Page 61 of So I Know it's Real

“I’m faded. I missed you.”

“Hmm. How did you get in?”

I snorted out a laugh while saying,

“The homie helped me.”

“The homie my ass. Tatum has been pacing the hall for an hour. I know he’s your accomplice.”

“Give him a break. He was worried about his mama,” I admitted. “How’s my baby doing?”

“The baby is fine. Morning sickness is still kicking my behind at all hours of the day, but aside from that, I’m good.” A heavy silence passed through the room. “The awkward silence is killing me, Durk.”

I pulled Clover back and held her onto her like she was a safety blanket. “Then let me fill the space with some real shit. I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. I’m sorry for being dishonest. I’m sorry for making you cry, Lucky. On my life, I haven’t slept with Barbara in months, and I didn’t date you to win the bet. Do you hear me?”

“Yes.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “And I want to believe you. I’m just afraid of how much it’ll hurt to forgive you then find out more secrets later.”

“There aren’t any other secrets. I should’ve ended the bet and told you about it as soon as I realized I didn’t want to let you go.”

Clover rolled over and faced me. The light from the TV highlighted her tear-stained cheeks.

“So, why didn’t you, Durk?”

My heartbeat doubled as I confessed. “I was...scared.”

“You? Scared of something? That’s hard to believe.”

“I fear a lot, Lucky. I’m scared of losing you. I’m afraid of not being around to see my baby born. I’m fearful I won’t be a good role model for the twins. Despite all that, my fears aren’t bigger than the faith I have in us. I love you, mama. That’s real.”

“Prove it.”

There was a smug cadence in her tone, but I got up without saying a word. I could feel Clover watching me as I turned on the lamp next to her bed.

“Durk, what are you—”

I flopped down beside her and pointed to the ink saturated into my collarbone.

“Oh, my God!” she yelled then quickly cuffed her hand over her mouth. “What did you do, Destin?”

“I tatted your name so you know it’s real.”

The sensation of her short nails running down my flesh made me shut my eyes. It had been too long since I was on the receiving end of her affection.

“Durk, I love the tattoo, but it doesn’t prove your love for me.”

“I’m a tattoo artist. In my world, that’s exactly what it means.” I grasped her hand and placed a kiss on top. “But if you need more assurance, I’m willing to spend the rest of my life showing you this is real. Ain’t nothing fake about our relationship or the family we’re building. You hear me?”

“I hear you.”

I leaned forward and rested my forehead against hers. “Do youfeelme?”

“I feel you.”

Three Months Later

Epilogue

Clover

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