Page 87 of Surrender to Love

“No. He’s not but he’s still at the school and apparently likes her now and gave her this for Valentine’s Day. She’s so happy and I’m rolling my damn eyes. A mother never forgets.”

“Aww. Don’t do that. He’s a baby and that’s cute. Her first little valentine. He probably liked her then.”

“Well, he can stop liking her,” she scoffs and I laugh.

“Give her back her gifts,” I tell her and she rolls her eyes. “She probably doesn’t even remember that. Give her stuff back and stop being mean. He’s sorry.”

“We’ll see. I haven’t shown her daddy yet.”

“Good luck with that,” I say, then smirk. “These Bako men are a trip. Mine is glaring at me right now. I’m supposed to be getting ready.”

“Oh that’s right. The Butterfly Garden. Have fun.”

“Thanks and enjoy your night too. Love you.”

“Love you too, girl,” she says, then ends the call.

I look up at my handsome man then say with an apologetic smile, “I’m getting up.”

“Nah. Somebody got Niya something?” he asks with a too serious look.

“Yeah. A little boy at her school got her a cute little teddy bear and balloon for Valentine’s Day.”

“And Sis gon’ give that shit back to him, right?”

Wholly amused at him, I laugh then say, “No. It’s harmless. They’re babies and it’s cute. He likes her.”

“That’s how shit starts. A little nigga does something cute. Y’all buy into it then he’s her lil friend. He gets to come around. Then around eleven he’s talking her into touching. Then at thirteen, they fucking,” he says and I can’t control my laughter.

“You just took that to whole-nother-level. It’s a little balloon and bear.”

“I’m a man. I used to be that lil nigga and so were my brothers. That’s exactly how that shit goes.” He steps over, then pecks my lips. “Trust me. This is why we’re having boys.”

“Yeah, ’cause that’s exactly how it works in your world. Just because you say something doesn’t make it gospel. I can’t with you. Let me get dressed.”

“Go do that and I’m 'bout to call my bruh.”

“Do not call Quintus,” I say as I stand.

He doesn’t call Quintus but he definitely starts texting. That one finger is putting in work on the screen as he walks out. I change into my clothes, zip up my knee boots that he loves on me, and check myself in the full-length mirror before misting perfume in the air and letting it fall on me. When I make it downstairs, he’s in the kitchen grabbing the basket.

“You look good, baby.”

“Thank you. Just trying to match my sexy fiancé.”

“Your coat is in the truck. If you’re ready, we can roll,” he says and I just smile.

He always thinks of the little things, like grabbing my coat, starting his truck and warming the passenger seat for me, and listening, actually listening, to me. I probably mentioned this light show over six months ago and he remembered and secured two of the limited seats. I love Shiro, and for once, I know what it means when a man truly loves me back.

“I’m ready,” I admit.

Ready for everything we have planned for our life together.

We leave the house and head to the garden. When we arrive, there’s a short line for valet, but because we are the third vehicle, the wait isn’t long at all. We are out and walking to the entrance within fifteen minutes.

I love everything about the Butterfly Garden, especially the grand entrance. There’s a huge iron butterfly, colored by beautiful flowers and wrought iron benches with butterfly shaped backs are stationed throughout the garden for patrons to sit and enjoy nature in its glorious state. Even during the winter months, the garden is vibrant and full of color.

As soon as we enter, I walk him to the digital display board. I’m always curious to see which species currently inhabit the garden. There are four beauties on the large display screen: the Mourning Cloak, Gray Comma, Eastern Comma, and Milbert's Tortoiseshell.