Page 42 of The Deed to a Gangsta's Heart

“I don’t give a fuck. He didn’t have no business hugging you and kissing you without asking your permission and if you were single. Had we been alone, I would’ve killed his ass.”

“Was it really that serious, babe?”

I felt my face harden as I looked at her. “Yeah. It was.”

Callie’s eyes rolled as I got out of the car and walked around the other side to open her door. She could have her little attitude all she wanted. As I helped her out of the truck I told her, “If you’re that worried about these niggas safety, I’ll buy a billboard and put a picture of us on it, so they’ll know you’re taken.”

“The sad part is, I really think you’re serious.”

“Dead. I’ll buy that shit today.”

That made her smile as she slipped her fingers around mine. I kissed her hand as we headed toward the front door. Like most people in Jasper Lane, my parents kept their door unlocked. I rang the doorbell before letting us in.

“Pops!” I called out. “Ma, where y’all at?”

“I’m in the den,” Pops replied. “Your mama is in the dining room getting lunch ready.”

I didn’t know what was on the menu, but I was ready to eat. We made our way into the den and Pops couldn’t wait to pull Callie into her arms. They’d only seen her once since she’d made it back home.

“There’s my girl.”

“Hey, Daddy Frank. How are you?”

“I can’t complain. It’s good to see you.”

“You too. I’ve been meaning to come and have dinner with you and Mama Tootie but—”

Her mouth snapped shut as she looked back at me. I guess she didn’t want to tell them we’d been busy consummating our relationship ever since things became official. If I wasn’t at work or working on the stable, I was taking her out or dicking her down.

“Is that my Callie wally?” Ma called.

“It’s me!” Callie replied as she scurried out of the den toward the dining room.

Pops and I found them in the dining room hugged up like two peas in a pod. Ma was kissing her all over her face and Callie was turning red as she sniggled and held her close.

“Oh, I’ve missed you. I was expecting to see you more since you’re right down the street.”

“My schedule’s freeing up a little more. I’ve been a bit active enjoying being back home.”

“That’s understandable. Just don’t forget to make some time for your second mama before school starts. At least come over for our weekly family dinner.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She gave Ma a kiss on the cheek then asked if she needed help with anything. Mama told her no and that everything was good to go.

We took our seats, where she had a table full of party food per Pops request for lunch today. Let him tell it, no one in our family was pregnant and he had no excuse to eat baby shower food. Ma made sure she took care of his desire with party wings, meatballs, Rotel, chicken salad, and deviled eggs. As we passed the serving trays around, I kept stealing glances at Callie to make sure she was okay. The change in our relationship status made me hyperaware of her needs.

My parents pretty much spent lunch gushing over Callie which I expected. When we were done, we headed outside to walk around. They loved taking walks after their meals. Callie and I stayed close to one another, stealing brushes against each other and kisses when we could. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I took her hand into mine and kissed it.

Ma looked at us and her eyes widened. “Are you two together?”

“Yes, we are,” I answered, wrapping my arm around Callie as Ma cheered.

“I told you to never say never,” Pops said with a wink. “Congratulations, Son.”

We shook hands as Ma hugged Callie.

“Thanks, Pops.”

“Your mama will be hooking up with Alegra soon to plan y’all wedding,” he teased.

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