It had been a week since Janet was put on bed rest. At first, she hated it, but Toni would call her from work and they'd talk, or eat their meals over video call. Sometimes, they'd just sit there quietly. However, after a few days, Toni decided to work from home to stay with Janet. She knew she'd be bored being by herself, plus she needed to be there whenever she went into labor.
"So then, I took Mommy to the beach so we could run and swim. She had a great time and when you get here and get bigger, we can go again. I think you'll like it." Toni laid on Janet's thighs next to her belly. "After that, we got really serious and Mama started going to church for Mommy and went back to school. Now I got a good job so we can be balling, but legally. I'm sure you'll appreciate that." Toni had decided to start talking to the baby. She thought that it would help encourage the baby to come.
"Toni, I think you've talked enough." said Janet. She was playing on her phone.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's been over an hour."
"Okay." Toni sat up and moved next to Janet. "What you up to?"
"Just finalizing some things with my advisor for next year."
"What y'all planning?"
"In January, I will be back in school as a second semester sophomore for in person classes at Stanford."
"Really, I thought you didn't want to go in state."
"I didn't, but with the baby coming, I want to be here."
"Good, we don't live too far from Stanford anyway."
"Exactly, everything is being transferred over before the summer, that way all I have to focus on is you and our baby for the next six months." She sat her phone down and looked at Toni.
"That's good. I'm happy for you, baby. Can't wait to see how you succeed and..." Toni's phone began to ring.
"Ughhh." She picked it up and looked at it.
"What's wrong, baby?"
"My assistant. I can't wait until I replace her."
"Why? Is she bad at her job?"
"No, she does the job fine, but she's always flirting with me." Janet's face immediately twisted. "I have told her several times that I am married and extremely happy, but she doesn't care." Janet felt her body heat up in anger.
"So when do you replace her?"
"Your dad said he found me a new assistant, he just has to go through some training first."
"How long?"
"A couple weeks. So I'm just avoiding the girl."
"Then who's doing the work?"
"Laura. Jenna thinks I took time off to take care of you. Which I did, but I just don't want to deal with her."
"Then why did she text you?"
"She's 'checking up' on you." Toni used air quotes.
"Hmm...some women just can't take the hint."
"I know. That's another reason I called you last week. She kept insulting you without saying it and I got so upset."
"Baby,...." Janet rubbed Toni's face and smiled. "....am I going to have to beat this bitch's ass?" Toni was shocked. Janet wasn't usually like this.
"No, sweetie. She's being moved to a completely different department. I won't even see her anymore."
"Good." Toni chuckled.
"You ain't never gotta worry. You're the only one I want." Janet smiled.
"You better recognize." Toni kissed her. "But that chick better be careful. I'll...ohhh." Janet touched her belly."
"What is it?"
"I've just been having some pains. The doctor said it's a sign that I'm getting closer to being in labor."
"That's great. I can't wait for it. I've already practiced not passing out and I won't be eating, because some men have said they threw up from nervousness. I also got you a massager to help and an ice maker for here so that you can have all the ice chips you want."
"You're so sweet." Janet rubbed Toni's face and bit her lip. Toni immediately stopped her.
"No, no more. You have to rest." Janet pouted.
"It's get the baby here quicker." Toni looked at her.
"Really?"
"Yep. So really, you'd be helping me and the baby." She rubbed Toni's chest.
"Hmmm. Well...ummm..."
"Then we definitely won't have to worry about my blood pressure."
"I guess that would be the smart thing to do."
"Exactly."
"And as the head of our family, I need to have your best interest at heart."
"Of course you do."
"Come on."
"Joseph, stop it." Katherine laughed as he kissed her neck. "Stop." She moved. He looked at her and smiled.
"You smell so good today."
"I know, you already let me know that....many times." She straightened the covers on their bed.
"Let me tell you one more time." Joseph pulled at her waist.
"No, you said that two times ago." She grabbed the t-shirt that was hanging in their headboard and put it on. "What's been up with you lately?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you're usually very...routine with our times together and for the last few months you've been jumping on me and now you leave work early sometimes."
"It's not that bad."
"Joseph, you tried to have sex in your office at the church." She sat in his lap. "What's going on?" He sighed and held her waist.
"I don't know. I guess with everything that's happened, I've seen how fleeting the good moments are and how quick life could pass by."
"That's true."
"I mean, we were just teenagers, in my apartment, living freely and having fun. We would do everything and then suddenly we have nine kids, grandkids, I'm a Bishop, you're a First Lady, and we've barely had any time for just us. I missed it and then finding out what happened to you and you couldn't even tell me, just makes me want to be a better husband."
"Baby, I couldn't tell you because he threatened me."
"Yes, but there was a time where no matter what happened, you would tell me and when I think back to that visit, I was short tempered and I ignored out a lot. The business was stressful and we drifted apart. Then Janet was born and we never fully got back to what we were. Then I made matters worse when separated and slept with someone else."
"Sweetie, we were both to blame for the separation and we've since forgiven each other." Katherine gently rubbed his face.
"I know. I guess seeing Janet and Toni in love and Tim and Toy, it just made me want to see that excitement and joy in your face again." Katherine sighed. "They looked at their partners with total admiration and love. I wanted you to feel that."
"I do feel that. I feel it all the time. You didn't have to change anything. Do I like the attention you've been giving me? Of course, but I don't want you to feel like without doing it, I won't love you. I will always love you." Katherine looked into Joseph's eyes. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I can never imagine feeling what I feel for you, for someone else."
"Really?"
"Yes." She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. He hugged her tighter and turned them over to where Katherine was now laying down. Pulling away, he looked at her. She smiled and looked at his lips. "Okay, one more time."
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