Ramsey

by Tina Martin

  * * *

  After dinner and dessert, Bernadette asked Gianna to the living room to talk about the baby shower. “Have you thought about a date yet?” Bernadette inquired after they got comfortable.

  “No, but I think it better be sooner than later. I’ll be eight months before you know it.”

  “Ain’t that the truth,” Bernadette said. “I’m too excited. My first grandchild—I never thought I’d see this day with these picky sons of mine.”

  Gianna smiled, glancing back into the dining room where she could see the family still sitting around the table. She saw Gemma’s head resting on Royal’s shoulder. Romulus was sitting there looking lonely without Siderra. Regal was animated as usual and joking with his dad about something and then there was Ramsey – he was sitting in the dining room with the family but his eyes were locked on her so precisely, he may as well had been in the living room with her and Bernadette.

  Gianna broke away from his stare to focus on Bernadette. “So you never thought you’d get grandbabies, huh?”

  “No. I couldn’t see any of my boys getting married. Then, Ramsey got engaged to Leandra but when she died, I just knew that was it for him. Then he found you.”

  Gianna smiled. “Yeah. Then he found me.”

  “Praise the Lord for that.”

  “Do you think it was destined to be?”

  “You mean, you and Ramsey?”

  “Yes. Sometimes, when I’m alone at the bakery, I sit in my office and think about how screwed up my life would be without him. He’s rescued me in so many ways. Before Ramsey, I was a mess.”

  “He was too, honey, so I think you two are pretty even. But in answer to your question, I do think it was meant to be. I certainly don’t believe any other woman could capture his heart the way you have. We’ve been sitting in here talking, and he hasn’t stopped staring at you.”

  Gianna glanced back at Ramsey and saw him smiling.

  “Okay, let’s talk about this baby shower—what do you say we do it two weeks from now on a Saturday,” Bernadette suggested.

  “Um…let me think,” Gianna said because the bakery was usually open on Saturdays, but if Beth was working by then, she could run the bakery in her absence. Only problem was, she didn’t know exactly when Beth was starting yet, so she responded, “How about two weeks from now on a Sunday. The bakery is open on Saturdays.”

  “Oh, that’s right. Sunday will be fine, then.”

  “And by the way, Felicity wants to help with planning. Gemma may want to help as well.”

  “Honey, I could certainly use the help.”

  Gianna sipped water.

  “How are you feeling about becoming a new mother?”

  “I’m nervous. I’m excited, too, but more nervous about taking care of a baby. I want to be so much for her—to give her a good life so she doesn’t grow up like I did.”

  “That’s understandable. Have you heard from your mother lately?”

  “I have. She was at the house this past Wednesday—says she’s sorry and wants a relationship with me and Gemma now.”

  “Do you believe her?”

  “I want to, but I think my strong want for her to change is the reason I feel like I’m tricking myself into believing things will be different this time.”

  “I wouldn’t worry too much about it, Gianna. Your mother is an adult. You can’t be too caught up about whether she’s sincere or not. Trust me, if she’s not, her true colors will begin to show real soon.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  “And you already know Ramsey ain’t going to tolerate no nonsense out of her.”

  “He’s already stated that to me and her.”

  Bernadette chuckled. “That’s what I thought.” She glanced up to see Ramsey still staring in their direction. “He’s going to be protective of the baby.”

  “I know,” Gianna said, smiling. “Ramsey is such a strong man, yet he’s already shown me how compassionate he can be. He’s going to be a great father.”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “He’s already a great husband. I couldn’t—” Gianna’s voice trailed off as wetness came to her eyes. “I couldn’t ask for a better man.”

  “Aw,” Bernadette said, walking towards the powder room and came back with a box of Kleenex. She handed Gianna one and at the same time watched Ramsey get up from the dining room table and head in their direction.

  “What’s going on in here?” he asked, sitting next to Gianna. “You’re crying.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  “I’m fine, Ramsey,” Gianna said, dabbing her eyes.

  “Then why are you crying?” he asked.

  “It’s probably just the hormones.”

  “Gianna,” he said prompting her to look at him. Her tears were gone, but a mist of wetness remained in her eyes. “Why are you crying?”

  “I was just telling your mother how much I love you and I got emotional.”

  Ramsey glanced at his mother, then back at Gianna when he took her hand, kissed the backside of it and said, “I love you, too, Gianna.” He couldn’t do what he wanted to do to her – not with his mother sitting there looking at them, so a kiss had to do for now. Then he looked at Bernadette and said, “Ma, you got my wife in here crying?”

  “Don’t you start with me Ramsey St. Claire,” Bernadette said tickled. “You got your wife in here crying. She loves you.”

  Ramsey was all smiles. “I know.” He squeezed Gianna’s hand. “Did you come up with a date for the baby shower?”

  “Yes,” Gianna said. “In two weeks. Sunday.”

  “Cool.”

  “I’m going to do electronic invitations,” Bernadette said. “They’ll go out within the next couple of days so if there are people you want to add, let me know Gianna.”

  “I will.”

  “Good,” Ramsey said. “Sounds like you two have made some progress which is great because I’m taking my baby home now, Mother.” Ramsey stood up, extended his hand to Gianna and helped her stand up from the sofa.

  “Goodnight, you two. I’ll be in touch, Gianna.”

  Chapter 17

  Ramsey stood at the vanity half naked, wearing only a towel around his bottom half. He’d just showered, brushed his teeth, his hair and used a moisturizer on his skin – his typical nighttime routine – when he saw Gianna walk in wearing a thin, see-through spearmint green gown. She looked like a goddess with her hair loose. Instantly, a smile came to his face. Heat and warmth spread to his heart when she stood behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso.

  “I love you,” she said.

  “I love you, too.”

  He felt the moment she smiled against his back. Silence lingered in the room while she held him, but he could hear all the things she didn’t say, like how much she loved him. Needed him. Admired and respected him. How much she trusted him to be her man. Her other half. Her support. Her leader. Her everything.

  “Gianna?”

  “Yes,” she said softly.

  Her warm breath against his back made his skin crawl. “Are you tired?”

  “A little, and just so you know, that’ll probably be my answer to that question ‘til the baby comes.”

  Ramsey turned around and took her hands in his. “I know. Whatever I can do to help you, you know I will. As a matter of fact, come here.” He led her from the bathroom into the bedroom where he told her to take off her gown. Then, standing in front of her, he removed his towel.

  Gianna’s eyes grew big when she glanced down at his mid-section and said, “Goodness, gracious. Down boy.”

  He chuckled and looked down at himself. “What?”

  “You want me.”

  “I always want you. I told you that.” He walked over to the closet, came back in a pair of Versace boxers and said, “But not tonight. Tonight, I’m going to massage your feet, your hands, your thighs, that soft butt of yours and anything else that needs your man’s attention. Are you good with that, cupcake?”

 
; “Yes.”

  Ramsey instructed her to lie down on her back while he filled his hands with lotion. He lowered himself to his knees, took one foot in his hand and massaged from toes to heel, applying pressure along the way. Her moans told him she was enjoying it, so he continued on to the other foot, applying pressure, circling his thumb in the arc of her foot causing her to gasp his name.

  Inch by inch, he took his time working his way up her legs, rolling his thumbs around her kneecaps and grabbing a firm hold to squeeze her thighs. And he squeezed and massaged them all the way up to the pleasure between her legs. He was tempted, boy was he tempted to massage her there, to make her body quiver uncontrollably but since she was already tired, he bypassed her sweet spot and began massaging her hands – one at a time. Then came her arms, shoulders and before he could get to her back, she’d already fallen asleep.

  His eyes traveled the length of her body. He smiled. Then he hugged her belly. With his face against her stomach, he could feel the baby’s kicks. “I see somebody’s awake,” he said. More kicks came. “Hi, baby girl. It’s daddy.” He placed his hand flat on Gianna’s stomach. “I can’t wait to meet you. I know you’re going to be a sweet, little girl just like your mommy. Before you know it, she’ll have you baking cupcakes and acting all quirky just like her. You’ll be smart like her, well and me, but your mother will probably be your biggest influencer. I’ve never met a more driven, determined woman. You’re going to learn so much from her, baby girl. I’m proud I chose her to be your mom.”

  Ramsey kissed Gianna’s stomach tenderly, then pulled up the covers after he got comfortable beside her. “Goodnight, Gianna,” he whispered since she was already sleeping. He kissed her softly on the cheek, then closed his eyes, resting beside her.

  Chapter 18

  Due to an off-site meeting, Ralph missed the morning status meeting so Ramsey made it a point to follow up with him via email regarding the grass issue at the University Complex.

  To: Ralph Sheppard

  From: Ramsey St. Claire

  Subject: Grass @ University City Complex

  Ralph,

  What’s the latest on this issue? Did you receive any pushback from CitySites? Advise at your earliest.

  -

  RSC

  ___________

  It was around 10:45 a.m. when Ralph responded back:

  To: Ramsey St. Claire

  From: Ralph Sheppard

  Subject: Re: Grass @ University City Complex

  I’ll come by your office when I get there. They say they are not willing to re-do the grounds there. Said they used premium grass and not responsible for what the elements do to the grass.

  -Sent from my mobile device

  Ralph Sheppard | Project Manager

  St. Claire Architects

  ___________

  Ramsey immediately got on the phone, requesting to speak to Craig Perry, owner of CitySites – a man he’d been working with for years. He wondered if Ralph had spoken with Craig directly or one of the company’s project managers.

  “Hey, Ramsey. What can I do for you, Sir?”

  “I have an issue with one of the sites your team worked—the new apartment complex on University City Boulevard, you know, over there by Ikea.”

  “Oh, that…ah…yeah…I spoke to your project manager already. I think it was Ralph who called.”

  “So it was you who told Ralph there wasn’t an issue.”

  “I didn’t necessarily tell him there was no issue. I told him we’re not responsible for the elements and—”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Unfortunately, I’m not. There’s no way I can re-sod that site for free, Ramsey.”

  “Are you sure about that because I paid you $25,000 and all I got was some pretty flowers and brown grass? There’s no way that’s premium grass. Premium stays green all year round – hence the reason it’s called premium. I don’t care if it’s a hundred degrees or thirty below – premium grass is supposed to be green. I want premium grass. That’s what I paid for and that’s what I want,” he asserted.

  “And I’m telling you…that’s what you got, Ramsey.”

  A muscle in his jaw twitched. “Re-sod the complex, or you will never get another job from St. Claire Architects.”

  “Whoa, Ramsey. Wait a minute. I—”

  “Additionally, I will open a full investigation on the project, track down the manufacturer of where this so-called premium grass came from and if it comes back that it’s not premium grass, and I’m sure it will, I’m opening a fraud complaint with the BBB.”

  “Ramsey, there’s no need for all that. We’ve worked together for years. You know me, man.”

  “Then you should know me—how I operate and what I expect from my contractors. I know every job won’t be perfect but I want my workers and contractors to work as if they are striving for perfection. This job didn’t make the cut, so how can I trust you with anything else? I can’t. I won’t, not until you show good faith and remedy this situation. The way I see it is, how this plays out is in your hands.”

  Craig sighed exhaustingly heavy. Losing a major client like St. Claire Architects would hurt his business. He knew it, and he knew Ramsey knew it, too. “All right, fine. When can I get my guys back out there?”

  “You tell me.”

  “Next week, Monday. I can get a team out there on Monday. That’ll give me time to order more sod.”

  “Good. I’ll have my project manager meet you there promptly at eight. If your guys arrive one minute late, the deal is off. I will hire another company to do the job and you will never get another job from my firm.”

  “I got it, Ramsey. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Good.” Ramsey hung up the phone, frustration encircling him. He internalized the anger – even though he was alone and could punch a hole in the wall if he wanted – but he kept his anger bottled up, waiting until the fizz died down. Only then could he open that bottle and be himself again. He wasn’t quite there yet when he heard Judy’s voice come over the intercom to say, “Mr. St. Claire, downstairs reception just informed me that your wife is on the way up.”

  A smile came to his face. All the frustration he was experiencing immediately melted away at the thought of Gianna being in the building.

  “Oh, and Sir, you have a meeting at 11:30 with—”

  “Reschedule it. Nothing comes before my wife.”

  “You got it, Sir.”

  Ramsey stood up, anticipating Gianna’s arrival. Judy opened the door for her and when she did, Ramsey saw that Gianna was carrying a half-dozen cupcakes in a little box. She looked beautiful. Her hair was brushed down, dancing around her shoulders. She had on a black dress that hung down to her ankles and a pair of black and gold sandals. At certain angles, you couldn’t tell she was pregnant. Whatever the case, she was stunning.

  “Hey, you,” Ramsey said, taking deliberate steps toward her. “What’s this?”

  “Well, since you made me feel bad for baking those cupcakes for Royal, I figure I’d let you be the first to try my newest creation.”

  Ramsey set the box on his desk, then returned his attention to her. “First of all, my love, I was teasing you last night.”

  “I know, I know,” Gianna sang. “I still want you to try these, though.”

  “Really, because I’d much rather have these,” he said brushing his thumb across her lips as if they were strings on a guitar. Tilting her chin upward, he lowered his mouth to hers, delivering a kiss that left her moaning. Weak in the knees. Mind, gone. Completely at his mercy. Her hands tightened around his biceps while he played with her tongue like it was his favorite sport. Her pulse pulsated. Baby did cartwheels.

  When they parted, she looked into his eyes like she was spellbound just by being in his presence. In many ways, she was. She had the utmost admiration for him – had never met another man of his integrity. He was something foreign – a man she never dreamed of having because back then her dreams weren’t infi
nite – only empty hopes that she was sure would never come to fruition, hence the classification of ‘empty’. Now, she had him – the man of all men – and she was carrying his child. He was a blessing, but being the mother to such an extraordinary man’s baby went beyond her wildest imagination.

  “You were sleeping when I left this morning.”

  “I was. It was that massage you gave me last night…oh, was it good…”

  He cracked a smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He gave her another kiss – a small one in the center of her forehead. “I didn’t get the chance to tell you I love you.”

  “I’m sure you whispered it to me.”

  “I did, but now I don’t have to since you’re here. In my office. I love you, Gianna St. Claire.”

  “Stop it. You’re making me feel tingly all over.”

  “That’s how I want you to feel.” He took another kiss. “You have no idea how good you make me feel, baby. Before you came here I was so angry, I felt like I was drifting off into a black hole.”

  “Jeez?” she said, trying not to laugh but failing miserably. “Why? What happened?”

  Running his fingers through her hair, he said, “Something work related—contractors not living up to my expectations.”

  “Oh.”

  “And you know I have high expectations.”

  “Of course.”

  “And I wasn’t pleased with some of their work. Then you showed up and just like that, my frustration subsided.”

  “I’m glad I could be of service, Mr. St. Claire.”

  Ramsey opened the box on his desk, removed one of the cupcakes and took a huge bite.

  “Ramsey, I was supposed to tell you what kind they were before you dived in.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I like everything you bake, and these are delicious. What is this you sprinkled on top? Pistachios?”