Don't take it Personal

The Journey Begins

Serenity's sleeping quarters were immaculately set up, featuring a pristine white mahogany crib and bassinet. With tender care, I placed the peacefully sleeping Serenity into her bassinet, her pacifier gently nestled in her mouth. The room's atmosphere was serene, enhanced by the soft rocking chair tucked away in the corner, inviting moments of quiet reflection.

While watching over Serenity, I took a moment to check in on Elijah, Dime's husband, through a text message. The loss of Dime, a beloved presence in our lives, had occurred four months ago, and the bond of family had become even more precious.

As I waited for a response, I briefly browsed through Instagram, where a direct message from Shelly had caught my attention but I ignored it not wanting to disrupt my peace. The room's tranquility provided a welcome pause in the day, a moment to connect with both the past and present, all while Serenity slept soundly in her peaceful nursery.

Mrs. Williams entered the room, gracefully adorned in a pristine cotton white dress that draped elegantly around her. Her silver-grey hair cascaded gently down to her shoulders, accompanied by a warm and welcoming smile. I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude, for she was not only my mother-in-law but also a mother figure to me. Her presence brought a sense of reassurance and wisdom.

With genuine concern and wisdom, Mrs. Williams recommended that Trey and I take a break from our duties and enjoy a date night. Amid the constant focus on our precious baby, it was a timely reminder that we needed to nurture our relationship. Just last week, our therapist had echoed the same sentiment, but the joy of having our baby had momentarily overshadowed our own needs.

Taking her advice to heart, I retreated to my room and selected a body-hugging burnt orange dress, paired with my favorite strapped wedges, carefully placing them on a bench in the corner. I sent a quick text to Trey, "Be home by 7 pm; we're going out, babe." His response came within seconds, "Okay, babe. Love you. See you soon."

In preparation for our evening, I drew a soothing bubble bath infused with the comforting scents of coconut and coffee shower gel. The warm water enveloped me, offering a moment of calm and relaxation as I soaked away the day's cares.

As the clock neared 7 pm, Trey arrived punctually. I was in the midst of dressing, slipping into my undergarments, when he entered the room. His affectionate words filled the air as he exclaimed, "Mrs. Williams, aren't you a beautiful sight to behold." Drawing closer, he wrapped his arms around me from behind, planting a tender kiss on my neck and offering a playful slap on my ass. He then proceeded to the bathroom to prepare for our eagerly anticipated date night.

Trey POV

Stephanie's meticulous planning had secured us a reservation at the prestigious Broken Plate restaurant. As I prepared for the evening, I chose attire that would reflect the occasion's significance. A white Gucci silk shirt, its luxurious fabric draping gracefully, was paired with sleek black denim pants. Completing the ensemble were my White Wallabee Clarks, the embodiment of refined taste, and a glistening gold watch, a symbol of punctuality and style.

Before embarking on our evening, we took a moment to share affectionate kisses with our beloved baby and expressed our gratitude to Mom for her support. The clock had now struck 8 PM, and our anticipation grew.

En route to our destination, the soulful melodies of Whitney Houston filled the car, setting the tone for a romantic evening ahead. The cityscape unfolded before us, and remarkably, within a mere 20 minutes, we arrived at the entrance of Broken Plate.

Our waiter, exuding professionalism and warmth, escorted us to the rooftop deck, offering us the evening's menu. As we settled into our seats, the ambiance enveloped us with a blend of modernity and rustic charm. The space was adorned with floating peppered lights, casting a soft, enchanting glow, ensuring that every moment spent here would be bathed in an atmosphere of elegance and romance.

In the cozy ambiance of the dimly lit restaurant, Stephanie and I placed our orders, savoring the anticipation of a delicious meal. I opted for the tantalizing Pork Belly Bao, a culinary masterpiece featuring crispy pork belly adorned with a drizzle of Char Siu sauce, delicately complemented by a medley of pickled vegetables, crunchy garlic chips, and a touch of sushi ginger. As for me, it was the bold Red Stripe beer that accompanied my culinary choice.

Across the table, Stephanie had chosen the equally enticing Shrimp Bao, a delightful combination of tempura-fried shrimp, zesty pickled jalapeño, soy chipotle aioli, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, all nestled within a soft bun. To sweeten her evening, she indulged in a strawberry mint lemonade.

Amidst bites of our delectable food, Stephanie leaned in, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Trey," she began, "I've been thinking about something. I want to start my own business as an interior designer." Her words carried a spark of passion and purpose.

I met her gaze with a warm smile. "Steph, that's incredible! I fully support you in pursuing your dreams."

The restaurant buzzed around us, but our focus remained on our future. Stephanie's next question, however, added a layer of complexity to our plans. "How are we going to manage everything with mom leaving us in a month's time? It'll just be us and our precious baby girl, Serenity."

As we delved into the logistics and challenges ahead, we found solace in one another's company. We shared lighthearted jokes, and our conversation turned to the dreams we held for our future together. Our hands intertwined, a silent promise of unwavering support.

Leaning in, I spoke softly, "Thank you for loving me, Steph. We'll get through it all, no matter what." The words hung in the air, a testament to the strength of our bond and the determination to navigate the journey ahead as a team.