Page 145 of Falling Into Gravity

“It’s not,” he said. “But I’d rather try and fail at giving you everything, than let you think you gotta choose.”

That shut her up. She stared at him, lips parted like her heart was trying to form a new beat. Her secret resting in her chest.

“I wanna give you the world,” Malik added. “Not because I think you need me to, but ‘cause I love how you move in it. How you pour into people. How you make me feel like the smartest hood nigga on Earth. You make me wanna show up different…better.”

She leaned forward and whispered, “You already do.”

Malik kissed her hand—just once, then held it there.

They sat in that peace for a minute. The world didn’t rush them, and for once, Aku didn’t feel the need to rush herself.

“So,” she smiled, “when we building this dream house?”

He chuckled. “Soon as you show me the blueprint.”

“Big kitchen,” she said, ticking off her fingers. “Walk-in closet, backyard with a pool for the kids and a hot tub for us.”

“Home office?”

“Two - one for me, one for my ghetto nerd ass husband.”

Malik nodded. “Deal, and a master bedroom with soundproof walls.”

“Why soundproof?”

He raised his brow. “’Cause I’m not tryna have our kids growin’ up confused about why their Mama so loud after dark.”

Aku laughed so hard she had to cover her mouth. “You’re stupid.”

“And you love me,” he said, eyes low but smile high.

“I do,” she said, soft and full. “So much it scares me.”

“Don’t be scared,” he whispered, “we got each other.”

Another ping on his phone broke the moment. Malik glanced down, then back up.

“Bu said he pulling up.”

She rolled her eyes. “Did he bring his manners?”

Malik smirked. “You know he ain’t bring nothin’ but attitude and an appetite.”

Aku grabbed her purse, standing slowly. “Let’s go let him judge our date.”

They stepped outside into the cool night, walking slowly. Aku pulled her jacket tight, and Malik slid his arm around her waist.

“You cold?”

“Nah, just adjusting.”

“To what?”

She looked at him, eyes gleaming. “To being this damn happy.”

He didn’t say anything—just leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Let’s wait in the car,” she said when they reached the curb.

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