Page 61 of The Devoted Husband

Late November

“I feel like I haven’t recorded one of these in a while.

That makes sense. For the first time in a really long time, life is so, so good.

Since I’ve been using this method to vent and get the bad things out of my head, I can finally put this to rest. I’m healthy, my baby and my man are healthy, and our relationship is going strong.

Hopefully, I won’t need to record again. Hopefully, life can stay this good.”

She’d finished the canvas paintings for Veronica’s clinic and decided to deliver them herself.

“I don’t mind. It was nice coming back to Vanzette and not feeling like I had a target on my back, you know?”

“I get it. Do you have time to stay for a little while so we can catch up?”

“Sure!”

Sade took her time going inside Veronica and Lathan’s home.

“How are you feeling?” Veronica asked, leading Sade to the sitting room.

“I’m feeling good. I’m peeing a lot, and the baby is moving like crazy. But other than that, it’s been pretty good lately.”

“Good. Can I get you some water or something? Have you been staying hydrated?”

“I’ve been trying. Dante literally makes me drink water every hour.” Sade’s eyes rolled as she smiled. “Especially if I do a light workout. He treats me like I’m fragile.”

“Aww, that’s cute.”

As they continued to talk, Sade relaxed more and more. After years of not feeling connected to women because of how toxic things were with her sister, she finally had a genuine friendship with both Veronica and Jessica.

“So, what are you working on next?” Veronica asked.

“I finally have an idea for my next coloring book. It’ll be for expecting moms. So, it’ll have bellies and babies for each trimester they can color.”

“I’ll definitely need to order those in bulk for my clinic. I’m bummed you’re not coming back to Vanzette so I can be baby boy’s pediatrician, but this will make up for it.”

Sade laughed. “Listen, I honestly don’t know where me and Dante are going to end up.

I wanted to stay in Memphis to be close to family, but this whole ordeal with Jones kind of ruined that for me.

We’ve moved on and have peace now that he’s gone, but.

..I don’t know. A part of me still wants to leave. ”

“No one will blame you if you do. But I also understand your desire to stay and be close to family. Especially since things are getting better between you and Imani.”

“I know, right? She’s starting to understand just how long she will be gone.

The twins will be in their midtwenties when she gets out, and her nephew will be a preteen.

” Sade sighed as sadness consumed her. “Adam and Atlas are dead, and she’s still here being punished.

I know to some, death is the ultimate punishment, but somehow, that doesn’t seem fair. ”

“It sounds like you’re feeling compassion for your sister, and that’s something I never thought I’d witness.”

Sade smiled. “You and me both. I know she was terrible to you too, and I apologize on her behalf. I won’t make excuses for it because it was wrong. But I don’t know...she’s...maturing. I just hope she keeps it up so that she can make the most of her freedom when she gets out.”

They continued to talk for several hours before having lunch. Then Sade headed back home to Memphis. She was grateful for the brief trip and visit with her friend. It finally felt like life was back on track.

After a day of getting the nursery together, Sade decided to unwind, watching Breaking Bad and eating fruit.

The show had never caught her interest before, but Jessica mentioned how good it was when she first watched it, so Sade decided to give it a chance.

She was only on the second season but had been pleasantly surprised.

“You forgot your phone in the nursery, Smiley,” Dante said, handing it to her.

Sade looked at her phone as it lit up with a missed call from Attorney Thomas.

She’d hired him to look into Simone’s case.

Since it was just after five in the evening, Sade hoped he was calling with great news.

She sat up in bed, paused the episode, and then returned his call.

Sade exchanged pleasantries with his receptionist, and then she directed Sade’s call to his office.

“This is Attorney Thomas.”

“Hi, this is Sade. I was just returning your call.”

“Sade, hey. How are you?”

“I’m well. How are you?”

“I’m well. I know it’s kind of late, but I couldn’t wait until morning to give you the good news.

Simone’s court date was today, and the judge agreed that based on the evidence and her ex’s history of domestic violence, she should have received a lesser sentence.

She’s being released tomorrow with time served. ”

Sade squealed as she hopped out of bed. “Oh my God, you just made my day! I’m so happy to hear that! Are you going to see her tomorrow?”

“Normally, the family would have the pleasure of picking her up, but she expressed that the only family she has in Vanzette is her daughter, so I’ll pick her up.”

“Yes, that’s correct. Well, please, give her my number and tell her to call me as soon as she’s settled. Thank you so much, Attorney Thomas.”

“I will, and you’re welcome. Thank you for moving on her behalf.”

As Sade ended the call, she wiped her eyes.

“What was that about?” Dante asked, stealing a slice of apple from her bowl.

“That was the lawyer I had working on Simone’s case. A judge overturned her sentence today. She’s going home tomorrow!”

“That’s great, baby. You said she did five years, right?”

“Right, and that was more than enough. Really, it was too much, in my opinion, but I’m just glad she’s finally going to be able to go home. Hopefully, Nico’s parents won’t make it hard for her to get custody of Carmen once she’s settled and stable. I got a feeling they will, though.”

“Yeah, that’s going to be tricky. I get they are hurting over losing their son, but if it was his life or hers...What did they really expect her to do?”

Sade could only shrug as she got back into bed. She didn’t want to think too much about that. For now, she was just glad Simone would be free come morning.