“I want it to be our home one day.”
“Oh,” I said, unable to say more. I couldn’t comprehend living in a house so big and pristine.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for us,” Jacob said as he got out of the car and motioned for me and the children to get out. It was nighttime, but the exterior lit up as we walked up the driveway to the porch.
“It looks nice in there.” I glanced through the windows trying to see as much as I could on the inside.
“You don’t have to do that,” Jacob said. He took a key out of his pocket and opened the door. I walked in behind him in complete awe.
“Is this your house?” Junior asked as he took in the enormity of the main room.
“I hope that it will be, one day,” Jacob said as he looked to me.
“It’s pretty,” Montana said as she took off running around in the open area.
Jacob took us on a tour of the house, which included eight large bedrooms that were elegantly furnished. We then walked out onto the patio area and he showed me the circular heated pool and tennis court in the backyard. The most beautiful thing about the patio was that it overlooked the city. Every skyscraper, amusement park, or shining light could be seen from that backyard.
“This house is everything, Jacob!” I said as I stood beside him looking at the view. I could tell from their chatter that Junior and Montana were enjoying the view as well.
“Glad you like it,” Jacob said taking my hand into his.
We hadn’t discussed me moving to Miami or even us moving in together, but after seeing how much thought Jacob put into choosing a home for us, I was damn sure considering. With my business being portable, I could live anywhere in the country and service my clients. The only roadblock would be Montie. Moving our kids nearly a thousand miles away would not go over well with him.
When I left that mansion with Jacob, I felt like I was on top of the world. Justine’s trial, my mishap with Montie and Jacob’s two-week hiatus were the furthest from my mind. All I could think about was spending the rest of my life with Jacob.
We were on Jacob’s jet on our way back to Atlanta. It was close to midnight and the kids had fallen asleep when I said, “Jacob, I want you to come to my house tomorrow for dinner. I’m inviting Montie and Mama over too. I think we all need a good sit down to clear some things up.”
“That’s an excellent idea. I’m okay with meeting Montie, as long as he understands I’m not playing games with him. If he’s ready to be mature and discuss ways to make this work out in the best interest of his kids, then I’m all in. Same for your mother.” Jacob’s disposition told me that he was willing to go the extra mile.
“Thank you,” I said touching his hand. “Not just for coming to the dinner, but for making a day that started out horrible one of the best days of my life.”
Jacob kissed my hand. “As long as you are mine, this is what I have to offer.”
CHAPTER NINTEEN
Destiny
Honor Among Men
The next day Tasha came over to visit. She’d been in Atlanta for a few days visiting with friends, sightseeing and partying. She only had a few days left in town, so she decided to haul me along on one of her shopping trips. Mama had the kids and she was bringing them back to my house by six for the dinner I planned.
Tasha and I had been out since eight that morning, going everywhere from the Martin Luther King Monument to the Underground.
“Do you feel like going to Six Flags in the morning?” Tasha asked, as we walked out of the mall.
“Girl, after this dinner tonight I’m going to sleep for two days. I’m tired,” I told her. Walking around had given me plenty of time to think, but I was all walked, talked, and sightseen out.
“Are you sure you want both Montie and Jacob to come to dinner tonight?” Tasha asked.
“So much has happened over the past few weeks that I need to get everyone near and dear to me in one room so we can talk. What better way to bring people together than dinner? The dinner will show solidarity for the kids, but after dinner, we adults will have a pow-wow discussion,” I said convincing myself as I rattled on. “If Jacob and I are going to be together and Montie and I are going to continue to successfully co-parent, we have to be able to act civilized.”
“Sounds good. Are you sure you’re ready for all of that today though? That’s what I’m asking.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, I’m here as your support,” Tasha said as she clutched her various bags and offered me a half grin.
“I’m glad you’re here. That alone gives me strength,” I said as we continued to walk downtown in silence. My eyes wandered around the city landing on a young couple that looked to be happy and in love. They were making out, not caring who was watching them. I could tell by the way they were breathing that they took each other's breath away. I then focused on an older couple, nestled in each other’s arms and I thought back to when I believed Jacob and I had a relationship like that.