Page 48 of The Black Wife Blessing

Leo drops onto the couch, loosening his tie with a quick tug. "Remember when you were ten and punched that kid at summer camp for stealing my watch? You were this scrawny little shit taking on a kid twice your size. And I was seventeen. I didn't need your little ass doing that for me." His eyes crinkle at the corners, the way they always do when he's remembering something that amuses him.

"Yeah, and I got my ass handed to me as a result." I smile at the memory, rubbing my jaw as if I can still feel the sting from that day. "You jumped in and finished the fight. Broke the kid's nose if I remember right."

"That's us, Henry. I'll always step in when you need me. No questions asked." He claps my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "That's never gonna change."

I sink down next to him, suddenly exhausted but clearer-headed than I've been all night. The alcohol's fog is lifting, leaving behind a crystal-clear realization. "I love her, Leo. Not for show, not for convenience. I actually fucking love her." The words feel strange and terrifying coming out of my mouth, but also completely right.

The realization washes over me again, stronger this time. When did it happen? Was it during those late-night conversations about our dreams? Or when she stood up to the whole world, the whole media, with that quiet confidence? Maybe it was watching her in the kitchen, completely in her element, creating something beautiful from nothing.

"I know you do." Leo's voice pulls me back. "I've seen how you look at her. Hell, I knew before you did."

"What am I going to do if she pushes me away for good?"

"You're not going to let her." Leo's tone is matter-of-fact. "You're going to fight for her, the way she's been fighting for herself all these years."

33

MONICA

Iglance up at the sound of the door opening, expecting to see another nurse with more paperwork. Instead, Olivia and Celia burst in like a ray of sunshine, arms loaded with what looks like half a farmer's market.

"Girl, what the hell were you thinking?" Celia's voice fills the sterile room as she drops a massive bouquet on my bedside table. "Driving with bad brakes? Are you trying to give us all heart attacks?"

"I didn't exactly want this, y'know," I say, feeling a smile spread across my face despite the dull ache in my ankle and the scrapes on my arms.

Olivia leans down to hug me, careful not to disturb my IV. "We brought you real food. Hospital stuff is garbage."

"Thank God." I eye the containers they're unpacking. "Is that your jerk chicken?"

"With extra spice," Celia confirms. "And Olivia's coconut rice pudding for dessert."

The smell of proper seasoning hits my nostrils, and suddenly I'm ravenous. As they pull up chairs on either side of my bed, thestark hospital room transforms into something warmer, filled with their energy.

"We all miss you and we're glad that you're okay," Olivia says, spooning food onto a plate. "Everyone at Taste of Heaven signed you a card for when you get back to work. No rush, though. Take all the time you need."

I take a bite of the jerk chicken, letting the familiar spices warm me from the inside. These women have been more than culinary colleagues—they've become my family. The thought brings a lump to my throat.

"Okay, what's going on in that head of yours?" Celia asks, leaning forward. "And don't say 'nothing.' Your face is doing that thing it does when you're overthinking."

I set my fork down. "Is it that obvious?"

"Transparent as hell," Olivia confirms.

"I'm scared." The words tumble out before I can stop them. "Benjamin's escalating, and now Henry's caught in the middle of my mess. I keep thinking maybe I should just..." I trail off, unable to finish the thought.

"Should just what? Push Henry away?" Celia's eyes narrow.

"That's exactly why I'm freaking out. Henry doesn't deserve this. He signed up for a fake engagement, not a psycho ex trying to kill me." My voice cracks. "What if Benjamin hurts him too? I couldn't live with myself."

Olivia reaches for my hand. "Monica, you've told us a bit about your past relationship with Benjamin. And to me, it seems like you've spent years believing you had to handle everything alone. That's Benjamin's voice in your head, not yours."

"I know, but?—"

"No buts," Celia interrupts. "That man convinced you that you weren't worth fighting for. And now you've got someone who thinks you are, and you're ready to run?"

Tears well up in my eyes. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to let someone in without waiting for everything to fall apart."

"By trusting yourself first," Olivia says softly. "The Monica I know is strong as hell. You rebuilt your life after Benjamin. You're killing it in your career. Why can't you believe you deserve love too?"

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