For Better or For Worse

by Desirae Williams

  “Oh nothing just roamed around the market today.” Grant answered well stuffing steak down his throat. I sighed at him. “I was talking to Greg.” He gave me that surprised look like he didn’t know. “Ooops. My bad.” “I taught sparks how to sit, but I had to give him like half a bag of treats.” Greg sadly confessed in the mist of it all. “Sounds like a rip off to me kid.” Grant chuckled and unknowingly so did I. “My teacher says you should reward dogs for good behavior.” I nodded. “Your teacher was right on the money with that kid, but sometimes you have to punish dogs for bad behavior.” I glanced in Grant’s direction. He gave me a sarcastic smile and bit into his steak. Little Greg stared at both of us as if something was on his mind. “I’ve been wanting to you ask a question.” We both looked at him curiously. “Say what’s on your mind son.” Little Greg looked at both of us and took his time to say what he wanted to say. “At school during share time Elizabeth shared with the class how her parents met and got married, and it made me wonder how you guys met?” Grant and I looked from Greg to each other not knowing what to say. “I‘ll tell you...”

  Grant broke the silence out of nowhere. I looked at him puzzled as to what he was going to say. “You see Greg, your mom was driving late one night and she happened to spot this handsome man along the street.” He said pointing to himself, Greg smiled but I looked at him like he was crazy. “Now she wanted to meet me so bad that she purposely ran her car over broken glass so I would feel compelled enough to help her out.” I damn near choked on my water at the sound of that. “In your dreams that happened.” He waved up a hand to silence me. “Let me finish, so after she stepped out of the car I walked over to lend my assistance she said, Oh my… it’s not every day I get to meet a strong handsome man like yourself, can you please take my phone number and give me the underserved honor of going out on a date with you.” Greg and I were dying laughing we knew that never would have happened in a million years, but Grant wasn’t finished. “So I said, usually miss I don’t date random women I happen to meet on the street, but there is something about you that I feel is deserving of a date with me.” I shook my head almost in tears. “No, no that is not what happened.”

  Greg was delighted. “You tell me what happened mama.” I took a deep breath and cleared my throat. “You see sweetie, on the way home from work I decided to take a short cut so I could get home early. Now I ended going through a pretty rough neighborhood and I was desperate to find my way out. Out of nowhere I see someone jump out in front of my car and me not knowing I accidently ran him over and backed up and did it again; in a panic I stopped to see what happened, and there was a strange man lying in the middle of the street.” Greg gazed at me in awe while Grant twisted his lips and looked at me like I was talking complete bull. “I asked this strange man sir now what compelled you to jump out in front of a moving vehicle, and he said well miss I knew one thing and one thing for sure, when I saw you I had to meet you or die trying.” “Wow” Greg exclaimed. Grant shook his head. After we all calmed down he decided to tell the real story of how we met. “Ok son this is the real story, your mom was coming home for work and she got flat tire. I went over to help her, I saw how incredible beautiful she was and still is and I knew I had to have her.” I couldn’t help but be flattered by his words. “And then you were born.” Greg laughed as Grant tickled him, I laughed too. “That’s a cool story.” Greg said. “Yes it was.” I looked right into Grants eyes and reminisced about all of it, it had been sometime but I still remembered it like it was yesterday.

  Grant glanced at the clock on the bannister. “Well kid it’s about your bed time huh? Kiss your mama good night.” Greg leaned over and kissed me on the cheek as he slid off the bed. “Goodnight mommy.” “Good night baby.” They made their way to the door and the dog followed. “C’mon sparks.” Woof, the dog followed behind. As Grant tucked Greg into bed I couldn’t help but think about the night we met. How I he helped me when I was scared, how I thought he was so handsome, and how I loved hearing his voice. It almost brought tears to my eyes. “Knock Knock.” Grant said coming into the room. “You ok in here?” I blinked back the wetness in my eyes and straightened up as he came in. “Yeah I’m fine. Dinner was great.” He nodded and stared me down with those dark eyes. “Well you know me I’ll do anything to make you happy.” I stared into his eyes feeling the sensuality he exuded through them. “Well I enjoyed myself, it was fun.” “Good. I’ll take this tray out of your way.” Grant grabbed his tray and headed for the door. “Goodnight Grant.” He looked back at me shocked that I was being pleasant toward him. “Good night miss.”

  Grant

  “Hey Dad is breakfast ready?” Greg yelled from the TV room, he and sparks were dancing around to the theme music of Power Rangers. I swear that kid stayed glued to the television. “In a minute kid...” I was preparing breakfast for the day and still trying to wrap my head around last night. Little Greg really brought up old memories from back in the day of what used to be and what should be. Even Lucy‘s heart warmed to the memories of how we met, that in all led me to believe that maybe there was a chance, even a glimmer of hope that our marriage could survive. Well only time would tell, I thought. “You alright in there kid?” I yelled to the TV room. Greg turned around from the television and looked at me. “Yeah dad.” “You too sparks?” Woof the dog barked. “Ok I’m going to check on mom now so be good you two.” I don’t know why my heart pounded as I got closer to the door. I guess I was hoping that once I appeared she would realize she loved me and loved our family and want to do anything to stay together, but then again that was wishful thinking. I knocked twice to get her attention.

  “Lucy are you awake?” I asked as I entered her room. She was wide awake and looking luminous in the morning light, I could tell there was something different about her this morning… something softer. Instead of looking at me like she wanted to put me in a wood chipper, she smiled. “Good morning.” Her voice was soft and low…a change from her screaming banshee vocals. “Good Morning. I made breakfast. I just need to get Greg settled and I’ll bring your tray up.” “Actually...” She said cutting me off. “I am kind of tired of being cooped up in this room …I was hoping I could come downstairs if you don’t mind.” Thank you God, thank you, thank you, thank you. This was a huge step…..Ok it was a little step but a step nether the less. “Yeah…Uh…Yeah…I would love for you to come. It’s just….” I paused for a second and she looked at me puzzled. “Just what?” I looked to from her to the stairs. “You can’t do it by yourself.” Even with Lucy’s progress in her strength, she still wasn’t strong enough to make it down the stairs. She caught my drift and nodded. “Well are you going to help me?” My eyes perked up and I think I got that stupid look on my face when I get excited. Lucy pulled the covers back and I raced over to help. “Ok, now easy…Easy.” I slowly brought her up to her feet and we both stared at each other. Her bruises were fading but her body was still fragile and so was her heart. There was something different in her eyes though, instead of hatred and bitterness I saw vulnerability. “Do you mind if I...” I was trying to ask her can I carry her downstairs hoping she would comply. “Oh…yes its ok.” I nodded and reached under her legs and brought her close to my chest. We had not been this close in long time; the feel of it alone was stimulating us. I brought my face closer to hers and when she didn’t resist I ran my lips across her cheek taking in the smell of her hair. How I missed that smell, the feel of her body, the taste of her… “Dad, is breakfast ready yet?” Greg yelled from downstairs causing us to both break away from the trance we had put each other under. Damn kid, I thought. We really need to work on your timing. “We should probably get downstairs.” Lucy whispered. I nodded unwillingly.

  “Hey Greg I’m on my way down, I got a surprise for you.” I could hear little feet running to the bottom of the stairs. “Yay, mommy is coming downstairs.” Little Greg yelled as I carried Lucy to the living area and gently put her down on the couch. “Good morning mama.” He said w
hile running to give her a hug. “Be easy little man, I don’t think she ready for power slam hugs yet.” She laughed. “Its ok, Good morning honey.” I ran in the kitchen quickly got breakfast and returned. “Alright, I have a surprise for you guys. Check this out.” I appeared before them with three plates of triple stacked pancakes topped off with cherry sauce and whip cream. Greg stared in awe while Lucy looked suspicious. She stared at me accusingly while inspecting the plates. “Alright where is she?” I was taken aback by her statement. “Where is who?” “Where is the secret chef you got stashed some were because I know you didn’t cook this.” I pretended to be offended as they both laughed.

  “Listen I’ve been taking classes, and watching The Food Network.” Lucy tripped out laughing. “Not even the greatest chef could help you in the kitchen.” I shrugged at their mockery. “Well I have never been good over the stove…I’m more of an over the table type of man.” She shook her head and smiled trying to ignore my dirty comments. “C’mon y’all let us dig in.” As we indulged in numerous pancakes and family feud on TV, I couldn’t help but feel amazingly good. It felt just like old times to have my family with me and enjoying each other company, I just hoped this feeling would last…at least for a little while.

  Chapter 25

  Surprise…Baby

  Grant

  As the week past things progressed better for us, Lucy and I were spending more time with together and with Greg. I was helping her learn to move around better and heal from the accident. We even found ourselves outside enjoying the fresh air. Greg and I played football while she watched and cheered us on from the sidelines. “Whew. Boy I’ll tell you keep playing like that you will make it to the pros.” I said tossing Greg the ball. He grabbed it and threw it on the ground. “Yeah!” he yelled. I laughed at his game face. Lucy was sitting on the patio and she seemed to be taking it all in. I don’t know what had gotten into her, she seemed eager to be around me now, it mad me feel like we were back together again. “So how was he doing out there, is he NFL worthy?” She nodded in approval. “I would draft him.” Lucy a gave thumbs up to Greg. He ran over and hugged her. I heard my phone going off in the house and already knew who was calling. “Hey you guys give me a minute I’ll bring out some snacks.” I went through the patio doors to the kitchen to retrieve my black berry. One missed call…One new voice message, I read. I played my voice mail, it was Alexia.

  “Hey, we are about to get started soon. I thought you would be here by now. I hope you’re not having second thoughts. Well anyway call me when you can.” Damn, I thought. I forgot all about today. What am I going to do? I walked back to the patio. Lucy looked up at me as I came out. She looked more beautiful as the days passed, with her hair up, skinny jeans and a tank top. “Is something wrong?” She asked. I wouldn’t dare tell her the truth. “Actually I got a call from work to pick some packages up…You don’t mind if I take off for a minute.” “No.” She said straightening up in her chair. “It’s fine.” “Are you sure, your still not well and Greg can be a handful. I can’t leave you…” “Grant. It’s fine. I can handle my own child. Besides I’m starting to get around a little bit better now. So you go do what you need to do.” I nodded but I still felt hesitant. “I’m not going to be gone longer than an hour. Ok.” “Ok” She agreed. “Greg I need you to keep an eye on your mom for me and help her with anything she needs ok.” Greg was out in the yard teaching sparks how to catch the football. “Ok, bye dad.” He yelled out to me. I looked back to Lucy, “Just one hour ok.” “I’m fine. Go please go.” I grinned at her loving the atmosphere between us. “Try not to miss me too much.”

  I pulled of the exit ramp into the city; I managed to change in the car into some dress casual clothing. A dark red button up shirt, some jeans, and timberlands seemed to do the trick. I pulled into the Gardens apartments and made my way to the elevator. Amazing I could still feel the heat from this place from when Alexia and I had her first fling. Now thinking about all the damage it had done filled me with regrets. As I arrived on to her floor I hesitated to go to her apartment. I wanted to stop but my feet kept moving, I guess they figured I was already here.

  I knocked twice on the door before it opened. “I thought you would never get here.” Alexia smiled at me. Her beautiful face remained the same although her belly had grown tremendously. “Everybody’s waiting come on in.” I followed behind her; she was wearing a dark blue wrap around dress that really showed a beautiful side to her pregnancy. As I came into the living area I was introduced to a cluster of Spanish women. “Everyone this is Grant Smith.” They were a variety ages, sizes, and complexions but the overall vibe was very welcoming. “Well it nice to meet you, bonito” The eldest woman of them all embraced me first. I could hear that Brazilian accent from a mile away. “Bonito. What?” I was confused knowing I didn’t know a damn word of Portuguese other than Olá, tudo bem, which was hello how are you. Alexia smiled at my ignorance to her native culture. “She means handsome.” “Oh.” I nodded. Another lady approached me at the same time; she wasn’t as aged or just didn’t look it. In fact she reminded me of an older version of Alexia. “Hello Grant, I’m Ramona… Alexia’s mother.” She took my hands into hers…I knew it. “Oh. It’s nice to meet. You’re just as beautiful as your daughter.” Alexia smiled at the flattery. “Smooth talker are you. Alexia I think I like this one.” We all chuckled as Alexia nodded. “I do too.”

  As time passed the women introduced me to multiple Spanish foods to me like tamales, churros, and frijattas. They talked the day way about baby names, gifts and birthday celebrations. It was all knew to me, I usually stayed away from female social gatherings like these. “So Grant…” Aunt Ruth asked. “What baby names have you thought about?” I shook my head. “I have absolutely no idea. My main thought is that the baby is taken care of.” The women all awed. “Hmmm. Finally, we have found a man who knows how to provide. If I were in my younger day’s bonito you would be all mine.” Everyone burst out laughing. I eased back on the couch and watched the women mingle around while Alexia sat right beside me. Uneasy about the entire friendly atmosphere I thought it was time to ask her a few questions. “They seem to really like me.” She laughed. “And you thought that they wouldn’t.” “Well given the fact that I’m still married and that we had an affair that resulted in you getting pregnant. That doesn’t really warm people’s hearts, especially not women.”

  She hung her head down and looked away for a minute. “They don’t know.” She looked back up at me. “They only know what I’ve told them.” I nodded reading her like a book. “And what have you told them?” “That we are two adults that are committed to raising this baby.” “That’s it.” I asked suspiciously. She nodded, “That’s it.” For some reason I found that hard to believe.

  Lucy

  It was getting later by the minute but Grant had still not arrived back yet, where the hell was he. He still seemed surprise that I was willing to overcome my anger and work with him on getting better. Honestly I was still surprised myself or maybe I was tired of fighting. I didn’t want to give him any inclination that we were getting back together although we had some close calls over the past week, especially when it came to him helping dress and bath me. There were times when his hands would just linger on my bare skin for a moment and I could feel the static between us with every touch. Those were the moments that reminded me what I physically missed about him; His large warm body all over mine, I quickly would have to focus on something else to keep from tackling him on the floor.

  After a long day outside I managed to make it into the TV room…with Gregs help of course when it started to get late. He lay beside me watching cartoons and started to rub his eyes. “Sleepy honey?” I asked. “No mama, just resting my face.” He would always say when he was dog tired. I chuckled. “Ok.” I watched him doze off to sleep and to be honest I was fading in and out too. I heard footsteps come in to the doorway and that alerted me up. “Grant, where have you been, you have been gone for hours?�
�� He came in breathing a little heavy, like he had been running all over the place. He also was wearing different clothes. “Where you wearing that outfit when you left?” I asked. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat that was up to something. “Actually I’ve been home for an hour setting something’s up for you…” I was confused. “You have? What have you been setting up?” He hushed me as he came closer. “Just let me put Greg to bed and I’ll show you.” He came over and grabbed Greg and took him to his room. What in the world was he doing out there all this time, I didn’t even hear him.

  My heart was pounding for some reason; I didn’t know what Grant had in store. I felt a hand touch my shoulder; I turned around to look at him. “Let’s go.” Grant pulled me up held me under his arms and we walked to the patio. “Now keep your eyes close till I say other words.” He commanded. I did what I was told while being seated out on the patio, shivers where running down my spine in anticipation. “Ok baby look.” I opened my eyes and was stunned. “Oh my God.” Grant was smiling like crazy. “Do you like it?” There were Tiki torches all around the place, white sand filled the majority of the back yard and ocean music played in the background. Grant placed pineapple cupped drinks in front of me beside a tray of different fruits. “So what does this remind you of baby?” He asked already knowing my answer. I looked around the place at all the familiarity and wanted to cry. “Where we spent our first anniversary …Malibu.” He kissed me on the cheek. “Correct, I’ve been setting this up for a while now. Since today is the day.” I froze and instantly knew what he was talking about, March twenty-first…our wedding date.