“Thank you, Marz, but this is way too much. My master’s in library science will probably only be around twenty thousand.”
“Aw. Well do whatever you want with the rest.”
“I can’t?—”
“Shut up and let me spoil my wife,” he commanded softly after giving me a kiss.
“Girl, you better listen to that man,” Ariel said.
“I know that’s right,” Neo added as they high fived and laughed. “We raised a good man.” She beamed in pride while I blushed.
“Yeah, you really did. Thank you,” I replied.
As Marz and I released each other, I fanned my face to dry my tears. This was really happening. I’d quit my job and was going to go back to school to become a librarian. Wow.
Merc and Neptune joined us in the dining room wanting an update on Jay, and Marz shared that he hadn’t come back home yet. He asked me if I knew of any places he’d choose to hide out and I told him no. I hated to say it, but as I looked back on my relationship with Jay, I didn’t know too much about him at all.
Jay was heavily invested in me and my life and family, but he very rarely shared much about his own. And because of our schedules, it felt like we were in a long distance relationship at times because of how little we saw each other. That was the only reason I’d been with him for two years without a ring. Usually I ended a relationship after a year if it wasn’t going to lead to marriage.
The family decided on seafood for lunch, and Marz and I agreed to join them at the restaurant. I could tell he was ready for this situation with Jay to be over because he didn’t even care about going out in public anymore. His exact words were,it’ll happen wherever it happens.
On our ride to the restaurant Marz shared, “I wanna tell you about Kiana and the appointment but not if it’ll ruin our day.”
“What is it, babe?”
“Sooo the appointment wasn’t for the paternity test.” I shifted in my seat to look at him as he kept his eyes on the road. “She said she wanted me to be able to see the baby and hear his or her heartbeat.”
I didn’t respond right away, instead taking the time to carefully consider my words.
“How did you feel? Did you cry?”
Marz chuckled and licked his lips before looking over at me. “Honestly, I didn’t feel anything. I haven’t felt anything for this baby since she told me she was pregnant. I really don’t think it’s mine.”
“Do you think you’ll be disappointed if it is?”
He released a shaky breath, causing me to take his hand into mine. “I hate to say it but yeah. I’m going to love my baby and take care of him or her, but yeah. I will be disappointed. My baby will never know that though. As far as he or she will be concerned, all they’ll know is daddy loves them and will do everything in my power to give them the same amazing life my parents gave me.” Marz looked over at me as I smiled. “Mama Neo never made me feel like I wasn’t her child. She never treated Merci and Nep any differently than me. If this is my child?—”
“You can count on the same from me,” I guaranteed him, already knowing where his heart and head were at.”
We continued to talk until we made it to the restaurant, and I enjoyed my time with them. I enjoyed going home with my man so we could be alone more. His home was so nice, and I loved that his parents had gotten it for him after he graduated. Their tribe was solid and how I imagined my family would be if my parents had more children. Being the only child had its perks,but I was thoroughly enjoying getting closer to Marz’s siblings and being accepted by them.
“You alright, Wifey?”Marz asked as we sat in his car.
He’d taken me to see Granny, and she wasn’t doing good at all. At first, she didn’t even recognize me. When she finally did, she started talking about how her deceased brothers were in the room with us before telling me she loved me and was proud of me. At that point, I was ready to go. Before I could stop myself, I burst into tears. I didn’t even process Marz getting out of the car until he opened the door and pulled me into his arms.
Marz didn’t rush my release. He consoled me until I was all cried out. As he wiped my face, he looked at me so pitifully.
“I’on know what to say, but I’m here, bae.”
“I just want them to let her gohome,” I stressed, filling with more tears.
“I know, bae,” he replied softly, pulling me into his arms for another hug.
Clinging to his arms, I released the last of my tears until I was weak. Marz helped me get back in the car, and then we took off. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t realize how far we’d driven until I heard Marz say, “The car is bulletproof.”
“Wha—”
Before I could finish questioning him, shots rang out. Sitting up in my seat, I looked behind us and saw Jay driving a car with three other men inside.