Page 31 of Love’s Decree

“Go in there and let that woman know you’re okay. She really loves you. I can’t believe you’ve found your person,” she expressed.

I smiled at Alexis and gave her a hug. By now, Wolf had made his way toward us. As they prepared to leave, I thanked them for everything. I promised to get with them later. Then I went toward my room, where I found Rory sleeping peacefully. I showered before I hopped in bed beside her.

After getting in bed, I reached over to peck her cheek.

“Did everything go well?” she asked groggily.

“Yes. I took care of our problem.”

“Thank you, baby. I love you.”

“I love you more,” I said back. My heart swelled at the admission. I loved this woman, and loving her had been one of the easiest things for me to do in life.

18

AASIM

Ihad a few surprises for Rory today. First up, we were going to go to the community center. Mr. Jacob and the kids meant the world to me. It was important to me that the woman I loved understood their significance in my life. Rory surprised me when she threw on her motorcycle jacket I got her. I loved that she wasn’t afraid to ride on the back of my bike anymore.

The ride over to the community center was short. Rory’s grip wasn’t as tight as it was during our last ride. With each ride, I could feel her becoming more comfortable. When we pulled up to the community center, I asked, “You think you’ll be ready to ride your own bike soon?”

Rory smirked, then shook her head. “What if I just like riding on the back of your bike? I like the closeness it gives us.”

I couldn’t argue with that. We walked toward the door of the community center, and I pulled it open. The first thing I saw was some kids running back and forth.

“Aye, stop running inside! Y’all know better than that!” I yelled out to them. At the sound of my voice, they stopped in their tracks then ran over to me.

“Aasim, did you bring us some candy?” Ronnie asked.

“Aasim, are you going to race with us again?” Kevin asked.

“What did I tell y’all about manners? We should start with hello, and then you need to speak to the woman beside me. Let’s try again, fellas,” I said.

In unison, they said, “Hi, Aasim. Hello, ma’am.”

I looked over to Rory, who laughed at the kids.

“Ronnie, Kevin, this is my lady, Rory. I didn’t bring candy today, but here’s some cash for the candy store. We can race another day. I can’t stay long. Cool?”

“Cool,” they both said as they took the money from my hand.

I shook their little hands and walked to the back of the center. Rory looked around, taking everything in. There were kids filling just about every inch of the place. The older kids had a basketball game going on. Some of the younger kids were in a corner drawing. There was another group having what looked like a dance off. They filled the place with their smiles and laughter. I loved it here.

When I reached Mr. Jacob’s office, I gently knocked on the door. He looked up and jumped out of his seat to hug me.

“There goes my boy. Where you been, son?” he asked as we hugged.

“You know… handling business before I transition,” I said.

“I hope you came by to tell me that transition is happening soon. I’m an old man who’s not getting any younger, you know? These kids are running me ragged.”

“Soon, old man. I’ll be here real soon. Let me introduce you to my ol’ lady. Mr. Jacob, this is Rory. Rory, this is Mr. Jacob,” I said.

“It’s nice to meet you. Aren’t you a beauty?” Mr. Jacobs said.

“Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Jacob. I love what you’ve done here. The kids are so happy here,” Rory replied.

Mr. Jacob didn’t hesitate to offer Rory a tour of the place. We spent the rest of the afternoon with the kids. The bright smile I loved to see on Rory’s face never left. She was attentive to each child we introduced her to. When one girl asked what she did for a living, Rory truly lit up. She went from watching the kids from afar to telling about her journey to become an attorney.