7. Derek’s Destiny

DESTINY

“This is some bullshit, Des!”, Derek complained.

I couldn’t help but laugh wildly at Derek, who was shivering as he held me. My legs were wrapped around his waist, my hands on his shoulders, his arms holding me tightly as we stood in the middle of the river.

The water shimmered under the golden afternoon sun, creating ripples that danced like liquid gold. Tall, ancient trees lined the banks, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of days gone by. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the scent of wildflowers growing in abundance along the riverbank, their colors vibrant against the lush greenery.

Large rocks jutted out from the water, smooth and inviting. I couldn't help but remember all the times we’d sat on those rocks, talking about our dreams and future. The sound of the flowing river was a soothing melody, harmonizing with the rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of birds hidden in the canopy above.

In this secluded paradise, time seemed to stand still. The world faded away, leaving only us surrounded by nature's embrace. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and every now and then, a fish would break the water's surface, sending ripples outward in perfect circles.

Despite everything, despite the years and the hurt, we were here. Together. And it felt right. The river, with its beauty and tranquility, was the perfect backdrop to our reunion, a testament to the enduring bond we shared.

“Damn, you went and got all Hollywood for real—blood thinned out,” I teased, looking at Derek’s trembling lips. “We used to swim here all the time with no problem.”

“It was never this damn cold back in the day,” he argued, his teeth chattering.

“It’s always been like this,” I teased back, laughing. “Big baby. Think of something else. Take your mind off how cold the water is.”

Derek looked around, then back at me, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Okay, let me spread you out on that rock over there,” he nodded toward a rock jutting out of the water, “so I can eat your pussy.”

“What? Derek!” I exclaimed, a mix of shock and amusement in my voice.

“You said you wanted to distract me from how cold this water is—that’s how to do it,” he replied, his tone serious.

I playfully slapped his shoulder, still laughing. “Nasty ass!”

“Nasty, huh?” he grinned, his eyes darkening with desire as he tightened his hold on me. “Let me show you how nasty I can get.”

“Derek, someone could see us at any time,” I warned, my voice a mix of excitement and apprehension.

He sucked his teeth, dismissing my concern with a confident smirk. “Nobody comes on this side. That’s why we always came out here back then. Nothing changed, I haven’t seen another soul out here.” His voice was low, almost a growl, as he leaned in closer, his lips grazing my ear. “It’s just you and me, Princess.”

The way he looked at me, the intensity in his eyes, made my heart race. The world around us seemed to blur as his hands roamed my body, his touch igniting a fire within me. He carried me through the chilly water toward the rock he’d pointed out, his eyes never leaving mine. The mix of his shivering and determination made me giggle. We reached the rock, and he carefully placed me on it, his hands gentle yet firm.

“You’re crazy,” I whispered, my voice trembling with fear and anticipation.

“Crazy for you,” he replied, his lips curving into a wicked smile. He laid me down gently, his body hovering over mine. “Now, where were we?” he asked, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

As his lips descended, trailing hot kisses along my neck, my protests melted away. The thrill of being exposed, the danger of getting caught, only heightened the intensity of the moment. Derek’s hands moved with a practiced precision, knowing exactly how to drive me wild.

He hooked the seat of my bathing suit bottoms and pulled it to the side before disappearing between my legs, french kissing my pearl like it was the nectar of the gods.

In that moment of pure ecstasy, my thoughts wandered to the past few weeks with Derek back in my life. I’d been so confused at first, torn between my love for him and the anger that had simmered for years. I forgave him, yet I was furious with myself for letting him back in so quickly.

But Derek’s dedication, especially to making the Jubilee one for the books, was evident in everything he did. From accompanying me to meetings to helping out at the office, even going as far as packing gift bags with my interns who, though initially starstruck, had grown accustomed to his frequent presence.

Not only was Derek showing up for me professionally, but things were also flourishing at home—my home, where we were basically living together while he was in town. One day he came with a duffle bag, and more and more, his stuff kept showing up in my closet and in my bathroom. He picked me up from work on the days he didn’t come to the office with me. After work, we’d go to Ruby’s, or I’d make us dinner. On the weekends, we alternated between his parents’ house and mine. Going to bed with him and waking up next to him every morning was a dream. We had a good rhythm going. It made me wonder if this was what life could have been like had he never left.

Though I was nervous that I’d given in too quickly between the apology, the flowers, and the sex that was so good it made my eyes cross, he was showing me in every way possible that he loved me and wasn’t running, even when we had hard conversations.

Starting over with him felt like someone was ripping the skin off my bones, yet it was the most healing thing I’d ever experienced. There was so much hurt that I’d been carrying with me that I didn’t even realize was there, and yet Derek didn’t run from the hard moments; he didn’t back down once.

Every time I doubted us, Derek would step in, grounding me with his unwavering commitment. It was like he had this innate ability to sense when I was about to break and he’d be right there, pulling me back from the edge. His presence was a balm to my soul, healing wounds I didn’t even know I had. The passion, the laughter, the late-night talks—they all wove together, creating a safe space of hope and renewal.

And as Derek’s lips continued to suck and lick my clit as his fingers moved in and out of me, pulling my soul with it, I knew without a doubt that this was where I was meant to be. With him. Always.

I whispered his name over and over as an orgasm cut through me, keeping my voice low just in case someone was nearby—I didn’t want to bring any attention to us. Once I came back into my body, we got out of the water and dried off with the towels I brought before enjoying the little picnic I had packed for us.

We’d spread out a checkered blanket on the grassy bank, creating a cozy space for us. From the wicker picnic basket, I pulled out an array of our favorite foods. There were thick turkey sandwiches with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a hint of Dijon mustard between slices of whole-grain bread.

For sweetness, I brought plump strawberries and a bowl of mixed berries—blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. I also packed creamy Brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy goat cheese, paired with artisanal crackers, honey, and a handful of nuts for added crunch.

To drink, we had chilled homemade lemonade in mason jars with fresh mint leaves. For dessert, I baked chocolate chip cookies, their edges crispy and centers gooey, filling the air with a comforting aroma.

“I love this shit, Destiny,” Derek said, his voice thick with emotion as he took a bite of his turkey sandwich. “The simple life. Feels like when we were kids. I missed this. Missed you.”

Butterflies danced in my stomach, and gratitude wrapped around me like a warm hug. His words, so honest and heartfelt, made my heart swell.

“I love this too,” I admitted, popping a strawberry into my mouth, savoring the sweetness.

“You don’t realize how dope the simple things are until you can’t do them anymore,” Derek continued, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and longing. “I like coming to get you from work, walking down Main Street, going to the supermarket with you—outside of Juniper, I can’t do any of that.”

I looked at Derek, not feeling sorry for him but realizing how different his life had become. Sure, he had fame and all the money, but part of me wondered at what cost and if I’d be willing to pay that price myself one day.

“I’m good, Princess. Don’t worry your pretty little head,” Derek said, bringing me back to the moment. He reached over, brushing a strand of hair from my face, his touch tender. “I see you overthinking over there.”

I smiled, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. “It’s just…everything. This place, you being here, us being together. It feels surreal.”

“It is real,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Realest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine, our breaths mingling in the warm summer air. The river babbled gently nearby, a soothing soundtrack to our moment.

“I know it’s not easy starting over with me,” he whispered, his fingers tracing gentle circles on my back as we sat facing each other, his legs tangled over mine. “But I promise you, Des, I’ll make it worth it.”

Tears welled up in my eyes. “I just don’t want to lose this, Derek. I don’t want to lose us.”

“You won’t,” he vowed, his lips brushing mine in a tender kiss. “We’re stronger than that, Des. We’re stronger than anything life throws at us. We’ve proven that time and time again. Look at us now—right here, together, despite everything.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, processing it all. Life had brought us back together in the place where it all began. The memories of our teenage years, sneaking off to this very river, filled my mind. Back then, it was our secret hideaway from the world. Now, it felt like a testament to our resilience and our love.

Derek's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine. I opened my eyes to find him gazing at me with a look that made my heart ache with love. His eyes, deep and sincere, held a promise that made me believe in us even more.

“Remember when we used to come here and dream about the future?” he asked, his voice soft and filled with nostalgia.

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, we had big dreams back then. We wanted to conquer the world.”

“We are doing it,” he said, his grip on my hand tightening. “But this time, we’ll do it together.”

I leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart. The river continued its gentle song, the water sparkling under the setting sun. It was as if the universe had conspired to give us this moment, this perfect slice of time where everything felt right.

“I used to lie awake at night thinking about you,” Derek confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Wondering what you were doing, if you were thinking about me too. It drove me crazy not being with you, but I knew I had to become a better man before I could come back to you.”

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze. “Even when I hated you…I never stopped loving you.”

He smiled. “You’re the love of my life, Des. Every day without you felt like a lifetime, and now that we’re back together, I promise to cherish and protect our love forever.”

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, chasing away the lingering doubts and fears. I kissed him softly, letting my love for him flow through every touch, every caress. He responded with equal passion, his lips moving against mine with a tenderness that spoke of years of longing and dreams finally coming true.

Derek cleared his throat, his eyes locked on mine. “There are a couple of things I want to talk to you about, now that we’re really doing this.”

“Doing what? You ain’t my man,” I teased, taking a sip of my lemonade, trying to feign attitude.

Derek sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. “Destiny, cut that shit out. We’re grown. I’m not gonna ask you to check a box on whether you’re my girlfriend or not. You’re mine, I’m yours. We belong to each other. Souls been tied up.”

“Excuse me, Sir, I don’t care what you’ve worked out in your head. You need to ask permission to be my boyfriend,” I said, feigning an even bigger attitude, but my heart was pounding.

Derek leaned in, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion that took my breath away. His voice was tender, yet laced with a fierce determination.

“Alright, Miss Boseman,” he whispered, his hand gently caressing my cheek, “Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend, again?”

The world seemed to pause, the sounds of nature fading into the background as his words hung in the air. His gaze was unwavering, a promise of love and devotion that made my heart swell with joy. The way he looked at me, as if I were the only person in the world, made me feel cherished and adored.

“Yes, Derek,” I replied softly, my voice trembling with happiness. “I’d love to be your girlfriend.”

His smile was radiant, lighting up his entire face as he pulled me into a tender kiss. The touch of his lips was gentle yet passionate, a perfect blend of sweet and fervent, sealing our commitment to one another.

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. “No games, no doubts. Just us, building a future.”

My heart swelled at his words. This was the Derek I fell in love with—confident, determined, and deeply in love with me. “Okay, Derek. No more games. Let’s do this.”

“Now that this is settled,” Derek chuckled, his eyes twinkling with sincerity, “I can’t stay off you, and I hate watching you pop those Plan B’s every couple days. That can’t be good for you. We need to get you on some proper birth control.”

I raised an eyebrow, both amused and touched by his concern. “Oh, so now you’re my health advisor too?”

He grinned, pulling me closer, the seriousness in his eyes contrasting with his playful smile. “Look, if it were up to me, fuck those pills. I’m ready for a Derek or Destiny Jr. right now with you, but that’s not my decision to make. You have to be ready. It’s your body, your choice. So until you give me the word, I want to protect you. If you want a baby, let me know. If not, let’s make you an appointment.”

The weight of his words hung between us. This was the second time he had brought up baby talk, and it was clear how much it meant to him. But like I told him before, we had so much to figure out before I could even wrap my head around becoming a mother. I wanted that future, and I wanted it with Derek—but not yet.

"I hear you, Derek," I said softly, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me. "I want that too, someday. But right now, I’m enjoying focusing on us. I’ll make the appointment."

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I’m not tryna pressure you about the baby thing, by the way. I’m just saying, if that’s not what you’re ready for, let’s do what we can to avoid it."

His words settled over me like a warm blanket, grounding me in the certainty of his commitment.

His earnestness hit me deep, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, Dr. Truth.”

Derek’s smile widened, his arms wrapping around me in a warm, protective embrace.

“What’s up with all the baby talk anyway?” I forced myself to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Derek shrugged his shoulders as he took a bite of his sandwich. “I’ve loved you most of my life, Des. Whenever I picture myself as a husband and a father, you’re right there with me. There’s no other person I want to do this life with.”

His words struck me deeply, and I struggled to hold back my tears. The intensity of his feelings and the sincerity in his voice made my heart ache with love and hope.

“Well, you always bring up the baby part, never marriage,” I said, attempting to lighten the mood while probing for more.

Derek paused, setting his sandwich down and looking at me with a seriousness that took my breath away. “Des, marriage has always been a given in my mind. You’re my forever. The baby talk? That’s just me wanting to create a life with you, to see little pieces of us running around. But marriage? That’s the foundation. That’s where it all starts.”

I shook my head in understanding, the weight of his words settling over me like a warm blanket.

“Besides, you know I always wanted to be married like my parents. I proposed to you in 11th grade after the junior prom, remember?” he smirked, a playful glint in his eyes.

The memory dropped into my brain like a firework, bursting with forgotten details. “Oh my God! I’d forgotten about that,” I giggled. “Our secret teenage engagement with that ring you got from Larry’s.”

“Yeah, took me a little minute to save up that $50. But I was ready for you to be my wife,” he chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “Mrs. More down at City Hall turned our asses right around and threatened to call our parents.”

“We were so crazy,” I said, shaking my head and laughing, the nostalgia wrapping around us.

“In love like a motherfucker,” Derek laughed, his eyes sparkling with the same intensity from all those years ago.

“But then I broke it off,” I remembered, the rest of the memory flooding back.

“'Cause I beat the brakes off Sherman for looking at you,” Derek said nonchalantly, continuing to eat his sandwich.

“And you still have no remorse,” I said, a mix of exasperation in my voice.

“He shouldn’t have been looking at you and talking about you in the locker room, like he was gonna take you from me,” Derek scoffed, his tone firm and unapologetic.

I stared at him, my heart swelling with frustration. “You were always so possessive,” I said softly, the words carrying the weight of years of memories.

“And I always will be, Des,” Derek replied, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. “You know how many dudes around here used to try me about you? Talking 'bout they couldn’t see what you saw in me and shit. Fuck that.”

“That’s why our engagement only lasted a week,” I teased, a playful glint in my eye as I remembered our impetuous youth.

“You didn’t leave me, though,” he shrugged, a cocky smile playing on his lips.

“No,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t.”

“Talking about you couldn’t marry somebody as immature as me. You were so mad at me,” he continued.

I laughed at the memory of how serious we were attempting to be as teenagers, completely lost in each other. We were young and reckless, believing that our love could conquer anything. But I guess in a way, it did.

“We were so dramatic back then,” I said, shaking my head with a smile. “But we were so gone for one another.”

Derek chuckled, his eyes softening as he reminisced. “Yeah, we really thought we had it all figured out.”

“We were in our own little world,” I added, feeling a pang of nostalgia. “Nothing else mattered but us.”

“We didn’t have much, but we had each other,” he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of fondness and regret. “And that was enough.”

I looked into his eyes, seeing the reflection of our past and the promise of our future. “We were naive as Hell.”

“But that’s what made it so dope,” he replied, his tone earnest. “We loved without fear, without hesitation. We were so free and open with one another. And I want that again, Des.”

I felt a lump in my throat as I nodded. “Me too, Derek. I want that too…I just wanted you to calm down back then, Derek. I could get you to chill most of the time,” I said, my mind drifting back to those tumultuous teenage years.

“Except when it came to you,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I didn’t play about you, Princess. The second someone would mention your name in a way I didn’t like, I’d lose it. To be honest, it would probably be the same way today.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, heavy with the memories of his fierce protectiveness and unyielding love. I looked at him, seeing the passion and determination in his eyes that had always been there.

“Derek, you were always so intense,” I whispered, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. “But that’s part of what made me love you so much. You fought for me like no one else ever did.”

“And I’d do it again, Des,” he said, his voice fierce. “I’d fight for you a thousand times over. Because you’re worth it. You’ve always been worth it.”

Derek’s gaze softened, and he reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. The simple touch sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me of the powerful connection we shared.

“I love you as much as I did then, no…even more so today…but I’m not that kid who used to go around fighting everyone. It took me a long time to grow out of it, but you know that’s not me anymore, right?” he asked, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.

I thought about the Derek I was getting to know as an adult—more than a rapper, a Mogul. In addition to his brand as rapper D-Truth, he had several businesses, building an empire that spanned from a champagne brand to clothing lines. He’d also apparently been an early investor in a few tech companies and had made a killing with those investments. The accounts he showed me when he insisted on buying a few things for me, even when I tried to refuse, had more money than I could comprehend. Derek was a responsible man, in charge of the livelihood of many people. Contrary to what people around him were telling him when we were growing up, he was smart, a leader, and I admired him so much.

I studied him, the man he had become, the way his eyes held a depth of understanding that wasn’t there before. He was no longer the reckless boy who threw punches at anyone who dared to look at me the wrong way. He had transformed into someone who channeled that fierce protectiveness into something productive and meaningful.

“I know, Derek,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “I see the man you’ve become, and I admire you for it. You’ve grown so much, and I love you even more for it.”

His expression softened, a flicker of relief passing over his features. “I had to grow up, Des. For you, for us. I had to become the man you deserve.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I reached out to touch his face, my fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. “And you have, Derek. You’ve become everything I could have ever wanted and more. I’m so proud of you.”

He pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. “We’ve both grown, Princess. I’m proud of you too. Bossed up. Running Juniper. You should be The Mayor.”, he chuckled as my back settled into his chest.

“Maybe one day.”, I chuckled.

“Speaking of that too ummm”, Derek began carefully, as if tiptoeing around a minefield of my emotions. “I’m not gonna be in Juniper forever. The Jubilee is around the corner, and then I gotta get outta here. You know that, right?”

“I know,” I said softly, trying not to let the impending separation cloud our moment. “I like our little life we’ve had here these past few weeks. I wish it could always be like this.”

“The world is bigger than Juniper, baby,” he said, holding me. “And I want to show you all of it. I have a couple of appearances lined up. It would be dope if you hit the road with me for a little bit.”

“Derek, I have a business,” I said, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me.

“Okay, what do you have lined up after the Jubilee?” he asked, his tone gentle but insistent.

“Well, nothing yet,” I admitted honestly, feeling a pang of uncertainty. “But I feel like afterward the Jubilee, with all the press, things are gonna change drastically. My dreams are about to come true. You’ve been living your dream for years, I’m just starting to taste mine.”

“You’re my dream, Destiny,” Derek said, turning me to face him and holding my hands, his voice filled with earnest conviction. “This right here. This is my dream. And I’ve been spoiled these last couple of weeks. I’m not even trying to go a day without you. I need you by my side.”

The sincerity in his eyes took my breath away. His grip on my hands was firm yet tender, grounding me in the moment. The weight of his words hung between us, heavy with promise and hope.

I took a deep breath, my heart racing as I tried to process everything. The thought of leaving Juniper, of leaving behind everything I’d worked so hard for, was daunting. My community, my business, the life I’d built—it all felt so integral to who I was. But the idea of being with Derek, of exploring the world together, was equally tempting.

“We’ve built something here,” I said softly, my voice wavering with emotion. “This is my home, my life. But being with you…it feels like home too.”

Derek’s eyes softened, his expression a mixture of determination and understanding. “I know it’s a lot to ask, Des. And I’m not saying we have to leave everything behind right away. But I want you to know that wherever I go, I want you with me. We can find a way to make it work. You don’t have to choose between your dreams and me.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him, the man who had been my first love, my first heartbreak, and now, possibly, my forever. The idea of merging our lives, of sharing our dreams and challenges, was both exhilarating and terrifying.

“It’s just a couple weeks, and when it’s over, we’ll come back home and figure it out,” Derek said.

“Home? My home, you mean?” I quipped, raising an eyebrow.

“Im’ma pay your bills, but yeah, it’s your home or whatever.” He smiled, rubbing his thumb across my nose. “That’s all you, shorty. You bossed up and did that.”

“I don’t need you to pay my bills.”

“I’m not asking for permission to take care of you,” he said, his tone firm, letting me know it was already decided. “It’s your house. I’d say I got you all the way, but I know you’re passionate about what you do, so I’m not gonna tell you to quit. What you make is yours. If you don’t make shit but you wanna do it for fun, I got you. And if one day you decide you wanna do something else, do it. You’re free, Princess. To do what you want, how you wanna do it, when you wanna do it… ’cause I got you either way.”

I let out a long, deep breath at his words. The thought of never having to rob Peter to pay Paul again, or asking my parents for help, or having to work because I had to, suddenly felt like the weight of the world was being lifted off my shoulders. Yet, it also felt overwhelming.

“Derek,” I said, shaking my head, “you’re already taking care of your family—”

“That includes you, Des,” he interrupted, his voice soft but resolute.

I stared at him, my heart swelling with a mixture of gratitude and love. His words echoed in my mind, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. The idea of being free to pursue my passions without the constant worry of financial strain was a dream I never thought possible. Yet here was Derek, offering me that freedom, that security, without hesitation.

“You’re serious about this,” I whispered, more to myself than to him.

“Dead serious,” he replied, pulling me closer between his legs. “I want you to feel financially secure, take that stress off you, for you to know that no matter what, I’m here for you.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him, the man who had been my rock, my first love, and now, my partner in every sense of the word. The depth of his commitment overwhelmed me, filling my heart with a mix of love and gratitude.

“Hold on, do you go around paying everyone’s girls' bills?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Just the one I run up in raw,” he smirked.

I rolled my eyes, giggling at how silly he could be. “So just me?”

“Just you,” he nodded, his expression softening. “You’re not just some girl I met or some manufactured relationship. You’re not just someone I’m with. You’re the reason I breathe. You’re my everything, Des. You always have been, and you always will be. Give me the honor of taking care of you without you fighting me on.”

Jesus, this man always had the right words to take my breath away. I supposed that’s why he got paid so much to write for himself and others, huh?

I reached out, cupping his face in my hands, my thumb tracing the curve of his cheek. “You always know just what to say,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so glad you’re here.”

He leaned in, his forehead resting against mine, his breath warm against my lips. “You deserve everything, Des. And I’m gonna spend the rest of my life making sure you know that.”

“I love you,” I said, my voice breaking with emotion.

“I love you too,” he replied, his eyes shining with sincerity. He held my chin gently, ensuring I was looking directly into his eyes. “And umm,” he began, his voice soft yet firm, “when I ask you to marry me again, there ain’t no breaking up this time. Got it?”

“Got it,” I smiled, feeling the depth of his promise settle into my heart.

The intensity in his gaze left no room for doubt. His words were a vow, a pledge of the life we were about to build together. And as I looked into his eyes, I knew this time it was for real. The past, with all its heartbreak and mistakes, had led us to this moment, stronger and more determined than ever. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the man I loved, I knew we were destined to make it. Life had brought us back to where it all began, but it was our love that would carry us forward into a future filled with endless possibilities.

“One little trip down memory lane and you folded like all that laundry I have sitting on the couch to be put away,” my mother quipped as she sipped on her lemonade, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Eden and her Mama Helen burst out laughing, clinking their glasses with my mother as I rolled my eyes and took a sip from my own glass. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over my backyard. I glanced over to the other side of the yard where my dad was showing Derek his new John Deere riding lawn mower. Derek, who probably hadn’t mowed a lawn since he left Juniper, was deeply engaged in the conversation, nodding and asking questions as if he genuinely cared.

“Derek is damn near a volunteer for the Jubilee at this point,” Ms. Helen added with a chuckle. “He’s been following you around these past weeks like your new personal assistant.”

“Tell me about it,” Eden said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Although, let me shut up because he’s made my life a lot easier,” she giggled, giving me a knowing look.

I smiled, feeling a warm rush of affection for Derek.

“It’s so nice having him around, certain people aren’t so uptight,” Eden continued, deliberately avoiding my gaze.

“You know what that means…” Helen said, sticking out her tongue playfully before starting to do a little twerk in her chair.

“Eden, your mama has been corrupting mine. Im’ma have to break this up,” I said, pointing between my mom and Miss Helen with a mock sternness.

“Oh hush, let us have our fun,” my mama interjected, waving me off with a laugh.

The playful banter, the shared laughter, the gentle breeze—it all felt like a scene from a perfect summer evening. As I watched Derek and my dad continue their conversation, my heart swelled with a mixture of love and gratitude. This was the life I had always dreamed of, surrounded by family, friends, and the man who was willing to fight for our love.

Derek caught my eye from across the yard and winked, his smile as warm as the setting sun. Watching him here at my parents’ home, the same home he used to visit during our childhood even before we became a couple, seeing him connect with my parents, I couldn’t help but feel so good.

“How does it feel to have one of the most powerful men in entertainment groveling at your feet? Do you know how many women would kill to be with D-Truth? And all this time, all he’s ever wanted was you. Do you know how powerful you are?” Eden asked.

I shrugged, “I know he’s a big deal, and I respect everything he’s done, but he’s still just… Derek. The core of him hasn’t changed.” I glanced over at him still talking to my dad. “But getting to know each other all over again these last few weeks, it’s been fun. I really love him.”

I looked at my mother, who seemed genuinely happy for me, yet there was something on her mind.

“The only thing that makes me sad about this is, you being with Derek means that your time in Juniper is limited,” my mother said maintaining a smile.

“What do you mean?” I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

“I ran into his Mama down at Keke’s Bistro last week, and of course, she is so happy to see you two back together. She told me he cleared a slew of things off his plate and turned down a couple million dollars to be here for all this time, hoping he could win you back,” she continued.

My heart sank. While I knew this, I’d avoided the conversation as much as possible since Derek brought it up, just happy to be in his arms again, no longer carrying the hate and anger that I did for so many years. I felt so much lighter these days. Happy. I just wanted this moment to last forever. Because once the Jubilee was over, I had no idea how we would maintain what we were building with the lifestyle and career that he had.

“As soon as the Jubilee is over, he’ll go back to being D-Truth, and something tells me, he’s not leaving Juniper without you, Destiny,” she finished.

The weight of her words settled over me. The thought of leaving Juniper, the town that had always been my safe haven, was overwhelming. This was a crossroads, a moment of truth that would define the rest of our lives.

“They’ll figure it out,” Helen said confidently.

“Mmm-hmm,” Eden added, sipping on her lemonade.

“The Shade Room said Derek is down here in his hometown with his high school sweetheart. They know about you, girl,” Helen added, her tone a mix of excitement and warning.

“What?” I asked, feeling a sudden jolt of anxiety.

“Yeah, girl, they started digging into your business from that first day at the community center. Didn’t you realize you got more Instagram followers on your business page?” Helen asked, shoving her phone in my face.

“Miss Helen, why are you always on The Shade Room?”, I asked.

“That’s where I get all my news!”, she said proudly.

I looked at Eden who shrugged.

I barely had time to check that thing; I’d essentially handed it over to Eden. She managed my social media accounts because I couldn’t keep up with all the notifications and messages when I had actual work to do.

Eden nodded, looking up from her phone. “Yeah, your follower count has been climbing. People are curious about you, Destiny. Being linked to Derek has put you in the spotlight.”

“How do they even know about our past?” I asked, feeling a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

“Somebody somewhere found y’all’s yearbook and found lots of pictures of y’all boo’d up back then,” Helen informed me.

“And y’all were listed as Best Couple, remember?” my mother laughed, shaking her head. “You got in trouble when I saw that because y’all were supposed to be broken up.”

I groaned, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I can’t believe people dug that up.”

Eden grinned. “Well, it’s out there now. And it’s kind of sweet, you know? High school sweethearts finding their way back to each other.”

Helen leaned in, her eyes twinkling. “You two were always meant to be. It’s just taken a little longer to get back on track.”

I sighed, the reality of our situation settling over me. “I didn’t realize it would be like this,” I admitted as I slid the phone back to Miss Helen.

“It’s part of the package, honey,” Helen said gently. “Being with Derek means dealing with the public eye. But you’re strong, and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You can handle it.”

I smiled weakly, appreciating their support but feeling the pressure of this new reality. Derek and I were rebuilding something fragile, something beautiful, and now the world was watching.

Eden reached over and squeezed my hand. “You’ve got this, Destiny. And hey, at least you’ve got a built-in support system right here.”

nodded, feeling a little more grounded. “Thanks, guys. It’s just a lot to process.”

“Take it one step at a time,” Helen advised. “And remember, the most important thing is what you and Derek want. The rest will fall into place.”

“Besides,” my mother interjected, “if time, distance, and even me and your father couldn’t keep y’all apart, there’s no way some people behind their phones can break ruin what ya’ll have going on.” She smirked before taking a sip of her lemonade.

“Tell me all the tea about them back in the day,” Eden begged my mom, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

“Girl, your boss here got grounded about that boy so many times,” my mama laughed, shaking her head at the memories.

I rolled my eyes as my mom proceeded to tell Eden everything she knew, while I bit my lip watching Derek. God, he was so handsome, and so fine. But most of all, he was so loving. He was such a good listener, so in tune with me. And my God, he couldn’t keep his hands off me. After so many years of keeping my body to myself, I had forgotten how desirable I could be.

Derek made me feel so wanted and comfortable in my own skin, always complimenting me, making me feel like a work of art. Every touch, every look, every whispered word of admiration from him reignited a confidence in me that had been dormant for too long. His presence was intoxicating, and I couldn’t get enough.

As I watched him laugh and joke with my dad, I felt a swell of emotion. This was the man I had loved since we were kids, and he was still the same in so many ways. Yet, he had grown, matured into someone who understood the depth of love and commitment. He was my past, my present, and I hoped, my future.

I didn’t want this to end. I didn’t want to lose this feeling of being cherished, of being seen and loved for exactly who I was. Derek had a way of making me feel like the most special person in the world, and I couldn’t imagine my life without that warmth, that assurance.

Later, as the evening wound down and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, Derek climbed into bed with me. The room was filled with a soft, comforting glow from the bedside lamp. He pulled me close, his body warm and reassuring.

“I loved being with your folks today,” Derek said, his voice a soothing rumble as he slid into bed beside me. The room was bathed in the soft, comforting glow from the bedside lamp. “It’s nice getting to know them now that they don’t think I’m some psychopath.”

I laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep inside. “Yeah, they’ve definitely warmed up to you, in your big age.”

“Anyway, you should ride my face real quick so I can get a good nights sleep.”

I turned to him, incredulous. “What is your damn problem?”

“What?” he asked, that stupid smirk plastered on his handsome face.

“Your obsession with eating me out! How do you go from saying you had a good day with my family to that?”

“My obsession don’t seem like a problem when you’re squirting all over the place,” he retorted, his voice low and seductive. “Ain’t my fault you taste so good. I see you eating those pineapples like you don’t know what you doing.”

I bit my lip, trying to suppress a smile. His words, as crude as they were, sent a shiver down my spine. The intensity of his desire for me was overwhelming, but it was also exhilarating.

“Derek,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”

“Crazy in love,” he sang mimicking Beyoncé, pulling me closer. His eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of passion and tenderness. “I can’t help it, Des. You’re fucking perfect.”

The love I felt for him was so intense, so all-consuming. I leaned in, capturing his lips with mine in a kiss that spoke volumes. It was slow and deep, filled with the promise of forever.

“Alright, Mr. Truth,” I said, pulling back slightly, my breath mingling with his. “One day you might die like this, I could suffocate you.”

“And I’d walk into Heaven a happy man. God knows what I’m into.”

“You’re sick!” I laughed, shaking my head at him.

“He gave you to me. He should blame Himself for making you taste so fucking good,” he growled, his voice low and husky. His hand slapped my ass playfully, and he pulled one of my legs over his hip, drawing me even closer.

“You think you can get coochie whenever you want to up in here just because you’re about to start paying some bills?” I asked, twisting my neck like it was a problem, trying to keep my stern look but failing as a smile crept onto my face.

“Nah! My girl is the boss around here,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch. “I’m just bout to fund her lifestyle, her dreams, take care of her emotionally, and drop some of this big dick on her when she’s not running from it.” He jerked forward, the movement sending a thrill through me.

“Derek,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “You’re everything I ever wanted.”

“And you’re everything I’ll ever need,” he replied, his voice softening, filled with sincerity.

We found ourselves in a deep kiss before he pulled back, his hands rubbing my ass with a possessive tenderness.

“I like these little nightgown dress shirt things you be wearing around the house. They ugly as shit but I can see your ass jiggle when you walk, easy access…” he said, his voice low and teasing as he squeezed my butt cheek. “Where you get these? I’m bout to get 'em all.”

“Walmart,” I admitted, feeling a flicker of embarrassment. I couldn’t help but compare myself to the women Derek had probably been with—women who wore fancy, sexy lingerie that I couldn’t afford.

He tilted my chin up, his eyes locking onto mine with a fierce tenderness. “Princess, it doesn’t matter where you got it from. You make anything look incredible. It’s not about the clothes; it’s about you. You’re the one who makes everything sexy.”

I bit my lip, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over me. “Thanks, Derek. Sometimes I just can’t help but think…”

He cut me off with a gentle kiss. “Don’t think about them. They don’t matter. You’re the one I want, the one I’ve always wanted. And nothing will ever change that.”

“Thanks for accepting me and my Walmart nightwear,” I smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, we going down to that bitch tomorrow,” he declared, his eyes glinting with another playful smack on the butt.

His words, ridiculous as they were, made my heart swell. Derek had this way of making even the mundane feel special. I laughed, shaking my head at him. “You’re something else, you know that?”

He grinned, leaning in to brush his lips against mine. “I just want to make sure my girl has everything she needs, even if it’s ugly ass nightgowns from Walmart.”

I laughed again, the sound mingling with the warmth of the moment. “Stupid,” I said, resting my forehead against his.

“Stupid bout you,” he murmured, his fingers tracing lazy circles on my back.

“You’re really serious about this Walmart trip?” I asked, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice.

“Dead serious,” he replied, his tone matching mine. “Anything to see that ass jiggle.”

I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips as I leaned in for another kiss. “You’re impossible,” I whispered against his mouth.

“And you love it,” he said, his voice a soft rumble that made my heart skip a beat.

“I do,” I admitted, pulling him closer, the truth of those words settling deep in my heart. “I really do.”

“Now quit stalling and ride this fucking face!” Derek growled, giving my ass a firm spank. His eyes were dark with desire, and the heat between us was electric, palpable. The command in his voice sent shivers down my spine, making my pulse quicken.

I bit my lip, feeling a rush of excitement and anticipation. His hands gripped my hips, guiding me as I positioned myself above him. The intimacy of the moment, the raw need in his eyes, made everything else fade away. It was just us, wrapped up in each other, lost in the intensity of our connection.

As I lowered myself onto him, his breath hitched, and a low groan escaped his lips. His hands slid up my thighs, caressing my skin with a mix of tenderness and urgency. I could feel the warmth of his breath against me, sending jolts of pleasure through my body.

Derek's eyes never left mine, his gaze burning with a fierce, unspoken promise. “That's it, baby,” he murmured, his voice a deep, rumbling growl that made my heart race as he moved my panties to the side. “Let me take care of you.”

I moved against him, feeling the heat and pressure building, and his hands tightened their grip, guiding me, encouraging me. The room was filled with the sounds of our mingled breaths, the soft gasps and moans that escaped as we lost ourselves in the moment.

Every touch, every caress, was a reminder of the love and passion we shared. Derek's hands moved up to my waist, holding me steady as I rocked against him, his mouth working wonders that sent me spiraling into a world of pleasure.

The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, a beautiful, all-consuming fire that left me breathless and yearning for more. Derek’s devotion, his unwavering focus on my pleasure, made me feel cherished, adored, and utterly desired.

As the waves of ecstasy crashed over me, I cried out his name, my voice a trembling whisper in the night. Derek’s hands held me tight, anchoring me to him.

When I finally came back to earth, breathless and spent, Derek's eyes sparkled with satisfaction and love. “You’re incredible,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t get enough of you.”

I smiled, feeling a profound sense of contentment. In Derek’s arms, I felt safe, loved, and complete. This was where I was meant to be, with the man who had captured my heart so completely.