Page 79 of Tension

“AD, I don’t know what the fuck you on, but I ain't afraid to knock yo big ass down a few notches.”

He held his hands up like he was surrendering. “My bad, Vel. I ain't mean no harm.” he looked back at Chris. “This nigga fuck up; you know who to call. I don’t mind being a step daddy.”

I jumped at him, and Chris held on to my arm. I knew he was just fucking with me, but the nigga could still get it.

“We'll catch up later once you calm down,” he told me as he walked away and winked at Chris.

Chris pulled me back to her, taking my face in both of her hands.

“Why you overreacting? I'm with you, right?”

I kissed her lips multiple times until she stopped me laughing.

“I’m always going to overreact when it comes to you. Remember that.”

I gave her a slow, passionate kiss, cupping her belly full of me.

“When it comes to both of y'all.”

CHRIS

By the time we got home, the house felt… different. That feeling you get when someone has been messing with your stuff.

Vel locked the door behind us and rested his hand at the small of my back.

“You good?” he asked, thumb brushing my spine.

“I think I’m just tired,” I admitted, smiling.

He hummed, guiding me forward. “Come outside with me real quick.”

The back door slid open, and the backyard had been transformed.

String lights were wrapped around the fence and draped between the trees, glowing soft and golden. Candles lined the patio in glass jars, flickering gently in the night breeze. A small table sat off to the side with all my favorite foods already plated and waiting. And right in the center was a blanket laid out carefully, pillows fluffed just right.

“Vel…” I whispered. My breath catching.

He stepped around me, slow, almost nervous, and took my hands.

I laughed softly, emotional, already feeling that pressure behind my eyes. “How did you do all of this?”

“Our family,” he said, clearing his throat.

I noticed his hands were shaking.

“Sit with me,” he said.

He lowered himself onto the blanket first, then helped me down like I was fragile.

The baby shifted inside me, like it knew something important was happening. Vel noticed too. His hand went to my stomach instinctively, resting there like it belonged.

“I've been thinkin’ all day about what you said,” he started. “About not wanting anything big. About wanting something real.”

I swallowed.

“This ain’t about everybody else,” he continued. “This ain’t about the gym, or the opening, or showin’ off.” He exhaled hard, rubbing his palm over his face. “I don’t even know how to do this shit the right way.”

I smiled through tears. “You’re doing fine.”