Page 30 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 2

“It’s all so much,” she blurted.

“It is, but I’m here, and I’ve got you. Cry all you want, Nay. Ain’t no one here to judge. Just you and me. You don’t have to be strong right now.”

“If I’m not s-s-strong, I’ll f-fall down.” She sniffled as her shoulders quaked.

“Nah, you won’t. Because I’ll be here to hold you up, keep you standing. You hear me?” I whispered against the top of her head. “I got you.”

Eventually, her tears slowed, and she turned her face to rest her cheek right above my heart. Together, we took some deep breaths, neither one of us saying a word, just existing in the moment.

“Okay, I’m better.” She let out a jagged breath. “Thank you.”

I looked into her pretty eyes and smiled. “You never have to thank me for holding you. It’s not only my job as your man, it’s my pleasure.”

She lifted her hand and cupped my cheek. “You are so good to me. Even after they were so horrible to you.”

I shrugged. “In football, we learned fast: when someone knocks you down, you get right back up or you’ll be trampled by the other players who want it more. I just have to change my plays when it comes to your folks. Don’t worry; I’ll win them over eventually.”

She finally smiled. “Let’s get out of here. I’m thinking food overlooking the ocean and then bed. I’m exhausted.”

“You got it, ma’am.” I hooked my arm over her shoulders and led her out of the hospital and into the waiting car where Rupert was behind the wheel.

“Are we waiting for your father?” Rupert asked.

Naomi shook her head. “My father says to come get him after you’ve dropped me off.”

My own eyebrows rose at that response. It meant to me that he didn’t want to share even a car with his daughter and her new beau. I let out a frustrated breath. I definitely had my work cut out for me when it came to winning over her father.

Rupert pulled up to the sprawling beach mansion. A tall, good looking Black man leaned against one of the entrance columns as though waiting for us.

Naomi groaned at the same time I said, “Who’s that?” I already knew she didn’t have a brother. Perhaps it was a nephew or another family member coming to check on her mother.

Rupert opened the door, and I got out, then held my hand out for Naomi. She took it and laced our fingers, holding on much tighter than she had before.

The stranger took the steps at a fast clip. “I came as soon as I heard. You must be terrified. How is she?” The man’s focus was entirely on Naomi. He wore a suit so fine I knew it had been made for him by the finest designer and tailors. Whereas I was in a pair of department store Dockers and a button-up—now rumpled and tear-stained.

“She’s gonna be fine. Did my father call you? How did you even know about this?” Naomi asked.

“I was in Los Angeles on business when I got the call. I left my meeting and took the first flight out.” His tone was harried but kind.

“You shouldn’t have,” Naomi stated flatly.

“Come on, Naomi. Of course, I should have. Lest you forget, I believed that woman was going to be my mother-in-law up until very recently.”

“I wouldn’t consider two years to be recent,” Naomi sighed, exhaustion evident in her tone.

That’s when I cleared my throat and put out my hand. “I’m sorry, we haven’t been introduced. I’m Memphis Taylor.”

The man’s shrewd gaze flicked to mine as if I was a mere gnat to ignore and then back to Naomi. “Who is he to you, and why is he here? This time should be for family only.”

I laughed. “Man, I am family. I’m her fiancé.”

The guy physically stepped back as though threatened. Then he took in our clasped hands and the way Naomi leaned into my side, obviously coming to his own conclusions.

“Is this true?” he sputtered sounding genuinely shocked.

“Yes. We’re getting married this month. I’m surprised my father didn’t tell you already,” she stated harshly.

The guy opened and closed his mouth, shock making his dark skin seem a little paler.

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