Page 70 of Caught off Guard

“Yes.”

After Liberation University’sMay graduation, I resigned as president. Many factors played into my decision, including Cairo’s unexpected retirement and the pending gifts of marriage and motherhood. I moved out of the president’s mansion with little fanfare and into Cairo’s home. Since the Torch didn’t make it to the playoffs without Cairo, we acted like newlyweds every day, preparing for our future and an early fall wedding.

We lay in Cairo’s bed after a night of uninhibited lovemaking, doing what we always did—talking until we fell asleep. I rubbed my growing belly as my unborn child tapped on my bladder.

“You spoil me mercilessly. If I’d known life could be this grand and peaceful, I would have married a billionaire yearsago.” I reached for his hand beneath the covers, which he gave willingly.

Cairo pulled me to him by my waist and licked my neck until heat rose from my center.

Our running joke was how little I relied on him because he was a billionaire. I insisted that we live a life that was as normal as possible so our kid wouldn’t be spoiled rotten. I sensed I’d have to fight him on that since he already proved he was an extravagant gift-giver at heart, gifting me a custom-made Mercedes with monogrammed “Z” camel-colored leather seats and every known bell and whistle he could throw in.

“And if I’d known how gushy you were when I tapped into all this, I would have proposed to you the first day I met you.” He slipped a couple of fingers in my center to illustrate his point about my wetness, causing me to moan at the much-welcomed intrusion.

I lifted my leg over Cairo to give him better access to my core and to absorb his body heat. His touches, coupled with our playful banter and sexual chemistry, moved me to a place of satisfaction I never imagined. He paused his movements and pulled my body flush to him before resting his hand on my hip.

“Have you decided if you want to find another presidency after our little one is born? You’re still young and a phenomenal leader.” Cairo propped up on his elbow and tapped my nose with his finger before resting his hand on my belly.

I stretched and pulled the sheet over my chest, soaking up the warmth and reflecting on Cairo’s question. Of course, I would miss being around students, but the way Cairo catered to me daily had me feeling like the queen he declared me to be. For once in my life, I wanted to lean into a wifey life full of playdates, philanthropy, and vacations.

“This last year was hard. My body and mind need a break. As you said at your press conference, seasons of life change.Although pregnancy frightens me at times, I’m excited to experience parenthood with you. I’d like to stay with our baby and be a wife to my husband for a while. Stability in new relationships and for a kid is important.”

Cairo kissed the spot on my nose that he touched with his finger.

“I never want to hold you back from your career. If you ever change your mind, I’ll move with you.”

I raised my eyebrows and grinned at Cairo.

“Really? In higher education, we call that a trailing spouse. You have built a beautiful life here. I appreciate the gesture, but I could never imagine you uprooting your peace and the empire you’ve built to follow me to a job. I won’t disrupt that.”

“Dr. Langston, that’s where you underestimate me. I’ll follow you to the ends of the Earth if you want me to.”

That level of commitment and support was one of the biggest reasons I didn’t want to hop into another administrative position. Every day with Cairo healed me and made me want to be up under him. Like a balm, he soothed my spirit and made me want to spoil him as much as he did me.

“So I’ve p-whipped you?” I traced my finger over his lip, which he pecked before a belly laugh escaped him.

He grabbed me and nuzzled my neck.

“Yes, I’m p-whipped. You and your squeaky-clean mouth make me laugh so much. These times are the best part of my day.”

I clung to Cairo’s shoulders, inhaling his fresh scent.

“I can’t curse around our baby. You know they can hear us.”

Cairo grinned as he rubbed my belly in small circles.

“I guess the modern, demure parts of you will never change.”

“Do you want them to?”

“Never.”

Seven Monthslater

Cairo Kinney, Jr., affectionately known as CK, was a dream come true—everything I never knew I wanted or needed in my formerly booked and busy life. My baby boy’s shiny brown eyes twinkled brighter than the stars in a dark sky, filling my heart with love I never imagined after Cece’s death.

“Hello, Auntie’s baby.” Lena bounced CK on her lap, then stood and twirled him around in circles.

He giggled and drooled before spitting up on Lena’s hand. Like the Mama Bear she was, Zora snatched him from her so fast I was surprised some of CK’s drool didn’t land on her eyelet white dress that flowed so freely in the warm Atlanta weather.Zora dabbed my namesake’s sweet lips with the napkin in her hand before clutching him closely to her chest.

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