Page 21 of Rhodes to Love

She stood and kissed my cheek, and I went to my car as Uncle Storm drove off. I waved then got in my car. I had to pass by my house to get to Jakari’s, so when I saw a van in my driveway, I turned in. It read Happily Ever After Floral Shop on the side. I got out of my car and saw a lady standing at my front door with a huge bouquet.

She set it on the ground and looked at something on her tablet. Doing my best not to startle her, I spoke before I got close. “Hello! Are those for me?”

She turned and smiled at me. “Hi! If you’re Karima Henderson, they are definitely yours.”

“I am she.” When I got closer, I said, “They are so beautiful.”

She glanced down at my belly. “I’ll bring them in for you. It’s kind of heavy.”

“Thank you.”

I unlocked the door, and she brought them inside, setting them on my bar top. I signed her tablet and thanked her.

“Do you know Mekayla Henderson? I think she lives down the street.”

“Yes. She’s married to my cousin.”

“Okay. Her sister works for me. Jerzey.”

“Oh, yes! I met her once or twice. She’s sweet.”

“That she is. Well, enjoy your view.”

She chuckled, and I did too. “I will! Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome. Have a great day.”

“You too.”

I closed the door once she left and immediately went to the card. This bouquet of roses was so gorgeous. They were all different colors. I’d never seen a green rose, but they were so beautiful. There was red, purple, green, and orange ones. There were even some that were multi-colored. I stared at it a little longer then pulled my phone from my pocket and took a picture of them. Setting my phone on the bar top, I pulled the card from the stem.

After opening it, I knew he would have me in my feelings.

Karima,

I hope these bring a smile to your beautiful face. Seeing our daughter on that screen was so special to me. Thank you for carrying my baby, despite the way it happened. I love you so much, baby, and I’m not going to stop trying to be in your space. I know what I did was horrible, but I can only hope that you can eventually forgive me. I need yo’ pretty ass in my life. You a good girl, and I know that shit. That’s why I need you. You so far from what I knew growing up. You snatched my heart like you had caught an interception. Please, give me a chance to prove how much you mean to me, baby. I love you. ~Rosewood

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. One thing he was always going to do was say how beautiful I was.Yo’ pretty ass.I smiled as I imagined how he sounded when he said it. Grabbing my phone, I sent him a picture of the bouquet and thanked him. Staring at my screen, I sent another message.How did you know my address?

He answered immediately.I saw it on your paperwork. You’re welcome, baby.

Meet me here in two hours.

He sent the wide eye emojis.For real?

I chuckled.Yeah. We need to talk.

I hoped I wasn’t making a mistake. I grabbed my keys to head to Jakari’s to fight for my life. JJ was gonna have me praying over my baby, begging the Lord for a real-life angel. That lil boy was a terror on wheels. I stared at my bouquet a little longer as another text came through from Rhodes.

I’ll be there at seven, baby. I’m a little nervous, but any moment in your presence is worth it. See you soon.

I closed my eyes and nodded, knowing I was indeed making the right decision.

CHAPTER8

RHODES

When I turned into Karima’s driveway, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. She had a nice house. All the houses in this neighborhood were nice. I could tell it was a fairly new development. I wondered if it was only for the Hendersons or if anyone could move out here. I quickly got out of my truck and checked my surroundings. When I did, I saw KJ standing in his driveway, staring at me. I gave him a head nod, but he just stared at me.

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