Page 80 of Cause When You Love Someone
“Baby. What is all this?”
“Come here, pretty lady.”
Her cheekbones reached for the roof as she joined me in the sea of pillows.
“When’s the last time you’ve done something new?” I asked when she tugged on the chain hanging from my neck.
“It’s been too long. What are you thinking?”
“Have you meditated before?”
She shook her head. “I never thought I could keep my mind quiet.”
“That’s why we’re doing it. I hate seeing you at war with yourself, and before I let you get lost in your thoughts, I’ll teach you how to find peace within the haze. It’s a learning moment for both of us. This is new to me too.”
I sat down, then positioned Clarke so that her legs were wrapped around my waist. Face to face, we smiled at each other like goofy kids.
“You can’t play. We have to focus if we’re going to do this,” I suggested.
She snickered. “Okay. Okay. I’m going to try. You know I get hot and bothered when you’re teaching me something new.”
“In that case, you’re going to be walking around with a sharp mind and wet ass for the rest of your days. Now, close your eyes, and let me work on you.”
Chapter 15
Ishmael
Safe
“Clarke, you can’t be serious! How many times are you going to call me?” The silent line caused me to push a heavy exhale through my nose. “Hello? Clarke, you there?”
“I’m here. I’m just trying to figure out if I want to cry or curse you out for raising your voice at me.”
“Mama, I?—”
“No. Forget it. I won’t call you anymore. Just hurry your ass up with my food.”
Clarke hung up in my face, and my tight lips relaxed into a smile. Five months left in her pregnancy, and Clarke’s attitude bordered between brat and baby depending on the day. I promised myself I would continue to eat up every emotion she threw at me as long as the night ended with us coming to an agreement.
The house was quiet when I entered, giving me time to empty my hands in the kitchen before I had to face the madwoman.
“Damnit!” I cringed once I reached my bedroom and almost fell over a stack of boxes. “Clarke. What is all this? I thought we agreed to cut back on shopping.”
She appeared in the doorway of the bathroom wearing a sports bra and shorts. The scowl dressing her face made me assume she was still in her feelings. “For your information, those are things you ordered.”
I strolled over to the pretty lady. “You mad at me? If I hurt your feelings that wasn’t my intention. I just don’t like hearing you worry.”
She snuggled into my chest, giving me the chance to adorn the top of her head with kisses.
“I know I can’t hover, but . . . I’ve been having bad dreams. Ones where you . . .”
“Hey. Let’s pray. Close your eyes.” I placed my forehead against hers and took ahold of her hands. “Dear heavenly Father, we first come to You to say, thank You for all You’ve provided purely out of love. We aren’t worthy of Your kindness, and yet, You allow us to wake up every morning and thrive. In the midst of the grace You give, I ask You to cover Clarke. To create a space for clear thinking. I ask that You comfort her when the devil tries to pollute her thinking. I praise You in advance, Lord, because I know it is already done. Now, all the believers under the sound of my voice say, Amen.”
Once I knew Clarke’s mind was at ease, I climbed into bed next to her and massaged her bump. It wasn’t huge, but there was no mistaking she was pregnant.
“What do you have planned for today?” I asked.
“I think I want to paint my belly. I’ve been looking at pictures on Pinterest.”
