Page 128 of A King’s Obsession

“Relax, woman. I ain't asking nobody for your medical records.” He glanced at my stomach before meeting my eyes again. “I found out about the appointment. That's all.”

“And you don't see a problem with that?” I questioned, folding my arms.

His smile faded slightly. “I see a problem with missing damn near seven months of my child's life. I know I fucked up, Jru. But I'm trying to be here now.”

I studied his face, irritated that he'd shown up uninvited and even more irritated that part of me was glad to see him.

Before I could respond, the receptionist called my name. I finished checking in, then turned to find Ezra following me toward the waiting area.

“Where are you going?” I asked, stopping beside an empty chair.

“To sit down. And when they call you, I'm going back there too.” He pulled out the chair beside mine, smiling when I narrowed my eyes.

“You really don't know how to take no for an answer, do you?”

“I'm learning.” He settled into his seat, stretching his long legs in front of him. “But you ain't said no yet.”

I shook my head, dropping into the chair beside him. “You get on my fucking nerves.”

“Missed you too, baby,” he replied, grinning when I turned away to hide my smile.

By the time the nurse finished checking my weight and blood pressure, Ezra had asked enough questions to make me wonder whether he planned on delivering the baby himself. I sat on the examination table while he settled into the chair beside me, watching me so closely that I finally turned toward him.

“Are you gonna stare at me the whole appointment?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Shit, you won't talk to me. What else I'm supposed to do?” He leaned back, his gaze lingering on my face. “Ain't seen you properly in six months, baby. I'm catching up.”

I looked away before he could see my smile. “You think everything is a joke.”

“Nah.” His expression softened. “Ain't nothing funny about missing you.”

Before I could respond, my doctor entered, greeting me warmly before noticing Ezra. When she asked who he was, he stood and extended his hand.

“Her husband. Ezra King. Nice to meet you, Doc.”

My doctor's eyebrows lifted. “Your husband? I didn't realize you were married.”

“Neither did I,” I muttered, making Ezra press his lips together to keep from laughing.

After reviewing my measurements and symptoms, my doctor assured me everything was progressing well. Ezra listened closely, asking a few questions before leaning forward.

“Doc, what we having?”

She smiled, glancing toward me. “Jru decided earlier in her pregnancy that she wanted to wait until delivery to find out.”

Ezra turned toward me, looking genuinely confused. “You don't know?”

“No, Ezra. I wanted to be surprised.”

“Hell nah. I wanna know.” He looked between us, shaking his head. “Baby, come on. That's my child too.”

My doctor gently reminded him that I had to be comfortable with sharing the information. I looked at Ezra, expecting another argument, but he simply watched me. Beneath all that arrogance, I could see how badly he wanted this moment. He'd missed enough already, and although I hadn't planned on finding out today, I wanted us to experience something together.

I sighed, looking toward my doctor. “Fine. Tell us.”

Ezra sat forward immediately, his eyes widening. “For real?”

“Yes, before I change my mind.”