Chapter 75 - I Really Really Like You

Sadé's POV:

— Sunday, November 20th

Today was Sunday, and Marshall had his girls over to spend some time with them. I had cooked an early dinner for them all, spending some brief time with them, talking and what not. I was only around for about forty-five minutes because I really just wanted to stay out of the way to give them their space for family time. I didn't want to interfere on that so while they were having a family night, enjoying their father-daughter time, I was in one of the lounge rooms upstairs, reading by the fireplace. It's been a while since I last picked up my book, but I was getting back into it. I had my reading glasses on, a mug of hot cocoa next to me, and was getting lost in every word.

I had already read a couple of chapters, flipping through the pages over the last few hours. I was simply minding my own business when Hailie entered the room unbeknownst to me. She called out my name, catching my attention.

"Sade?" She called out.

I looked up from my book, using my bookmark to keep track before closing it.

"Hey, Hai. What's up?" I welcomed her into the space that I was occupying.

"Hey, Sae. You know you don't have to be secluded, right? We love when you hang out with all of us, especially dad." She gave a small smile, as she leaned against the doorway.

"I know, but having one on one family time is important. I don't have to be included in everything just because I'm dating your dad." I kindly explained my thought process.

"But you aren't. We genuinely like having you around, but I understand that you want us to have our bonding time." She acknowledged, "Anyways, I came up here because dad wants you downstairs." She told me.

"Oh. Is everything okay?" I asked, slightly concerned that he specifically requested me to come downstairs instead of just coming up here to tell me when he wanted like he normally would.

"Yea. He didn't specify what for. He just asked if I could get you down there." She shrugged, paying it no mind.

"Oh, alright." I mumbled to myself.

We both left the room, making our way to the living room as I followed behind her. Alaina was sat on one of the sofa chairs while Stevie was sat next to Marshall on the main couch. Hailie and I sat together on a different couch, adjacent to them.

"Everything alright, love?" I ask Marshall, who seemed completely fine since he was surrounded by his family.

"Yea, I'm alright." He replied nonchalantly, "Just wanted you to be here when I tell the girls about the holidays." He clarified.

"Oh, okay. Well, go ahead." I encouraged him as a sly smile spread across his face.

"What about the holidays?" Hailie asked curiously.

"I hope it's something good because we're so sad that we aren't spending thanksgiving with you this year. We do that every year." Alaina spoke up, expressing her disappointment.

"But we're spending it with mom this year instead of having to travel between houses." Stevie pointed out, trying to lighten their sisters mood.

"No offense, but mom isn't necessarily the best cook for thanksgiving dinner. Did we forget about what happened last year? I mean, she tried to deep fry the turkey, and the pot practically blew up in flames because it was still frozen..." Hailie gave Stevie a side eye, causing Marshall to stifle a laugh.

"Yeaaa... That wasn't mom's most impressive moment, huh..." Alaina agreed, scrunching up her nose in second hand embarrassment.

"Dad, I don't know why you're laughing. You aren't any better." Stevie nudged him in his side.

"I'm a way better cook than Kim." Marshall scoffed.

"YOU TRIED TO PUT THE TURKEY IN THE MICROWAVE BECAUSE YOU FORGOT TO COOK IT." Stevie let out in bewilderment.

"Oh my god." I gasped, covering my mouth.

I looked over to Marshall who just held a look of shame on his face. He was turning red, and immediately avoided eye contact with me. I gave him that "I know you fucking lying" face. I struggled to keep in my laughter from their antics.

"Don't listen to that one, baby. They're lying. I'm not that bad of a cook." He tried to convince me.

"No, I'm not!" Stevie giggled.

Marshall attempted to cover Stevie's mouth as to not spill anymore of his embarrassing moments. It wasn't quite successful as they struggled with each other, laughing the entire time. I internally smiled to myself watching the interaction. Marshall is such a great father to his kids, and they all have such a wholesome relationship with one another. I admired how family oriented he was.

"Yes, you are! You liar. I didn't put the turkey in the microwave." He pathetically yelled out. 

"Because it wouldn't fit, and once you realized you just ended up buying one." Stevie struggled to get out as Marshall attempted to shush them, but failed terribly.

He removed his hand from their mouth, seemingly defeated. He crossed his arms over his chest as he laid back into the couch.

"You ate that day though. Didn't you?" He sassed.

"Wish I hadn't." Stevie grumbled, causing me & the others to burst out in laughs amongst ourselves.

"Well guess what? You ain't gotta worry about that this year because we're having thanksgiving with Sadé's family. All of us." Marshall finally told them all with a smile on his face.

I knew that he was happy that he got to be with his family on thanksgiving day. I could see it on his face - the joy and happiness. He seemed so relaxed and at ease like he didn't have a care in the world. It made me so happy that he felt so content.

Alaina, Hailie, and Stevie all erupted in cheer and excitement. I guess they really did care. A smile spread across my face, seeing that they all genuinely wanted to spend time with me and my family, getting to know them and getting along, mingling.

"I can't wait. I heard the city is really nice during the holidays!" Hailie gushed.

"It's so pretty. You'll all love it, I promise." I chimed in.

We were all conversing with one another about the details, places some of them really wanted to visit, what my family is like, etc. Not too long afterwards, Alaina threw out the idea of taking a road trip there.

"Why don't we take a road trip there?! Sing carpool karaoke, make a stop somewhere, I don't know, just a thought." Alaina suggested excitedly.

"YES!" All of us, excluding Marshall, said in unison.

"Road trip, road trip, road trip." We all began to chant.

I looked over at Marshall, who just had an unfavorable look on his face.He was looking at all of us with no interest in the idea whatsoever.

"Nuh uhh, not happening. Nah." He said, shaking his head no.

"I think it's a good idea." I try to convince him.

"No, it's not. I am not being stuck in car with all four of you girls, listening to Taylor Swift while I drive." He complained.

"Fine, you can listen to your rap music." Hailie huffed out, rolling her eyes.

"And I can drive half the way." I offered.

"Still not happening. We are not dragging out a five hour drive when we can make it there in less than two on the jet." He said in a bored tone.

"That's not fair. It's four people versus your one." Stevie pointed out.

"I don't care if it was a hundred you. The answer would still be no. It'll be way quicker and easier to take the jet so that's what we're going to do." He said.

I rolled my eyes, looking away from him so he wouldn't be able to see me or call me out on it. Hailie simply let out a defeated sigh, while Stevie and Alaina called him lame. Marshall continued to sit there, not budging. He really didn't want to go on a road trip for whatever reason, but it would've been fun for all of us. I didn't see the big deal about it. 2 hours or 5 hours we were still going to get there on no time at all.

"Don't be a party pooper... You grumpy, old man." I said, being sure to say the last part more to myself as I sassily mumbled it.

Hailie heard me though since she was sitting right next to me, and started laughing quietly as she smacked my arm playfully. We both started to snicker about it amongst ourselves until Marshall caught us.

"What you two laughing at?" He teased.

"Nothing." Hailie said a little too defensively.

"Ight. I could've sworn I heard one of you call me old or something." He quickly said, shooting us both a knowing look.

"You must be hearing things." I lie with a chuckle.

I knew he heard exactly what I said, which is why he asked us why we were laughing. But we both just wanted to mess with him since he told us no.

The five of us continued talking for a little while longer before they decided to leave. It was getting late, and they wanted to head home before it got too dark for them to drive in the night.

— Later That Night, 11:13PM

Tonight was a late night for the both of us as we decided to stay up later than normal despite it being a Sunday night because it was Thanksgiving week, meaning neither of us had to work or worry about getting things done for our careers. We didn't have to wake up early or anything. So we had the great idea to stay up late, having one of our many deep conversations that I cherished oh so much. We weren't talking about anything in particular as we bounced around from topic to topic, naturally discussing different things.

I was laid up against Marshall, one of my legs lazily thrown over his own as he had one of his arms wrapped around me, resting on my waist. My head was on his covered chest, while I absentmindedly played with his fingers. Ever since I've been off of my menstrual cycle today, I've been really clingy and just wanted to be all up under him: Cuddling, hugging, and kissing him whenever I could. And since we were now in bed together, my neediness only intensified. Marshall didn't complain though because he liked having me near him, occupying his space.

I was focused on what Marshall was telling me when I momentarily glanced at his hands out of habit. I was very much still listening to him, but was thinking about his hands being placed around me instead in the back of my mind. Now was not the time for dirty thoughts, however.

I began studying them more closely as I started to notice something out of the ordinary: They appeared to be more red in some spots. The more I looked, the more I realized that he had what looked like bruises and a few tiny specs that resembled cuts. I didn't say anything at first, as I was listening to what he had to say, not wanting to interrupt him. As soon as he finished, I decided to ask him about it.

"... you know what I'm sayin'."

"Mhmm. But MarMar, what's this?" I questioned him, lifting one of his heavy hands up to his face so that he could see what I'm seeing.

He looked at his hand before looking at me. I couldn't read the look on his face to know what he would be thinking because it's one I don't think I've ever seen, honestly.

"What's what?" He asked as his eyes moved to look at me with a now blank expression.

"You don't see that?" I said in a shocked tone, "You have bruising on your hands, love. Are you okay?" I asked him worriedly whilst continuing my inspection.

"Oh, that. Uhh -" He cleared his throat, "Yea, I'm Ight, sweetheart. It's just from when Naunie and I were sparring a few days ago in the gym." He said nonchalantly.

I looked at his hands, then at him. I leaned back, studying his face with a frown. The math wasn't mathing. He has boxing gloves and hand wraps that he wears whenever he works out or boxes. Denaun was here a few days ago before we left to Chicago though. But I'm sure I would've noticed the bruising by now or they would've been healing already.

"Don't you use hand wraps or boxing gloves to protect your hands?" I suspiciously eye him.

"Yea, but we decided to bare-knuckle the punching bag for a bit." He explained, taking his hands away from mines so that I couldn't look at them.

"Alright. Make sure to be careful next time, please. I don't want you hurting yourself." I say, dropping the subject.

I don't know why I was being so paranoid. I guess I just didn't want him to be hurting or in pain. Even if it was in the slightest, like a scrape from working out, an accidental cut, or something else entirely.

"I got you. I'll be more careful." He promised, letting out a sigh as he pulled me closer to him.

We continued to talk until the wee hours of the morning, not having a care in the world.

Marshall's POV:

— Monday, The 21st

I had woken up before Sae this late morning, and was currently cooking us both breakfast that consisted of scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon, toasted waffles, and coffee. She was still sleeping, and I honestly felt really guilty for lying to her last night. But I had to do it, I had no choice.

I couldn't actually tell her what happened. What was I going to say, "Yea, my hands are fucked up because I beat the living daylights out of your ex boyfriend with your cousins and brother, who by the way threatened to kill him if he ever did you dirty ever again or bothered you in any way, shape, or form. Oh, and I also deleted all of your nude videos and photos of you that he still had in his phone from ages ago"? No! She would've been so upset with me that I even went over to his house or got involved in the first place. She would not have liked the idea of me being in a fight - I'm already knowing. She doesn't even want me to get hurt from working out, imagine a fight. She would loose her marbles.

So yes, I had to lie to her. I never want to do that again though. I could tell she was questioning me about it, not entirely believing me at first. She eventually fell for it, letting it be and taking that it was from me boxing with Naunie for an answer. Truth is, I didn't even box the day he came over. We were in the home studio working on beats and shit, but she doesn't need to know that.

That's also why I woke up before her to cook her breakfast. To ease my guilt. However, I would've ended up making it anyways because I don't always want her to be the only one cooking in this relationship. While she does enjoy it, I also wanted to be the one to treat her to a nice warm meal from time to time. I was learning a lot of cooking tips from her too; Always seeing her in the kitchen whipping something up, or me helping her to wherever I could as a simple excuse to spend more quality time with her & to be around her.

Once again, I wasn't the best when it came to presenting food like my girl was, but I knew it tasted good, which is all that matters.

I continued cooking, the sound of sizzling bacon and smell of cheesy eggs filling the room. Then my phone dinged, signaling that I had a text message. It was followed by a phone call shortly after. I paused what I was doing, checking to see who it was. Seeing it was Stevie, I answered the phone right away, not even bothering to read the text message.

"Good morning, sweetie. What's up? Everything okay?" I ask them after a short greeting, knowing they never call me this early in the day.

Granted, it was just before noon, but I know my babies. As a father, I know when something is wrong. And something is definitely wrong. I leaned over the countertop, one of my hands holding me up while the other held the phone to my ear.

"Dad?" Stevie said, sounding stressed out & irritated, "Mom is being so irrational." They vented to me.

"What do you mean? What did she do now?" I furrowed my eyebrows, becoming annoyed by her antics already.

"I called her a few minutes ago, and told her how we would all be going over Sadé's house for thanksgiving as a heads up because that's the responsible thing to do, and she flipped out. Dad, she was being so mean!" Stevie signed, getting upset all over again about the fight they just had with their mother.

"Baby, calm down. You'll be alright." I try to calm them down, knowing that they hate fighting with Kim.

I absolutely hate it when she picks unnecessary fights with the kids. It's always so uncalled for, and immature on her end. I'm always left to pick up the pieces, having to make sure that my babies are alright.

"What did she say? It wasn't that bad was it?" I question, resuming my cooking as to not burn any of the food.

"A bunch of bullshit- "

"STEVIE." I scolded, not tolerating any of my children swearing.

"Sorry. I meant to say bunch of nonsense. She was mad that we wouldn't be with her this year, which I get, but then she started talking bad about Sadé. She was saying how she didn't like her even though she never met her, how she thinks that Sadé is making you take us away from her because we're spending more time with her, and all this other stuff. Then she called you a bad father for not allowing us to stay for thanksgiving." Stevie recalled the conversation.

I immediately felt my blood boil. I know Kim is seriously not trying to say that bullshit. That I'm a bad father?! SERIOUSLY? I'm the best father I could ever be to these kids without a doubt. I've dedicated my life to taking care of them, making sure they're nothing but happy and have everything they could ever need and want. And she has the audacity to say it's because the girls are going to Chicago for thanksgiving. That's such bullshit. I am not keeping the kids from her at all. They're all grown women, who live in their own places, drive their own cars, live their own lives, and make their own choices.

And then for her to bring Sadé into this too? She doesn't even know her, never met her once, or have even spoken a word to her. Ever since I started dating Sae, Kim has been trippin'. I don't care if she's my ex-wife or my baby momma. I was not going to tolerate her disrespect Sadé like that, not my lady.

"Stevie, don't even worry about it. Don't let her make you feel bad for wanting to spend time with me and Sae for thanksgiving this year. If you want to come, come. If you don't because you want to be with your mom, then I completely understand that too." I huffed out, not having the energy to deal with this so early in the morning.

"Alright. I'm still going with you guys. I just wanted to call you because that really upset me and she wouldn't stop yelling." Stevie exasperated.

I spoke to Stevie for a little bit longer to calm them down before hanging up. By the time I had finished the phone call, breakfast was also finished being made. I went upstairs to wake Sadé up to call her down to eat, making a mental note to call Kim about this later.

— Some Time Later In The Afternoon

"Kim, cut the bullshit. I'm not in the mood for your bitter baby momma mind games today." I harshly bit back.

I was currently on the phone with Kim, arguing back and forth with her about the little stunt she tried to pull earlier today with one of our daughters. I was still very upset about that. I had called her a few minutes ago to get into her ass about it in hopes that she'd fix her ways.

I was sat down on the couch of my sneaker room, away from Sadé because I didn't want her to hear me or be put in a situation that had nothing to do with her despite Kim constantly bringing up her name.

"I am not a bitter baby momma! You're taking my kids away from me during the holidays!" She yelled.

"You're right, you're not a bitter baby momma. You're a bitter ex-wife! I swear to fuck Kim you drive me fucking crazy!" I raised my voice, "Ain't nobody taking the kids away from you. They're fucking grown. Have been for a while now. Get over it. It's one fucking year. They're coming with me and that's that. They can make their own choices. They don't have to do anything if they don't want to." I tried to reason with her.

"No, I'm not going to get over it. I'm going to be all alone this year, and it's all your fault. I want my kids with me." She whined.

I threw my head back, getting ready to end the call. I really don't know how many times I had to repeat myself to this woman.

"You have other family. You have your son, Parker, your mom, your dad, your sister, loads of other family members. You will not be alone. It's not that fucking serious, yo."

"Whatever. Ever since you started dating that woman you haven't been the same." She mumbled.

"What was that?" I asked calmly, feeling myself about to blow.

"You heard me. Ever since you started dating that young, famous girl, you act like a jerk. You never have anymore time for your kids alone, you always have her around the children as if she's apart of the family or something, and you won't even let me meet her." She cussed me out.

"Don't you EVER, bring Sadé into our shit. She's been nothing but kind to our daughters, showing them love and respect. But since you must know, she gives us our space to bond as a family all the time, and all the girls love her. Just because you aren't there when they hang out with her doesn't mean jack shit. Don't be going around here acting like I don't do for my seeds when I do! Because Stevie told me what the fuck you said about me being a bad father, and you got me fucked up, Kim. I'm a great fucking father, and you fucking know it. I take care of all of my kids and spend time with them as much as I can. I even take care of you too even though I fucking shouldn't." I exploded angrily into the line, not holding back anymore.

"I-" Kim went to argue back, but I cut her off.

"No. Don't even say shit else because I don't want to hear it. And this is exactly why you won't ever meet her. Because you don't know how to act even though you're 48. Maybe when you seek some help, like rehab or therapy, then we can circle back to this conversation, until then worry about your own life. Oh, and don't EVER pick a fight with our kids like that ever again, bitch. Have a good fucking day." I said sarcastically as I hung up the phone in her face.

I was not on the mood to continuously go back and forth with her. It's been almost 20 years since we've last been together and she's still mad, still bitter, and still won't let it go. She seriously needs help, but doesn't want to get it so there was nothing I could do about it except for have to deal with it. Sometimes I seriously hated that I even slept with her and got her pregnant to begin with; Wish I could go back in time and pick a different woman to be a baby momma and marry. Even if it all went to shit, just as long as it wasn't her. But that's not how the real world works. The reality is that Kim is the mother of my kids, and she's going to be in my life forever.

I propped my elbows on my knees, throwing my head in my hands. I was supposed to be enjoying my day off with Sadé, but I wasn't because I had to deal with Kim, and the mess she caused between all the girls. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to calm myself down. Nothing was working. I was still stressed, feeling annoyed by everything and everyone. I just needed to find some sort of comfort and relaxation... So I went to find Sadé.

I called out to her, her telling me that she was in the bathroom taking a bath. I followed her voice, entering the steamy room where she was sitting in the tub surrounded by bubbles and a few candles.

"Mind if I join?" I asked her quietly, my voice hoarse from yelling.

She immediately took notice of that, snapping her head towards me as a concerned expression spread across her face.

"Of course... Are you alright, MarMar?" She asked softly in her sweet voice.

I instantly started to become more at ease, feeling better, from simply hearing her. And the nickname she called me added to the medicine. I found it so endearing. However, I couldn't lie and tell her that I was alright because she knows me so well. She'd know if I was lying about how I was feeling.

"No." I gave a one worded answer.

I started to take my clothes off as we held a small conversation. I took my shirt off first, followed by my pants, then my boxers.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She bit her lip hesitantly.

I quickly thought it over in my head for a few seconds before coming to the conclusion that I didn't. I just wanted to ignore the situation entirely. I didn't care about the baby mama drama. Kim wasn't that important to be taking up space in my brain. Not anymore.

"No." I gave another one worded answer, stepping into the large bathtub.

"Okay." She said, not wanting to pressure me.

I got in behind Sadé, wrapping my arms around her as she moved to sit between my legs, her back pressed against my front. The warm water felt relaxing against my tense body. I felt myself melt into Sadé as I started to forget all about what happened.

I don't know what it was about her that made me feel so safe and loved, but I did. I always have. I always felt comfortable around her. She was like my safe place. I could go to her about anything, and she wouldn't judge me. She wouldn't question my feelings or ignore me. She was there for me: Something I've never had from a woman or romantic relationship before.

I lowered my head in the crook of her neck, just wanting to be as close to her as possible. I took in her vanilla scent as her hands rubbed my forearms that held her tightly. It was soothing and comforting. I felt okay again. And all she did was exist.

I started kissing along her neck, sweetly. It wasn't sexual at all. I wanted to tell her how much I appreciated her for being in my life even though it was only for a short amount of time so far. I wanted to tell her that I love her, but I couldn't just yet. Because not only have I not worked that out within myself, but I don't know how she feels about that yet. I didn't want to rush her into anything.

"I really really like you." I said into her ear, deciding that was a better alternative.

I couldn't help myself anymore. I had to say something. Anything.

I felt her freeze for a split second before her body relaxed back into mines. I don't even think she noticed that she had done that herself. It was like a defense mechanism that she had most likely built up for herself from previously.

"I really really like you too." She whispered back.

I opened my eyes, seeing a small smile spread across her face. That told me all I needed to know. That she understood what I meant, and that she meant what she said too.