings me.”

I climbed in the makeup chair, placed my purse on the top of the vanity table, unwrapped my shawl, and removed my shades.

“How long are we scheduled?”

“No more than seven hours. They know we have a party tomorrow,” Sarai responded.

“Okay.”

“Relax, get pretty, and have fun.”

Sarai walked away. I used a makeup wipe on my face. The hairstylist pulled my hair out of my ponytail and combed through my wet strands. One of the assistants held up the clothes that I would model for the shoot.

“The theme is casual and classy.”

“I like the cream sweater dress with the boots.” I swiveled my head around and pointed to the pieces.

“For the set that would work and then we’ll move to you standing near the car,” the assistant said.

“The black leather pants and silk blouse is cute.”

“Awesome, we have few minutes to make any changes, then you get two hours to get ready.” The hairstylist brushed over my hair. “It won’t take long.”

“I have my son’s birthday party tomorrow.”

“I have two kids myself,” Rachel, the hairstylist explained.

“I have one so I can only imagine two.” I sighed through a long-held breath.

“Being a mom is hard work—especially when you’re single,” Rachel preached, and I agreed with a nod. Laikin told me about the conversation with Kayne.

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