"How did you come up with 10,000 dollars?"

"I own my own business, don't ask no questions. You'll know in due time. All that matters is that you're out and I get to spend time with you."

I exhaled, "Steph."

"Madison." He smirked.

"I don't want you to get caught up with me. I've really grown to like you and I admire your relationship with Gigi. She needs you more than me and I thank you so much for everything you've done for me in this past month, but.... I can't see you anymore. I'll pay everything back if God allows me my freedom."

"Are you serious Madison?"

"Yes I am serious, very serious. I honestly can't see you anymore."

"What is it? Is it dude? Something going on between the two of you or something?"

"What? NO!"

"Listen Steph, I have my priorities confused right now, I need to be with my children and I just have to cope with the fact that I took my child's only father and he may be losing his mother."

"I understand all of that, I promise you I do Madison. That's why I want to be here for you and them."

My sights set on the parking lot where a family was unloading their car so ever happily with their two children and my heart broke into a million pieces.

"Listen to me, when all of this is over and I have my freedom, we can make good on our promise. But for now I can't live in this fairytale knowing what I'm facing. These factors need my undivided attention and I don't want to distract you. Please."

"Damn you asking a lot. Asking me to let go of a woman I'm trying to love and care for. But listen I wanna make good on gay promise and I know we will. The moment they release you I'm go be in one bending knee."

"One bending knee huh?"

"Exactly... now can I do the honors of kissing my future bride?"

My stomach flustered with butterflies and nerves as I sighed hesitantly.

"Come here boy and kiss me?"

Steph took a step up grabbing me by the waist and pulling me to him as our lips connected then departed drifting in a passionate tongue kiss.

I was experiencing pure heaven having the lips of this man shifting in rotation against mine so softly.

———————

"Now power you did so good rehearsing with me, your testimony is very important in order for mommy to come back home. It's okay to be nervous or scared but remember we are all there with you and nothing will happen to you at all." Rick reassured kneeling at powers level as we rehearsed in the event of him ever having to take the stand.

"I know, all I have to do is tell the truth."

"Exactly."

Ricks phone gave a ring as we stood preparing to see if I'd be indicted and have to stand trial.

Ricks facial expression turned to one of seriousness as the person the other end of the rambled on non stop and he stepped into the hall.

"You'll do fine baby. Just remember to tell the truth no matter what. Ricks practiced with you and when your day comes to testify you just have to tell exactly what happened."

"Yes ma'am I know mommy, I don't want to lose you."

I pulled power into my arms, "you won't son, you won't."

"We won't have anyone if we do. Is Allures dad dead too?"

His little words stopped me in my tracks as I inhaled deeply, trying to find the right answer.

"No baby, he's not dead. Listen, mommy loves the both of you very much and that's what I want you to continue to remember as long as you live."

"I know you do. We love you too mama."

Within moments rick returned.

"They've dropped the charges, not enough evidence to proceed forward. They've recovered footage from the adjacent complex that showed it all occurring on camera."

My heart sunk into my chest as I dropped to the floor drowning in my own tears.

"You're free." Power fell on top of me and bathed in tears also as I gripped him tightly.

———————-