Page 69 of Krash & Bern

“Fiancée? Girl, quit?—”

“Look at that fat ass ring on her finger… Damn…”

Many of the women who were breaking their necks to get a picture with Krash backed up and mugged me. I didn’t mind though. I’d been looked at much worse over the years.

It took about ten minutes for everyone to finally get the hint and back off—granted, Blake and Nehemiah had arrived and made them all return to their seats. Blake and Nehemiah werehugemen. They both stood well over six feet tall and were wide built. Their muscles were as thick as some people’s whole bodies. Blake stood to the left of our table, and Nehemiah stood to the right. They made sure to give us space while keeping fans away.

The waitress finally brought out our drinks and took our orders. While we waited, I took a bite of the honey butter croissants. The sticky mess was perfect.

“I’m sorry folks ruined our lunch,” Keyshawn said in a low tone.

I frowned. “No. Nobody ruined our lunch. We haven’t even eaten yet.”

“This celebrity shit is so draining. A nigga just wanted to share a meal with his fiancée and was bombarded with groupie bitches and niggas.”

“It’s okay, Key. They left us alone, and we still have plenty of time to enjoy our meals.”

He remained quiet as he took a sip of his drink. Krash ordered a frozen margarita. He felt bad about ordering alcohol, but I told him not to worry. I’d enjoy my strawberry lemonade in peace.

“While we’re here, we can start planning the wedding,” I suggested.

“Already?”

“Yes. I always said I wanted an intimate wedding and extravagant honeymoon.”

He nodded. “The guest list will mostly be up to you. I’m not gon’ act like I don’t feel some type of way, but I do.”

I frowned deeply. My lips turned downward as I rubbed my hands together. “What are you feeling?”

He cleared his throat and lowered the volume of his voice. “You’re the only family I’ve ever had. When I lost you, I had no one. I don’t know who would be seated on my side of the wedding, because I’ve always been alone.”

“Keyshawn,” I whispered.

I reached my hands out to hold his. I rubbed his knuckles with my thumb and gazed into his eyes. I could see the storm in his brown orbs. I could see the pain in his pinched lips. My heart ached for him.

“Baby,” I began in a gentle tone. “No matter what, my family is your family. Don’t forget, we’re also building a family. You’re going to be the best father to our child. We’re going to do the best job of raising our baby and building a foundation for our future.”

Krash smiled. “You’re right.”

“Plus, you do have family. Gary, Coach Larry, Nehemiah, Blake, and Deionte are your family. I’m sure all of them would be honored to stand with you at our wedding too.”

“Damn right,” Blake chimed in without making eye contact.

Keyshawn chuckled. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am. You know I’m always right.”

“Always?”

Before I could reply, our waitress brought our appetizers and entrees at the same time. I focused on the steaming bowl of spinach dip. I devoured it like it was my main course. Keyshawn began eating his Cajun pasta.

The entire time we ate, I thought about ways I could make Keyshawn feel more comfortable with looking at my family as his family. He needed to know that I wasn’t going anywhere. We were locked in and would be in this forever.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

keyshawn

“Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Put your hands together for the man with the hands, the defending light heavyweight champion… Krash Williams!” The announcer introduced me as my theme song played around the arena. My entourage followed me out onto the path to the ring. Everyone cheered for me as I closed the distance to the ring. I stepped between the ropes and walked around the ring.

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