Forever Us (Always and Forever 4)

We’re connected, in the moment, nothing between us. A loud crack of thunder sounds, and it cues me to break the silence.

“It’s wild out there.”

“Yeah, they say it’s going to go all weekend.” He rubs my sides, massaging the skin, and it feels glorious.

“Hopefully my parents’ flight isn’t delayed.”

“Maybe if it is, then it’s a sign that your dad and I really aren’t ready to see each other,” he jokes, and I pinch his pec.

“You aren’t funny. I hate that you two still can’t get along.”

“Baby, we get a long. It’s a love/hate type of thing. I personally think he secretly likes to play hard to get. He likes my attention.”

“You’re so full of yourself. I swear.” Rolling my eyes, I prop my chin on my arm and peer up at him.

“I guess I’m too full of myself that I didn’t have room, so I had to fill you up with me too.” He refers to our unborn baby, and I smirk, warming up at the thought.

“Do you think it’s a girl?”

“Nope. I ain’t ready for her. I need more therapy before I can have another you,” he says earnestly, keeping his eyes on the ceiling above. His words don’t hurt me; they actually bring me comfort. Kingston is so patient, more patient than farmers waiting for molasses to fall. Kingston and I have been working tirelessly at salvaging our relationship, and with the new baby coming, the therapy, and his patience for me, we are slowly getting there.

“True. Last thing we need is to put bars on all our windows and doors. The neighborhood already thinks you’re a whack.”

“Well, do they see what a sexy little thing I have running around this place, driving me fucking crazy?” He finally gives me his green eyes and classic Kingston grin, and I see my vision of home, a safe haven I’ve waited for since I became a shell of myself.

“Please. Keep mowing the lawn shirtless and all these older housewives are gonna lose their pearls and drop their pantyhose.” He pinches my ass as I giggle. “You can’t out-sass the queen.”

“Yeah, all hail her sexy ass.”

We fall silent a second time, listening to the rain. Of course my mind wanders to what I said to Kings earlier, about Joel. I felt comfortable when Kingston started to show a little more dominant behavior, but when he started to control my actions, I couldn’t go along with it anymore.

“You really think he’s gone?”

He swallows, his chest concaving under me, clearly affected by my question. “I don’t think he will bother you again, Lana. But gone from your memory—no, I don’t think he is.” He doesn’t sugarcoat my feelings, saying what we both know is true. He is gone from sight, but never from memory.

“You never forget things like that, but I’m hopeful I won’t let it dictate my whole life.”

“How often do you let him decide your choices now, compared to when we first got together?”

“It’s way better,” I answer without hesitation. “I mean, look at us. We are way closer than what we were before. Little things have changed. It’s just that looming fear that he’s going to come when I’m not prepared or ready.”

“I’ll always save you. I’ll always protect you.”

“Until the one moment you aren’t here to do so,” I retort, and he stays silent, stumped because I’m right. Kingston can’t always be with me; he can’t defend me every minute of every hour. Only I can, and I’ve been face-to-face with Joel’s evil before and I could never defend myself. What if that happens again?

“A little ass smacking doesn’t bother you anymore, so I’d say that’s progress,” Kingston interrupts the silence with a crack at humor.

“Because I couldn’t resist that little pouty face. Like a puppy dog.”

“I knew I was cute.” He moves us onto another topic, saving the heavy for Dr. Moore. Tonight, we celebrate all the small victories, saving the battles we will fight for tomorrow.

“Mama! Dad! Hi!” I all but tackle my parents when they come through the sliding doors of the airport. Kingston leaves his leaning position against the truck to follow after me.

“Baby girl, wow, you look beautiful.” Mama eyes me up and down with a content smile, proud to see me healthier than what I was a few months back.

“Thanks, Mama. Daddy, hi!”

My dad drops his bag from his hand and picks me up in a warm bear hug. The strong arms of my father bring me solitude. I feel safe again, more safe now that he and Kingston are both here. I wish terribly that my parents lived closer to us.