by Zuri Day
“Plus we’re not even married. I really don’t want to be a single mother raising a child.”
“It’s actually kinda late for this conversation. The baby’s on the way now. We’ll just have to deal with it.”
“There’s always the option of—”
“No. There’s not. We’ve created a Drake. You’re getting ready to become one.”
“What? Did I hear you correctly?”
“My parents aren’t going to go for a Drake being born out of wedlock.”
“Oh, so this is your idea of a wedding proposal?”
“No.”
“Good, because as dry and unrehearsed as that statement sounded, you were getting ready to hear a solid ‘no.’”
* * *
“Wait a minute,” Adeline said, as muffled sounds came through the phone. “Sorry about that. I had to lose the kids and come into the bedroom because I could not possibly have heard you correctly.”
As much as she didn’t want to say it once let alone twice, Faye repeated her opening statement. “Yes, you did. I’m pregnant, Adeline.”
“Oh my goodness.”
“Believe me, I’m in shock, too.”
“Well, since meeting your man you have been doing the nasty almost non-stop and being a doctor, you had to realize this was how babies are made.”
“Stop sounding like Dexter. This is all your fault!”
“I’m all the way over here in Haiti; how’d I do anything?”
“It was your idea for me to knock the cobwebs out of my cootchie!”
“Yes, but I didn’t tell you to knock them out with an unshielded sword.”
“It happened one night when we got carried away and because we were in an exclusive relationship by then, I didn’t think anything of it. I especially didn’t think about...this!” Her voice cracked as she continued. “Whenever Dexter’s hard body is around me, I guess I never think much at all.”
“Have you told him?”
“Yes.”
“How’d he take it?”
“About like I did; surprised, not ready.” She paused to grab a Kleenex; wiped her eyes and blew her nose. “I still can’t believe I’m pregnant.”
“I’m not totally surprised.”
“What do you mean?”
“I could have told you that you were. I had a feeling.”
“Yeah, right.”
“I’m serious, girl. Remember that day you called me about seeing Dexter and Maya on that tabloid cover?” Faye nodded. “Remember when I asked how you were feeling?”
“You’re always asking me how I’m feeling.”
“This was different though. You said something and I got a feeling, deep in the pit of my stomach, the same way I did before my sister had her twins. You know I’m spiritual,” she added after a beat. “I know things.”
“Then I wish you’d known that one of Dexter’s sperm had an upcoming play date with my egg so that I could have postponed it.”
Silence, and then, “You don’t want this baby, Faye?”
“Honestly? I don’t know. I’ve never thought too much about it. Right now I’ve already got one baby named Hearts of Health and Healing in downtown San Diego. I don’t know if I can handle another one right now.”
“So you’re thinking of terminating the pregnancy?”
Faye sighed. “Not really and even if I were, it’s too late for that.”
“How far along are you?”
“Not that far but it wouldn’t matter. That option was off the table as soon as I told Dexter. His chest is all puffed out because he’s created another Drake.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.”
“Yeah. Whatever.”
“It is! And I’m excited too. In about what, six or seven months Aunt Addie is going to have another baby to spoil!”
“This is madness,” Faye continued, unmoved by Adeline’s excitement. “Me and Dexter’s relationship is still so new. Not even two weeks ago, I thought it might have ended. And now we’re talking about having a baby together? It’s madness,” Faye repeated. “I haven’t even considered being a wife; let alone a mother.”
“Looks like life has made it more than a consideration. It’s inevitable, Faye. You’re going to be a mother. I suggest you get over the shock and start planning for a little one. And remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“Are you sure?”
“Ha! Positive. Trust me; you’ll take one look at that child and wonder how you ever lived without it.”
Chapter 37
It had been more than a week since Dexter’s world got turned upside down with the news that he was about to become a father. That first night after talking-slash-arguing with Faye he’d gone to the wine cellar, pulled out a bottle of premium vino and drank the whole thing while contemplating the dilemma her announcement had caused. On one hand, he cared a lot for Faye, was in love with her even. But did that mean he was ready for the ring, the kids, the white picket fence? On the other, what were his options? As soon as Genevieve Drake got wind of another baby coming, she’d be ordering a cake with a couple on top.
“Ah, man, what are you gonna do?” Dexter stood and began to pace, a common occurrence since trying to deal with this news all by his lonesome. Trying to handle this by himself without telling the family was almost as challenging as the situation itself. It was probably the only thing he’d kept from his siblings in twenty years. But this wasn’t something he could tell one family member and not expect the whole clan to know within twenty-four hours. Or was there?
Twenty minutes later, Dexter was knocking on his great-grandfather’s door.
“Make your entry and state your business,” a gruff voice said from just inside the door.
Dexter smiled as he let himself in, already feeling better and surprised that he’d not thought of Papa Dee a week ago. “Hey, old man!”
“Watch yourself there, partner.”
“You’re not old yet?”
“You’re as young as you feel, son. Charlotte’s coming by to get me later so we can go play bingo. So tonight I’m feeling rather randy.”
“Ha!” Dexter leaned down and kissed Papa Dee’s forehead, then walked over and sat on the couch. He sighed heavily but said nothing.
“Where’s that gal of yours?”
“Who?”
“What do you mean, who? That cute curly-haired gal you been courting.”
Dexter shrugged. “At home, I guess.”
“You guess? You don’t know?”
“How should I know, Pops? I’m sitting right here!”
“Boy, don’t get snippy with me in my own house!”
“Sorry, Pops.”
“Ya’ll have a fight or something?” Dexter shook his head. Papa Dee leaned forward and studied his favorite great-grandchild, noticing for the first time the tightness of his mouth and slight circles under his eyes. When he spoke, his concern was palpable. “What’s going on with you, boy?”
“I’ve got a problem,” Dexter admitted, with a shake of his head. Papa Dee sat back, and waited for Dexter to continue. “Faye has gone and gotten herself pregnant.”
“Another immaculate conception?” Papa Dee asked, his voice laced with subtle humor. Dexter fixed him with a puzzled look. “I’m thinking she must be the same as Mary was with the baby Jesus. Since she went and did this by herself.”
“You know what I mean, Pop. It’s mainly her fault.”
“How you figure?”
“Because...she’s a doctor! She knows how this stuff happens. I didn’t think I’d have to—”
“Act like a man? Be responsible? Keep your pole wrapped up? It takes two to tango, son. Don’t go blaming this on that gal. You’re just as guilty.”
“Well, boy, why you sitting there with your lip dragging so low you could trip over it? This is just life happening to you; nothing to be all sad about. You’re getting ready to be a father; one of the best things that can happen in a man’s life.”
Dexter studied the faraway look in his great-grandfather’s eyes. “You think so?”
“I know what I’m talking about. Holding David, Jr. for the first time was one of the best moments of my life. With every subsequent generation, life has just gotten better and better. Now little David will have a cousin to grow up with.” Papa Dee nodded. “That’s a good thing.” The two men were silent for a moment. “So what are you going to do, son?”
“Take care of the baby,” Dexter finally said.
“I’m not talking about the child,” Papa Dee countered. “I’m talking about the doctor. When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?”
“I don’t know, Pops,” Dexter said with a sigh.
“Well, that bun will soon be baked and out the oven. So I suggest you best be finding out.”
* * *
A few days after the conversation with Papa Dee, Dexter and Faye sat in the Grapevine’s private dining room, having enjoyed succulent Maine lobster and chateaubriand.
“I didn’t think I’d like it,” Faye said, swirling a tender piece of claw meat in butter before plopping it into her mouth. “It’s so rich, and tender. It almost melts in my mouth.”
Dexter speared a piece of the tender beef. “Only the best for my baby mama.”
“Do not call me that.”
“Isn’t that what you are?”
“I am an expectant mother, a pregnant woman or a woman with child. Once I deliver, I will be your baby’s mother. Not a baby mama.”
“All right.” Dexter’s eyes twinkled. “Baby mama.” Before she could swat him, the waiter rolled in a tray laden with sweets. He pulled the cart up to them and then exited the room as quietly as he had come. “Didn’t know what you’d want,” Dexter explained. “Your appetite is all over the place these days.” While Faye was distracted by the plethora of dessert choices, Dexter placed a ring box on the table.
“What’s this?”
“Open it and see.”
She slowly opened the black velvet box and pulled out a simply cut ring. “I love it,” she said, examining the plain, white band. “You knew I’d want something simple. Is this ivory? Or bone?”
“Plastic.”
Faye gave Dexter a look. “Oh, okay.” She slid the ring onto her left finger. Her eyes unexpectedly filled with tears. “Thank you.”
“I haven’t asked you to marry me, woman. Don’t thank me yet.”
“I didn’t consider this an engagement ring,” Faye responded. “I think it’s pretty clear that marriage is the last thing that either of us wants.”
Dexter was quite taken aback. It was one thing for him to feel that way and another to hear it, even though Faye’s straight-forwardness was one of the things he loved most about her. “Are you telling me that you don’t want to become my wife?”
“I don’t want to get married just because we’re expecting a child together. It’s not enough to make a union last.”
“It’s not just the baby. I love you, too.”
“Oh, now we’re bringing up love.”
“Dang, give me a break, Faye. This isn’t easy.”
“I know,” she softly replied. “It isn’t a walk in the park for me either.” She reached across and placed a light hand on his arm. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, Dex. But this is the 21st century. Single women have babies every day.”
“Not any single woman who’s carrying my child,” Dexter responded, a bit more harshly than he’d intended. “Faye, baby, I know this is coming out all wrong, that this sounds like my decision is all about the baby, and it’s not. It’s about you, and me, and this family I want us to have together. It’s about me wanting to make a commitment; about me wanting to have a life that looks like my parents’, and my grands’, heck even my siblings’. Over this past week, I’ve done a lot of thinking. I’ve imagined what it would be like for me to be here, and you to be in San Diego...with our child. No matter how I envision the scenario...it doesn’t feel good. I don’t want to be a part-time father and more than that, I don’t want to spend time in a household that doesn’t include you. I know this is unexpected and there are challenges that we’ll have to work out. But I think you and me together is a winning combination. Don’t you?”
Faye’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “You make it sound so easy,” she whispered.
“It can be. Unless.” Dexter’s eyes narrowed. “There’s somebody causing you to doubt us.”
Faye shook her head. “You don’t have to worry about Gerald. Sure, he’s an old friend and I think of him fondly. But I’m in love with you.”
“Does he know that?”
“Yes.”
“And he’s going to stay here knowing that there is no chance with you?”
Faye shook her head. “He’s decided not to take the position, Dexter. He’s gone back to Baltimore.” Dexter visibly relaxed. “This time we’ve spent apart has been good for me, it’s given me time to think about how my life would be without you in it. There’s no doubt my world would be a much duller, dimmer place.”
“So are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“What do you think I’m saying?”
“That you can’t live without me?”
“You’re so conceited.”
“Yeah, but am I wrong?”
“No, you’re not wrong.”
“Um, baby,” Dexter said, leaning over to place a tender kiss on Faye’s lips. “There’s something that sounds so right about that.” He sat back down, and made a big show of patting his pockets, then pulled out another box. This one, blue.
“Dexter...what are you up to?”
“Go on. Open it.”
Faye reached for the baby blue box. She opened the lid to reveal a silvery-colored metal box. Her brows creased as she pulled it out. “What is this?”
“Only one way to find out.”
She lifted the lid. Her reaction was everything Dexter had hoped for as she viewed the diamond-encrusted, platinum eternity band that he’d had custom-made. Next to it was a plain, thin band. “Baby!” Faye walked to Dexter’s side of the table and sat in his lap. “Sure of yourself much?”
Dexter laughed, running his hand up and down her silk-covered thigh. “I was hopeful.” Faye gave him a look. “Okay, and maybe a little confident.”
“This is so beautiful,” she said, running her fingers over the ring. “But it’s so flashy. I can’t wear this in inner-city San Diego. What would those disadvantaged patients think?”
“They’d think you’ve got it going on!” he replied. “But I understand, which is why I added the plain band. That is for the doctor. This one is for my wife.” He stood, sat her in the chair and got down on one knee. “Dr. Faye Buckner...will you marry me?”
“I guess I’ll have to,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Since I’m getting ready to be your baby mama.”
Chapter 38
Three Months Later
“Faye? Are you back here?”
“Yes, Genevieve, I’m here!” Faye scooted toward the edge of the couch, holding the phone with one hand and balancing herself with the other. “Listen, Addie, that’s Genevieve, my soon-to-be mother-in-law. They’re probably waiting for me. I’ve got to go.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that you were on the phone.”
“That’s all right. We were done talking.” Faye barely heard Genevieve’s chatter a
s they made their way from the east wing, where she and Addie had been talking, to the main dining room. She was too busy thinking about how drastically her life had changed since the pregnancy, and how it bore little resemblance to the one she’d imagined when landing at San Diego International Airport.
In the short time since she’d arrived in California, so much had happened: she’d met a man, fallen in love, moved to a condo, opened a clinic, gotten pregnant, gotten engaged, inherited a big family and in two short weeks would be moving into a beautiful home in suburban San Diego, just ten minutes from where Donovan and Marissa lived. If it weren’t for the baby’s constant kicks in her stomach—motions from a being that she hadn’t yet seen but already loved more than she thought possible—she’d have to work hard not to believe that just like her first ride to the resort...this was all a dream.
Twenty minutes later, twelve people sat around Genevieve’s dining room table. Having heard that it was Faye’s favorite, they’d replaced their Creole standard with Mexican fare. Papa Dee was once again at the head of the table, looking as though he’d never been sick.
“I want to propose a toast to the latest generation, my namesake,” he said, nodding at the portable crib just beyond the dining room. “Little David is going to take this place farther than all of us combined.”
“It’s Deval David, Papa,” Diamond corrected for the umpteenth time. “De-VAL.”
“I told you that first name sounded too much like Satan,” he retorted. “Long as I live, the baby is going to be David to me.” Various reactions from the table: smiles, twinkling eyes, a chuckle here and there.
“Now, I also want to toast the newest member of the family, Dr. Faye Buckner. You saved my life, gal. I want to thank you.”
“You’re very welcome, Papa Dee. It’s what anyone with my knowledge would have done.”
Papa Dee nodded toward Dexter. “And while you’ll never get him to admit it, you saved his life, too.”
