Chapter V: Welcome Home
Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 - Charlotte, NC
CJ awoke from his deep slumber with a smile on his face like a kid in a candy shop as he looked around the guest room that was formerly his bedroom. He was home. A place that he had missed and longed for. It had been many years since he last came home. He had been extremely dedicated to Professional Wrestling and it had taken him away from them but thanks to Christmas and the consistent schedule of NXT, at the moment, he was finally able to come home.
Christmas. A holiday that meant so much to so many people. The holiday that marked the birth of Christ. Cedric's personal favorite holiday. Aside from his own personal holiday which was his birthday this was his favorite. But this year's Christmas ahd a very special place in his heart. This was his first Christmas with his family in a very long time. He had spent a lot of time on the road competing and honing his craft but he was now back.
He was back home in one of the few places, he could honestly say that he felt was home and that place was Charlotte, North Carolina. The place where he met his bestfriend, where he graduated from college and where he start his training under Reginald King. He had a lot of memories with this place which was why he always considered it home over the place where he was born.
CJ stretched his arms wide, relishing the familiar comfort of his childhood bedroom. Photos of memorable times adorned the walls, reminding him of the journey he had undertaken to get to where he was now. The road had been tough, but it had led him back to the warmth of his loved ones.
"Cedric get your but downstairs!" yelled his older sister, Desiree from downstairs making CJ chuckle as he shook his head and then got up from his bed and grabbed a tank top from his suitcase before he put it on and exited the bedroom to go downstairs and join the family.
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"Good Morning son," said CJ's 42-year-old mother. She possessed an undeniable beauty and grace. Her face, a perfect symmetrical face with high cheekbones. Her skin, flawless and radiant with a chocolate complexion that seemed to glow from within. Her eyes captivating pools of deep, soulful brown, filled with wisdom and intensity. They had a magnetic quality that drew people in. Her expressive eyebrows frame her eyes, adding to her allure. Her lips, full and luscious, are a testament to her confidence and sensuality. She possessed a strong and defined jawline adding a touch of assertiveness to her facial features. Her face was complemented by a cascade of thick, dark curls. She had a powerful and athletic physique with a toned and sculpted body that reflected her dedication to maintaining her physical well-being.
CJ walked towards his mother and placed a kiss on her cheek and hugged her before walking waltzing over to his father.
His father possessed a handsome and noble visage, with dignified feature befitting of the stalwart patriarch. He had warm brown skin and intense eyes that radiated passion and strength of spirit. Though his hair had faded to a distinguished silver, hints of his original black locks that remained amidst the gray. He had a strong, square jaw and broad shoulders that spoke of countless trials faced and hardships overcome through pure grit and determination. While age had lined his face with experience, his body remained powerfully built from a lifetime of toil. Beneath calloused hands that had known only honesty labor, dark tattoos swirled in solidarity with those who came before. Their esoteric symbols and patterns told tales of ancestral guidance and protection from generations past. Eyes that mirrored the rich chocolate gaze of his beloved wife held pride for his family and a fierce will to provide for them, come what may. Lips accustomed to offering wisdom and comfort were now softened by smiles reserved only for those he held most dear.
"Good Morning pop," CJ said as he walked towards his father and hugged him. His dad chuckled as he looked up from the newspaper and looked up at his son with a smile.
"Good Morning to you son," Cedric Sr and Cedric Jr looked damn near identical except for a few difference but just about damn near the same.
"Where did Desiree go?"
"Your sister Desiree went to the airport. She just wanted to make sure you were awake until she came back."
"Who is she going to get from the airport?" CJ asked as his mother handed him a cup of coffee, straight black just like how he liked it. CJ smiled and nodded towards his mother and raised the cup up to his lips.
"She said something about getting your sisters and your brother. And going to get your Christmas present," Kimberly said with a sly smile while CJ looked at her with a confused frown. CJ then turned his head as he heard his phone ring making him pick it up and look at the screen. He smiled at the name that appeared and pressed the answer button and walked out of the kitchen as he put the phone up to his ear.
"Good Morning," Keana said on the phone as CJ smiled wide while he stood tall in the hallway.
"Good Morning to you too beautiful," CJ replied as he heard her giggles on the other end of the line making his smile widen.
"I'm honestly surprised you took my call. I thought you'd be too busy with your family."
"Nah babygirl, I'd always make time for you," he said with a voice filled with sincerity. He heard a slight giggle over the line.
"Smooth, that was real smooth."
"So what are you doing calling me? Shouldn't you be enjoying the holidays with your family?"
"I'm not really close to my parents. My brother is the only real family, I have and he's currently in Houston with his girlfriend and his kids and my roommate is out of town for the next week, so I'm by myself for the next few days," she said as a small lightbult went off inside the head of the squared circle gladiator.
"Keana, why don't you come over? Spend Christmas with me and my family," he suggested earnestly, "I don't want you to be alone."
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, followed by a soft sigh. "CJ, that's really sweet of you, but I don't want to intrude on your family time. Besides, it's a long journey, and I don't want to impose."
CJ's voice carried a gentle insistence. "You're not imposing at all, Keana. Trust me, my family would love to have you here. We're all about spreading love and joy during the holidays. And as for the journey, I can buy your ticket and come pick you up from the airport. The nearest flight to Charlotte is at 11:15."
He would be lying if he said he hadn't been researching a way to get her here even before she even said what she said. He had never heard her talk about her parents or any other members of her family so he just assumed there weren't any but now that he had heard a little on their relationship.
There was another brief period of silence on the end before he heard a chuckle on the other end.
"Sounds like you've been plotting," she said.
"Baby, I'm cerebral both in and out of the ring," he said as he let out a small chuckle.
Keana laughed, the sound carrying a mix of surprise and delight. "Well, I must say, I'm impressed by your planning skills, CJ. But are you sure your family is okay with this? I don't want to impose or make anyone uncomfortable."
"Listen, we would love to have you here with us."
After a small pause that felt like an eternity, Keana took a deep breath and spoke.
"You said 11:15, right?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright, I'll see you in a few hours. And thank you."
"Babygirl, you don't have to thank me, I'll see you in a few."
"Okay, bye," she said hanging up with a nervous giggle. The call ended on the line making CJ chuckle as he put the phone back into his pocket and walked back into the kitchen to meet the stares of his mother and father making him freeze in place.
"Did I miss something?"
CJ's parents exchanged knowing glances, a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. His mother, with a warm smile on her face, approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No, sweethear, you didn't miss anything," she said, her voice filled with affection. "We overheard your conversation, and we think it's wonderful that you invited Keana to spend Christmas with us."
CJ's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected his parents to be eavesdropping, but their reaction put him at ease. He realized that they had already embraced Keana as part of their extended family, just as he had.
His father chimed in, his voice full of warmth. "Son, family isn't just about blood. It's about the connections we make and the love we share. Ever since you were little you were always a great judge of character so I trust that this woman has a good head on her shoulders."
CJ's heart swelled with gratitude. He was reminded once again of the incredible family he was blessed with. Their open-heartedness and acceptance were a testament to the values they had instilled in him.
"I'm glad you're both okay with it. I'm sorry I didn't ask before, but when I heard her say she was spending her holiday alone, I just had to change that," CJ replied, a mix of relief and excitement in his voice. "I really want to make this Christmas special for Keana. She's a special girl, I know it's been only been a month since we've been seeing each other but I want to show her that I'm along for the ride."
His mother gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "We know, CJ. And we can see how much she means to you. We're excited to meet her and make her feel like part of our family."
CJ's worries melted away as he soaked in the love and support of his parents. The thought of Keana joining them for Christmas filled him with a renewed sense of joy and anticipation.
"I love both of you," CJ's words were heartfelt, filled with the love and gratitude he held for his parents. His mother's eyes shimmered with tears as she pulled him into a warm embrace, holding him tightly.
"We love you too, CJ," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You've grown into an incredible young man, and we couldn't be prouder of you."
His father joined in the embrace, wrapping his arms around both CJ and his mother. "Son, you bring so much light and happiness into our lives. We're grateful for the person you've become and the love you share with others."
In that moment, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family, CJ felt a profound sense of belonging. He knew that no matter what challenges life brought, his family would be there to support him and celebrate his joys.
As they released each other from the embrace, CJ wiped away a stray tear, a smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Mom, Dad. This means the world to me. I can't wait for you to meet Keana and welcome her into our family."
His mother nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We can't wait either, son. It's going to be a Christmas to remember."
And with that CJ and his parents started to scurry around to start on the decorations and the other preparations before Desiree returned from the airport with his siblings.
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A couple of hours had passed and now ti was finally time for CJ to pick up the woman who had his attention. He leaned up against his rental car his arms folded as he sported a a black sweatsuit of his brand with a pair of Jordan 5 "PSG" and a red fitted Cincinatti Reds cap to the back. CJ stood there heart pounding with anticipation for her arrival. It was crazy to think about the direction that life had taken him, especially when it came down to this woman. He had met her just 25 Days ago and had taken her out on a date and now he was flying her out to spending the holidays with his family and meet her parents. To put it frank, shit like that doesn't happen everyday. In fact shit like this never happens but it was happening for Ced.
His thoughts were cut off when his eyes caught a glimpse of the one and only Ms. Keana Parker clad in a simple grey sweatsuit with a blue denim jacket and a pair of "Game Royal" Jordan 1s. Seeing her in a simple outfit with sneakers showed him that she appreciated sneakers just as much as he did. Another green flag for her.
"Hey," she greeted with a smile as she got closer to him and stood just mere inches from him allowing him to see her face. She had a light layer of make-up on her face accentuaitng her beauty, not that she really needed it.
He pulled her into a tight embrace, his arm gentling curving around her waist whilst his other arm extneindg cradle her head against his broad shoulder. His powerful frame enveloping around Keana protectivelty but not restrictively.
"Hey babygirl," CJ replied whispering into her ear as he held her tight. Warmth raditiing between their bodies as Keana relaxes into Cedric's solid yet tender embrace while her smile grew wider.
When they pulled away, she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you for inviting me, I'm glad to be here."
He smiled as he reached into his pocket for the keys, opening the trunk.
"I'm glad you just accepted my invitation to come," he said as he reached down and grabbed her luggage from her grasp to place it in the trunk.
"Well, I had nothing better to do and I figured why not join you and your family and see what kinda family you come from," she said as he chuckled while he closed the trunk and walked back around to the passenger side opening the door for her.
CJ's heart swelled with affection as he admired Keana's playful yet genuine response. He closed the car door behind her, making his way to the driver's side with a grin on his face.
"Trust me, you're going to love my family," he assured her, his voice filled with confidence. "They're just as excited to meet you."
Keana settled into the comfortable seat, adjusting herself as CJ started the engine.
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The couple of Cedric Harvey Jr and Keana Parker pulled up right outside the family home of the Harvey family. It wasn't a huge house by most people's standards but it was a pretty big home, a 2 story home with a nice sized lawn with a large tree out front with a swing set and rocking chairs on the porch of the home.
He turned off the car and stepped out, making his way around to the passenger side. He put his hand on the door handle and pulled it open, opening the door for Keana.
Keana stepped out of the car, her eyes scanning the picturesque house and the warm, inviting atmosphere surrounding it. She couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with a touch of nervousness. This was the moment she had been waiting for—the moment she would meet CJ's family and get a glimpse into the life that had shaped him.
CJ extended his hand, his gaze filled with reassurance and love. "Ready to meet the Harvey clan?" he asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
Keana smiled, her heart pounding with a mix of emotions. She reached out, intertwining her fingers with his, drawing strength from their connection. "Absolutely. I'm excited to meet them and get to know the people who have shaped you into the amazing person you are."
Hand in hand, they made their way up the porch steps, the floorboards creaking beneath their weight. CJ's mother had caught sight of them through the window and swung open the front door, a wide smile spreading across her face.
"Keana, welcome!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and joy. She enveloped Keana in a tight embrace taking her by surprise, her motherly affection engulfing her, making CJ and Cedric Sr chuckle.
His father appeared beside his wife, extending a hand to Keana with a genuine smile on his face. "And you must be Keana. We've heard so much about you. Welcome to our home."
Keana shook his hand, feeling an instant connection. "Thank you so much. It's an honor to be here."
As they stepped into the house, Keana was greeted by the warm aroma of holiday delicacies and the sound of laughter and chatter. The living room was adorned with festive decorations, and the Christmas tree stood tall, adorned with sparkling lights and colorful ornaments.
"Everyone, I'd like you all to meet Keana," CJ said introducing the woman in his life for the past few weeks to everyone he loved dearly, "These are my siblings."
CJ's siblings gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity and welcoming smiles on their faces. Keana felt a surge of warmth as she looked at each of them, realizing the significance of this moment. These were the people who had been a part of CJ's life since the beginning—the ones who had shared his joys and supported him through the challenges.
First, CJ introduced his older sister, Desiree, whose radiant smile instantly made Keana feel at ease. Desiree embraced Keana warmly, expressing her excitement about getting to know her better.
Next were Brianna and Kaylee, CJ's younger sisters. Brianna had a lively and outgoing personality, her laughter contagious and her energy infectious. Kaylee, on the other hand, had a calm and thoughtful nature, her eyes reflecting wisdom beyond her years. Keana felt an instant connection with both of them, appreciating the unique bond between siblings and the individuality they brought to the family dynamic.
Lastly, CJ pointed to Marcus, his younger brother, who greeted Keana with a high-five and an enthusiastic smile. Marcus had a mischievous spirit and a knack for making people laugh. Keana could tell that he brought a sense of playfulness and energy to their lives, and she couldn't help but smile at his vibrant presence.
"I hope everyone's hungry, I made Aunt Linda's famous Lasagna," said Cedric's mother as she called for everyone from the dining room. Aunt Linda was his great aunt on his mother side, his grandmothers sister and her Lasagna was something that had been in the family for generations and everyone loved it especially Cedric who hadn't had it since his senior year of high school.
"Shall we Ms. Parker?" Cedric said as he extended a hand out to Keana.
"We shall," she said as a smile curved on her lips and followed him into the dining room to enjoy a nice dinner with his family. The family gathered around, filling the room with warmth and conversation. Keana felt a deep sense of belonging, as if she had always been a part of this loving family.
Throughout the evening, stories were shared, memories were cherished, and laughter echoed through the house. Keana discovered the unique quirks of each family member, the special bonds they shared, and the values they held dear. It was clear that CJ had been shaped by their love and guidance, and she felt grateful to be a part of this close-knit circle.
Amidst the joyful chaos, CJ's mother, Mrs. Harvey, stood up and raised her glass. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her.
"To Keana," she began, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "Thank you for bringing so much happiness into our son's life and becoming a part of our family. We are grateful to have you here, and we look forward to creating beautiful memories together. Cheers!"
The glasses chimed together, and heartfelt toasts followed, expressing love, acceptance, and the joy of newfound connections. Keana felt her heart overflow with gratitude for this genuine and loving family who had welcomed her with open arms.
As the night drew to a close, CJ walked Keana to the guest room of the home where she would be sleeping tonight. hand in hand. They stood in the doorway, basking in the quiet moments of reflection.
"You did great today," Keana whispered, her voice filled with admiration. "Your family is incredible, nothing like mine," she said as her sight trailed down to the ground as her mind drifted off to her own family. And how much of a proverbial shit show hers was.
"Hey, we're not perfect trust me we all have our vices and our bad traits. Remember, you can't pick your family. Your family may have their faults but they're still your family and they love you. And if they produced a woman like you, I'm pretty sure they're great people," he whispered to her as he placed a finger under her chin forcing her to look eyes with him. She offered a small nod making him give her a small grin.
He leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for being by my side, Keana. This Christmas is more special because of you."
"Good night," she said.
"Good night," CJ replied, his voice filled with tenderness. He held her hand for a moment longer, savoring the connection they shared before he started to walk away while her eyes were glued to him watching as he walked away.
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The warm gentle glow of the sunlight cut through the linen curtains of the guest bedroom of the Harvey family house. Keana stirred, slowly awakening from a peaceful slumber. As she stretched and yawned, memories of the previous day's heartfelt gathering with CJ's family flooded her mind.
She couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment that she had longed for in her own family dynamics. Today held the promise of a new day—a continuation of the familial relationship between the Harvey family.
The aroma of of coffee wafted through the house, signaling the start of a new morning filled with possibilities. She would barely get a moment to herself before her phone began ringing making her take a deep breath as she pulled out her phone from underneath her pillow to see her best friend's name and picture coming across the screen. She took a deep breath bracing herself for what was coming next.
"Hello?"
"Keana Danielle LeAnna Parker, did you really let that man fly you out to his hometown to spend Christmas with his family?" her best friend, Leah chirped on the other end of the line, her voice filled with genuine interest. Keana let out a giggle on the line.
"Yes, I did!" Keana replied, her voice filled with excitement. "And let me tell you, Leah, it's been absolutely amazing! His family is amazing and they're so welcoming!"
Leah let out a mock gasp. "Oh my goodness, Keana! I can't believe you're already meeting the family. This sounds serious!" Her playful tone was laced with genuine curiosity.
Keana blushed, her heart fluttering at the thought of how deeply she felt connected to Cedric and his family. "It does feel serious, Leah. I've never experienced anything like this before. Like we've only meet each other a month ago and normally that lightbulb would be going off in my head but with him, I don't get that. I get this feeling when I'm around him and if I'm being honest, I love this feeling."
Her best friend's voice softened. "I'm so happy for you, Keana. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world. It sounds like you've found something truly special."
A mixture of gratitude and joy swelled within Keana's chest. She knew that Leah had been by her side through thick and thin, and her unwavering support meant the world to her. "Thank you, Leah. Your friendship means everything to me. I wish you could be here too, experiencing all of this with me."
Leah chuckled warmly. "Well, I'll just have to live vicariously through your stories. So, tell me everything! How did they welcome you? What did you do yesterday? I want all the details!"
Keana eagerly launched into a vivid retelling of the heartfelt moments she had experienced with CJ's family. She described the warmth of their embrace, the laughter that filled the air, and the sense of belonging that overwhelmed her. Leah listened intently, her genuine interest shining through her responses.
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The sound of the ball hitting the backboard rang out at the two Harvey heirs, CJ and Marcus both played in the driveway of the Harvey home. CJ just used his height advantage to grab the ball over his 5'0, 10 year old brother.
Marcus let out an exasperated sigh as CJ effortlessly snatched the ball away from him. He tried his best to keep up with his older brother, but the height difference always seemed to work against him. Despite the occasional frustration, Marcus admired CJ's skills on the basketball court.
CJ flashed a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with playful competition. "Come on, little bro, you gotta be quicker than that!"
Marcus narrowed his eyes, determination shining through. "Just you wait, CJ. One day, I'll beat you fair and square!"
"Yeah, you keep dreaming little bro!" CJ said as he drove straight to rim, putting the ball into the basket with a simple finger roll.
Their brotherly rivalry was a constant source of amusement for the Harvey family. CJ stood under the basket catching the ball.
"Check up," he said as he bounced the ball checking it in.
"You gotta give me some advice, I need a babe like Keana in my life," Marcus said making CJ chuckle. Marcus bounced between his left and right trying to get his brother with a dribble move but CJ had it out all scouted.
"You got Harvey blood man, you'll get a girl in no time. But you gotta be patient man," CJ advised, his voice filled with brotherly wisdom. "What matters most is being patient and true to yourself. The right person will come into your life at the right time."
Marcus nodded, absorbing CJ's words before he went for a behind the back move to catch CJ lacking before he was able to get shifty to force a step-back shot for 3. The ball shot straight through making a swish sound as it fell through the net.
"By the way, I think you should know Brianna invited Mercedes for dinner tomorrow night," Marcus said as CJ nearly froze in his steps. He turned around to face Marcus with a frown on his face.
"What?" CJ's expression shifted from confusion to realization. He furrowed his brow, trying to process the unexpected news.
"Brianna invited Mercedes for dinner?" CJ repeated, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Marcus nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Yep! She mentioned like a month ago. I don't know if she told you or not. I guess she's been talking to Mercedes and thought it would be a great opportunity for you two to hang out. It'd be cool for Keana to meet her."
CJ sighed as he ran a hand over his face. Mercedes was his ex, his past. A girl that he had ended things with but now he had Keana or at least was working towards something with Keana.
CJ's mind raced as conflicting emotions flooded his thoughts. He cared deeply for Keana and cherished the connection they were building. The idea of bringing Mercedes back into the picture felt like a disruption to the path he was on.
He met Marcus's gaze, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I thank you for telling me, how about this? Next shot wins it."
"You got it!" Marcus said as he realized he know had a shot to win this game after all, he was a better shooter than his brother.
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After the game that the two Harvey brothers had which saw CJ taking the win again, CJ came through the house heading straight to Brianna's room making sure not to be seen by any of his siblings or his parents. He walked into her room to see her laying down on her bed on her phone.
He closed the door and turned his attention to his sister.
"Look I don't know what the hell you're planning but I don't appreciate you trying to kill my relationship with Keana!"
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about?! I'm talking about you inviting Mercedes to dinner!"
"Hey! When I did that I didn't know Keana even existed. And if I could I would take it back but I can't, I already invited her and her plane landed this morning."
CJ's frustration turned into a mix of surprise and concern as he absorbed Bri's words. Mercedes was already on her way and whether he liked it or not, his ex would be meeting the girl he was trying to court into being his next girlfriend.
"Look Cedric, I'm sorry had I known about Keana, I wouldn't have invited Mercedes. I just wanted you to be happy and I thought you were single and might need a little help finding a relationship," Brianna explained, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't anticipate you being in a relationship. genuinely didn't mean to cause any harm."
CJ sighed, realizing that his initial anger had been misplaced. He could see the sincerity in Brianna's eyes and understood that she hadn't intentionally tried to sabotage his relationship.
"I appreciate your honesty, Bri," CJ said, his voice softer now. "I know you didn't do it on purpose. But now I gotta come up with a plan on how to handle this," CJ said turning around on his heal and walking out of the room leaving Bri standing there thinking about what transpired.
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CJ found himself standing in his bedroom looking outside his window looking on with a frown as he was trying to come up with a way to tell Keana about the situation at hand. He had his back to his door arms folded as he gazed out of the window.
Keana saw him from a distance and bit her lip as she saw her opportunity. She sneaked into the room and pounced onto his back startling CJ. He let out a surprised yelp before realizing it was Keana.
"Babygirl! What are you doing?" CJ exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and amusement in his voice. He turned around to face her, a smile forming on his lips as Keana grinned mischeviously jumping down form his back as he turned to face her.
"Just trying to find a way to get your attention," she replied playfully. "You seemed lost in thought and I thought a surprise attack might do the trick. I haven't seen you all morning."
CJ chuckled, feeling the tension easing as Keana's presence brought a sense of comfort. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. He had been taking his time with Keana moving at her pace doing what she felt was comfortable. This action already felt like a major reach but by the way her body seemed to curve against his and how she seemingly melted into his embrace, he knew it was worth it.
"Well, you definitely got my attention," CJ said, his voice filled with affection. "I was just thinking about how to handle a situation."
Keana's playful expression turned into one of concern. "What situation?"
CJ took a deep breath, deciding to be transparent with Keana. "Brianna invited someone to dinner tomorrow night."
Keana looked on with a confused look on her face as she locked eyes with CJ still in his arms.
"That someone is my ex, Mercedes," CJ said softly, his fingers gently stroking Keana's back. "It's complicated because Brianna didn't know about us when she invited her. I didn't expect this either, and I want to make sure you're comfortable with the situation."
Keana's brows furrowed as she processed the information, her eyes searching CJ's face for reassurance. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding.
"CJ, I appreciate your honesty and concern for my feelings," Keana spoke softly, her voice filled with warmth. "While it's unexpected, I trust you and I understand that sometimes life throws us curveballs. Butt I believe in us, we can handle this."
"Us?"
"Yeah, us," she said as a small smirk snaked its way onto his face. He leaned down placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. They had yet to have their first kiss and while that may have been a good moment, he was waiting for the perfect moment.