Page 72 of Truce Of The Matter

“You don’t have to apologize to me for nothing. I’m the one that’s sorry. I really am.”

She squeezes me tighter then lifts her head. “Are those croquettes I smell?” she asks and I start grinning. Our grins turn to laughter and it’s the best sound I’ve heard in a long ass time.

“Rex, if you don’t get out of here!” I warn for the thousandth time.

“Daddy!” Aryel squeals. “Let us finish.”

“I’m just trying to help,” he says and I just smile.

The way he has been hovering over us as we set up his theatre room is absolutely adorable. He went into his store today but was back at the house by two. He wants Aryel’s first sleepover to be perfect, and thanks to him, it will be. This theatre room hasbeen transformed to every little girl’s fantasy. In the open space before the screen, we have six personalized princess “beds” set up.

After Rex inflated all six twin beds, Aryel helped me add the sheets, comforters, monogrammed pillows, and princess decorations. Her bed is of course Princess Ariel and the others are Princess Tiana. The head of each bed is a teepee decorated to match the bed and sitting on top of each bed are gift bags filled with princess pjs, slippers, and bonnets. There’s a mini concession stand set up in the back of the room with popcorn, nachos, hotdogs, and boxed candies, all the goodies needed for their movie marathon. We are all set for her friends.

“It’s ready,” Aryel gushes.

“And it looks beautiful,” Rex comments from the doorway. “Why don’t you go take your bath so you can be ready when they get here.”

“Yes, and grab your pajamas off your bed,” I add and she rushes to grab her pjs.

As soon as Rex moves to the side to allow her out of the room, he steps to me and cocoons me in his strong arms. Instantly, I become intoxicated from his scent and touch, utterly drunk in love.

“There’s no way I would have pulled this shit off without you. Thank you, beautiful,” he says while staring lovingly into my eyes. Then, his lips graze mine before he kisses me passionately and hungrily. The sound of his doorbell chiming is the only thing that pulls his lips from mine. “Damn,” he groans. “Somebody’s early as fuck.”

“It’s probably Monae. Get it and I’ll check on Aryel.”

“Nah, Aryel heard that doorbell. She probably hopped out of that tub. She’ll be running down the hall in a minute.” He steps to the small panel on the wall and presses the camera view. “It’s Monae.”

“I told you. She’s ready to drop off my goddaughter. Check on our sleepover princess and I’ll go get Justice,” I say and a big ass smile spreads across his handsome face. He kisses me again and I swear this one is more passionate, deeper than the other one, catching me off guard. “What’s up?” I question.

The doorbell chimes again. “Go get your girl,” he says, still smiling hard.

“Somebody here!” Aryel’s voice screams.He was right.

We walk out of the theatre right on time to see her in her turquoise Little Mermaid pajamas charging toward the staircase. He catches her first and I’m on their heels as we head down the stairs. He walks toward the family room and Aryel and I head to the door. As soon as we open the door, Justice walks in as if she’s been here before and rushes to me. We hug and I introduce the two princesses. Before I can utter another word, Aryel is dragging Justice up the stairs.

“This is for Aryel,” Monae says as she hands me a princess gift bag.

“I told yo’ ass not to bring anything,” I scoff.

“You knew I would. It’s just a little something for the hostess. Thanks again for this. I’ll be back at one on the dot tomorrow,” she says then starts to turn around.

“You don’t want to come in?”

“Um no. The package has been delivered and it’s time for me to go home to my husband.” She turns around, waves her hand up, then struts off. “Don’t call me tonight,” she says while laughing.

“I won’t,” I say while shaking my head at my friend. As she drives off, two more cars pull into the driveway. “Aryel,” I call out and her and Justice come barreling down the stairs about three minutes later. “Slow down,” I warn.

“Yes ma’am,” they sing in unison, like two old friends.

Twenty minutes later, all five girls have arrived and the theatre room is buzzing with giggles and squeals. I join them, then walk each girl one by one to the guest room so they can change into their pajamas. As expected, the personalized pjs are as big a hit as the beds they are bouncing on.

“Can we play some music?” Aryel asks excitedly, her little chest heaving from jumping.

“Yes. I’ll turn it on. Are you ready to eat yet?”

“No!” they all yell.

“Not yet. After we dance,” she says before running back to the group.

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