Page 50 of Book Bae

“Bud it is,” she replied, laughing.

“So, is this your first?” Mama asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Are you excited? Are your parents excited?” Mama asked.

“I’m happy. I’ve been wanting a child for a while now, and my parents are definitely excited. I’m the only girl, so they are overjoyed.”

We talked a little longer about the baby, how far along she was, what we expected, the hospital she chose, and a baby registry before dinner was served.

After we ate, I introduced her to the rest of my family, and then we danced. We would sit out every other song so that I could massage her back and feet. I knew she was tired, but she was a good sport, dancing and mingling with the other guests.

“You want to dance one more time before we leave?” I asked after two hours passed.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

I led her onto the dance floor, and we danced to the instrumental version of Beyoncé’s “Love on Top.”

“Are you enjoying yourself tonight?”

“I am. I’m so glad that you invited me and didn’t let me get in my own way. This is a lot of fun, and your family is so kind and down-to-earth.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re feeling comfortable.”

“I need to introduce you to my family soon.”

“Whenever you’re ready,” I replied against her temple. My hand rested on her lower back, and she fit perfectly with her head tucked underneath my chin. She rested her head against my chest, and we moved as one.

I couldn’t help that I was a romantic—it was who I was, inscribed in my DNA. No matter how much I tried not to want this woman and respect her boundaries, I couldn’t help it. She was all I wanted and dreamed about.

“You’re the most beautiful woman here tonight.”

“Thank you,” she replied softly as she looked up into my eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“I am, just tired,” she replied, yawning.

“All right. Let me find my parents and say goodbye.”

I led her around the room until we found them and said our goodbyes. Malachi was staying overnight with Dawn, so I left him in the conference center after I’d kissed him good night.

“Where are we going?” she asked after we took a right upon exiting the ballroom doors and headed toward the bank of elevators.

I smiled at her as I pressed the button and then sent a text on my phone. “To get you someplace you can rest.”

“You got a room here?” she asked in disbelief, resting her hand on top of her belly.

“I did.”

When we arrived at our floor and stepped out, she gasped. “You got us the penthouse suite?”

“Everything that I do, I do it in comfort and luxury. Tonight, I want you to rest in luxury and be comfortable,” I replied as we stepped into the suite.

“Micaiah, ooh.” Her eyes filled with tears as she looked around at the vases of roses, tulips, and hibiscus all around the living area. I had staged a romantic atmosphere with candles lighting a path from the living area to the balcony and bedroom, and soft jazz music playing on speakers in both the living area and bedroom.

“It’s romantic, but weren’t you worried you’d start a fire?”