Malachi, page 22
I crept into the bathroom, cringing as the even colder tiles were traded for the wooden planks. Hygiene was first on the list of the day’s tasks. I emptied my bladder, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and finger-combed my hair to untangle the fussy curls my bath with Malachi had summoned.
Only because his note insisted, I began with breakfast. Two boiled eggs and a smoothie was enough to satisfy my appetite. As the eggs danced around the pot, I piled ice, fruit, spinach, oats, honey, and a splash of goat’s milk in their blender.
Alone at the table with seasoning drizzled on my eggs and Malachi’s computer in front of me, I began building the brand board that had come to me in my sleep. Everything was syncing effortlessly, leaving me in awe at what was coming of a brand I’d put on the back burner until nearly losing my life and meeting a man who knew just how short life was. It was almost funny, the way God’s timing was always perfect.
Alright, Aeir, I preached, forcing myself out of the seat and off the computer nearly an hour later. Time had gotten beside me as I got lost in the intricacy of my brand’s aesthetic. When I finally put my dishes away, I grabbed my phone and headed out of the door, sure to remember the code that Malachi had given me in case I needed to return at any point and he was unable to get the door or was out in the fields. He never mentioned the city because his plans to return simply weren’t on his heart, yet.
In just a few days, that had changed, and my gratitude was overwhelming. High on his rehabilitation, I sauntered out into the yard. The big red bow that danced in the wind halted all movement. Looking around, from one side to the other, I waited to wake from my dream or be shaken out of a vision. Seconds elapsed before I concluded this wasn’t a dream and this wasn’t a vision. This was life, my life.
“Ma-Malachi,” I gasped.
My hands gravitated to my mouth, my cheeks, my eyes, and then my hair. Blurriness surrounded me, but the new olive G-Wagon that sat in front of me was as bold as it was clear in my line of vision. It resembled the one I’d been driving all along, but the olive was deeper and much richer. Instead of a shiny coat, this one was matte.
“My God.”
The details were unbelievable. From the shiny wheels to the roof, I was head over heels. I circled the large vehicle to find tags that brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. Chuckling, I wiped away the saltiness.
“Men,” I sniggered.
MALACHI was sprawled across the tag plate. I continued around the truck until I reached the driver’s side again. There, I hopped inside. On the passenger seat, I found more evidence of Malachi’s generosity. A black bag with Chanel written across it sat beside three black boxes that were covered in a velvety texture that almost every woman was familiar with. I opened the smallest, revealing a silver watch that was covered in sparkling diamonds.
Though I was a gold jewelry girl, I knew instantly that the style wouldn’t have looked as good in gold. The silver was perfect and matched the bracelet from the second box I opened. It was a dainty piece, correlating with my preferences. Last, the thick, diamond-encrusted bracelet sealed it. It was beautiful, almost too beautiful for the naked eye.
“Malachi,” I whispered his name. “My God.”
The Chanel bag rattled as I removed the large box. The flower fell from on top of the black box as I untied the string. Upon lifting the top, I found a black flap bag inside. It was the classic Chanel piece and a dream for most women—me included. To have the quilted masterpiece in my hand was unbelievable.
My cell vibrated in the pocket of Malachi’s shorts. Because I’d run out of clothes, they were the only option unless I wanted to run across the property bottomless. The unknown number somehow felt familiar. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to ignore the call because there was an inkling that Malachi was on the other end, waiting to hear my voice.
“Hello?”
“Baby.” He spoke into the phone, his baritone reminding me why I was smitten from our first conversation.
“Yes.”
“You’re awake.”
“And outside. Malachi, all of… all of this stuff. Why?”
“Because you deserve it and so much more. It didn’t come to my attention until yesterday that you prefer gold jewelry. I’d already ordered these pieces but the next set will be—”
“Noooo. I love these. All of them.”
His attention to detail was rewarding. Even the small things, he didn’t miss.
“If the color of the Wagon doesn’t fit your style, we can always rewrap it.”
“I love it. I do.”
“This is my new number, Aeir. Lock me in. Put a few hearts by my shit. Check the glove compartment. There’s something there for you, too.”
“A few hearts?” His words were amusing. “Isn’t the plate that says Malachi enough?”
“Motherfuckers need to know what time it is, Aeir.”
“What time is it, Malachi? I’m not sure I know myself.”
“Was that $274,000 whip not enough? The matching bracelet, watch, and chain?” He laughed.
“Nope.”
“Not even the dick that I’ve been stuffing down your throat and up your—”
“Malachi.”
“I’m just making sure I’m making myself understood, Aeir.”
“None of that matters, Malachi,” I sighed. “Only you.”
“I know, baby.”
“So, why don’t you ask me? These gifts will double in sentimental value.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Umm hmm.”
“In that case, Ms. Rothshire, I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Wait, what?” I shrilled, not expecting him to end the call so abruptly.
“If you thought this moment would be a washed-up phone request, then you’re wrong. I assumed you’d know me better by now, Aeir. Maybe a bit battered and bruised, but I’m far from basic. Just get ready to make my day and tell me yes when the time presents itself. I’m hanging up now.”
He ended the call as he said he was. My mouth slacked and eyes grew larger.
He’s back, I finalized, leaning forward and opening the glove compartment.
“Your love is king.” The lyrics of one of my favorite songs filled the truck as I began to hum. “Crown you in my heart. Your love is king.”
Inside the glove compartment, I found another note. I opened it, expecting to see more words and more confessions of Malachi’s feelings, but there were only a few. My heart stopped as I finished reading, ending at the question mark on the page.
What do you say we take a chance on forever together?
I unlocked my phone, rushing to find the number he’d just called from. I tapped the screen and listened to the phone ring until the voicemail came on. As I ended the call, a text from the same number came through.
Tell me in person.
I squealed, grabbing hold of the steering wheel while exiting the message to dial Jae’s number. As the phone rang, I grabbed all of my belongings. It wasn’t until I was climbing out, preparing to lock up, that I noticed the toddler car seat in the back. Mounds of strength was required to maintain the fountain that threatened to pour from my eyes.
“Hey, babe,” Jae answered, disrupting my thoughts and pulling me off the ledge.
“He hears me. He sees me. He feels me. He values me. He trusts me. Jae, he’s my husband. This is the one thing I’m sure of if I’ve never been sure of anything else in life. Please tell me you’ll be my bridesmaid and help me plan a simple wedding on the farm.”
“Wait. Wait. Wait. Slow down,” she urged. “Where is all of this coming from?”
“Him. A few days ago, he came to apologize about his behavior and asked if we could maybe try to make something work between us. I was left with no choice but to agree. I have a jones for this man and I’m not talking lightweight. There’s so much left to explain to you about this entire situation, but for now, just answer. Just look at what he’s done for me. In my wildest dreams, I didn’t expect to wake up to this level of generosity.”
I tapped the FaceTime icon and waited for Jae to take the call. When her pretty brown skin covered my screen, I flipped the camera to share my view.
“It’s gorgeous,” I stated, rounding the truck slowly. “And it’s mine.”
“Get the fuck out of here, Aeir. Wait. Hold up. I’m packing my fucking bag now. The niggas in Berkeley, you said?”
“Jae,” I called out, getting her attention.
“I’m on the way, Aeir. I’m on the way.”
“You’d better not come here to find a man and you haven’t visited me yet.”
“Well, this means I can kill two birds with one stone, right?”
“No, you have a job, babe. Have you forgotten?”
“Not at all, but I think we’ve both been keeping a few secrets. Since you’ve been away, I’ve been really thinking about my life and my future. A week after you left, I signed up for the travelers program we offer here.”
“For the nurses?”
“Yes.”
“Oh God, Jae. That’s wonderful.”
“I was chosen.”
“Of course you were. They’d be foolish not to have chosen you.”
“You’ve opened my eyes, Aeir. Thank you for packing your shit and chucking the deuces.”
“It felt like such a spontaneous decision but I knew it would be the best decision I’d ever made. Malachi, he just keeps proving I didn’t make a mistake coming here. He has his faults, but I don’t know a person who has suffered a loss so great that is faultless. That hasn’t stopped him from filling me with so much happiness.”
“And dick, because from the sound of it, you’re whipped.”
“I am,” I whined. “It’s almost pathetic.”
“Nah. No it’s not. I’m trying to sound just like you in a few months when I find my husband in the sky or at one of the hotel bars the hospital is paying big bucks for.”
“And you will. I know you will.”
“Is that a Cha… a Chanel bag, Aeir? What’s inside?”
“A black, classic Chanel flap.”
“A girl can dream,” she said, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply.
“Stop it, Jae.”
“Don’t mind me, babe, I’m just experiencing the excitement you should be after receiving a fucking Chanel bag and a G-Wagon.”
“He bought me a necklace, watch, and bracelet, too. But, this has to be my favorite gift of them all.”
I opened the back door and angled the camera toward the car seat.
“A car seat?” she asked flatly.
“Yes. It’s more than just a car seat, Jae. It’s an invitation into their worlds. It’s Malachi’s way of letting me know that I’m part of their tribe now. Their duo has become a trio.”
“That’s cute and all, babe, but that Chanel is cuter.”
“Goodbye, Jae.”
“Wait. Why are you rushing me off the phone so fast?”
“Because Malachi has made plans for us this evening. I have so much to get done between now and then. I’d love to chat and tell you all about what’s been going on in my life, but tomorrow, okay? For now, I need to get into some decent clothes and head to the city.”
“I can’t believe how jealous I feel right now. I love this so much for you!”
“Thanks, Jae.”
“Okay. Okay,” she pouted. “I guess I’ll let you go now.”
“Talk to you later, love.”
“Later.”
Dressed in a silky number that was a shade of mocha and stopped at my ankles, I graced the garden with my presence. Perspiring palms made me cautious of where I placed my hands. A print on my dress would leave me devastated. I pushed forward, through the garden and around toward the greenhouse.
The heel of my shoes sunk into the freshly turned soil that led to more stable ground and a concrete path that led the rest of the way. Upon approaching, I could see his tall, lean figure in the distance. Butterflies circled my stomach. The closer I got, the more they swarmed.
Rounding the corner, I was able to take him in fully. Overgrown hair covered his face but it did little to hide his beauty. His dark skin blended with the night, almost perfectly. The black button down he wore to match his black pants camouflaged, disguising themselves under the starlight sky. With a single red rose in his hand, he prepared for my approach.
“Aeir.”
Though reserved, I could hear the exhilaration in his voice.
“Malachi.”
“You look… amazing.”
Spinning slowly, I gave him a full view. The gown I wore was a subtle addition to my wardrobe. The diamonds that kept my wrist and neck cool were the key to the ensemble. Absentmindedly, I touched the necklace that rested against my chest as my twirl ended.
“So do you.”
“I’ve missed you all day, Ms. Rothshire.”
“Have you?”
I stood with my chest out and my head up, digesting the man before me. He was regal. He was rare. He was royalty. It was a blessing to be in his presence.
“Yes.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Mr. Domino. Enjoying the smoothness of the ride all day made it hurt a little less.”
“I’m happy to hear that you like your new set of wheels.”
“I love them and all of this.” I rubbed the new jewels that he’d added to my collection.
“My heart is content with that knowledge.”
“The answer to your question… It’s yes.”
“Hm?” he asked, brows furrowing in confusion.
“Yes to figuring out forever together. Yes to taking a chance. Yes to you being my man.”
“Yes?” His tilted head and blooming eyes brought a smile to my lips.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“Good, because a nigga was planning to wear you down if you’d said no. Come ’er.”
His arms snaked around my body, squeezing me tightly as he sighed into my ear.
“Wear me down?”
“Until you told me yes. Just like you’ve worn me down over the last few weeks, not giving up on me like I’d given up on myself, clearing my vision and helping me make the best decision I’ve made in the last two years. Thank you, Aeir.”
“It’s been a pleasure, Malachi. The good and the ugly.”
“I’m starving, baby,” he admitted, loosening his grip and releasing me slowly.
“So am I.”
Our palms joined as he opened the door of the greenhouse, leading us inside. A wooden table I’d never seen before sat in the very middle, decorated with string lights, white roses, and a record player that sat off to the side.
Silver domes topped the plates full of food that hadn’t been prepared by either Malachi or me.
“Catered?”
“Yes. Had there been more hours in the day, I would’ve prepared it myself.”
“You deserve to rest, Malachi. Guilt should have no place in your heart for prioritizing yourself today.”
“You first.”
I sat in the chair designated for me, tucking my dress under my butt so that it wouldn’t snag in the process. Malachi joined me, having a seat directly across from me. We shared gazes and joined hands before bowing our heads.
“Dear God, thank You for another day, another chance, another start. Your blessings are plentiful and we thank You every day, all day. The food that has been prepared for us, we pray that it’s nourishing to our minds, bodies, hearts, and souls. Bless the hands that prepared the food and the bellies prepared to consume it. Amen.”
“Amen,” I repeated after him, lifting the enormous dome from my plate.
Underneath was an entire spread that included three sections. There was an appetizer, that consisted of grilled mozzarella on top of tofu lettuce wraps, garnished with parsley. Next to the toasted cheese was a healthy serving of broccoli pesto pasta. Finally, there was a small slice of strawberry cheesecake. The massive plate underneath it made the size of the dome make much more sense.
“Wow.”
My stomach protested as my fingers sealed the first wrap by folding it gently. Because it was so small, I was able to consume it in one bite before I was on my way to the next wrap. There were three of them. I’d starved myself all day so I could stuff myself at dinner. If I could, I’d clear the entire plate. The servings were small, promising me a chance to taste each dish.
“Um,” I hummed. “Good.”
“Agreed,” Malachi approved, tossing his second wrap back immediately after.
“I feel so unprepared for Aussie’s return. I’m only about 40 percent through the decorating. I still have learning material to pick up and I have a few more pieces of furniture to build.”
“She won’t be here until Monday afternoon. How about we both wake up bright and early Monday morning and tackle everything on your to-do list? We can take a trip into the city whenever you’re ready to grab the things you need. We don’t have to wait until Monday for that. Whatever isn’t completed by the time Aussie gets here, she’ll be happy to assist with. She’s a damn good helper. Not one to be in your way if she’s not benefiting you.”
“I bet she’s the best.”
“Hands down. No questions asked. Aussie approaches everything she does with 100 percent. She’s as fearless as she is resilient.”
“Admittedly, I’m nervous about her arrival. Aside from not having everything in order, I just—”
“You have nothing to worry about, Aeir,” he stated smoothly. “School doesn’t start for a very long time. Completion is not a requirement at this point. Besides that, Aussie will be happy to have someone to spend her days with besides me. I’m all she knows and all she’s ever known. Her mother died when she was six months. She’s waiting to pour her love into some deserving woman. That woman happens to be you. Trust me, love. Everything will be everything.”
“Yeah?” With a tilted head, I questioned him.
“Yes. I know my baby girl.”
“That makes me feel so much better.”
“How is the board coming along? I’m almost certain it’s had your attention most of the day.”
