27-Donvan/Sadie

It's been a week since I climbed into Shorty's window and I haven't seen her since then. And not for lack of trying, but Sophia was sick with a cold, eventually leading to Shorty getting sick. I spoke with her daily and before she went to bed. The constant worry was killing me that she was sick and pregnant. The guys busted my balls whenever I checked my phone to see if Shorty had replied to my text.

I. Didn't. Fuckin. Care.

I needed to hear her voice.

I needed her.

Which is why I'm on my way to see her now. After the explosion, spending some alone time with my girl became difficult. She is always on edge and constantly looking over her shoulder as if someone is waiting to attack her or snatch her up. When she isn't freaking out, then it is me doing it. Shorty being pregnant makes her an easier target. If these guys had no heart to kidnap my girl and beat her until she was near death, imagine what they could do to her while our baby grows inside her?

I need to shut that shit down.

The murderous thoughts running through my head fuel the anger within me until it's ready to erupt in flames.

I pull up to Shorty's grandmother's house and turn the ignition off, silencing "Angels Fall" by Breaking Benjamin. My phone vibrates, and I open the message from Tia.

Tia: My girl looks hot. You're welcome.

Smirking, I write:

Me: My girl always looks hot.

I filled Tia in on what I had planned for my date with Shorty. I gave her my credit card and told her to make a girl's day out of it on me. Tia didn't have to be told twice. She snatched my card like a little kid, almost as if she was afraid I would change my mind. They spent the day shopping, relaxing at a spa, and ending the day with lunch. I wanted to ensure my girl was cared for, even if that included the people she loved the most.

My phone vibrates as my hand is on the door handle.

Tia: Are you about there?

Me: Just pulled up.

Tia: Good. I hope you flossed your butt cheeks. *Devil emoji*

What the ?

Me: That's fucked up.

Tia: You'll get used to my crazy ass. *wink emoji*

I shake my head and laugh. Tucking my phone away, I pull the handle and slide out of my seat.

When I get to the door and knock, I feel nervous as fuck. My hands are sweaty, and the knot in my stomach keeps getting tighter as the anticipation grows. I hear shuffling behind the door, and the moment it opens, the sight of Shorty takes my breath away.

Her black curls are loose over her shoulders—wild and sexy. The long, thick curls are parted on the side, framing her face.

My mouth could catch flies if I keep staring at her like she is the most luscious piece of fruit in the bowl. I manage to close my mouth and find my voice. "Damn, Shorty. You look fucking gorgeous."

Her plump lips are a glossy red, her favorite color and my kryptonite; the smokey makeup enhances her almond-shaped eyes with a dash of glitter.

"Hey," she says in a sexy voice, making my dick twitch.

"Hey," I croak, clearing my throat like an idiot.

Shorty glances over her shoulder to say goodbye to her family and steps onto the front steps. I step back, almost tripping on my own damn feet, when I get a full-frontal view of Shorty.

Fuck me.

She wears an elegant black one-shoulder top that exposes her smooth tan skin and hides her belly, but I know it is there. A pair of skinny white pants with matching lace heels shows off her red painted toenails.

Those little toes are begging to be sucked.

Her breasts are getting bigger, and I have to fight the urge to stare at her nipples peeking through the sheer top. I already know what is hiding underneath all that clothing, but damn if her body isn't taunting me.

"You got a little drool there," Shorty says with a giggle as she wipes the pretend drool from my chin.

"Can't help it." I snatch her hand and kiss her fingers.

She smiles and looks away, a tint of a blush spreading across her cheeks.

I pull her closer and kiss her neck.

"Donnie, I don't want to give my Abuelita a heart attack by giving her a show." She playfully smacks her hand against my chest.

I chuckle. "Come on." I take her hand and lead her to my car.

SADIE

Donnie opens the car door for me and grabs me around the waist above my belly and steals a kiss causing a childish giggle to come from me. Once we're buckled in, he turns the ignition and pulls away from the house.

"Where are we going?"

When Tia showed up at my house at eight in the morning, ordering me around, I wanted to kick her in the coochie. Sophia had another sleepless night, and I was running ragged and covered in baby vomit. The last thing I wanted to do was use the energy I had left to go galivanting with my best friend. I love my girl Tia, but she was getting on my last nerve.

After my Abuelita convinced me—no, forced me out of bed, I gave up, showered, and came out looking somewhat human again. After Mom made breakfast and force fed me, Tia and I were out the door.

The day started with window shopping. There's a cute baby shop downtown that is overpriced but has the cutest clothes. While Tia was yapping about the latest drama I'd missed at school, my body subconsciously led me inside the baby store. My mind was distracted by the store"s blue, pink, yellow, and green pastels. When I found out I was pregnant with Sophia, I couldn't tell you how many times I walked past this store, teasing myself, knowing I couldn't afford what was on those racks. I would've worked as many hours as possible to provide her with the best—what I wasn't given as a child. As a parent, you always want what's best for your children and to provide them with what you never had. But then I remembered that these are just material things. I wanted to give all my love to my baby and let her know I would sacrifice anything for her happiness.

Pushing those thoughts aside, my eyes fix on the blue baseball blanket with matching onesie and booties. I glance at the price tag and laugh. I would have to give up my whole days' worth of tips to afford this.

I don't know how long I've lingered in the boy's section when a woman who could be a model clears her throat, asking if I am in the right place. I tell her I don't know the sex of the baby, but for whatever reason, something over here called to me. She laughs, but it sounds cynical, as if I am an idiot to think that's what she meant. The old me would've knocked her on her ass, but these fucking hormones are giving me whiplash. When I look up at the worker, I want to cry because I feel worthless. I don't say a word and walk past her with my head low until I am out the door.

But Tia makes it better. I don't tell her what happened, but when she sees my unshed tears, not wanting to make their presence, we took me out to spend half the day at the spa, ate lunch by the lake, and bought the outfit I'm wearing now.

When it finally dawned on me the amount of money Tia spent, she didn't hesitate to say was all Donnie's idea to give me a special day before he would make it extra special later tonight. He's offered to pay for my medical bills and anything else I need for me and the baby, but I can't let him do that. He waved it off like money was no big deal since his family has so much of it.

And I cried. The freaking tears came down like a dam had broken.

"You'll see," Donnie says as he winks and turns left onto the highway.

I am lost in "Epiphany" by Staind as I look up through the tree branches; it is easy to believe the dark sky is endless, and it goes on forever. Donnie pulls up to a standalone rustic building overlooking the peaceful lake.

"Have you ever been here before?" Donnie asks softly, with a bit of hesitation in his tone.

I shake my head. "No, but it's beautiful."

The restaurant has to be over 9,000 square feet because it's bigger than Joaquín's. I don't realize I'm gawking until Donnie unfastens my seatbelt and grabs my hand.

He chuckles at me, causing his cute dimple to appear. Hand in hand, side by side, we approach the doors. The place is packed, and a live band plays on the outdoor patio. When the doorman holds the door open for us, I breathe in a sharp odor of freshly cut onions and steak. My mouth is watering from the scent alone.

"Donovan! How are you, my love?" A woman's sultry voice snaps me out of my zone.

"Hey, Bri." Donnie gives her a half hug, and I want to rip him away from her. Jealousy is a treacherous thing, especially when you're carrying the baby of a sexy man who's now gaining the attention of every fucking vagina.

Donnie must sense my uneasiness because he squeezes my hand tighter.

"I've got your table ready for you, just as you requested," Bri says and turns to me. "You must be Sadie." She holds her hand out to me. "I've heard so much about you."

Really? I've heard shit about you, I think.

I'm not trying to be a bitch, but I am hungry, horny, and agitated by the many pairs of greedy eyes lingering on my man. The thought of him leaving me for one of these plastic dolls has my stomach churning.

Oh, God.

I place my hand over my baby bump, dreading the day that could happen once he gets sick of the caramel flavor and goes back to vanilla.

"Baby, are you ok?" Donnie whispers in my ear.

God,he smells so good.

"Huh? Oh, yeah." I brush him off as if I am fine and turn to Bri with a smile. "Thank you, it is nice to meet you as well."

"Wonderful. Follow me." She grabs two menus from the hostess's desk and leads us further into the restaurant. Donnie places one hand on my lower back, and I follow Bri. The room has a modern-day theme, and the lighting is romantically dark. Every rustic square table is full of couples and families enjoying the comfort and ease of the restaurant.

We go to an empty table on the patio facing the lake. Fairy lights hang in the canopy. We slide into our seats, much to Donnie's annoyance for me not waiting for him to pull my chair.

A small firepit is encased in a rectangular glass box in the middle of our table. We sit on the end of the patio in our little bubble with the band nearby playing a mixture of jazz and country music.

Bri hands over the menus and tells us the waiter will be right up to take our orders. I scan the menu, which consists of traditional meat dishes and different types of fish. Yuck. I hate fish. The idea of eating something squishy and one eye staring at you freaks the hell out of me.

What the hell is foie gras? Seb always used to say if you can't pronounce it, don't eat it. I keep searching for something that looks familiar. Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, Herb Parmesan Crusted Jumbo Cod Loin, Grilled Block Island Swordfish, Filet Mignon…Grilled Chicken Breast and Rice…Bingo!

"Hello, my name is Tucker, and I'll be your waiter for the night. Can I start you off with something to drink?"

I'm startled by the unexpected voice and when a basket of fresh warm bread is placed on the table.

"Oh, sorry," Tucker says with a chuckle.

"It's ok. I'll have a blackberry virgin mojito," I say.

Tucker writes down my order and turns to Donnie, who hasn't taken his eyes off me since we sat down. "I'll have a watermelon lemonade iced tea."

Tucker nods and leaves our table.

"Do you know what you're going to get?" Donnie asks, eyes never leaving mine.

"Um, the grilled chicken looks good."

He scoffs and laughs. "Is that all you eat? If it's not chicken fingers, it's something chicken."

"It's all I can keep down nowadays," I say quietly.

Donnie mutters a curse and leans forward. "Shorty, I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to be an ass. I was only teasing."

I look up, confused at the tenderness in his tone. "Yeah, I know you were. Did you think I was offended?"

"Well, yeah." He leans back, looking even more confused than I am. "I didn't want you to think I was being insensitive because of what you can and can't handle eating while pregnant," he continues.

I smile brightly at his words and their meaning, which must put him at ease since his shoulders relax.

The waiter returns and takes our orders. I glance at Donnie after the waiter leaves, looking out at the water. I take this time to appreciate the view—my own personal Donnie view. He's wearing a sharp, crisp white button-up shirt with the sleeves pulled up, revealing his tattoo, dark slacks, and dress shoes. His shirt has a few buttons open, exposing his hard chiseled chest. His dark, thick chestnut hair is brushed up with a layered taper, and combined with his strong jawline and light stubble, it makes my lady parts scream in agony. He turns his deep vivid blue eyes at me and smiles wide, showing his perfect white teeth.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, why?" I shift in my chair, trying to hide my reaction.

He tilts and stares at me like I'm a puzzle he's trying to assemble. When he thinks he's figured it out, he leans forward and smirks wickedly. "You're turned on, aren't you?"

"What?"

"You are," he says. "Donnie, I don't know what you're talking about."

He grabs my hand and sucks one finger, nice and slow. "Don't be shy. I can smell you from here."

My entire body shakes in want.

I want him to kiss me.

Lick me.

Fuck me.

Another suck.

"Wh-what? Donnie!" I whisper yell, trying to remove my hands from his grasp, but he holds on tighter.

He smiles against my fingers while slowly taking it into his mouth and sucking. My lips part, watching him suck on my finger like a popsicle.

"Ok, you need to stop," I say breathlessly, stuck between wanting him to stop and not wanting him to.

Thankfully no one can see or hear us because of where we're seated. But it doesn't stop the moaning that erupts from my throat.

Donnie freezes and pulls my finger out of his mouth. "Fuck," he groans and sits back.

I grab the napkin from the table and dab the sweat from my face and neck. We're staring at each other in a standoff, waiting to see who will break this sexual tension first.

Thankfully, our food arrives. Donnie ordered the prime steak meal, and I devour my chicken breast with rice and vegetables. We keep our table talk to a minimum. Donnie knows I'm not one of those girls who like to chit-chat while eating. I want to eat and enjoy my food in peace. Our waiter routinely comes by a few times to ensure our needs are satisfied but never makes us feel rushed by clearing our plates before we finish.

Donnie asks for the check and pays for our dinner. He holds my hand until we reach his car.

"I had a great night," I say, not wanting the night to end as I climb into his car.

"The night hasn't ended yet," he says with a smirk.

Donnie drives us to my favorite spot as a kid—the astronomy park. His mom took us once a year before he moved away. I told Donnie it was one of the places I wanted to get married at. When he asked why, I said, "It's under the stars."

Donnie pulls into the parking lot and grabs a bag from the back seat. He gently places a small red Nike duffle bag on my lap.

"What is this?" I ask, confused.

"I asked Tia to pack you some comfy clothes for tonight."

"You did?" I whisper.

"Don't be so surprised, Shorty. You know I'll always take care of you." He says it like it's the easiest thing in the world, and it should be since I feel the same way about him.

"Come on, we can change in the bathroom."

Tia packed my favorite two-piece star-printed flannel pajamas, fleece blanket, and slippers. Fifteen minutes later, we're sitting outside the field on a large quilt his grandmother made when he was in Little League and two pillows. I can't believe he kept the blanket this whole time.

The park has several domes with different types of telescopes scattered throughout for star gazing and studying space.

We lay on our backs and stare into the night sky. I search for the moon, but its face is nowhere to be seen. The dark sky looks like it gave birth to a billion tiny stars as they dazzle like jewels. One star is brighter than all the others and appears close enough to touch.

"We're here to see the Big Dipper," Donnie says into the quiet wind.

"Really?" I tilt my head to the side to see his beautiful face.

Donnie lays on his back with his hands underneath his head, making his biceps flex. "Yeah. One of the kids in school said that this is the perfect time of year to see it."

I can't remember the number of times that Donnie and I gazed upon the stars. We would sit on his rooftop and watch the stars twinkle. We saw a shooting star at one point, and Donnie and I then wished upon a star. We could never reveal what our wishes were; we just hoped they would come true.

"A month after we moved, I sat on the roof of our new home and prayed to the stars. I must've been out there almost every night," Donnie begins to say. "I prayed for them to look after you when I couldn't and asked them to bring you back to me."

He rolls his head to face me. "And they did. Even if the stars were eight years too late."

His words touch the special place in my heart that only he occupies. It's the one spot I reserve solely for him because he holds the power to heal it when it's broken, bringing it back to life.

A tear rolls down my face, and I close my eyes to soothe the burn. The overwhelming feeling I'm experiencing is relieving his absence for years, and I hate it.

Hate all the years we missed.

I never knew how much I could love someone. Loving your family, children, and best friends is a different type of love. My love for Donnie is an unbreakable bond that is strong enough to kill me if I lose him in any way. I had been broken for the longest time, but when Donnie returned, he made my heart beat again.

Hebrought me back to life.