Fannieâs eyes darted to the marks adorning Bobbyâs neck and the scratches across his chestâundeniable evidence of their passion.
âBoyfriend and girlfriend?â she ventured, her voice tentative. A broad grin spread across Bobbyâs face as he affectionately patted her on the backside. âYes, my girlfriend.â
Still enveloped in his embrace, Fannie lay there, her mind reeling with the realization that they were now a couple.
She had consistently pictured such moments with Bobby, but the reality unfolded on a simple, routine morning.
âYouâre not toying with me, are you?â she questioned, a hint of doubt in her voice.
Bobby clasped her shoulder reassuringly. âI poured my heart into last night. How can you still question it?â
Indeed, the previous night had been wild for both of them, not just Fannie.
She had been fretful about potential noise complaints from the apartment below them, but fortunately, the persistent rain had muffled their sounds of passion.
âStill not convinced?â Bobby pulled her onto his lap, his firm hand securing her by the hip. âThen I guess weâll just have to keep going until you are.â
âNo!â Fannieâs protest was immediate, reminiscent of their previous encounters. âI believe you, I really do!â
She quickly stood, scrambling to pick up scattered items off the floor and grabbed a towel, heading for a shower.
After refreshing themselves, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Bobbyâs friend, peering inside. âHey, Bobby, youâre out of signal, arenât you?â
A quick glance at his phone confirmed itâno service. Fannie looked down, a blush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
But Bobbyâs friend was too preoccupied to notice any awkwardness about their overnight stay. âItâs Katherineâshe called me. Joelleâs going into labor!â
âWhat? But isnât she due in two more days?â
It was unlike Katherineâs last labor, which hadnât been so abrupt. As the news sank in, a wave of urgency wiped the blankness from Bobbyâs expression.
Fannie strode forward, her voice even and reassuring. âLetâs make our way down the mountain now. The rainâs stopped, but the roads might still be slick. Everyone, please tread carefully.â
With a firm nod, Bobbyâs friend declared, âGot it! Iâm on my way to wake them now.â
As Fannie gathered Bobbyâs jacket, her tone was pragmatic.
âLetâs get a move on. Iâll take the wheel, and you check in with Joelle.â
âOkay.â
Childbirth loomed large over them. Bobby, who was close to Joelle, was understandably anxious, though he managed to keep his composure.
With Fannie leading calmly, they all descended the mountain, forming an impressive caravan.
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