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Charmony was on her side in front of me sleeping soundlessly. My hand rested on her belly as I slowly stroked it, loving how firm it was becoming. She was hating on her tiny pudge, but I was obsessed with it. I couldn’t believe she was having my baby.

I always hoped to become a father one day.

Did I expect it now? Absolutely not, but I wasn’t mad about it.

If I could choose any woman to carry my baby for me, it would be Charm.

She was the hardest working woman I knew.

The only nights I couldn’t get her in my bed were the ones she had a video to edit or an event to attend.

Even if she wouldn’t admit it, I knew she was as addicted to the time we spent together as I was. She constantly fought what she was feeling, which only motivated me to continue to apply more pressure. If she was still questioning how I felt about her, then I had to fix it.

I kissed her on the cheek then eased out of the bed.

After sliding on my slippers, I went into the bathroom to handle my hygiene.

When I was ready, I headed into the living room.

Going into the pantry, I pulled out everything I spent yesterday putting together.

If my girl wanted an official girlfriend proposal, I was going to give her one.

I already considered her to be mine and needed her to be on the same page so there wasn’t any confusion moving forward.

I tried to be quiet as I lined up the island with the mini marquee letters. In front of the letters, I added gift bags filled with jewelry, purses, and a teddy bear for her. I strategically placed the tall pink candles on the counter, knowing they were going to look romantic once I lit them up.

The balloons came out of the guest room next.

Everything was pink, Charm’s favorite color.

Thankfully, she wasn’t the sneaky type, or she’d have seen it all, got to asking questions, and ultimately, ruining the surprise.

The last thing I did was add a bottle of the perfume I’d created for her.

I was obsessed with that scent. It was literally made for me just like her.

Once I was satisfied with how everything turned out, I went into the kitchen to begin breakfast. An R&B playlist played softly in the background while I got lost in the act of cooking.

Kem had me two-stepping across the floor like an old head.

I couldn’t describe where all this joy was sprouting from, but I knew it was there for Charm.

Her smile had a way of shrinking everything in the world until it was weightless, and I felt like I could shoulder it all.

I knew she thought it was all about sex, but what she gave me was more than that.

Charm was peace... She was soft and fit perfectly when her body was molded to mine.

She was safety. She was everything, and I wanted to give her the world for existing.

When all the food was done, I made two plates for us and placed them on the counter.

I removed the glass pitchers of orange juice, apple juice, and water from the fridge and added them to the spread with a fruit tray I’d bought.

The last thing I did was turn on the lights then lit all the candle wicks.

Taking a step back to admire my work filled my chest with pride.

I don’t know what it was about this girl that made me want to go all out, but I gave it all I had every time.

I returned to the bedroom to find her still fast asleep. She’d kicked the covers off, leaving her foot exposed. I smiled, even though I was jealous of the way she snuggled tightly to a pillow. That should’ve been me resting in her arms, being smothered by her plentiful bosom.

Taking a seat on the side of the bed, I stroked a finger down the side of her face.

I was in no rush to wake her up as I studied her every facial feature.

She had the most delicate curves. My eyes drifted down to her exposed wrist. If it wasn’t for the soft rays of sunlight filtering into the room, I would’ve missed the faint scars on her wrist.

I couldn’t stop my jaw from tightening as a memory flashed through my mind.

It was the way she’d winced once during sex when I pinned her arms above her head.

I leaned forward, noticing a jagged and tender scar like it was new.

My eyes returned to her face, wondering what pain was buried beneath that pretty face of hers.

The next thing I wondered was how I could put a stop to it.

I kissed her lips a few times, loving the warmth it spread throughout my bones. She stirred in her sleep before her eyes popped open. I smiled down at her.

“Good morning, gorgeous.”

She smiled shyly. “Morning, Kinga.”

I palmed her cheek, trying not to get lost in her beauty. “Come here. I wanna show you something.”

I helped her free herself from the covers before taking her hand in mine. I led her from the bedroom out front. Her steps slowed when everything came to life in front of her. She covered her mouth in shock. I turned to her with a grin.

“You really did it…”

I nodded. “Of course, I did. I’m not playing with you, Charm.”

Tears began to roll down her cheeks. “This is so sweet.”

I walked closer to her and reached for her hands. I snatched her into my chest then bent down to place a kiss on her forehead.

“So, what do you say?”

She smiled widely then nodded. “I would love to be your girlfriend.”

I scooped her up then spun her in a circle. When I placed her back on her feet, I led her over to breakfast waiting for us. Once she was seated on one of the bar stools, I took her plate to the microwave to warm it up.

“I have to get footage of this!” Charm squealed before hopping up from her seat.

I shook my head, expecting nothing less.

That camera was her life, even if she hated to be in front of it at times.

By the time she came back, I was walking around the counter with her food.

I switched her plate with mine while I listened to her ramble on to her vlog about my surprise.

When I came around the corner, the second time she rushed me.

“Yeah, hos! My man can be romantic,” she teased.

I chuckled. “Damn right, I can be, especially for you.” I set down my plate then wrapped my arms around her waist. “You’re stuck with me now. You know that?”

She melted before my eyes. “I don’t mind. You’re stuck with me, too.”

I kissed her quickly then we sat down to eat.

The image of her scars were still so fresh in my mind that I couldn’t fight the urge to bring it up.

“Can I talk to you about something?” I questioned after a few minutes of silence.

She glanced at me while cutting into a piece of French toast. “Of course.”

I placed down my fork then turned toward her. “I couldn’t help but notice the scars on your wrist.”

She tensed beside me as her chewing slowed.

“I’m not judging you or nothing like that, but I wanted you to know that I see you.”

She returned to eating her food like she hadn’t heard anything I said.

“Charm…”

A heaviness filled the once joyful space. I couldn’t rightfully say that I wanted to be her man and not bring this up. She was carrying my baby, and it broke my heart to know she was in pain.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she finally snapped, dropping her fork on the plate.

“Yes, you do,” I replied gently.

Reaching for her arms, I turned her wrists toward me. She tried to pull away, but I forced her to stand still.

“Don’t hide from me, Charm. This one is new,” I whispered.

I rubbed a finger over the raw flesh, making her hiss.

“I’m only bringing it up because I want you to know I’m here for you.

There’s nothing you can’t share with me.

I didn’t ask you to be my girl just for shits and giggles.

I want to be a man you can trust and depend on, Charmony. I have your back no matter what.”

She shot to her feet. Her head shook back and forth. “I can’t do this.”

I released her as she turned and sprinted for the bedroom. My chin dropped to my chest as I beat myself up for ruining the moment. I figured she was probably getting dressed to leave, but after a few minutes of silence, I became curious.

I walked toward the bedroom to find the door closed.

I eased it open and stuck my head inside.

Charm laid in the middle of the bed, crying softly while hugging a pillow.

My pulse began to race as I gulped down a mouthful of air that dried everything in sight.

I debated on what to do. I could leave her alone to process her emotions on her own, but something was urging me to join her so that’s what I did.

I climbed on the bed and eased up behind her. I placed a kiss on her shoulder then her neck then her cheek. She continued to cry silently, but at least she didn’t push me away.

“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I wanted you to know I cared.”

She sniffled. “I know. That’s why I didn’t leave.

Well, that and your covers smell like vanilla.

I realized you’re who I want to be around, even if I’m in my feelings.

” She paused for a second, and I felt the quickening of her heart’s pace.

“You’re probably wondering why a girl who has it all would do that to herself. ”

I snuggled even closer to her. “I am curious, but you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”

She spun around quickly to face me. I could tell her defenses were down when she looked into my eyes and began to softly stroke my beard.

Gone was the polished influencer the world loved.

For the first time, I was seeing the woman struggling with the weight of being so beautiful it was all people saw.

“Even though I’m always in the media, I can’t help but feel invisible.

Since I was a young girl, my mother molded me to be perfect…

to look a certain way or act a certain way for attention.

I started cutting…” she whispered the word almost as if she was ashamed to admit that’s what she was doing to herself.

“…as a way to silence the lies, noise, and expectations. I thought no one would ever notice, but you did.”

I brushed my nose against hers. “I notice everything about you, Charm. I told you that.”

She blinked away a few tears. “You think I’m crazy, don’t you?”

I nodded. “A little.”

She tensed, trying to pull away. I laughed while pinning her to the bed.

“But so am I. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

You’re still perfect to me, but you have to stop while you’re carrying my baby.

” I brushed my nose along the side of her face.

“Whenever you have the urge to do it, I want you to call me so you’re not alone.

I don’t care if I’m thousands of miles away at a game or in the middle of one, you call me.

I’m your man now, Charm. Use me in whatever capacity you need to. ”

Her voice was so small when she replied. The tone alone increased my innate need to protect her.

“Okay…”

When her lips crashed into mine this time, sparks of energy erupted between us.

She held on to me like she never wanted to let go, and I was perfectly okay with that.

Nothing was going to run me off. If she couldn’t reveal her darkest secrets to me without going into hiding, then I wasn’t doing something right.

When it came to Charm, she would learn I would always do everything right because I was hardwired to.