Page 63 of The Devoted Husband

Back on the Island

He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her until her giggles made it hard for him to do so.

“What has gotten into you?” Her cheery voice and bright eyes made his heart skip a beat.

“You’re beautiful. You know that?”

Biting down on her bottom lip, Sade nodded.

“Yes, but it’s always nice to hear you say it.”

“You know I’d do anything for you, right? If anyone hurts you...I’ll make sure they never have the chance to again.”

Pressing her palms into his chest, Sade stared into his eyes. She looked deeply, like she was searching for something. Since he was telling the truth, Atlas hoped she would find it.

“Are you okay, baby?”

“I am. I just want to make sure you understand that.”

“Where is this coming from?” she asked sweetly, caressing his chest.

“I wish I would have been around when you were in school. I would have protected you.”

Her brows lifted, and her mouth opened slightly as realization filled her. Her chuckle was soft as she nodded.

“Oh . . . I see. You’re thinking about Imani and Dante?”

Atlas nodded. “He said he was your best friend, but he wasn’t. If he was, he wouldn’t have let them do that to you. He didn’t deserve you, and he doesn’t deserve this baby.”

“We were kids,” Sade reasoned, wrapping her hands around his wrists. “Do I wish things would have been different? Yes. But I can’t dwell on that now. My life is better with you in it. That’s all I care about.”

Atlas lowered himself to his knees and hugged her waist. He rested his head on her stomach and said, “Thank you for this gift. You and the baby...You give me hope. You keep me grounded. Steady. You’re my anchor. I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose you.”

Sade ran her hand down the back of his head, then used his chin to lift his head. “It’s a good thing you don’t have to worry about that.”