Page 29 of Gang of Roses: Kash

We took the elevator to the parking garage. Once we were at my whip, I helped her in before jogging around to my side and climbing inside as well. The distance from here to the courthouse was only a few blocks over. Magnolia Towers were already downtown giving me a two-minute drive.

“D, where we going?” she questioned.

“Around the corner first to knock something out then a lil’ outing.”

“What’s a lil’ outing? I wanted to go for a ride today. It’s pretty out today.”

“You still can, just give me two hours. I ain’t gon’ hold you hostage today so be cool, shawty. Ain’t the girls coming back to town for Rose’s birthday? You going for a ride then, too, ain’t you?”

A small nod was offered as she replied with, “Yeah but that’s in a few days. I want to go riding today.”

I was already protective as fuck but knowing she was carrying my son, that shit kicked up a notch. I ain’t want her on that bike period. Too many people got into accidents on them things. She fa damn sho’ wasn’t ‘bout to be one of them. Hopefully, after leaving the courthouse all that riding shit wouldn’t be on her mind.

Pulling into the court parking lot, I spotted Dray’s car instantly. I copped a spot two spaces over from him. Hopping out, he did the same showing all thirty-two. He was happy for me and that caused me to return the joyful gesture. I made my way around to Solenne’s side and opened her door. She was helped out and immediately gave me a look of confusion.

“Baby, why we at the courthouse? You got a case to see about or something? And why are your brothers and sister here?”

“Or something. Stop asking questions woman and just come on.”

Our hands were intertwined as I led the way inside. Seeing that we were the only ones there, I knew this was gon’ be an in and out thing as long as she ain’t flake on a nigga.

“Hi, how can I help you?” the magistrate asked.

“We here to obtain a marriage license,” I spoke. Sol snatched her hand from mine and gave me a look of straight confusion. Her hand was grabbed and held tightly. She wasn’t leaving.

The clerk placed a piece of paper on the counter and said, “Fill this form out for me. Do you have your two witnesses?”

“Hell yeah,” Donnie chimed slapping hands with Dray.

Sol tugged on my arm for my attention. She was on her toes whispering in my ear, “D, what the fuck? You know how I feel ‘bout this shit. Get me out of here. I’m not trying to embarrass you in front of everybody.”

She wanted to whisper but I wasn’t on that hiding shit right now. The only way she was leaving out this courthouse was as a Saint. All that other shit went in one ear and out the other.

“Aye, put yo’ name on this paper so we can get this shit over with,” I instructed.

She tried to remove her hand from mine when I gripped it harder.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman but you ‘bout to take a nigga there. Sign this fuckin’ paper, Solenne. If you think I’m ‘bout to let you walk away from a nigga with my son, you out yo’ rabid ass mind. If you think I’m ‘bout to let you walk away from a nigga again period, you ain’t!”

Her brows dipped as she expressed turmoil. However, those dipped brows became raised ones as it finally clicked for her. Her eyes became glossy as she looked at me with so much hurt. I knew she wanted to stay away from commitment, but she was deep in that shit now. Wasn’t no turning back.

“You pregnant, Kash?” Deonna asked pulling her to the side. She placed her hand on Sol’s stomach wearing a contagious smile. I couldn’t help but smile as well.

“Damn Row, you really wasn’t fuckin’ around this time. Shit, I’m happy for you my boy,” Dray chimed dapping me up.

“Aight, aight. Let her breathe. She still got shit to do,” I said gently bringing Sol back into my embrace.

“Sir, she isn’t supposed to be coerced into this marriage,” the clerk interjected.

I threw her a look and shut her goofy looking ass up. I ain’t pull that bitch chain once so I was utterly confused on why the fuck she was barking at a nigga right now.

Turning my attention back to Solenne, I gave her the reassurance she needed.

“You got this fear of commitment and rightfully so. Shit, you don’t know what the fuck the future holds. You know me though, and that should be enough to make that leap. I’m the only nigga you been with and I curve bitches like the plague for you. You think you gon’ hurt me or put me in a position that’s life or death but if you leave me again, I can promise you it will be. Sign them papers Ma and let me deal with the aftermath. Aight?”

Tears raced down her cheeks as I spoke, but I stood firm in what was ‘bout to happen. Solenne wasn’t leaving Magnolia Valley. I really ain’t have no understanding ‘bout it no more. We crossed that line so wasn’t nothing else flying except this marriage. She was ‘bout to live happily ever after whether she wanted to or not.

“Just sign the papers, Kash. He seem like he serious this time, sis’,” Deonna commented.