June 3 2019
Dave- Bae.
AJ waddled her way over to him, belly first.
Dave-You okay, mama?
AJ-Your son's big ol' head is trying to bust out of me.
Dave-He could come any day now.
AJ-I know.
He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss.
AJ-Happy birthday.
He smirked, touched by the gesture.
Dave-Thank you.
He glanced over her shoulder and noticed something.
Dave-You made me a cake?
She nodded proudly.
AJ-Your favorite.
Dave-You made me carrot cake?
AJ-Yup.
Dave-You spoil me.
AJ-I should be saying the same about you.
He placed his hand on her belly, and right on cue, there was a kick.
Dave-There he is. But man, you're hurting your mama in there.
AJ-He's been moving non-stop today.
Dave-I wish he'd come today.
AJ-So you two could share a birthday?
Dave-Exactly. Oh—by the way, I got you new security. His name's Luke. He used to be with the FBI, but the job wasn't for him.
AJ- Now you wanna give me the background on my own security?
They both laughed.
Dave-I think you'll like him. He's a lot like you, actually.
AJ-If you say so. Anyway—what do you want to do for your birthday?
Dave-Just spending it with you is all I need. You'll be home with me until the hospital calls, and that's perfect.
His phone started ringing. It was his mom.
Carla (on FaceTime)- Hey sweetie.
Dave-Hey, Ma.
Carla-How's your birthday going?
Dave-It's going good.
Carla-Your dad and I were wondering if you had anything planned?
Dave-just chilling with AJ.
Carla-Mind if I cook?
AJ-That sounds lovely
Dave-That's fine by us. What should she make?
AJ-Her catfish, collard greens, and mac and cheese—please.
Carla-Alright, that's what I'm bringing. We'll be over soon.
Dave-I'll send my driver for you. Also, AJ's new security will be joining us—figured it'd be a good time to introduce him.
Carla- Sounds good. See you soon.
---
There was a knock at the door. Luke stood outside, visibly nervous. AJ answered.
AJ-Hi.
Luke-Hi, I'm L—
Dave (from behind)-Luke, come in.
Luke stepped inside.
Dave-This is my beautiful fiancée, AJ
AJ-Nice to meet you.
Luke-Nice to meet you too. He talks about you non-stop. It's great to finally put a face to the name.
AJ (smirking)-He only mentioned you today because he knows I don't like having security.
They both chuckled.
Another knock at the door. Dave opened it—it was his parents.
Carla-Hey, my love
AJ-Hey, Mama Carla. Hey, David.
David Sr-How's Bean doing?
AJ-He's good. Could come any day now. Oh, and this is Luke. Luke, these are Dave's parents—Carla and David.
Luke-Nice to meet you both.
Carla- Likewise. And I know you're hungry.
AJ-Yes, ma'am!
While Carla and AJ were in the kitchen, and David Sr. was watching the game, Dave pulled Luke aside.
Dave- Let's talk in my office real quick.
Luke nodded and followed him in.
Dave-Look, she might not be thrilled about having security around, but she'll warm up to you. That's why I wanted y'all to meet in a relaxed setting.
Luke-That makes sense. I'm here to do the job—and protect her. If this were my family, I'd do the same.
Dave-Appreciate that.
A knock sounded at the office door.
Dave-Come in.
AJ peeked her head in.
AJ- The food is rea—oh, am I interrupting something?
Dave-Nope. I'll always drop everything for you.
She smiled at him.
Aj - Food's ready. And I hope you're hungry, Luke.
Luke-Yes, ma'am—
AJ-Okay, one thing. Since you're going to be my security, and we'll get to know each other... don't call me ma'am. Just call me AJ.
Luke (grinning)- Will do, AJ.
