Chapter 74 - Wishes & Football

Sadé's POV:

— November 18th, 2022, Detroit

Today was a busy day for Marshall and I already. This morning we had to get up early for our flight back to Detroit, Michigan at 7AM Chicago time. We had arrived back in Detroit at 9:30AM due to the time zone change; On top of that, because it was the fall season we lost an hour of sleep. So I was a little bit crabby, but not for long because once I had gotten some fruit in my body from when we were on the jet I turned into an angel again. Food is the way to my heart so that was a no brainer.

Additionally, I was giving Marshall the silent treatment today. It's not like I was doing it on purpose just to be mean because I would never be mean to him, but I just couldn't bring myself to talk to him right now. I was still feeling upset about the whole thing, and was simply embarrassed. I hate when I show people my emotional side or when I cry in front of them. Even though I'm really comfortable around Marshall now, and he's comfortable around me, I still don't like to be vulnerable. It makes me feel weak even though I know it's okay because it's a simple human emotion. I wasn't necessarily feeling that hurt anymore surprisingly, but I just wasn't in the mood today. I don't know, I couldn't describe it. So yea, I wasn't too vocal with Marshall today.

I didn't have time to truly reflect on how I felt though because I didn't have the time too today. I had a busy schedule with work, charity donations, and appearances for said charities. So I had to keep myself in the right mindset for that, and put my best smile on. Hopefully, work would make me feel more upbeat, which I knew it would because it always does.

— At The Detroit Hospital

I was currently working with a hospital in Detroit that I frequently visit for charity work. I come here about three times a year just for this reason way before I even met Hailie & Marshall, and started spending more of my free time here. I was making the wishes of some of this kids that had requested to meet me come true for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This foundation was very near and dear to my heart because I once participated in it when I was as going through my own cancer treatments as a child so I know what it's like. The fact that these children, some of them, may not be able to grow into their adult life really did break my heart, and I just wanted to help make them as happy as possible during this difficult time. Even if they did have the opportunity to grow into their adult life, they were still going through it so I always wanted to help whenever I could. I always dedicated my time to talking to them, taking pictures, donating, and just trying to sprinkle a little bit of happiness to their lives while they're still on this earth. So that's what I was going to do.

I was also scheduled to do one in Chicago next week, and I had already done one in LA the last time I was there. Doing things like this, making other people happy, truly is what makes my heart full. It makes me happy. Seeing the smiles, the laughter, and joy makes me feel good because when other people are great, I'm great. This was never too much to ask of me, and I always had time in my schedule for it. I never say no to things like this and never will. I'd drop anything to be able to help children even in the slightest.

Speaking of which, since I was working with children today, I needed to dress accordingly & appropriately. I was wearing a 90s-esque style shirt that I knew the children would love, black flare jeans, black heeled boots, and a black Louis Vuitton purse. My hair was straightened, hanging loosely, and my makeup was natural. I paired it with a black leather jacket like the purse to shield me from the cold, my Van Cleef Aprel bracelet stack, and a Cartier bracelet. Everything was minimalist, appropriate, and cute.

Once I had taken pictures with all the patients and even a few doctors, I sat down with a few families, having conversations with them. I was just there to lend a listening ear and give advice, knowing how hard it is on everyone, not just the patient. I paid for everyone's treatments, played a few games with them, and just spent the day enjoying their company.

—

Once it was around four in the afternoon, I had to leave in order to stay on schedule with the work that I needed to complete back at the house. I absolutely loved spending time with everyone at the hospital, really making personal connections with each and every single person. I even got to see some of my regulars that I visit during each visit. Some of them were getting healthier, which I was incredibly proud of. However, some of them weren't taking too kindly to the treatments, meaning that if their body kept rejecting it then they couldn't get better. Once I got in the back of the car, I did tear up at that because I can't imagine the thought of a parent losing their child to medical issues. Especially when they're giving it their all to fight for their life. I quickly regained my composure, taking a deep breath as we pulled off, making our way back home.

— Back At The House, 7:28PM

I had been home, working in my office, for the past few hours now. I had gotten some business emails out of the way, done some paperwork for my sunglasses brand, and did some additional donations to a handful of charities/organizations that amounted to $350 thousand dollars. Today was a very good day all in all. I was productive, made some peoples lives happier, and had forgotten about the situation that had taken place yesterday.

Marshall still wasn't back yet from his workday, which was fine by me. Whenever it came to work with him, I never blinked an eye or pouted about how much he worked because I know he's doing what he loves, and worked hard for his career's success. He was currently at a football game, making his own appearances, and was filming for the show that went along with it earlier today. So I hadn't seen him since we landed because we had to go our separate ways.

Since I was all alone, and slowly getting back into social media and YouTube I actually decided to do a little bit of filming myself... I turned the lights on, the camera on, and sat down in front of it. I decided to film a sit down video, just talking: What I had recently gone though and how I felt. I was simply opening up about my struggles with trusting the media again, how my apartment had gotten broken into, and how I'm feeling about it now. It felt awakened and uncomfortable at first, but I kept pushing. I was really just getting everything off of my chest, letting go of all the hatred and frustrations I had developed for the media the past few weeks, let go of grudges, and let it all out. I just kept it real, refusing to sugar coat anything.

Marshall's POV:

— Meanwhile, With The Detroit Lions

I was busy with filming today for The Detroits Lions Football team's show called Hard Knocks. I was going to appear on the last episode of the season finale, which was set to air sometime next week near the holidays. I was going to be seen at the practice, on the field, at the game later tonight, and doing the coin flip at the start of the game.

I had dressed in dark grey jeans, a dark grey shirt, a blue jacket to rep the teams colors that Sadé said would look nice even though she wasn't talkin' to me today, and a black kangol hat. I paired it with a pair of Nikes, my gold watch & bracelet, and left it at that. I didn't wear my chain today because it didn't go with the look. I did put some sunglasses on though because it was a fairly sunny day in the middle of November in Detroit despite the cold breeze.

I also made a mental note to keep my hands on my pocket for a good amount of time in front of the cameras because I couldn't tell if my hands would appear bruised on the big screen or not. I didn't think they would, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Sadé hadn't noticed anything different today, and hadn't even noticed that I was gone last night so that was good.

I stepped foot on the field with Paul and Denaun, watching as the players practiced for the game tonight. I already knew they had this game in the bag and would take home a W. All three of us were just chatting it up as we watched, calling plays and making bets for later on.

We were doing takes, most of it just me acting like an ass, for random bits and behind the scenes that could possibly be included in the episode. The camera crew recorded all of it, including us laughing and talking crap about the other team that would be competing tonight.

— Take 1:

"You know what's crazy?" I randomly posed the thought provoking question, "When you're just playing catch with someone, right? In the street or whatever. You get on a real field, and you fucking throw that bitch as far as you can, and it's like ten yards." I said, causing the guys to laugh at the realization.

I let out a deep chuckle of my own at my goofiness.

"You think you can nail it, but can't!" Paul chimed in.

"You know what I'm talking about?" I chuckled before giving a real life example.

I threw my arm back, envisioning a fake football in my hands as I acted out myself throwing a dud football that didn't make it far at all.

— Take 2:

"That's almost as good as me... It's there. It's getting there, yea!" I said with a serious face after I saw a player make an impressive throw.

Naunie have a sarcastic laughed, struggling to keep a straight face of his own knowing damn well I could never make a shot like that. I walked off camera to laugh as I try to never laugh in public, shooting him a glare as I did so.

— Take 3:

"If one of these dudes hit me, I might fuckin' die."

— Take 4:

We were now meeting & greeting people on the team, introducing ourselves even though I already knew a majority of the players.

"Thank you for coming out here." One of the players said, showing his gratitude.

"Absolutely, bro. Got a good team this year, man - Let's go." I said, complimenting their skills.

"Yea, we're tryna get you to come out to the game this year, man. What's up?" Another player jokingly commented.

"I said Ima lace up whenever. Like, I'll go to every game, I'll stand on the sidelines, and if you guys need to put me in, put me in. Because any position I'm good." I smugly teased, the guys snickering.

"Actually any position I'm great, I meant to say." I smirked, the last sentence having a double meaning as I thought about my lady...

We shot a few more scenes of me interacting with the team, talking to coaches, and signing some helmets before calling it a day on set.

I still had a few hours to kill until the start of the game later in the evening so me and the guys decided to just stay back and chill.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

— Later That Day, During The Game

I had already done the coin toss, the game having already started afterwards. I was sat on the field seats, sitting in the sidelines. I was enjoying myself, feeling a lot of the stress from working in the studio leaving my body. Honestly, I really needed this because it's not often that I get to go out and have a good time without being bothered or spotted by someone. Granted, this was a very public event and cameras were on me from time to time, but it was still nice.

The game ended up lasting a few hours, dragging into the late night. Of course, my team, The Lions, won by a literal point - 1 point: 31 to 30. Coincidentally, they were playing against the Chicago Bears football team. I know Sadé would've loved to watch the game because she's a pretty big sports fan herself, plus that's her hometown's team. But, we don't do public sightings together because neither one of us want our relationship to be public. We already agreed on and spoke about that; That we'd remain private, we'd post little snippets, not hide it, and things of that nature, but not actually be out in the open public where we'd be plastered all over the media. We just wanted to keep that portion of our lives sacred.

Despite all of that, I had a great time, cheering on the team, yelling, laughing, and being stress free.

— Later That Night, At Home

It was some time past 10 when I had gotten home. I had been gone, working all day, and was ready to knock out. I had found Sadé in our shared bed, already sleeping, looking as pretty as ever. I quickly did my nighttime routine, stripping down to my boxers as I changed into a pair of sweatpants, remaining shirtless. I slipped under the covers, dropping my arm over her warm body.

I've gotten so accustomed to having her here with me now, I thought to myself. I don't think I'll be ready for when she eventually finds another place to live, and goes back home to Chicago; Then we'll be long distance again... I'm just so used to having her here with me everyday, coming home from work and sleeping next to her, and her telling me about her day. I hate to admit it, but I really do love this little lady, man. I do.

Sadé's POV:

— Saturday, November 19th

Today was Saturday, an off day for Marshall and I. We were both lounging around the house today, enjoying being around each other. That's something we do often, we never take each others time for granted.

And I actually was talking to him again, feeling a lot better than I had previously so there was no more silent treatment as he called it. He did ask if I wanted to talk about what happened, but I told him no; That I just wanted to forget about all of what happened. If they had settled it, then there was nothing else to talk about. What happened, happened. I just wanted to move on as if it never occurred, which Marshall didn't mind at all.

Marshall was currently in the kitchen, cooking us both dinner. He was making spaghetti and Italian meatballs. I was sat in a seat at the kitchen island, making small talk when my phone rang. I excused myself to answer the call, seeing the caller ID read Grandma Dolly. I gave myself a confused look. She never really calls me unless it's something important or serious. And she definitely never texted me because she didn't know how to. She'd read the text, but didn't know how to respond back so it was useless.

"Hello? Hi, Grandma Dolly." I greeted her as I walked into the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

"Hey, Sadé. How are you and Marshall doing?" She sweetly asked through the phone, taking me by surprise.

She never calls just to check up on me. Not unless I've been sick or something. She either had too much wine to drink or she's trying to butter me up for something. I'm already knowing.

"We're doing good, thank you for asking. Are you doing okay?" I reply skeptically, returning the question.

"Yes. I'm fine, honey." She gave a cheerful tone.

"Okayyy..." I dragged out awkwardly, waiting for her to say something.

"I called because I have something I wanted to ask you." She said matter of factly.

Bingo! Ding, ding, ding, I thought to myself. I knew she was trying to butter me up to ask me for something. She's never too nice just because. I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes in the process.

"And what is that?" I questioned, not having much of any emotion in my voice anymore.

"Well, since we met Marshall and I don't think he's that bad, I was thinking why doesn't he bring his family with him for thanksgiving?" She asked, "You know, his kids." She clarified further.

I almost choked on my own saliva at her words. I held on to the side of the couch, catching my breath as I was thrown into a coughing fit from how shocked I was. I never expected her to ask that. Her? Out of all people in my family wants Marshall and his children to come over for thanksgiving dinner?!

Oh.

I opened my mouth to say something before quickly closing it. I was speechless.

"HUH?" I finally managed to get out after a few moments of silence.

"Little girl, you heard me. Don't act like you can't hear, now. I want Marshall to come with his kids for the holidays." She repeated herself.

"Oop." I placed my hand over my mouth, "Uhmm... Why? You barely like Marshall."

"I didn't say that... I said he isn't that bad. And because I think it would be nice. Wouldn't want to separate a father from his kids on the holidays would you?" She said.

I was hesitant. I wasn't opposed to him bringing his girls. To be honest, I really enjoyed the idea of them being there with him. Grandma Dolly made great point. But it's Grandma Dolly. She can be nice when she wants to be. I think I was just very taken aback because this was the least of my expectations. I wasn't sure how Marshall would like the idea either.

"I don't know... I'll have to talk it over with Marshall and get back to you on that one." I answered her initial question thoughtfully.

"Okay, honey. You let me know soon. Just remember, I think it'll be a good time for everyone, and the family would really enjoy it. I already talked it over with Trinity and Malik. They think it's okay." She tried to convince me, causing a small smile to spread across my face.

"Okay." I chucked lightly, "I'll let you know."

We talked on the phone for a few more minutes before hanging up. I walked back to the kitchen, a shy expression on my face as I held my hands behind my back.

Marshall's POV:

I had just put the Italian meatballs into the oven to bake for a few before coming back up and seeing Sadé looking at me with the shyest expression on her face. She had doe eyes, a small nervous smile that showed one of her dimples, her hands behind her back, and was swaying ever so gently back and forth. I gave her a confused yet amused look.

"What's going on with you, pretty girl?" I wondered.

"Welllll... My grandma called me." She said quietly.

"Alright. What about it?" I asked as I took my oven mitts off, setting them on the counter before leaning against it with my arms crossed.

"So you know how you're coming over for thanksgiving, right?"

"Mhmm." I confirmed.

"And how we'll be there for four days?"

"Mhmm." I confirmed again while I chuckled at her dragging out whatever it is she had to say.

"Well, she wanted to know if you wanted to bring Alaina, Hailie, and Stevie along." She gave a nervous smile, averting her gaze from mines.

I ran my fingers through my beard thoughtfully, biting my lip in the process. I was appreciative at how her family was welcoming me and now my own. To be honest, I thought they all would hate me - Especially her grandmother. But they're all fairly kind to me. The fact that they wanted to have me and my babies there warmed my ice cold heart. I was actually feeling a little sad that I wasn't going to be spending the day with my daughters at first because I celebrate every single holiday with them every year. It's seems that I get to keep the annual festivities going though because I already knew the answer to that question. I didn't give it a second thought.

A goofy smirk plastered across my face seconds later as another thought ran into my head: I know Grandma Dolly likes me. She tries to act like she doesn't like me because of who I am, but I recognize it. It's okay because, secretly, I like Grandma Dolly too. I kinda fuck with her bluntness and old lady energy, whatever that means. I think me and Grandma Dolly are gonna get along just well.

"Ight. Tell her we'll all be there." I shrugged, watching Sadé's eyes widen.

I'm assuming she didn't expect me to say yes. Usually, I'm a hard man to convince, but I had a good feeling about this. Malik and I squashed the beef so there wasn't going to be any drama, her family and I seemed to be getting along just fine, and I get to celebrate the holidays with my lady and my babies. Seems like a win-win to me.

"Really?" She let out a squeak.

"Yes, really."

"Oh. Well okay." She mumbled.

"Stop acting all shy and shit, Sae." I said, grabbing her by the waist, pulling her in between my open legs, "I'm happy we all get to be there. It'll be fun."

"Yea. We can see the tree lighting, go Black Friday shopping, have a game night..." She started rambling as her body relaxed into mines.

I wasn't even listening forreal. I was just listening to her voice and how she talked, but not paying attention to all the words. I was just content here with her. Happy, rather.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. It is on the shorter side, and is more of a filler chapter, but I hope that's okay with you all. Thank you so much for the love and support once again. - 🤎