Page 81 of Unexpected Pass

I hugged my mom and let her hold me for longer than usual. I didn’t realize how much I needed them here until they were here.

She thoughtwe were just going to dinner. I told her to wear something sexy and be ready by 7:00 p.m., and my baby did not disappoint. She walked out of the penthouse glowing like perfection. The ivory dress she wore hugged every curve, and she’d done something new with her locs. It was like sorcery how she’d made them fall like waves down her back.

“You look like a damn goddess,” I whispered, unable to stop myself from staring. “I guarantee you that you’re not making it to the six-week mark before I pop another baby in you.”

She blushed and rolled her eyes, but her smile said she knew I was telling the truth.

“You’re something else, Kellon Barnes.”

“Nah, baby. You’re something else,” I said, helping her into the car and kissing her forehead gently.

Monte gave me a nod from the front seat, signaling that everything I’d been planning for the last four weeks was in full motion.

We drove through the city with my hand resting on her swollen belly. This was month seven and baby boy would be here soon. I couldn’t lie; his timing couldn’t be more perfect. If everything went as planned, I would welcome my baby boy two weeks before having to report to training camp. We drove out of the city to a gated community in the hills. I’d rented out a secluded estate for tonight. As Monte pulled into the circular driveway, melodies drifted from inside, greeting us as soon as he opened the door.

“Kellon…” Phileigh looked around with her eyes wide. “This not a restaurant?”

“It’s not.”

“What did you do?”

“Just live in the moment, Phee.” I escorted her out the car. She clutched my arm as we walked the candlelit path to the entrance.

“Is this a party or something… For who?” she questioned. Her wheels turned trying to figure it all out.

“For you.” I pushed the doors open. “For us.”

The soft sounds of a live band filled the air, making Phileigh gasp. Her steps slowed. Jazmine Sullivan appeared in the foyer and began singing our song “Let it Burn,” and Phileigh froze.

“Wait, is that Jazmine Sullivan?” she whispered.

“Yep.”

I took her hands in mine and dropped to one knee. Her hands flew to her mouth, and everything seemed to start moving in slow motion.

“Phileigh Cheese, I’ve loved you since that day I saw you posted up in that stairwell, hiding away from the world.” I took a deep breath to blow away my nerves. “You looked like you needed a friend. I didn’t know if it was really me that needed you and Baby J. Baby, you have brought me peace. You’ve made me a father. You’ve made me a better man. Baby, you made me believe that happiness isn’t just something other people get to have. It’s something I can have because I deserve it.”

A tear slipped down her cheek, matching the one that slipped down mine.

“I couldn’t let Baby J come into this world without us being an official family. So, Phileigh Read… my favorite number three at O’Charley’s… will you marry me?”

She didn’t hesitate.

“Yes,” she cried out. She was barely able to say the word through her sobs. “Yes, Kellon. Yes!”

As I stood and slipped the ring onto her finger, the room erupted in applause. Phileigh’s head whipped around, scanning the space.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Mama? Daddy? Lolo? Ms. Barnes? Kellon, you didn’t…”

“I did.” I glanced up at our family and friends, smiling as I took them all in. Phileigh’s parents waved happily at us snapping pictures. Lolo and Braelon were applauding. My mama stood next to them, looking like she’d been waiting on this moment her whole life. It was perfect.

“I had to get our people here for this,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “This is the start of our family, baby. I wanted everybody to witness it.”

I led her into the grand ballroom.

“Kellon!” She gasped.

Her breath caught in her throat once again as her eyes scanned the room taking in the scenery. I’d spared no expensefor the occasion. White roses spilled from tall, gold vases. Gold balloons floated above the tables. Hell, I even had a champagne tower sparkling under a chandelier. The focal point was the crystal sign that hung from the ceiling.

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