I’m thankful that Blessing told me what was going on. I could tell keeping it from me was bothering her. She communicates so well, and it’s one of the things I love the most about her. With all the shit going on around me, she’s my peace. Our road trip wasn’t coming fast enough for me. I couldn’t wait to make her my girlfriend. Shit, I was tempted to skip the whole girlfriend phase and just make her my wife. I’ve been in love with her since the first time I laid eyes on her. I never thought love at first sight was real until I saw her. If the time had been right, she would’ve already been my wife, and Sage would’ve been my daughter. But God knew I wasn’t ready for her. He sent her to me when the time was right.
I tightly gripped the steering wheel as my knee bounced. My chest filled with panic the closer we got to the mental hospital. My mom hadn’t said a word since we’d gotten into the rental car after getting off the jet. I gave her hand a small squeeze as we pulled into the parking lot of the facility. There were only a few cars in the area. The city was small, like Brindleton Bay.
I held the entrance door open for my mother, allowing her to walk in first. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt uneasy. The facility had a musty, moldy smell, reminiscent of mothballs.
“Hi, I’m Jackie Simmons. We spoke earlier about Seba— I mean John Doe.”
“Oh yes. He’s already waiting in the conference room with Dr. Henson. You two can follow me.” The director, Adrienne, said as she stepped around the front desk. Her eyes lingered on me for a second before turning to lead us down the hall to the conference rooms. She added an extra sway to her hips, assuming I’d be watching—I wasn’t.
My mom glanced up at me as we stood outside the door to the room. I rubbed her back in reassurance before walking inside. The doctor was seated at the head of the table.John Doewas sitting across from him, with his back towards the door.
My heart sank when he turned to face us. My mom let out a soft cry and hurried out the door. The man in front of us was not my father. I gave the doctor a quick head nod before following behind her. I felt like shit for getting her hopes up just for us to end up disappointed and heartbroken. We still had no answers.
“I’m sorry Ma. I really thought it was him.” I apologized, pulling her into my arms. Her body was stiff in my arms as she bawled into my chest. This shit was my fault, but it could’ve been avoided if they’d just sent a photo and saved us a useless trip.
“You sure that’sall you want?” Saint asked, poking his head inside the window of the car. I leaned up, pecking his lips a couple of times before nodding. We stopped at a gas station to fill the tank before hitting the road. I still didn’t know where we were going, but I was excited. I’d spent the last few days looking for spaces to open my practice. Saint’s realtor, Eva, was heaven-sent. We’d narrowed my options down to three. I was hoping to close on a building by the end of the year. Messiah and Saint promised to pay whatever to help me open my practice. I planned on footing the bill for everything else.
I glanced over at Saint as he got inside the car. He’d been down since he’d returned home from Georgia with his mother. Finding out that John Doe wasn’t his father broke both of their hearts. He blamed himself for getting her hopes up, but she wasn’t mad at him. They both just wanted closure. His DNA was sent to the detective for the remains that had been found. Iprayed it was the closure they needed to move on from that point in their life.
“Thank you, baby,” I said, taking my snacks and slushie from him.
“You’re welcome, gorgeous. You ready for this drive?”
“Can you tell me where we’re going now?”
“When we’re halfway there, I’ll tell you.” He leaned over to kiss me before pulling out of the gas station. I pulled my phone out, scrolling through my music app before deciding on a playlist.
“I can’t wait to enjoy this alone time with you. I’m gonna miss Sage though.” I poked my bottom lip out, pouting.
“Hell yeah, Imma miss her too. We should’ve brought the girls with us.”
I giggled, shaking my head, “Now I didn’t say all that. I need this break. Plus, we won’t get to spend much time together since you’ve been approved to play again.” Earlier, Saint’s doctor finally gave him the okay to get back on the field. I was so happy for him.
“I have you to thank for that. Without you, I’d probably still be healing.”
“You hired the best of the best. I expected nothing less.” I reclined the seat, getting comfy. My eyes were glued to Saint. His left hand gripped the steering wheel, and his right one was intertwined with mine. No matter where we were, we had to be touching. Physical touch was both of our love languages.
“Come on, bae, we’re here.” I heard Saint say as he woke me from my slumber. I yawned, unbuckling my seatbelt. A smile spread across my face as I took in my surroundings.
“Saaaaaint!! Are we in Willow Creek?!” I squealed. Ten years ago, four black billionaire families bought the entire town and rebuilt it from the ground up. They added luxury cabins, apartments, and a major hotel with a casino. They recently opened a new lounge that’s been going viral on social media for its ambiance and food. A strip mall is currently being built, featuring high-end stores. I’d been wanting to visit the city for a while now.
“Mhm. My mama suggested I bring you here, and I heard you and Chanel talking about it the other day.” He responded, holding his hand out to help me out of his truck. “Aight, I gotta cover your eyes before we go inside.”
“Why do my eyes have to be covered?”
“It’s a surprise, Bless. Now come on.” He covered my eyes and led me up the stairs of the cabin. I heard him fumble with the locks before opening the front door. A warm, fruity fragrance filled my nostrils as we entered the cabin. I could tell a candle had been burning. He removed his hands from my eyes and placed them on my waist. I gasped, following the trial of tea candles and rose petals. They led to a large sitting area filled with white balloons and bouquets of white roses. He picked up a remote from the end table and pressed a button.Kut Klose’s Surrenderfilled the room. “Sit right here.” He said, pointing to a single chair.
I followed his instructions, keeping my eyes glued to him. “What’s all this?” I asked. I felt my eyes fill with tears. This was our song.
He let out a nervous chuckle and passed me a bouquet of roses. “White roses symbolize new beginnings. Ever since I first laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you in my life. Every time I raninto you, the time was never right. When I got injured, you were the first person who came to mind. That day I fell during our session, when you touched me, I felt a spark I’d never felt before in my life.
Seeing you every day only intensified my feelings for you. I fucking love you, Blessing. I always have. I can’t go another day without you being mine. So, you gone be my lady or what?” He asked, gazing down at me.
I nodded, allowing my tears to fall. “I guessss I can be your lady Saint.” He grinned, leaning down to kiss me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. His strong arms pulled me into him, lifting me from the chair. My legs immediately wrapped around his waist. He gripped a handful of my ass, slipping his tongue into my mouth, hungrily exploring it.
Saint was the first to pull away from the kiss. He sat on the couch, adjusting me on his lap. His dick felt like steel beneath me. “Open those.” He said, pointing to the two small rectangular gift boxes on the coffee table.
I grabbed the first one, untieing the ribbon. A diamond-crushed heart tennis bracelet was inside. The matching anklet was in the other box. I grinned as he helped me put them on. They fit my wrist and ankle perfectly. “Thank you, Moo. I love them!” I squealed, kissing all over his face.