Page 120 of Mine to Worship

“I threatened her if she upset you... Let’s say she has a mind of her own.”

“And you have no regard for personal boundaries.”

“When it comes to you, I don’t even care,” he says matter of fact, no hint of regret.

“She’s an incredible woman but I am glad she’s gone.”

He chuckles and I elbow him.

I chew down on the delicious mix of ham, cheese, tomatoes, and salad.

He wipes his thumb against the corner of my mouth and licks the mayonnaise off it.

“I’m meeting the girls for drinks later,” I inform him.

“Can’t they come over instead? Your feet swell the more you stay on your feet.”

I love him, all of him, but that overbearing side of his is turning into a personal challenge.

“This is not up for debate. I am simply telling you that we want to go out.”

With a pressed jaw, he nods.

“I love you,” I remind him.

“You better,” he says and presses his lips on mine, melting my heart, and heating my brain

I take his hands and get in the elevator. “I want to show you something.” We stride past the lobby and inside my studio. He should be the first to see which pieces I have chosen for the gallery. He moves from one painting to the other, awe widening in his eyes. It is the most personal gallery show I have ever done in the time of our separation, of both light and darkness, happiness and crumbling in pain. Golden tones breaking black shapes, vivid colors striking over the canvas in dramatic layers. They show a path of self-discovery, love, and hurt.

“You’re so damn talented, with every piece you amaze me more. Look.” He extends his hand where the hairs on his arm stand up. “It takes you on a trip inside yourself.”

I fight with tears and say, “You might be biased.”

“I loved your art before I fell in love with you.”

“Also true.” I grin and add, “I talked to Lorene. She’ll take care of the logistics.”

I place my palms on his chest, kiss him and say,

“Go back to work now.”

“Bossy.”

“You must have rubbed off on me.”

On the top floor, I giggle as he waits in front of his office door for me to enter the penthouse on the other side. I change and get through my list of things I have to cross off for the arrival of the baby. My hospital bag is packed, and all the things I need are stashed in her room. I put a hand on my belly, talking to Kira. “I can’t wait to finally see you and hold you. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much.”

Later that day, I enter the sliding doors of the local mall. Green plants, palms, sounds of birds chirping and of thunder make you feel like you’re in the Amazon. I look around for the girls and Aubrey waves at me from a table in the corner. Tara squeals at my belly when I reach them.

“It’s as if she wants to get out already. Now Kira, be a good girl and don’t make aunt Aubrey lose her shit here.”

I pat my belly and answer to Aubrey, “I still have four weeks left.”

“You keep saying that, but it can happen.”

“Oh my gosh, you sound like Kian.”

They burst into laughter and Aubrey adds, “He’ll be one hell of a momma bear.”

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