“Don’t disrespect me.” Kellon kissed my lips before pulling back and staring me in the eyes.

“Why would you find a place when your man has a perfectly nice one right here?”

“I don’t want to impose. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks.”

“The best few weeks of my life. You’re already my girl. We’re already expecting a child. Why wouldn’t you stay here?”

He kissed me again, and I stood still, letting the silence wrap around us before asking the question clawing at the back of my throat.

“Kellon… are you sure about this? About me? Taking on my baby… all of it? You’re stepping into something messy and life changing, and you’ve only known me for a short time.”

His brows furrowed like I’d offended him.

“Phileigh…” His voice was low and firm. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, and that includes football. I don’t care how complicated this shit is or how complicated it’ll get. I want this. I want you. I want the baby and everything that comes with that. I’m not some nigga that needs time to figure out if you’re the one. I know you are, so why waste time?”

My chest tightened, and I reached for him, kissing him like I needed to feel his words, like I needed to feel him.

“I’m all in, Phileigh Cheese. Are you?”

“Yes.” I didn’t need to think about it further or consult with anyone. It felt right. “I’m all in.”

“I’ll call Dr. Gaines in the morning,” he said, brushing his thumb over my lower back. “She can get you started with care.”

“That’ll be great.” I nodded. I couldn’t believe all that had happened today. From my parents to this life-changing job offer. I stepped back to grab my phone off the couch.

“Where you going?”

“I have to tell Lolo the good news. She’s going to lose her mind.” I exhaled a laugh, and Kellon chuckled.

“Go ahead, baby. Tell the world. I’ll arrange to get some of your things from your apartment back home.”

I nodded as I ran off to call my best friend, and for the first time in a long time, I was actually proud of the news I had to share.

Chapter 20