"What's going on?" I finally offered this question during the day and had been left in suspense, watching my husband or just smirking. Prince spoiled me once I woke up. My birthday already passed and it wasn't even Mother's Day. My mind jumbled.
These beautiful sunflowers perched in one glass vase to commemorate my late mother, we shared this delicious breakfast together in bed, and Prince even called my team of hired nannies to take care of Jamie this weekend. I raised my brow.
"Happy anniversary." Prince winked, leaning in to kiss me. Still perplexed, I frowned. Our wedding anniversary wouldn't reach my calendar until summertime and even then, Prince didn't celebrate his own birthday anymore. I'd felt so lost.
"What are you talking about?" I laughed to myself, still trying to understand what my husband wanted to do. It wasn't until he handed over this wrapped present that we both began to smile. His elusive yet satisfying grin still prompted butterflies.
I opened the wrap and my jaw dropped instantly. Prince had framed two completely different pictures of us, as if to show off this "before and after" time capsule for us both. Sitting here, I watched again as Prince shook his head and then chuckled.
This first photograph showed off our younger selves. Of course, I'd worn animal print that night. On the other hand, Prince wore little to nothing as he released sweat from performing onstage. Yet, we both smiled through the picture as if our famous friendship had already lasted decades. We each sat on top of this world.
Meanwhile, the second frame then revealed one of our wedding photographs. I'd shoved cake into Prince's face, laughing in real time as ocean waves crashed behind us. Little Jamie giggled in the shot and wanted to join, but Prince said no more.
"Twenty-two years passed between those pictures, and I couldn't be happier, Angel." Prince kissed me once more and the butterflies within me returned. There was still no better feeling in this world. He remembered our very first meeting.
"I love you." I smiled against his lips, blushing. Comfortable silence fell between us as I understood what Prince had just done for me. Momma would've been so happy. My father would love him, too. I just couldn't stop feeling so good now.
"Hello?" It wasn't long before Prince affirmed his love back to me, but still picked up the ringing phone that interrupted us . I didn't know what to think, but kept my mouth shut anyway. Anything terrible could've actually happened for us this time.
"Everything okay?" I asked this question when Prince finally hung up. I could only imagine what crossed his mind until he began to smile out of nowhere. Waiting until he responded, I folded both arms in anticipation. His joy once again calmed me.
"Vegas just confirmed my concert in December." Prince told me. We had prayed that this gig would pull through for quite a while. In turn, the call sealed his deal. The Aladdin Theatre would house that entire musical party and I couldn't wait.
"Yes!" I cheered and high-fived my best friend. We both laughed like two little kids. Our rings clinked for a moment as we smiled. Not only would Prince rock the stage in Vegas, but we'd hopefully play together and show off our marriage at this show.
_____
"I don't even know where to start with this." Months later, we finally reached the Vegas show. Prince allowed himself to be goofy once more as his band performed. I'd waited backstage until this moment, listening to joyous applause. I now stood near usual bassist Rhonda Smith and laughed, wanting silly Prince to "settle."
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"Come on!" Rhonda cheered loud enough for me to hear and gestured for my footsteps to walk up front. The applause only heightened. Everyone in the audience realized what had just unfolded. Only deep-rooted fans found here recognized me.
"Hey, Baby." With his own guitar strapped across his body, Prince lowered that voice and looped his arm around my shoulder. His words jokingly flirted with me as if we didn't stand here in front of everyone. In turn, this same audience lost their minds, knowing full-well that we were married. I grinned while still playing bass.
I grooved, closing my eyes to focus on rhythms around me. Everything from Shelia playing her drums to Prince cheering me on reached my heart. I needed this and my husband knew it. No motherhood and no drama from Mike. Just music.
"Thank you, Vegas." I yelled out loud, not even using my own microphone. By the time we stopped jamming, this audience offered their standing ovation. It wasn't long before Prince kissed my cheek and we all left the stage, ending this show.
Later that night, I found mail of my own back at Prince's hotel room. Addressed to me, Michael had sent this envelope. I didn't know what to think until after reading the letter. Needless to say, I was now shocked beyond words and definitely mad.
Unless I divorced Prince, Michael would stop giving me child support next year.
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