Chapter 40 - Quadruple Trouble

Sadé's POV:

— Meeting The Girls

"Hi! I'm Sadé." I waved timidly, stepping forward with a smile.

"You're dating Sadé Myers?!" Both woman let out in pure shock.

"Surprise..." Marshall nervously let out with a breathy chuckle.

After they got over their shock we began greeting each other.

"I'm Alaina. It's nice to meet you, Sadé. I love your content." She shook my hand firmly.

She had medium length brown hair, hazel eyes that were on the greener side, and fair skin. She was super pretty and seemed really kind.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you as well." I smiled.

I then moved on to the only unknown person left, Stevie. I shook her hand as well.

"Hi, I'm Stevie. I'm also non-binary by the way."

"Do you go by they/them?" I asked, wanting to make Stevie comfortable by not mislabeling them.

"I do. Thank you for respecting that." They smiled warmly that I accepted them.

I accept everyone. That's one thing about me that will never change. I don't care if you're blue, purple, an alien, what race you are, or who/what you identify as. It's not inconveniencing my life. It's all love and good vibes over this way only.

They had split dyed hair that was black and blonde, blue eyes, and was the shortest of the three. They also had this kind of cool, chill, laid back vibe about them that I took a liking to.

"Of course. It's all love. I also like your vibes." I complimented.

"Thank you."

I then hugged Hailie, greeting her as usual. After introductions, we all sat down at the table to eat. I was sat next to Marshall on one side while all three of his daughters were sat on the other side of the rectangular object. We had all plated our food and were eating, making small talk. So far it was going good. They all were enjoying the food too: Smothered chicken in a creamy garlic and spinach sauce over mashed potatoes.

They had already known my age, name, and what I do for work since they were aware of exactly who I was, which I didn't mind at all. I had in return wanted to know what they did, and we all shared some of our hobbies that we enjoy. Alaina was 30, and worked as a receptionist for a solan, but was trying to build her platform as a social media influencer, and enjoyed traveling, and trying new things; Stevie was the opposite: They wanted to remain lowkey and not interact with the internet as much similar to their father, but they did enjoy playing video games, listening to music, and going to concerts. They were also 21. Hailie and I were established good friends so there was no need to explain anything there regarding her since I already knew, but she was still very much apart of the conversation. Marshall was pretty quiet during the whole dinner, and only spoke when necessary, unfortunately. I had no clue what he was thinking. We continued to talk about how we met, and our first impressions of each other.

"So... I hate to be this person, but why'd you choose each other?" Alaina spoke up addressing the elephant in the room.

"What do you mean?" Marshall quickly shot her a glare.

"I mean why Sadé? She's younger, still has her whole life ahead of her, and well..." She struggled to put it nicely, but I knew what she was getting at, "She's different from other women you dated."

"Alaina." Marshall warned her.

He didn't exactly look too pleased with what she was saying right now. And neither did the other two as they had suddenly become very thirsty, sipping their drinks, avoiding eye contact.

"No it's fine. I totally understand where she's coming from. You want to know my intentions, right?" I gave a slight smile.

I truly wasn't offended. It was a valid question. One I had asked myself multiple times. She just nodded her head. I looked at Marshall quickly before looking back at Alaina and answering her question.

"Well, I clearly can't speak for Marshall, but I can speak for myself and say this: My intentions are good. I would never hurt him or use him for anything. I have my own. And I genuinely enjoy getting to know him as the days pass. I enjoy spending time with him, and he's a great man. When it comes to my age, I don't think that matters considering I am grown, and I've been making my own decisions for years now. Yes I am 21. Yes I am younger than he is. Yes I am the same age as Stevie. But I am also mature. I have also made a name for myself. I am also an adult. And I am not stupid. I have already experienced the same as, if not more than, half of the other adults who are twice my age in the world. Now, as far as me not being his "type" or whatever, that's not really an issue for me. I could care less if I'm his type or not because at the end of the day he chose me, and that's all that matters. I'm secure in myself and I know my worth. And I know his worth and would never treat him less than or take advantage of him." I clarified.

Marshall gave me a look of endearment. His hand was already under the table and he squeezed my thigh, signaling to me that I handled that well.

"I couldn't have said better. All of exactly what she said. I chose to be with Sadé because she's a nice lady, and respects herself. She's caring, sweet, and is very intelligent. I've never met anyone like her. It's literally that simple. I just like her. And she's beautiful the way she is." He said in his typical nonchalant manner.

"Okay. I can respect that. It seems like you have a good head on your shoulders, Sadé. I just wanted to ask because I only know what I see online and not you personally." Alaina replied.

"It's cool. I completely understand."

"Do you ever think you'll have any children or want to get married?" Stevie curiously asked.

Immediately my whole body tensed up. Why did it feel like his daughters were interrogating the crap out of me. I felt like the air was being knocked out of me.

"Uhm. I-I don't know." I gave a hesitant smile.

Marshall must've sensed my uncomfortableness because he changed the subject.

"Maybe we're getting a little too ahead of ourselves here. One step at a time." He told his daughters.

"Oh, right. Right. Well can you tell us what it's like living in Chicago? I've only ever visited." Stevie asked.

"I love it. It's very lively, diverse, and has great views. It's just awesome. It's the definition of city life. There's always people to meet, places to go, and you'll never get bored. There's no crazy drive times, the weather is always changing, and it's familiar. If you ever visit you're always welcome anytime."

"That sounds so cool. I know the food is really good too. And they always have good music festivals." Stevie replied.

"That is true." Hailie commented.

"Would you ever move out there, Dad? You know if things get really serious?" Hailie asked.

I looked at him, waiting for his answer like everyone else.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Detroit's my home, but I have gained a new love for the city of Chicago. It's always a possibility. Anything could happen." He answered, looking at me the whole time.

"Interesting." I mumbled, a smug look on my face.

"Would you move here?"

The question came from Marshall. I guess he wanted to hear my answer as well.

"Oh what was that you said? It's always a possibility. Anything could happen." I quoted him, making everyone laugh.

"Fair enough." He chucked.

— Some Time Later

We finished eating our dinner some time later. It ended up going really well. There were a few bumps in the road here & there, but that was to be expected. I was about to take all the dishes to the kitchen and start cleaning to get it over with. All the girls were helping me me out, cleaning, when Marshall told us that it was fine and that he had it. He told us to just chill and go to the living room to continue talking and to relax. I asked him if he was sure and he just continued to wave all of us off. So me, Alaina, Stevie, and Hailie were all on the couch talking.

Marshall's POV:

— Meanwhile In The Kitchen

I had told all the girls to go do whatever it is girls do and that I would handle all the dishes and cleaning off the dining room table and the kitchen. I really just wanted some time to think for a few minutes alone.

The dinner went well. It seemed as if my girls like Sadé and that she liked them, which is good. They seemed to be getting along without any issues. The conversation went over well, and they were being nosy as per usual. Sadé handled herself well; I'm really proud of her. I knew she would because she always carried herself with grace and never falters in front of others.

I think Alaina was a little skeptical at first, but eventually accepted her, which I don't blame her for. Her reasons were valid.

Stevie liked her from the get go. Probably because they were close in age... well the same age... so they could talk to each other as if they were friends or something.

And we all know Hailie already absolutely adores Sadé. So I had no doubt in my mind that Nate would like her too because I knew he would.

However, I did want the approval of Dre and a few of my other close buddies as well, but mainly Dre. Dre is someone who mentored me, and was basically like a father figure to me in way. So his opinion really mattered. I feel like once I have that, then I could really explore where things go all the way.

I was putting the last of the dishes up in the dishwasher and washed my hands when I was done. When I went back to join everyone else in the living room, I the as met with a sight to see. All my daughters and my girlfriend were sat in one big circle, talking and laughing by the fireplace that was on due to the coldness outside. It was music to my ears. I stood in the doorway as I watched them for a moment. They continued to make jokes and even take pictures. I watched as they all exchanged numbers with Sadé. I could just tell that they would become close. That's means double trouble or should I say quadruple trouble since it's four of them.

I was grateful that I picked a good girl. One that my daughters liked. I felt like I made them proud as a father.

— At Bedtime

My kids had just left. Sadé had given us some time alone to talk and hangout because she wanted us to have our "father and daughter time" as she put it. I had made my way upstairs to the bedroom where Sadé was already under the covers ready to go to sleep. It was clear she had waited for me.

"How you feelin, pretty girl?" I asked as I striped myself of my clothes and changed into a pair of sweatpants.

I didn't bother with a shirt. I slipped into the bed next to her, holding her by the waist as she looked at me.

"I'm feeling good. It was really nice meeting Alaina and Stevie. Thank you for allowing me that opportunity." She looked up at me through her lashes.

Man, she's so fucking awesome. Just awesome. She's always so grateful. For any and everything. It's so pure.

"I'm glad. I'm just happy all my favorite girls are getting along. I already know y'all are gonna cause me so much ruckus. Going to be quadruple trouble." I ran my hand over my face already envisioning it now.

"You know it! We're all going to start tag teaming you if you make any of us upset." She flaunted playfully sticking her tongue out.

"Oh, whatever." I laughed.

We had pillow-talk for a few more minutes before going to bed. Until tomorrow.