I hum quietly to myself as I fix my hair at the vanity, doing my best not to wake Jade, sleeping in my bed. I finally convinced her to call it a night and come home with me around 2 in the morning. Even being so late she insisted on making things up to me with immense amounts of pleasure followed by the best sleep I’ve ever had.
I was going to invite her out with us today but she looks so cute sleeping and she needs the rest. I finish my hair and get my bag together, along with an extra one for Leya, in case she needs something at the amusement park. My phone buzzes twice on the charger and I curse as Jade stirs in her sleep.
I quickly grab the loud device and see two messages, one from Taylor telling me not to rush since they all just woke up, typical. And another from Alexia asking if I told Jade that I signed the papers. I remember the ring that’s still in my jacket pocket hanging in my closet. There wasn’t a right time to bring it up as she worked last night and she was too tired when we got home.
Maybe we can talk about it later, I’ll give her the ring and we can continue like it’s no big deal. I wonder if this means Leya and I will have to move in with her. I really don’t want Leya anywhere near Jade’s parents. If they say anything slick shit about or to my daughter, I’ll probably beat their ass.
I hear Jade stir more in the bed, before her long fingers are lightly tracing my thigh. I look down at her piercing, sleepy green eyes, staring up at me, as she fully wakes up. Her face is slightly scrunched up and she has a small pout on her lips. She's so cute I can’t help but bend down and kiss her lips.
“Where are you going?” Her sultry, sleep filled voice is so damn sexy, I’ll gladly move in if I can hear her like this every morning.
“Logan and Leya wanted to go to the amusement park so we’re having a family day”. I turn so I’m facing the bed as she sits up with a stretch, letting the covers fall and expose her perfectly shaped naked physique. My eyes stare appreciatively at my new wife, her bare breast and peaking nipples indicate her growing arousal. I lick my lips, feeling my body move on its own, magnetized to Jade, before I shake my head. I don’t have time for that, when Jade and I have sex it goes on for hours. Her self-satisfied smirk shines cockily, even in the morning. She knows I want her but I’m not falling for her charm.
“So, who’s we?” She stands from the bed and my mind goes blank. Damn, her body is so perfect, when does she find time to stay in shape like she does. Even her thick toned thighs and small pudge is perfect for her form.
“Kitten?”
“Hm? Oh, you know the usual, Logan and Karla, Taylor and whatever guy she’s seeing, Cash and his girlfriend Gloria, and of course me and Leya”.
“I suppose I’ll tag along as well”. She gives me a quick kiss before striding her naked ass towards the bathroom.
“Really?”
“Yes, is that a problem?”
“No, of course not. I’m just surprised you want to meet everyone”.
“I think it’s a bit overdue, you’ve met my family, so I want to meet yours”. I nod, biting my lip to hold back from bringing up the marriage license.
I slip into the closet while she’s in the shower and go to my jacket that has her ring before slipping it into my pocket. I put on my shoes and spray myself with some perfume before giving myself a pep talk. I don’t want to just spring the conversation up but Alexia has been bugging me to tell Jade so she can get everything finalized. We won’t have time later since we’ll be in the public so now is the best time.
When I’m done in the closet, I move to fix the bed, before sitting down to wait for Jade. I text Karla and Taylor that Jade will be coming, naturally, they freak out but I ignore their fangirling and tell them not to let Leya know. She’s been crying and asking for Jade so this will be a cute surprise before her birthday next week.
It doesn’t take long for Jade to finish getting ready, in an outfit similar to mine, she has grey workout pants, a black cropped top instead of a baseball tee like me, and a black Adidas jacket. I love when she dresses casually like this, she looks much more approachable, instead of like art work that can’t be touched.
“Are you ready to go?” Jade asks, grabbing her purse and starting towards the door, but I grab her hand to stop her.
“Wait, I think that we should talk first. It’s your day off but I know that you’re still thinking about business.
“I apologize, this is the final stretch, my father has his back against the wall and he’s out of options. This is my chance, however I realize that I have been selfish since all of this started and I’m sorry, Angel”. Jade frowns, putting her bag down and coming over to cup my jaw. The guilt is evident on her face but I don’t understand why, it’s not like she forced me into anything. It’s also why I stopped receiving payments from her. I'm with her because I want to be, not because of some contract.
“You don’t need to apologize, Jade. I’m here because I want to be”.
“That is exactly why I need to apologize, you have been very selfless and I have taken your kindness for granted. I have been using you for my own gain with no regard to how you’d feel about my decisions and the actions I take. I haven’t been considerate of how you feel, Angel, but I want to start. Whether you sign the marriage license or not, my decision won’t change. I will tell my father that all negotiations are off and I officially resign”.
“I don’t want you to leave your job because of me”.
“It wouldn’t be solely because of you, the things he is asking for, they are things I only want with you, no one else will suffice”. I search Jade’s eyes, looking for any sign that she usually has when making a business deal. But there’s no look of impending triumph or any shade of arrogance in her eyes, body language, or voice. I’ve known Jade long enough to know when she’s scheming, when she’s being honest, trying to get her way, or genuinely sincere. There’s no wavering or hesitance either, not that there ever is, but she lacks her usual confidence. She’s being vulnerable, for me and it’s not just to get what she wants.
She’s proven that she’s ready to give up what she loves to be with me, that’s more than anyone has ever done for me.
“What happened with negotiations?”
“After putting out the fires with the clients and investors, my father began with the original terms, to marry Donovan, which I refused. I told them to stay out of my life, which he refused, that took a day and a lot of arguing. Next he negotiated that instead of Donovan it will be a list that my parents crafted themselves. Again, I refused and said that the only person I will be with is you. That took two days, eventually we settled on where we are now. I will get married within a year and have an heir by this time next year”.
“Do they have a say in who you marry?”
“They want me to go on a series of blind dates to “weigh my options, before making a brash decision”, to which I went back to my original terms. You or no one else, we’ve been at a stalemate since”. Her parents really are relentless, they’re starting to remind me more of my own, unbearable. It’s sweet that she’s still insisting on being with me, even when she was offered much better options than me. She’s being serious about this, about us.
“Is that why you sent the marriage license?” Jade chuckles, before nodding.
“My last act of selfishness”.
“I assume this contract was a way to atone for that. You seriously want to give me half of what you own if we were to get married and divorce?”
“Of course, it is only right for what I put you through. If we were to divorce I’m sure both of us would have to deal with a lot of opinions from the public. Aside from finances, I have real estate all over the world that could give you a paradise away from the limelight. Also, I want to ensure that no matter what, you and Cataleya will be secure for life, with and without me in it”. I shake my head at the ridiculousness of Jade.
“I don’t want your money Jade, I changed that in the contract as well”.
“Then I will tell Alexia to change it back. It is because you don’t want my money that you deserve it even more”.
“I don’t deserve-”
“You do, you are the greatest human being I’ve ever met in life. You and your daughter have come into my life and shown me a new way to live. You’ve given me a greater appreciation for life. This marriage may be selfish but my desire to be a wife deserving of you and the want to take care of you and Leya is sincere, so Angelica Raya…” Jade moves to her purse, rummaging around for a second before producing a ring box. I can’t help the wide cheesy smile on my face as I see the ring. I know who Jade is, I fell in love with her and selfish schemes. I love knowing that I can support her in ways no one else can on her journey to the top.
“Will you let me be selfish and help me see this through to the end. I promise to take care of you and your daughter the best I can in return?” Jade’s cocky smirk is back because we both know my answer. She produces a stunning ring that takes my breath away. It’s at least 8 carats and as intricately extravagant as the ring I got her. First the contract that’s practically a will and prenup that states I get half of Jade’s worth if we divorce, which would make me a billionaire, not to mention this ring that rivals the one I got for her, it’s more than I expected her to give for a marriage of selfishness.
“I’m in this to the end Jade, as long as you promise to respect me and my daughter, I promise to do the same”. I let my wide grin free as Jade slips the rings onto my finger, an engagement and wedding ring that will definitely catch the attention of everyone. My aunt is going to kill me for not telling her, oops.
“This is insane, you know that right?”
“Yes, I know, I’ve never months ago I had never dated and now I’m married. Thank you for putting up with me and my family”.
“Don’t thank me until you’ve met mine. I doubt you’d ever meet my parents or anything, but my aunt will probably grill you and I want you to meet my grandmother. She’s the only family besides my aunt that I still have communication with”. Jade tucks her hand in my hair, her eyes zoning in on my lips and this time it’s my turn to smirk. Someone’s acting a little needy, I’m already used to this. After a few more minutes of making out and ignoring Taylor’s calls, we finally leave my house and head to meet up with everyone. I decide to drive for a change so Jade can relax, my ring catches the sun and I shake my head in disbelief, I can’t believe I’m really married to Jade. I never thought working at the bar would lead to all this, but with all the ups and downs, I don’t regret a moment I’ve had with Jade.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“So, does this mean that we have to live together?”
“Not necessarily, we are far from traditional and we don’t have to do things in a certain manner. I will leave the decision up to you”.
“I guess we can talk about it with Leya when we tell her. She misses you, ya know?”
“I miss her as well, she’s one of my favorite shopping buddies and her opinions are always honest”. I laugh and shake my head.
“She’s three, almost four but she has more opinions than she should about things she has no business knowing at her age”. Jade laughs but nods in agreement.
“It’s alright, she’s just mature for her age. Her birthday is next week right?”
“Yeah, I need to start planning her party”.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I’ll probably rent out the bounce house place, let her invite her friends, your nieces and nephews can come of course”.
“Thank you, I can help you-”
“Nope, don’t even think about it. I appreciate the thought but this is the first time I’ve been able to really spoil Leya as her mom on her birthday, I want to do it myself”.
“I understand and that’s admirable, that means I’ll spare no expense on her present”. Jade smirks because she knows I hate when she spends thousands of dollars on my three year old daughter.
“That is not what that means”. Jade and I talk and playfully argue the rest of the ride, both of us a lot more relaxed than we have been this past week.
Jade and I walk into the busy diner and I quickly spot Leya standing on the chair about to throw a fit. I frown and quickly go over, picking her up from the chair.
“Little girl, what do you think you’re doing?” She stills in my arms and begins whining, pouting, and trying to explain herself. Apparently, Cash said she has to eat eggs instead of just sweets because she’s getting treats later and she didn’t like that.
“Mommy, please” she clings and whines to me but I just shake my head.
“No, your dad is right you can’t just have sweets or all your teeth are going to fall out”. Her dramatic ass gasps and covers her mouth, frantically shaking her head.
“No, mommy”.
“Okay then, listen to your dad, you can have your waffle or pancake with eggs. If you eat all your food then you can get a treat at the amusement park. But if you get a treat now, you can’t have one later. So, do you want your sweets now for breakfast or later at the amusement park?” Leya thinks over my question forgetting her earlier tantrum and I see Cash sigh in relief. He’ll learn one day from spoiling her too much.
“Later, please”. I nod and set her down on the floor before squatting to her level.
“Apologize to your dad and then there’s someone here to see you”. Leya does as I say and I stand as I sigh with a shake of my head going to greet everyone. Cash talks to Leya and helps her pick something she’ll like while I introduce everyone to Jade. They all stare wide-eyed and in awe of her of course. Maybe because she’s here or because she’s so casual which most people don’t get to see. Every man and most women in this place are gawking at her and I can’t blame them, she’s that damn gorgeous. Inside and outside of the office.
“Jade!!” Leya runs towards Jade after Cash sets her down and she excuses herself to engage in a conversation with Leya. I let them be and move to greet everyone but before I can Taylor and Karla shoot out of their seats and drag me off to the bathroom. We all talk and act casual at the sink until the bathroom is clear. When the last woman walks out Karla and Taylor start yelling and slapping my arms. They’re talking so loudly at the same time that I can’t understand.
“I don’t know what you’re saying when you talk at the same time!” They both stop, breath, before Karla goes into big sister mode.
“Are you sure about this Angel?” Karla lifts my hand as they stare and awe at my ring.
“Wow, this ring is beautiful, are you really engaged”.
“Married actually” they start yelling again but they’re interrupted by women coming into the bathroom. They give me a look that says we’re not finished talking about this, but I just wave them off.
“I’ll text it to you now, come on before Jade and Cash start going at each other’s throats”. We leave the bathroom and just as I suspect, Jade and Cash are arguing about Leya sitting with Jade instead of Cash. So childish, does it really matter who she sits with?
“She’s my daughter and I haven’t given you permission to be near her” Cash spits the words at Jade like he didn’t just start stepping up himself.
“I don’t need your permission” Jade scoffs, wiping Cash off like he’s a bug on the windshield of her expensive car.
“Like hell you don’t, I’m her father”.
“Barely, I don’t think taking care of your daughter for one month out of the 4 years she’s been alive is anything to praise yourself about. The word father is a heavy term, one that you, unfortunately, can't hold”. I shake my head as they begin going back and forth about who’s more deserving to be in Leya’s life. Despite what they both think, I’m the one that gets to decide who’s in my daughter’s life, after all, I have sole full custody of Leya. Before I can interrupt them I get a message on my phone, Taylor and Karla wave their phones at me and I shake my head. Nosy asses. I begin texting them the story of how I signed the marriage license and Jade’s plan if we divorce. To say they’re shocked is an understatement, they look between me and Jade and I just nod in confirmation.
Karla: “Money is one thing but are you sure about this?”
Angel: “I am, actually, the decision was easier than I expected. I weighed all the options and I want this”.
Taylor: “If you’re sure, you know we support you and Leya clearly loves her”. I smile at their support feeling relieved to have told the people I’m closest to about me being married. Now, I just have to tell my aunt, she’ll probably be a bit upset but she likes Jade so it’ll be fine. I have to find a way to tell my grandma too, I haven’t had the chance to catch up with her since I took the job at the bar. I wouldn’t be surprised if my mother found out we were talking and did something to interfere. It definitely wouldn’t be the first time.
“Mommy, daddy called Jade a bitch and Jade says daddy asshole like auntie Karla”. I cut my eyes at all three of them and only jade holds my glare, unashamed. Thus, leading to a 15 minute lecture from me about cursing around my daughter, followed by a thorough apology to Leya and a long explanation of why she can’t use those words. I sigh as I finish explaining things to Leya and getting her distracted with her food and videos before looking at Jade and Cash.
“I don’t care if you two like each other, I don’t even care if you get along, but don’t you ever bring that hostility and hate around my daughter. Don’t express, don’t slander each other, and if it’s an insult keep it to yourself. Cash you know what my house and parents were like, you know I never wanted Leya to see us at odds. Whether you two like it or not you are both important to me and to Leya, so deal with it, because neither of you are going anywhere”. Cash rolls his eyes as his eyes fall to my finger.
“Yeah, I get it, you sold us out for a paycheck. Are you seriously engaged to her?” His announcement catches the attention of nearby tables and I roll my eyes.
“Wait, what? You’re engaged?” Logan asks, I don’t even get the chance to lie as Jade smirks, putting her hand on my upper thigh, making me gasp before swatting her hand away. She’s just trying to prove a point, she’s so territorial when she wants to be.
“Married, actually” Jade proudly corrects Cash and our table and the three around us grow quiet. The cameras are back out and people are talking and I shake my head. My tia is going to be so pissed off if she hears this from the internet.
“You’re married? And you didn’t tell anyone? When?” Logan fires the questions one after another with a frown on his face.
“Um, yesterday, I didn’t want a ceremony right now. There are things Leya still needs to adjust to but, yes, Jade and I are married”. The table is quiet again as they all stare between me and a smug Jade. Gloria who’s new to the group looks stunned, she admitted to being a fan of Jade when she found out we were dating and I can see the fangirl in her reeling. I’d be so amused if the situation wasn’t so damn messy.
“I…don’t know what to say. If you’re happy I’m happy for you sis but we’re going to have an actual party. Don’t think you’ll get out of being the center of attention for once” Logan has a devious smile and I inwardly sigh relieved that he’s not upset with me. All of my friends and my aunt have been so supportive of this entire situation. Without them I’d probably be consumed by the weight and lack of ability to vent out my frustrations.
“Just don’t do too much please” Logan waves me off as he and Taylor go into party planner mode. I know that they’re going to go full out for this, they take any excuse to get wild like the old days. The rest of breakfast is spent with part planning, Jade and Cash throwing Shade, and Leya telling us what she wants to do at the amusement park. When we get to the park, I tell everyone they can go on their way and we make plans to meet up for lunch as Jade and I take Leya to the kid area. We spend the next couple of hours taking Leya on every ride she can handle before going taking a break to play games. Jade manages to win two stuffed animals, one for Leya and one for me until Leya starts saying she’s hungry.
I text everyone that we’re going to the restaurant as Jade carries Leya, looking all too natural in her step-mother role.
“You’re staring, Angel” Jade smiles, looking over at me and I smile, watching Jade lay her head on her shoulder.
“Have you given much thought to being a mother?” Jade raises her brow, I guess she wasn’t expecting that, but she did mention having an heir as part of this deal.
“Before all of this no, honestly, I hadn’t thought I’d settle down. I was always more focused on work. Even when I met you and Leya I didn’t consider myself much of a mother, I just helped you out that’s all. I doubt I’d be very good at doing this full-time”.
“You should give yourself more credit Jade, you’re not just great with Leya, you’re great with other kids as well. I think you’d be a great mother Jade, I know you will be”.
“Thank you, Kitten. You always seem to know what to say”. Jade smiles and we stop walking, momentarily lost in each other, until a scream of excitement is directed our way.
“Oh, my God, it’s Jade Knight and her girlfriend, Angel!” I silently curse as Leya pops her head up, fans begin flocking around us. Our security comes out of hiding but Jade just smiles and shrugs.
“I’m feeling nice today” she hands Leya to me before going over to the girl damn near in tears at the sight of Jade. I forget how famous and popular Jade is at times. Aside from her occasional extravagance, she’s so normal and natural around me when we’re out like this. I get to see a different slide of her and I think her fans take full advantage of her carefree moments to get autographs and pictures.
“Mommy, Jade famous” Leya claps and points to Jade posing for pictures and signing autographs.
“She is famous and really popular too. Do you like that Jade is a famous person?” Leya nods excitedly as she squirms to get down. I let her down, holding her hand to keep her from running over. I don’t want her around a bunch of strangers, so I stay on the side, sending waves to Jade’s adorning fans, waiting for her to finish. It’s cute seeing Jade like this, before people always called her unapproachable and stand-offish, but they still admired her. Now, people seem to adore her. I’m just glad that she’s able to smile and relax after everything that’s been going on. I’m sure she has work on her mind, but she’s still making an effort to be here with us, taking time off of work to be here for us. It’s sweet and makes me feel better about my decision to marry her. I know she’s going to be a good wife.
“Ms. Knight! Is that a ring on your finger!? Can you confirm rumors that you and Ms. Raya got married!?” I hear the yell from the crowd, sending it roaring as people start bombarding Jade with questions. I look around and see a woman towards the back of the crowd with a sneaky smirk on her face, standing next to a man with a professional grade camera, who looks too nervous to be an ordinary fan. Having been around Jade for some time now, I’ve learned to spot a reporter, and this woman is definitely a reporter. The crowd continues to grow, coming over to Leya and I, who clings to my shirt, getting scared of the loud crowd. Jade’s security comes over and ushers us away inside the restaurant and away from the crowd.
“Jade, that was a reporter” I mumble as we follow security to our table. Jade’s carefree attitude is gone and she looks pissed off, more than that, she looks furious.
“I know, her name is Shana Rogers, she’s a journalist and blogger. This isn’t the first time we’ve run into each other” Jade gets out her phone and I’m sure she’s texting her team to let them know what’s going on. I don’t say anything, letting her handle the situation. We join everyone at the table as Leya continues to hug my neck. I haven’t seen her this shy and nervous since before we met Jade.
It takes a few minutes to reassure Leya that the people are gone. She’s never been around a crowd like that before and I inwardly scold myself for standing there and letting it happen. I should’ve just come inside instead of lingering around. Now my baby is scared and it’s all my fault. Jade and I comfort and apologize to Leya as I rock her from side-to-side. My phone starts to erupt and I quickly put it on silent, seeing my social as well as my aunt, silently cursing. She warns me that we will talk when I get home and I know that I’m in for a lecture.
Of course, the entire situation gives Cash an opportunity to open his mouth and he doesn’t hold his tongue.
“Congratulations Jade, you’ve just made my daughter part of your spectacle”. Cash sneers, his comment more cocky than concerning and having the desired effect of getting under Jade’s skin and leaving Jade speechless and fuming.