“This has been a good day,” he said and I agreed. He added, “Does it make up for the other day?”

I gave him a long look before I said, “We’re on our way.” I still wanted to talk to my husband; I didn’t want to ignore all that I’d been feeling.

He nodded. “I agree and I’m going to do everything I can to get us back on track. And we’re gonna start with this weekend.” He lifted my hand, kissed my palm, then released me as he used two hands to exit I-395.

This weekend. I shivered with a bit of anticipation. Jeremy had asked Dru if the kids could stay with her this weekend and she had readily agreed. Jasmine and Jayden had been excited, too; they cheered so much like they always did, I began to wonder if she fed them ice cream for breakfast.

But with the kids with Dru all weekend, Jeremy and I could spend all of our time not only making love, but talking so that we could fix the cracks that I was beginning to feel.

A few minutes later, he rolled the Jag to a stop in front of the Jefferson condominiums. As an attendant opened Jeremy’s door, he grabbed his cell from the console while another one opened the passenger door for me.

“Good evening,” the attendant said. “Who are you visiting?”

“Reverend and Mrs. Sonya Douglas,” Jeremy answered as he came around to my side. He took my hand and led me through the huge glass doors. As Jeremy checked in with the concierge, my eyes circled the lobby and like the last time I’d visited, I appreciated the marble floors, glossy stark-white walls and the chandelier that hung in the center of the space. A light lavender scent filled my nostrils, making me feel like I was inside a spa.

This was only my second visit to First Lady Sonya and Reverend Douglas’ home, but I loved that they’d sold the house where they’d lived for more than thirty years once their son and daughter had graduated from college. Now, they lived in one of the most upscale condos in the area and it gave me something to look forward to when Jasmine and Jayden became adults.

“Okay, Reverend Douglas is expecting you,” the concierge said as she handed Jeremy a card that was similar to a hotel key. “You’ll need this for the elevator.”

“Got ya,” he said as he grinned at the young woman, then led me to the elevators.

As we stepped into the chamber, I said, “This is really a beautiful place.”

“Nothing’s more beautiful than you.” He tapped the card against the sensor, and then, before the doors even closed, Jeremy pulled me into his arms and we kissed our way to the 17th floor.