Page 89 of Spending Forever With You

“No, because that nigga had me all the way fucked up. I needed Angie to know I was ready for war behind her. I ride for my girls, but couldn’t get physical like I normally would on a hoe ass nigga like him due to these big headed babies your friend gave me.” Shep laughed but I didn’t find shit funny.

“Ey, man easy with all that. My babies heads aren’t big, but you’re officially retired from handling hoe ass niggas altogether. Why you even talking about him? I told you this topic wasn’t for us,” I said, leaning down to connect my lips with hers, preventing an answer from coming.

“My bad, nigga. I brought it up. I wanted Hollis to know that shit was all good with us. If my wife is cool and calm, then I’m good. I appreciated the video in good faith, it made Angie feel better about the situation. I also wanted her to know that no matter how fucked up the whole thing was, I’m thankful she was there. Shit could’ve gone all bad had she not spoken up.”

“And that’s when I told him, of course. I hope Angie really listened to my apology. I meant what I said. She’s my homegirl now, she can be mad, but we gotta make up.”

“Wait, didn’t you sit with them tonight?” I asked, confused.

Hollis shook her head. “I sat in the stands with the common folk tonight. I haven’t heard from Angie and didn’t want to make shit awkward in that damn box.”

“Ah shit, that’s why she got me on pass the message duty. She didn’t think you were here. I told her to call. You know what, I’m out of y’all girl shit at this point. Nigga, I’ll get up with you later. You off tomorrow, right?” I chuckled as I hooked Hollis closer to me, placing my hand on her ass.

“Yeah, it’s our anniversary.” I glanced down at my wife who blushed under my gaze which only had me wanting to attach my mouth back to hers, taking as many sweet kisses as I could.

“Ah shit, well, happy anniversary, my fellow beautiful, Black couple. What year is this?”

“Twelve, officially.”

Shep’s goofy ass smiled widely.

“I love to see it.”

One more nod and we were headed out.

We made a pit stop at the Chinese spot before going home.

After I placed the order, I returned to the truck to wait fifteen minutes for our food. Hollis was quiet. I grabbed her hand, kissing the back softly before I locked our fingers.

“What you over there thinking about?”

“Our anniversary. Baby, what are we doing tomorrow? I didn’t even know you took the day off.”

“Of course I took the day off, Holls. It’s our day, ya know the one when we vowed before God to live and love as one as we asked for his blessing. Not celebrating wouldn’t be a good look. Plus, we’re still in our anniversary season. If you don’t feel like going out, we can stay in, but I made plans.”

“Ooh where?”

“Dang nosy, you’ll see,” I joked. That was all I told her as the sound of my phone ringing stopped any further questions since our food was done.

I leaned over, grabbing her chin and kissing her poked out bottom lip.

“Trust me, we’ll have fun. Now let me get this food. I’m tired as hell and I’m ready to cuddle up for the night.”

I glanced over at Hollis as we pulled into the parking lot next to the dock of Anchored and Drifted. She flashed me her perfect white teeth as a low shriek escaped her. I snickered as I got out, rounding the car.

“Did I do good, baby?” I asked as I hugged her waist, her hands landing on my chest. Hollis playfully rolled her eyes, giving me all the sassy attitude I loved.

“Yes, Deke, you did good. The girls and I have been wanting to book a yacht for a while but these heffas stay pregnant during the summer now.” I booked us a yacht ride while the main event of our anniversary celebration was underway back on the mainland.

I cleared my throat as we made our way down the dock.

“Um…excuse me, but I think you can add yourself to the list this year, Hershey.” She paused, hanging her head to the side.

“Oh yeah.” Her laugh was heavy as we made our way inside the main building. I had to check in for our reservation.

Once we got it all squared away, we were led to a yacht with the captain going over the basic safety procedures as well as introducing our crew and chef who would be here to accommodate all our needs.

Hollis’s food cravings hadn’t gotten too crazy, but my baby, babies, kept her eating. As we set sail, I grabbed my wife’s hand, leading her upstairs where R&B music played.