Page 80 of The Devoted Husband

“You forgot your phone in the nursery, Smiley,” Dante said, handing it to her.

Sade looked at her phone as it lit up with a missed call from Attorney Thomas. She’d hired him to look into Simone’s case. Since it was just after five in the evening, Sade hoped he was calling with great news. She sat up in bed, paused the episode, and then returned his call. Sade exchanged pleasantries with his receptionist, and then she directed Sade’s call to his office.

“This is Attorney Thomas.”

“Hi, this is Sade. I was just returning your call.”

“Sade, hey. How are you?”

“I’m well. How are you?”

“I’m well. I know it’s kind of late, but I couldn’t wait until morning to give you the good news. Simone’s court date was today, and the judge agreed that based on the evidence and her ex’s history of domestic violence, she should have receiveda lesser sentence. She’s being released tomorrow with time served.”

Sade squealed as she hopped out of bed. “Oh my God, you just made my day! I’msohappy to hear that! Are you going to see her tomorrow?”

“Normally, the family would have the pleasure of picking her up, but she expressed that the only family she has in Vanzette is her daughter, so I’ll pick her up.”

“Yes, that’s correct. Well, please, give her my number and tell her to call me as soon as she’s settled. Thank you so much, Attorney Thomas.”

“I will, and you’re welcome. Thank you for moving on her behalf.”

As Sade ended the call, she wiped her eyes.

“What was that about?” Dante asked, stealing a slice of apple from her bowl.

“That was the lawyer I had working on Simone’s case. A judge overturned her sentence today. She’s going home tomorrow!”

“That’s great, baby. You said she did five years, right?”

“Right, and that was more than enough. Really, it was too much, in my opinion, but I’m just glad she’s finally going to be able to go home. Hopefully, Nico’s parents won’t make it hard for her to get custody of Carmen once she’s settled and stable. I got a feeling they will, though.”

“Yeah, that’s going to be tricky. I get they are hurting over losing their son, but if it was his life or hers...What did they really expect her to do?”

Sade could only shrug as she got back into bed. She didn’t want to think too much about that. For now, she was just glad Simone would be free come morning.

Dante

The glow, the smile, the peace, the belly—Dante could not keep his hands off Sade these days. She was twenty-eight weeks pregnant and the apex of his world. Dante was filled with pride as they shopped for things for themselves and the baby. They were finally living the quiet life Sade had been craving.

Her creativity was back, and she was painting like crazy. Dante had opened his online business, and it boosted his confidence to have his old clients glad to be working with him again. He offered them the chance to stay with Eric and Jessica if they wanted, and their choosing him solidified Dante’s expertise and purpose in his mind and heart. To him, the only thing that would make life better was the arrival of their baby boy.

“I have to pee,” Sade told him, using his hand to tug him in the opposite direction. “After this, can we have lunch?”

Dante nodded his agreement as he chuckled. “Yeah, we can. What do you have a taste for?”

“Korean barbecue. Can we go to the hot pot place in Bartlett?”

“Whatever you want, Smiley.”

As she squealed and clapped her hands, Dante laughed lightly. These days, all it took was a good foot rub and food to make her the happiest woman on earth.

He pulled his vibrating phone out of his pocket, confused at seeing Barron’s name. Dante’s eyes shifted toward the bathroom, making sure Sade had gone inside before he answered.

“You good, Grandpa?”

“Yeah, son.” He paused. “Uh...I know Sade wants to keep her distance until she has the baby, but y’all need to stop by. Today, if you can.”

“I’ll see what I can do. What is this about?”

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