I Thought I Knew You

Mekhi Fuller did the one thing he vowed he’d never do: break his wife’s heart. He thinks forgiveness is a given in marriage. All he wants is his family intact and will do whatever it takes to keep it that way. If he loses them, he’ll have nothing left.

Nina is ready to change her last name back to Harris. Her kids and her restaurant are all she cares about. Trusting her husband takes more effort than she’s willing to give after he betrayed her.

Mekhi has to win Nina’s trust and steer straight from now on. Even if he does everything right, how can he convince a woman to stay when she’s already done?

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Sample

Mekhi

“Boy, where have you been. I haven’t seen you in forever.” My mother-in-law threw a warm smile my way as we exited the church’s entrance. 

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “It has been a minute, huh?” We continued toward her car. “Work has me busy. I’m trying to catch up. I use any free time to brush up on some skills I shelved years ago.”

“Well, son, taking time from the Lord shouldn’t be the answer. Spending it with Him is the best thing you can do.”

“Of course! I definitely stream it when I’m not here in person.”

“Mm-hm. You children and your streaming. Noelle claims she does the same thing. We’ll see when I quiz you both on the sermon the next time you’d rather watch from home.”

Marilyn’s hiked brow and pressed out lips made me chuckle. She was dead ass. Multitasking while listening to the pastor wouldn’t meet her standards. Next time, I might have to take notes. 

“Momma, you need anything from the store?” Noelle asked from a few feet behind us. She followed us with Nina and the kids.

Marilyn halted right before digging into her purse. “Get me some sweet rolls and some juice for the kids. I think I only have orange juice.”

“They can drink that,” I told her. “You spoil them enough.”

“Hush up, now. I can get my babies some juice.” She nudged me and pulled her wallet out.

Noelle smacked her lips. “Now you know ain’t nobody taking your money.”

Marilyn fixed gaze gave me a chill. Any other person would have taken the warning, but Noelle challenged her with a tilt of the head. She was no doubt Marilyn’s daughter. 

Seconds later we arrived at her car. The kids asked if they could go with their grandmother. It only meant one thing. She’d take a detour to get them something they didn’t need. 

Junior hopped in her backseat before we answered. Kalie did the same after laying her puppy dog eyes on me. All it took was a nod, and she beamed brighter than the sun. 

“Y’all be good for your grandma, okay?” I kissed Kalie on her temple. She was closest to me. 

“Okay, Daddy!” they both said, baring all their teeth. Marilyn must’ve promised them something already.

I gave Junior a pound before closing the door. “I guess this means Nina and I will beat you to the house.” Marilyn’s grin gave away whatever secret she held with the kids.

“Nina, make sure you take everything from the oven. I put it on a low temp to keep it warm. We won’t be far behind you two.”

 My wife shook her head. “Mm-mm, I’m going with Noelle to the store. Mekhi has a key.” My eyes darted her way, but she avoided contact.

“Okay, then. Mekhi, you can take everything out and sit it on the counter when you get there.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you then.” I helped her into her car. When I turned around, Nina and Noelle had left.

I should’ve seen that coming. The moment we’d be alone, she’d find a way out. 

I prayed most of the way to Marilyn’s. I needed a break. A breakthrough. Nina played it cool around the family, but I felt every jab or reminder for me to keep my distance.

I unlocked the door and instantly the mixed aroma had me salivating like I haven’t eaten a home-cooked meal in forever. I did as instructed and removed multiple dishes from the oven and turned it off. I took it a step further and peeked in each container. Neck bones, greens, corn on the cob, rice, and yams. Marilyn did it big this Sunday.

Not knowing how long anyone would be, I made myself a pre-plate with a little bit of everything. I’d clean up after myself so they wouldn’t know. 

It was so peaceful and quiet. The silence reminded me of my near future if I didn’t fix things with my wife.

I manually turned on the TV since the remote wasn’t in plain sight. Searching for it would waste time and most likely get me caught. The Parkers had to do. I scarfed down each side first. The neck bone needed special attention in order not to leave any meat behind. My eyes shut involuntarily with every bite.

Watching Nikki damn near stalk Professor Oglevee never got old. Once the episode ended, I heard a car engine in the driveway. I quickly cleaned my plate and fork, then put it back where it belonged.

Noelle walked in first and found me in the kitchen pouring a glass of water. “The food good?”

I nodded. “It smells good.”

She came a little closer. “Next time wipe your face. You got the evidence in your beard.”

My eyes ballooned before the both of us cracked up. “A’ight, you caught me. It was only a little.”

“Mm-hm. Greedy.” 

Nina came from the bathroom. I didn’t even see her come in. “What’s so funny?” Her eyes met mine briefly.

“Your husband dug in first.” Noelle ratted me out while putting the drinks in the refrigerator. 

Nina sat on a barstool with a lazy smile. She pulled out her phone, instantly letting me know not to talk to her as she pretended to preoccupy herself. Before I could say anything, the kids burst through the front door with a container of gourmet cupcakes and shakes in their hands. No wonder they wanted to ride with their grandmother so badly.

While Marilyn temporarily retreated to her room, Nina and Noelle made everyone’s plates and set the table. Noelle set my plate next to Nina’s, which only meant my wife kept her word. Or that her sister was good at fronting. 

When Marilyn returned, she blessed the food, and I got a full serving this time around. I took this moment in, watching my family interact with each other. This was all I ever wanted, and every day was a tossup on when it could all be taken away from me. 

I bumped my shoulder against Nina’s. When her regard hit me, I mouthed, “I love you.” The first thing she did was look at her mother, whose attention fell on us. I thought she’d say it back since eyes were on her, but she only forced a smile. 

I got up after finishing and kissed my wife’s temple before leaving the table. Her entire body tensed up as she let out a discreet exhale, pressing her lips together. 

“Aww, look at you two! I’m so happy for you!” Marilyn gushed. She arose from her seat. “You have room for dessert? The kids picked a special cupcake for each one of us.”

“Absolutely.” I took her plate from her and rinsed them before placing them in the dishwasher. 

“Where did all this wine come from?” Marilyn asked when she opened the refrigerator. “Girl, I told you to get juice.”

Noelle burst out laughing. “I did, Momma. Grown up juice.”

Marilyn cut her eyes at Noelle. I thought she had a problem with it until she handed me a bottle of moscato and asked me to open it.

Not long after, we were all eating dessert at the table. The women had their grown-up juice to accompany it. Kalie and Junior explained why they chose each person’s cupcake. They were filled with pride that each pick was on point. Kalie took all the credit. 

I grabbed Nina’s hand as our babies argued about who picked what and why. The doorbell rang, and she yanked her hand from mine to answer it. She reappeared with Lyric, who loudly apologized for being late at the door.

Lyric made her round of hugs before meeting Nina in the kitchen. My wife prepared her plate and offered Lyric her seat as she sat at the bar. Away from me.

The kids ran off to their room. I cleaned their mess from the table. Instead of returning to my seat, I stood next to Nina and rubbed my hand in circles on her back. She stiffened but didn’t shove me off. 

I kissed her ear and asked, “Isn’t this nice? Don’t you miss this? Everyone’s happy.” 

Nina gazed at me while her mother watched. Once Marilyn turned away, Nina briefly scowled. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered.

“Doing what? Loving on my wife?”

“Keep it up, Mekhi.” That brow cocked, and I took the hint. It felt good to at least touch her hand and get away with a few kisses.

The rest of our visit, I joined the kids in their room. As they played, I sat on the bed keeping myself entertained on my phone.

Thank you for reading!

The music being I Thought I Knew You