No Letting Go [Completed]

107

After spending the entire day out and about, we order take out and have dinner at the hotel. Riley was getting exhausted and cranky from walking around all day. After eating and taking showers, we sit in the living room area of the suite and watch tv. Riley rests her head on my lap and goes to sleep instantly. I run my hands through her hair.

"She's such a good girl. You've done amazing with her." Kash says.

"Thank you. The first 4 years were so tough, ya know with school and everything. But Colin came along and it felt like a big ass weight lifted off my shoulders. Despite what you think, he really is a great man."

"I know he is...I just like to give his ass a hard time. That's all. But he cares deeply for you and the kids. That's obvious and that's all that matters."

I look down and smile. "Oh. I never got to thank you for today. It was definitely amazing."

"You're welcome. You're a natural. The photographer said so himself."

"I guess."

"So you know this is only the beginning, right? Pretty soon you're gonna be in magazines, on websites, commercials, all kind of shit."

"This is so crazy. Never thought I'd ever be doing this, like ever. Thanks again."

"You know it's no problem."

"Now I can finally bring in my own money, and not have to rely on Colin all the time."

"He never says anything about that, does he?"

"No. He wants me to be a housewife. Like he's down for it."

"Yeah, well that's not you anymore. Time to make your own coins."

"Amen to that."

"So, are y'all tying the knot anytime soon or what?"

"I don't know. He tried to give me the ring back last year on Valentine's Day, and I turned it down."

"Why?"

"Because, at the time we just got back together and I felt we weren't ready...and he hasn't spoken of it since..."

"I take it you're ready now?"

"Well yeah...I mean, I think it's time. We have 3 kids. But I'm just waiting on him to pop the question again."

"I'm sure he will soon. If not.."

"If not, oh well. It's not the end of the world, which is why I haven't made a big deal about it. We're just livin in the moment right now. Marriage will come."

"That's a good way to look at it. Big wedding or small?"

"I don't know yet. But let's just focus on one wedding at a time..." She and Odell are getting married after next season. Marriage is not something I'm pushing for. If it happens it happens, but I'm not desperate to get my ring back. "Are you nervous?"

"A little...but I know everything's gonna be okay. Odell's not the same guy I met two years ago. He's changed for the better."

"That's good. It took Colin a while..but he's finally gotten with the program. We're blessed."

"That we are."