Take Me

Part Sixteen.

Severn, Maryland:
Toni and Kenneth's House:

"Morning, sleepyhead." Toni said while rubbing Ken's head. He was tossing and turning until he finally woke up.

"Hey you." Ken said kissing Toni's shoulder blade. He snuggled into her more and she blushed.

"You forgot someone, too." Toni said referring to their unborn child. He grasped her stomach and smiled.

"Morning my child." Ken said while rubbing her firm stomach. Toni laughed and she drew lazy patterns on her stomach.

"I'm getting hot, Ken. Turn on the AC." Toni demanded. He sighed and turned on the AC, then went back in the bed.

"Thank you. I want to ask you a question." Toni said.

"What is it?" Ken asked.

"Where do you see us in the future?" Toni asked. He sat up in the bed, making his back touch the headboard.

"I'm glad you said that because that's what I want to talk to you about. I'm not leaving you or the kids, but I was accepted into a medical program." Ken said.

"Really? That's great! Where is the program located?" Toni asked. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"In Africa. It's a research program. I'll be gone for about six months to a year, and I leave right after graduation." Ken said.

"Did you think about me and the kids?" Toni asked. He nodded his head yes.

"You can't leave me or the kids, especially the newborn baby. Six months to a year is too much for me. I'll have a six month baby and a two year old. I don't want you to leave me, Kenneth." Toni said.

"You call me Kenneth, when you're upset." Ken said.

"That's because I am upset. This is the most selfish thing you could've ever done. Hell, this is the dumbest thing you've ever done. No, this isn't my hormones talking, it's me talking. Your soon to be wife. How could you leave us in a whole different continent and time zone? Long distance relationships don't last, at all." Toni explained.

"This isn't the dumbest thing. I'm doing this for my father who did the same exact thing. Yes, he left three kids and wife behind but he took care of them. I'm trying to be like my father, who was the best man to look up to. I love you Toni." Ken said. Toni was left speechless.

"I overreacted and I'm sorry. If you want to leave me, then you can go on." Toni said wiping her nose with her sleeve.

"And I will never leave you. I'm here to stay, forever." Ken smiled. He kissed Toni's nose.