A/N: And no, before you ask, this updating every day thing isn't going to be the norm LOL. I was bored and decided to continue a bit so here is the next chapter. I'll try to have 16 up by the end of this week but I'm working every day so we'll see. Enjoy and THANK YOU as always for the comments you have been leaving, they are appreciated like whoa!
Chapter FIFTEEN
The only light on in the house was the one shining from their bedroom. Kimberly parked her car behind Bobby's SUV and climbed out, Angel already softly shutting his door. He grabbed her briefcase before she could object and motioned her towards the house, smiling as she rolled her eyes but started that way regardless.
Quietly they both shed their coats, Angel shutting the front door and locking it, Kimberly kicking off her shoes and picking them up while grabbing her briefcase. She could see the light coming from the closed bedroom door and for a few minutes, she stood there at the bottom of the stairs. Angel said nothing and made his way past her, the bedroom door he shared with Sofi opening and closing softly behind him.
She wasn't sure how long she stood there but when the grandfather clock in the living room chimed it startled her. One foot in front of the other was the method taught since birth and yet it was like learning it all over again as she went up. She might have stumbled, she wasn't sure and suddenly she was at their door. Her free hand hovered over the knob at hearing the sob that came from behind the door. It caused her own eyes to tear up and she blinked quickly to clear her vision. She grabbed the knob, turned and after a deep breath pushed it forward.
Bobby didn't move from his position on the floor, his back against the bed as he sat there with a bottle of Jack between his bent legs. His red eyes locked on her face and for the longest time neither moved.
Kimberly shut the door with her foot and lowered her things onto the floor. She remained quiet while she approached him, nothing but silence between them as she bent down to rest on her knees between his open legs, her knees brushing up against the bottle. She moved the liquor bottle to the side and reached out to touch the side of his face, her thumb brushing away a lone tear from his face.
"I love you."
"Kimmy..."
"I love you." She repeated. "I love how you make me smile when I don't have a reason. I love how you make me laugh when there's nothing to laugh at. I love you because you see me as a woman worthy to know your family and your daughter. I love you because you make me feel and that's the only thing I need." She sighed as he pressed his lips into the palm of her hand touching him. "But when you scare me Bobby, when you yell and when you say things that are hurtful with the intent to or not, some of that love starts to fade."
"I'm sorry Kimmy." His voice cracked. "I really am sorry."
"I can't be in a relationship where I have to walk around on egg shells Bobby. I can't be that woman that tells herself everything is fine when it's not; the one that stays in a relationship where she continuously has to rebuild that love in order to not feel like a fool for staying in the first place."
He sighed as her hand lowered and reached for the Jack, sipping at the liquid before he spoke again. "I'm the fool for mistreating you when you've done nothing but love me Kimmy and I won't blame you for leaving me."
Gently she took the bottle from him. "I'm not leaving you Bobby."
"Maybe you should." His eyes found hers again. "Because the thought of hurting you, it brings me more pain than I've ever felt in my entire life and it's the one thing I told myself I would never do to anyone ever again."
"Is that what you want?" She lowered the bottle to rest between them. "Do you want me to walk out right now? Does that option make you feel like you're actually doing me a favor? That you're protecting me in some way?"
"I went too far tonight, I know it but it was like I couldn't stop myself. I saw him touching you and I just... I just fucking lost it."
Kimberly lifted the bottle to her own lips and swallowed down some of the burning liquid. "Darius and I have been friends for a very long time. There was a time when we were everything to each other." She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and ignored the way his eyes flashed. "But it wasn't love, it was just what it was." She shrugged. "He's the one person in my entire life that has always been there and has seen past the bullshit of my life."
"So he wasn't lying about you two being lovers."
"That was a long time ago Bobby."
"Why didn't it work between you?" His voice was soft, almost a whisper.
"I met Darius when I was a sophomore in college and he was a senior. He just came up to me one day and we instantly connected over art and literature and for a while everything was good. But then my father found out and he made it clear I was to never see Darius again. He wanted more for me he said and I was a fool for listening and believing because he was my father that he knew what was best for me."
"Was that the only reason it didn't work between you? Your father's dead now..."
"There wasn't a spark I've always been desperately searching for and we are much better as friends." She shrugged and sipped at the Jack again. "Darius will always be important to me and I'm completely honest when I say I will give up everything I know before I give up his friendship." She handed him the bottle. "But I don't love him. I love you Bobby. Despite very much wanting to beat your head in with a heavy object, I love you and that's why I'm sitting here in front of you now."
"Will it make you feel better if I give you a heavy object?"
She smiled hesitantly at him. "I think you know what will make me feel better."
"If you want me to grovel, I will Kimmy. Whatever I have to do to prove to you I'm sorry, I'll do it."
"I don't want you to grovel. I just want you to love me."
"I can do that."
"Where it counts Bobby." She pressed a finger against his chest. "And I want you to stop this desire you have to be the only one that provides for this family. I want to help. I'm a part of this family now and there's no sense in arguing over something that helps us all out in the long run."
"I hate depending on someone else to provide what I feel is my obligation to do in this family. I want to take care of Marley." Bobby grabbed her and kissed her knuckles. "I want to take care of you."
"You do take care of us Bobby."
"I don't feel like I do, not where it counts."
She sighed as she moved the bottle out of the way and moved into his arms, settling her body between his open legs. He rested his chin against the top of her head. "I love you; that's all that matters."
"I'm so sorry baby. Please don't leave me."
"I'm sorry too. And I'm not going anywhere Bobby but promise me we'll both try harder to make this work. I know it feels like I'm nagging you but-"
He kissed the top of her head. "I love you Kimberly. I'll make you happy. I promise."
"You already make me happy." She closed her eyes and listened to the now steady beat of his heart. "Just keep making me happy."
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[A Week Later]
"I want this job to be completed before the end of the year is upon us, Gentlemen." Kimberly looked at each man at the long table slowly as she talked. "Due to poor condition, the current building on the property will be demolished. Construction begins a week after demolition to ensure adequate time for the cleanup crew to handle debris."
"Is it true you're going to hire Four Brothers Construction to handle the rebuilding?"
Her eyes cut to Daniel Powers sitting at the end, the middle-aged banker completely relaxed as he stared back at her. "I haven't hired a company yet but they are an option."
"Are we sure that's an intelligent decision to make?"
"If there's any hesitation on your part, you're more than welcome to walk out the door located behind me." She smiled. "Your hesitation will no doubt lead to loss of revenue for your company but I'm sure I'll sleep just fine with the decision." The entire table chuckled and she leaned back in her seat. "Must I remind you that I invited you here as a gesture of good will Mr. Powers? My project will redefine Detroit as a city that cares and in the long run, your company will benefit greatly by investing in it. Why question the minor details and not focus on the bigger picture?"
"I'm only questioning exactly how my money will be invested. I agree with the project being a fantastic idea for us and the city but there are many steps between the start and finish."
She smiled thinly at him. "You let me worry about the minor details." She glanced away from him. "I am confident this project will see light of day and be a success but if by some chance it's not, and we are talking a very small margin of chance here Gentlemen, I will personally refund you your entire investment."
The table started to chatter quietly and she rocked back in the desk chair. A hand falling upon her shoulder startled her and she looked over her shoulder to see Melody. "Sorry to bother you but Bobby's here to see you."
"Why? It's not even lunch time yet. Is something wrong?"
"He won't say but he's..." Melody paused. "You should come see for yourself."
Kimberly immediately rose to her feet. "Excuse me Gentlemen but I'm going to have to cut this meeting short. If you are still interested in investing into this project, do call the front desk tomorrow and set up an appointment for a private meeting." Without waiting for a response, she exited the room, Melody shutting the door behind them. "Where is he?"
"I showed him to your office."
"Is he..." Kimberly paused and inhaled a deep breath. "Do I need to get the first aid kit?"
Melody shook her head. "Just go Kimberly. I'll make sure no one bothers you. Should I cancel the rest of your appointments for today?"
"Might as well. I doubt I'll be in the mood to handle anything else. Please make sure my guests leave safely."
"Of course."
Kimberly couldn't help herself and she took the stairs instead of the elevator in order to walk off the nerves she was suddenly filling her entire system. It took her only a few minutes to reach her floor and then she was standing at her door, her hand on the knob. She forced herself to inhale sharply again before she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Bobby, are you- Oh my god." She felt her knees go weak at the sight of him. "Oh my god Bobby, what happened to you?"
"According to Angel I got in a fight with a weed whacker but what the hell does he know?" Bobby shrugged and took a step forward. "What's the matter? Did I come at a bad time?"
"I..." She stared at him and took a step forward as well. "You... You cut your hair and your clothes..."
He stopped directly in front of her, his hair cropped short. He had kept his goatee but trimmed it, his cheeks scruffy. His clothes had changed from baggy jeans and black tee shirts to black slacks and a white dress shirt. "What are you doing standing all the way over there?"
Her eyes took in his clothes. "I'm right in front of you."
"That's not close enough." Bobby reached out to thread his fingers through hers and pull her against him. "There, that's better." He drifted the fingers of his free hand across her forehead, gently brushing back her hair. "Are you busy?"
"Right now I think I'm stunned." She smiled slowly. "I... God, you clean up good Bobby." Her eyes studied his. "Why did you do this?"
"I did it for you."
"But-"
He frowned as she hesitated. "What is it? What did I do wrong?" He reached up to wipe at her cheek when a lone tear trickled down. "Baby, don't cry."
"I love you."
"I love you too." He kissed her softly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong Bobby. I can't believe you did this for me." She flattened her hands against his chest. "It means a lot to me but you didn't have to do this. I loved you just the way you are."
"A hair cut and fancy clothes don't change who I am Kimmy. I just wanted..." He shrugged. "I wanted to do something special for you."
Kimberly smiled and tightened her hold on him as she leaned in to kiss him. "You did Bobby and you've made me very happy. I love your hair." She giggled. "You were beginning to have a mullet."
"Woman, I loved my hair."
"I'm not going to agree but you look so good. You've always looked good."
"Keep going."
She giggled kissing him again. "You're definitely hot." She kissed him again. "But..."
"But?"
"Don't get upset but I love your old clothes more."
Bobby studied her for a few minutes then slowly smiled. "Yeah?"
"Especially those hoodies. Every time I see you it's hard not to just rip it off your body." She giggled as he nuzzled her neck playfully. "So you can keep the hair cut but the clothes can be returned."
"I'll keep that in mind."
She was smiling as she pulled back to connect their eyes. "So you came all this way to show off your new look?"
"That's part of it."
"And the rest is...."
"I made reservations tonight at this restaurant downtown. I want to take you out to dinner." He chucked as her eyes widened. "Yes, I am capable of using the phone and making a reservation."
Kimberly smiled at that but it faltered as she processed the information. "But what about Marley?" She frowned. "And what's the occasion?"
"I have to have a reason to take you out to dinner? Angel and Sofi were more than happy to look after Marley while we're out. I'm going to take you out as soon as you get off of work and we'll come back in time to tuck our daughter into bed, how about that?"
Her smile widened. "It sounds wonderful. I'm just so surprised..."
"That's the point of a surprise."
"You sure you haven't done this for a particular reason?"
"I love you that and I know you've been working hard lately even when you haven't felt all that great so I thought why not?" He shrugged and with a smile pressed his lips against hers. "Pick you up at six?"
Kimberly nodded. "I love you too and yes, six sounds perfect."
1515151515151515151515
The Italian restaurant was a popular one located on the outskirt of town and Kimberly gazed around at the low lights and decorated tables. She accepted her menu with a smile, glancing over at Bobby as he accepted his as well and the hostess moved away. He had changed into a nice black suit, a white shirt left unbuttoned beneath it.
"What?" He flashed a smile at her as he opened his menu. "What are you looking at me like that?"
"I love you."
"I love you too baby, you know that. You want wine?"
She nodded and opened her menu. "This place is really nice. It usually takes a while to get a table."
"It wasn't easy but I know a guy who cooks here so he helped me out." Bobby unbuttoned his jacket and slid it off.
"How did you know I'd like this place?"
"I might have asked Melody." He grinned again. "I can't tell you how happy I was to find out this place serves steak and dark beer."
"We can always go to McDonalds."
He grinned again and ran his hand over his short hair. "Damn, I can't get over the fact I cut my hair."
"Do you like it?"
"It's different but yeah, I like it." He reached out and thread his fingers through hers.
"You look so handsome Bobby. I mean, you're still you but it definitely adds something. I just want to be perfectly sure you did it because you truly wanted to and you know I love you and it's great you wanted to do something for me but-"
"Kimmy, baby!" Bobby chuckled and lifted her right hand to kiss her knuckles. "I love you and all that matters to me is that you're happy. Let's just order now, okay?"
She nodded and minutes later the waitress was moving away with their orders of merlot, beer, chicken alfredo pasta, and steak. The atmosphere was enjoyable, lights low with soft music in the background and Kimberly found she couldn't stop smiling at the man sitting across from her.
Catching her eyes again, Bobby chuckled and smiled. "Keep smiling like that and your lips are gonna fall off."
Kimberly blushed but didn't stop smiling. "That'd be a shame. What would you kiss?"
"I'm sure I could find something." His eyes darkened and he lifted her hand to brush his lips softly over her skin.
"Since when did you become so smooth Bobby Mercer?"
"What are you talking about? I've been this smooth since grade school, Woman." He lowered her hand back to the table but continued to stroke the skin there in slow circles. He cleared his throat. "I have to admit I never know this place was here until Melody mentioned you liked it. Why didn't you ever tell me about it?"
"I'm not...sure exactly. It just never came up and I've been so busy lately..." She shrugged. "Besides, I like coming home to fix dinner for you and Marley." Her eyes rose from the table back to his. "I like cooking for our family."
He surprised her when he didn't answer and instead rose to his feet. "Bobby?" Fear gripped her for a second. "Did I say something-" Her breath caught in her throat when he angled her chair sideways and kneeled down in front of her. "Bobby?"
"This isn't how I wanted to do this but after that answer..." He grabbed her left hand, his eyes on hers as he dug into his right pocket.
Her eyes went wide at the sight of the small black box and everyone in the restaurant faded away as realization hit her with force. Her mouth dry but she said nothing, continuing to stare in amazement at him.
"I'm not one for fancy speeches so I'm just going to come out and say this. You know I love you baby. I love you more than any woman I've ever known. There ain't no one else in this world that makes me feel the way you do and... Shit, that sounds like a speech." He shook his head. "Fuck, Kimberly Anne Carter, will you marry me? Will you be my wife?"
She couldn't help smiling at him, the nervousness in his face and voice clear as day. "You certainly have a way with words Bobby Mercer."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes." She nodded. "It's a yes Bobby."
Almost fumbling with the box, he popped it open and she gazed down at the antique ring snuggled lovingly into the velvet lining.
"Oh Bobby, it's beautiful."
"It used to be my mother's."
Kimberly watched as he lifted the ring from the box. Their hands were shaking as he slipped it onto her engagement finger. It fit her perfectly and she stared down at the ring. It truly was beautiful, a single diamond set off by a thick band of smaller ones. Smiling, she leaned forward to kiss him. "It's beautiful. I love it and I love you." As she moved back, she caught the eye of the waitress that had returned. "And I believe our drinks are here."
Bobby returned her smile and stood so the waitress to get room to place down her wine before setting a frosted glass and beer bottle beside his plate. They thanked her and he shifted his chair closer to hers before taking a seat again.
"That went a lot smoother than I imagined."
She withdrew her eyes away from the ring to meet his. "How did you imagine it?"
"Me fumbling a lot more for one thing." Bobby chuckled. "And I thought I'd wait at least until after we had eaten but I just couldn't do it. I had to force myself to wait until we got to the restaurant in the first place."
"Is that why we're here? You had planned all this just to propose?"
"I wanted things to be special."
She smiled again and lifted her glass to her lips. "Everything you do for me is special Bobby." She sipped at the wine and sighed. "I can't believe this is real."
"I was just about to say the same thing."
"I imagine Jerry and Angel gave you a hard time about your hair and your clothes."
Bobby rolled his eyes as he lowered his beer bottle back down on the table, the glass pushed to the side. "Jerry and Camille gave me this fucking speech about how it was so nice to see me look like an actual adult now and Angel, well, he just wanted me to give him a black eye."
"Bobby, you didn't!"
"You're too damn cute baby; no, I didn't. God knows I wanted to but all the kids were around so I'm gonna save that beating for when he least expects it."
Kimberly rolled her eyes and sipped at her wine again. She lowered the glass onto the table. "I'm suddenly not very hungry Bobby."
His eyebrows furrowed, a look of concern crossing his face. "What's the matter? Are you not feeling good, is it your stomach again?" He squeezed her fingers. "We can get a box to go."
"Maybe I should clarify. I'm suddenly not very hungry for food." She watched as his eyes darkened, those brown eyes following the movement of her tongue as she licked her lips of the taste of wine that lingered behind.
Eyebrows up, Bobby lifted his hand at the waitress. "Check please!"