Page 55 of Sunday

“You don’t know that.”

“I do. He was adamant about how he felt. Even after we kissed and had sex, he wasn’t interested in making this more. It wasn’t until we learned that I was pregnant that he decided to do whatever I needed, including marrying. And it wasn’t exactly a proposal, just him telling me he’d do whatever it took to make sure that his baby and I were okay. I don’t want a relationship where a man feels obligated to me because of his baby and his conscience. I want to feel loved and chosen.”

“That man does love you, and he chose you. From all that I know of you two, Cedar has never opened to anyone the way he’s done you.”

I sighed deeply. “Yeah, I still think it’s best that we just co-parent. If it’s meant to be, maybe it will be later. For now, I just don’t think this is what’s right for us.”

“Do you love him?”

“With all my heart. That’s what’s breaking me.”

“Then talk to that man.”

I didn’t see Cedar that evening after we’d gone shopping. I knew he had plans with Chaz, and I’d gone to bed before nine. I felt him get in the bed with me late at night, but I’d remained asleep. When he woke up this morning to start brunch, I’d still been asleep. Heading to the mall and several other stores after we finished our lunch yesterday had left me wiped out.

I woke up this morning and stretched. Smelling the delicious brunch that he was preparing, I glanced at the clock. It was a little before eleven, which meant that our food would be ready soon. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to shower and dress before it was time to eat. When I finished, I headed downstairs just as Cedar was plating our meals.

“Good morning,” he called happily over his shoulder.

I was torn in two because I knew what I needed to discuss with him, yet I didn’t want to ruin his mood. Maybe hanging with Chaz was just what he needed yesterday.

“Good morning,” I greeted and took my seat at the breakfast nook.

“You rest well?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t mean to get in so late last night.”

“What time was it?” I asked and snatched a strip of bacon from the plate he set before me.

“A little after eleven.”

“It’s okay.”

He returned with his plate, took my hands, prayed over our meal, and then looked at me expectantly.

“Did you enjoy your shopping excursion yesterday?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you have enough money?”

I giggled. “CJ, you spoil this baby and me. Of course, I had enough. How much did you think that a baby would need? You gave me three bands for him and five for me. We don’t need all that. I’m a simple girl, remember?”

“I just want to make sure that my seed or my woman don’t lack for anything.”

Aspen chose that moment to kick. I rubbed my belly and giggled.

“You good?”

“Yeah. Your little guy’s just agreeing with you is all. He kicked me.”

Aspen walked around the table and rubbed my belly. “Aye, yo. Chill ya li’l ass out. Don’t be kicking my woman too hard in there, Son. Or you’ll have me to deal with when you get out.”

I shook my head. “You’re ridiculous. You know this, right?”

He smirked, kissed my lips, and sat back down. We ate in peace, and I waited until the end before I broached the subject.

---