I had just gotten out the shower when I saw that I had a missed call. It had to be Lizzy. My heart started pounding because all I could think about was something had gone wrong. The last time we had spoken she was nervous but she was still in good spirits. Had something happen? I was now the nervous one.

I wrapped a towel around my waist, grabbed my phone and headed to a quiet place. I slid the voicemail button to hear, "it's me Sean. I just needed to hear your voice. Had a bad dream and needed reassurance that..." she cleared her throat, "anyway we are about to land. I will call you after I leave the police station. I love you so much." I could hear her sniffling on the other line.

Damn! I wished I could have answered it. Maybe the dream wasn't all that bad but maybe to her it was. I tried calling her back but it went to a voicemail.

"Is everything okay?"

I turned around to see Jarreau leaning against the door jam.

"Lizzy called but I missed it. She had a bad dream and wanted to talk."

"Well a lot is going on."

"True, I just wished I could have taken the call."

"I'm sure everything will work out fine. Sam seems to have everything under control."

"That he does." I rolled my eyes. Why did I feel a ping of jealousy? "I sure hope so."

"He's a cool dude."

"If I didn't know any better I would think you had a bromance."

"I can't lie, man takes action and gets it done. He seems like a natural born killer, with a touch of mystery and a sprinkle of confidence, hell if I was a woman who knows." He winked and smiled.

"Is that right?"

"Look, I'm not trying to start anything but let him handle it, seems like he knows what he's doing."

"But doesn't it seem strange that he fell from the sky and now he's Liz's savior?"

"Sounds like someone is jealous."

"Who is he really J? I'm not buying that he's just all of a sudden here to rescue her. He shows up at the airport in her time of need like a freaking guardian angel. You've seen him with Liz's mother, they all but touchy-feely. Liz even saying they have some of the same habits and now she seems smitten by him too. He had a picture of her dead aunt, I found inside a drawer on the plane. How does he know her? He was a doctor turned FBI agent, and now he's wearing all these hats something just seems fishy."

"Yep, totally jealous. How do you know that the picture was her aunt, you've never met her. As far as habits, they both read a lot, they're doctors, okay? Hell he's very handsome for his age, Ms. Johnson is a sexy sista and grownass woman that I'm sure still has needs. Ms. J maybe trying to get her freak on. He has the right to chose whatever career he wants and to help whomever he wants too. I'm glad he is on our side and that Lizzy trusts him enough to have her back. Don't hate because he knows what he's doing."

I let out a deep breath.

"The problem boils down to that the great and powerful Sean Gipson wanted to be her knight in shining armor but someone else has taken his place."

"Shathefuckup J!"

"Uh oh, uh oh, no, he's getting mad ladies and gentlemen, watch out he's about to blow."

I stood up and he put his hands up in surrender.

"Okay, I might have gone a little too far," he said opening his fingers up some. "Look you're the one married to her."

"And it's my job to protect her."

"You can...from Shae and whatever sick plot Michael has up his sleeve. Sam is a pro when it comes to dealing with the law. If he can help her, then I wouldn't stand in his way. The way things are happening, it's going to take everyone pitching in. Don't let your pride stand in the way of your happiness. Lizzy is your girl and I know you will move heaven or hell to see that no harm comes to her. You're willing to sacrifice for your love, but don't be stupid, you have to look towards the future."

I hit the wall. It felt like my hands were tied.

"Look you ain't never been questioned or sent to jail. Best believe it ain't a pretty situation. I've been stop just because of the color of my skin. It didn't matter that I was rich, famous or handsome, hell I wasn't even doing anything wrong. No it was because I was the only brother with a mansion in the hills. I wasn't suppose to have a fifteen million dollar house on five acres or driving a Ferrari. Oh that's right they thought I was a drug dealer. Had me handcuffed and put into the back of a police car while my neighbors walking their dogs and shit looking at me crazy. Hell I pay my taxes, work everyday, follow the law and I still got stopped. So take it from me, let him do what he needs to do. Lizzy is a black woman in a racially charged world. I believe Sam when he says she's coming home."

"This is so crazy, sorry that happened to you."

"Not your fault. Unfortunately it's an expectant occurrence. I try to blend in and hope for the best. Why you think I hang with you? Shiittt, I'm with the S to the muthafreaking G, Sean Gipson. The mack daddy of California, baby. Ain't nobody going to mess with me when I'm with you."

"I thought you were my friend." I pretended to be sad.

"You're like my handsome vanilla brother from another mother. I love ya my Caucasian persuasion pookie tookie." He pinched my checks.

"So now I'm your bodyguard in other words?"

"Damn skippy."

I shook my head. "Maybe you're right. I just don't want the police trumping up charges or Aries blaming his actions on her." I rubbed my face. "Damn it! I need to slow my roll. I need to focus on my part."

"Breath in...breath out. See that's what I'm talking about," he said slapping me on the back.

"Thanks man. Thanks for helping me get my head back in the game."

"No problem. I know a way you can repay the kindness."

I turned my attention to him.

"Can we stop at Kane's Chickin Fingas for a snack pack?" He was batting his eyes like a sinner in church.

"No eating in my car. Besides the team party is tonight."

"Are you going?"

"I have some things I have to take care of first and I'm only going to show my face as Lizzy should be coming back tonight."

"I hate these stuffy corporate parties," he said jumping up hitting the top rail of the door. "But love me some good ole tender strips. Let's roll Lone Ranger," he said cracking up.

We walked back in the locker room where we dressed and headed to the fast food joint. We decided to eat there and several fans came up to us. We took pics and signed autographs. A couple of the ladies left their numbers and I passed them to Jarreau.

"At least you got five to choose from J."

"Two of those chicks had enough weave to sew me an outfit." I laughed.

"Then the one with the ombré Lucius Lyon's slick back had four baebaes, they don't die they multiply."

"What about the chica with the red lipstick?"

"She needed a tan and those fingernails looked like claws. I'll be damn if she tears up this beautifully crafted smooth chocolate skin, as one of those things could get stuck in my back and I got to have it surgically removed. No thank you, not covered under my health plan."

"What about Tamalynecha?" I read sliding the piece of paper to him trying to hide my laughter.

"Don't make me slap you, in the famous words of Elizabeth Johnson hyphen Gipson. You know that was a dude and not a female. His gum ball machine Adam's apple was bigger than mine."

"He was pretty J." He threw a fry at me and I leaned over laughing.

"Let's go, I can't take you or Lizzy anywhere. You'll both deserving of one another, punkass." He grabbed his tray holding the door open for me.

"Thank you Mister Jarreau," I said in a sexy manly voice and batted my eyelashes.

"I hate you right now," he said pouting and we got in the car. I continued to laugh as he ignored me.

"You're on social media dude," he said laughing.

"Doing what?"

"You fronting on Shae at Fan Day. Man it's hilarious."

I stopped at the red light. He showed me the video. I laughed as the three ladies from earlier making googly eyes at me at the stadium were giving Shae a piece of their minds. It was funny as Shae had shock on her face.

"Here's a Sean Gipson's gif." I looked over to see one of the ladies running with me to the end of the field and instead of her catching the ball she catches Shae's head instead. She does the touchdown dance and then she bounced Shae's head on the ground. #SLAPAHO #GOLDDIGGINTHOT #TOUCHDOWNNAPPYWEAVE

"Dang."

"Sean, this shit is funny even in slo-mo."

"I don't condone violence."

"Bruh did you not beat Aries bald-headedass?"

"That was between men and I tried taking the high road but he wouldn't listen."

"Whatever Hercules. Girl fights are better. They go for the face, then ripping each other's clothes off, titties swinging, bamboo earrings flying, weave waving in the wind, man ain't nothin like it." He had this crooked smile on his face.

"Stop J."

"You know I'm right. Anyway I would say people are rooting for you. Everybody knows that gold digging Shae ain't right."

My phone rang and it was Michael. I rolled my eyes and put my phone on speaker.

"Speak."

"Shae has agreed to move into the Kirkwood house."

"Good. I can meet her in the morning around ten am and she can get the key." Jarreau looked at me funny.

"Okay. Do you think this is a good idea?" Michael asked.

"Of course it is. Since I am the father of this child, I want to be around. I don't want to give the fans the wrong impression. I'm not in love with Shae but I will be taking responsibility for this baby."

He remained quiet.

"Oh Mike by the way, I want you to see to her moving in."

"Ah..."

"I trust you Michael." I winked at Jarreau and he shook his head.

"Okay, I will see to it."

"Thanks Michael." I hung up.

"What on gawds green earth are you up to?"

"Just wait and see."

I turned into my driveway. "You coming in?"

"Nah, I have some errands to attend too. You'll call me when you hear something from Lizzy?"

"Yeah I will." We dabbed each other and he left.

I walked in the house, grabbed a cold one out the fridge, some nuts, and headed to my office. I opened up my computer and called Kale.

"What's up Sean?"

"I need you and Rob to set up cameras in my Kirkwood house."

"When do you want it done?"

"Today."

"What do you want done?"

"Bugs, hidden cameras throughout the entire house and I want them wireless."

"That's a big job."

"Get whoever you need. I want access to every room in that house and I want to be able to record and watch by computer or cell from wherever I am."

"I would need to start now."

"Let me know the damage and I will have a check ready when it's done."

"Cool, I'll call you later."

I hung up and dialed my friend Aimee.

"Lawd have mercy, Sean Gipson. What do I owe this pleasure?"

"I need your services."

"I'm listening."

"I need a chef and a housekeeper."

"When do you want them to start?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"Oookkk."

"I need the chef for all three meals daily. Housekeeper everyday for at least the next three weeks, maybe longer. Most importantly I need them to be my eyes and ears but under strict confidentiality."

"You're killing me."

"If you can't pull it off then..."

"I didn't say that. Let me get to work."

"I will text you the address."

"Alrighty, I will look for it."

"Thanks Aimee."

I hung up.

My next call was to James, my attorney.

"Hello Mr. Gipson how can I help you?"

"I need you to pull every contract my agent Michael has ever negotiated along with my contract between his agency and me."

"Is there a problem?"

"I think there may be."

"I see. Why don't you and I meet tomorrow and we can discuss."

"I'm free for lunch."

"Let's meet at Republique around noon."

"I'll be there."

I hung up with him and then my other line beeped, it was Kale.

"I got everything you need. We are headed to the house now. Since it's a rush job you're looking at nine grand, but I was able to get the I-Phone charger cam, GPS tracker, and top of the line visual and sound equipment."

"Cool. I want to hear every conversation."

"What's going on boss? You haven't lived in the Kirkwood house in years, plus I thought you were leasing it."

"My tenants moved out last month. I was debating about selling it but decided to keep it."

"Has someone broke in?"

"No. I'm moving a little rat in and I want to be able to keep tabs on them."

"What has Shae done now?"

"She's trying to ruin my life, but before she does, I will expose her as the crook she is."

"Gotcha. Well you should be pleased after the install. I was able to get five guys so they should be finished around late evening."

"Sounds good, I have her moving in tomorrow morning."

"Cool. Oh by the way, the Geico promo is ready. You just need to review and then send over to their marketing department for the meeting on next Thursday. I sent it to your encrypted email address."

"That's awesome. I will look at it tonight and get back with you. I just need to make a few more calls so I can meet you in about a hour."

"Sounds good."

My next call was to Bumblebee Lane. It was a high end baby store that I had heard of from one of my teammates. They had a designer named, Penelope, that came highly recommended and I wanted to hire her to start on this baby room. Believe me, I would spend any amount of money to get this trashy hoe out my life so Lizzy and I could move on. I lucked up as I dropped a few names and told her who I was.

"Yes Mr. Gipson, I'm available to do consultation. Congratulations by the way."

"Excellent. Thank you. I would like to start as soon as possible, like tomorrow."

"Ah, I actually do a web show on the weekends and tomorrow is a prep day."

"How about I let you do your webshow at my house. You can have permission to feature my nursery from beginning to end. If you need extra equipment I have two tech guys that can be of service."

"Are you serious?" I could hear excitement in her voice.

"The deal is that you have to start tomorrow morning and you only report to me. I will be the one taking care of the expenses for the room."

"Thank you Mr. Gipson."

"You're welcome. I will text you the address in the morning. Let's say around ten am."

"I will be there."

I ended the call and smiled. Revenge couldn't get any sweeter as I was going to destroy Shae and anybody else that meant to cause me harm. Violence wasn't the answer but good old fashion humiliation would do the trick.

Leaning back in my chair, I pulled out my wedding band and slid it on my finger. Taking a deep breath, I had to smile because it wasn't a dream. Lizzy and I had actually taken our vows before God, so our marriage was real. Thinking back, seeing her looking like a ray of sunshine made my heart swell. She looked so beautiful. Seeing her walk down the aisle, was forever etched into my brain.

I picked up the small stress ball that was on top of my desk. I threw it up in the air and caught it. Looking outside, I saw Tomas, my pool guy getting the leaves out the pool. Watching the water wrinkle, my mind went back to when Lizzy saw the snake in there and she freaked out. I chuckled as I had to carry her out the pool. Damn, I missed her.

Most people would have been on their honeymoon by now but I was sitting here trying to formulate a plan to get rid of Shae. Just knowing that I had married the girl of my dreams, I was determined to fight to keep it that way. I would do anything for her. Standing there as we took our vows, she could have been wearing a brown paper bag and it wouldn't have mattered. Thinking back to when we were on the plane making love, I would treasure that. She had convince me which I needed none, to take her as the plane was about to land.

"So although this wasn't quite the ending I had in mind, this was even better," she said with her chin on top of my chest with a cute smile looking at me.

"I can't always promise meteor showers, well maybe earthquakes, but I can promise to love you forever Lizzy bear."

"It was better than any firework show."

Gazing into her eyes, had me lost. As the plane began to descend we found ourselves entangled in the love that seem to continue to grow. With all formalities out the way, we were two people that loved each other unconditionally. The second time around felt amazing. She worked her body as I gave up my independence. She knew exactly how to work me into a frenzy. She fed me her soul and I devoured it as if it was my last meal.

Making love to Lizzy was so much more than I could fathom. The way her body projected my needs and vice versa it was true, she was my soulmate. The anticipation was well worth the wait. Continuing to think back, I had to adjust myself down below. If she was here now, I would take her in my arms and bury myself so deep I would probably lose myself completely.

Also thinking back, as the plane landed, I had noticed something out of the ordinary. I kept it to myself as we were rushing out the room before the plane touched the tarmac.

My cell rang pulling me out of my thoughts. The number didn't flash across my phone, just some weird alphabetic and numeric combination.

"Hello?"

"Sean it's Sam."

"Is everything okay?"

"For now yes. Elizabeth is in with the detectives and my attorneys."

I took a deep breath.

"She has the best attorneys in the world. Hopefully we should be leaving soon."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Sean, you can trust me. They don't have any real evidence. They are going through the motions, its procedure."

"She called me earlier."

"I know she had a bad dream."

"I hate that I missed it."

"I think she just needed to hear your voice."

"Sam can I ask you something? This is totally off the subject."

"Sure?"

"Why are you doing this for Lizzy? I mean you just met her and all of a sudden you have taken over. I don't mean any disrespect but I'm curious."

"I like helping damsels in distress."

"Or is it because you know her better than you should."

"What are you getting at?"

"I happened to have seen a picture of Lizzy's Aunt Elle on the plane. Lizzy was named after her. As a matter of fact she has the same picture of Elle in her wallet. She died the day after Lizzy was born."

He remained quiet.

"You had to have known of Lizzy prior to you meeting her?"

He still remained quiet.

"With your past military background and classified clearance, her aunt Elle, was also a military spy as Lizzy once told me. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson claimed she was killed in Iran in a raid. To me Lizzy never looked like anyone of the Johnson's no matter what they said or tried to convey to her. I thought she always looked more like her Aunt. I could be crossing the line, but I truly love my wife and I don't want to see her made a fool of."

"There is no charade."

"When she told me how you two met, it seemed so odd. You just happened to be at the airport the same time she was. Coincidence maybe but not likely."