The next morning...

NOTE TO SELF: Pick up birth control prescription on Monday from Walgreen's.

Carelessly throwing the sticky note in my cross body, I paced into my closet and slid into the first pair of Abercrombie & Fitch cropped sweatpants I saw. Pulling the matching grey hoodie over my bare chest, I peered over at the digital clock to see I still had plenty of time to get over to my parents house before they leave for church.

I had to go pick Noah up because he said he didn't want to go to church with grandma and grandpa. It wasn't my intention to have Noah spend the night at my parents house but who knew P was going pop up, make up with me and give it to me right all through the night. My dad insisted on dropping him off...yeah about that. Of all days, the lord's day isn't the perfect time for P to meet my parents.

Climbing up onto the bed, I couldn't help but smile at his light snoring. My poor baby, I know he's tired. I don't know how many times I have to reassure him that even genius' need sleep. I could literally just sit and watch him sleep, wondering what his dreams are composed of.

If it wasn't for my silk pillow cases, he would be pissed off when he awoke with a case of dry, tangled bed-hair. I might have to assist him with it later so he doesn't have to call up Kim.

Giving his arm a light shake, he didn't even budge. "Baby, wake up." Nothing. Kissing the tip of his nose he stirred a little. A sure way to wake him up would've been giving some attention to his morning wood, but I wouldn't leave the house on time if I did. Pecking the corner of his mouth, I whispered, "Wake up baby."

Slowly shaking his head, he groggily muttered, "What?" I had to jerk my head back and refrain from laughing once his morning breath hit my nostrils.

"P, I'll be back in a like an hour. I need to run a few errands." He didn't say anything so I poked his cheek. "Did you hear me?"

Pulling the covers up to cover his chest, he was clearly aggravated that I was interrupting his beauty sleep. "Yeah I heard you, you'll be back in an hour. Love you.", he repeated without opening his eyes.

"Love you too."

I was two to three blocks away from my house when I remembered I needed to get groceries. Carrying Noah into Cub Foods, I couldn't help but shake my head at my child's mismatched attire. For starters, his dry curls were in desperate need of some TLC. Sporting an oversized Vikings jersey, batman pajama pants, and light up shoes that I don't even think are his, I'd say we both looked pretty busted. I knew this was going to be a short shopping excursion when he started whining the second I tried to put him in the buggy. "Noah, I can't hold you while I shop baby."

Pulling into the garage, I huffed once I surveyed all of the bags that lay in my trunk. Not only did I forget my grocery list at home so I was just grabbing things, but for some reason the bag lady decided to literally place only two items in each bag.

Freeing Noah of his car seat, I watched him prance his little happy-go-lucky butt in the house, toting a whole pack of Chips A'hoy cookies and a Capri Sun. Regardless of the fit he pitched in the store, I couldn't help but sigh at how adorable he looked as his shoes lit up with every step he took.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment once all the groceries were put away and I got Noah changed and settled, I kicked off my sneakers and dragged into my bedroom. I wasn't surprised when I realized P was still asleep. I wasn't going to wake him up either.

After tidying up the room, I climbed onto the bed and proceeded to dig through my purse in search of the Cub Foods receipt. Sliding a stick of DoubleMint gum on my tongue, I felt the bed shift a little and a tap on my thigh.

"Gimme a piece." He always wants some of my gum.

I smirked, "Excuse you, where are your manners?"

He smacked his lips, "Gimme a piece of gum, pretty please."

The moment he extended his hand, I slapped my palm against his. "Sorry, that was my last piece."

"I'll take that one then."

"You're so nasty."

"But you love me though." I'm not going to lie, his deep groggy voice is such a turn on. He was wide awake as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and rested his head on his right hand.

"So I have a surprise for you P."

He cleared his throat, "What? That you finally found a cure for your snoring?"

"Ha ha ha. You know I have a condition, me and my big ass tonsils."

"Stop cussing. Baby when are you going to get them removed? You've had tonsillitis like 6 times since we've met. You know if you get the surgery I'll take care of you, you can have all the jello, pudding pops, and tofu you want." He smirked as he readjusted the pillows under his head. "But what's really the surprise?"

"Noah's here, but he doesn't know you're here." His eyes lit up as a wide grin set on his face. "So I'm going to need you and your mini-me to get up and get washed up."

Right when he was about to sit up, he noticed my eyes occasionally darting to another part of him that was wide awake. The thick duvet draping his lower region did nothing to hide what was standing at attention under it. Biting down on his lip, he slid his hand down his toned abs until he grasped himself under the covers. "Don't be shy now, your name is written all over him."

Biting my lower lip, a dampness formed between my legs as I watched him slide the covers down and expose his rock hard shaft. "I can't baby. Just go take a cold shower." As I creeped towards the edge of the bed, he quickly grasped my wrist and pulled me back.

"Just touch it." He was making it so hard (no pun intended) for me. Giving into the temptation, I shooed his hand away and began firmly stroking him. His husky voice was laced with lust, "Put it in your mouth."

I cut my eyes at him. "Umm, excuse you. I don't need coaching sir, I know how to suck dick."

Relaxing next to him, I let a long string of spit dribble onto his tip before taking him in my mouth inch by inch. I savored the sweet-salty taste of his pre-cum. Relaxing my throat, he hissed when the tip of his dick touched the back of my throat and I swallowed around him.

Rather than my usual finesse, I decided to simultaneously stroke him as I bobbed my head up and down his shaft to speed up the process. Thoroughly enjoying himself, I felt him push down the waist band of my sweatpants and squeeze my buttcheek.

He growled, "Come sit on my lap baby girl."

"We can't, Noah is down the hall." I was not about to start something with him right then. We had never done it while Noah was awake, and on top of that the door was slightly ajar.

Snaking his hand up my sweatshirt, he said, "He's not going to come in here. Just put the cover over your head and don't moan too loud. I'll be fast, you're wasting time talking."

This man is relentless. Sliding off my sweatpants and undies, he looked at me like I had three heads growing out of me when I didn't remove my hoodie. "It's staying on, get over it."

Lining up perfectly with his tip, I made sure the comforter completely covered us before I eased onto him. Deeply inhaling as I stretched around him, I leaned onto his chest. Before I bit down onto his shoulder, I warned him. "Be gentle."

Sharply ramming into me, he chuckled. "No promises."

After washing up and throwing on a black cami & maroon cheerleader shorts, I told P to wait in the hall. When I walked into his play room, Noah was watching Out Of The Box and sitting on his feet, even though I tell him not to. "Come here pumpkin, I have a surprise for you."

Popping his thumb out of his mouth, his eyes lit up. "For me?!"

"Just for mama's baby. But you have to cover your eyes okay? No peeking."

Places his tiny hands on his face, I walked him to the center of the room and spun him around three times. "Are you peeking?"

He giggled, "No mommy, but I'm dizzy!"

"I'm sorry honey." Jogging back into the hallway, I told P to kneel a few feet in front of Noah. Once he was in position, I walked behind Noah and made sure his eyes were still covered. "Are you ready? On 3, you can open your eyes."

We counted in unison, "1...2...3!"

When he uncovered his eyes, he gasped and ran full force at him. "Princeeee!!! I missed you so so so so so much!" Scooping Noah into his arms, they embraced each other tightly.

Sitting indian style on the ABC rug in Noah's room, I observed the two in their own little bubble. Perched on his toddler bed together, Noah rummaged through the pile of stuff he collected while we were in Orlando. He coerced me to pull out any memento that was previously tucked away just to show P. It was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed the show n tell that was being put on.

Distracted by an Animal Kingdom brochure, P took the time to mouth to me, "He talks so much more now", but I guess Noah heard that and looked back at him confused. Placing Noah's purple Mickey Mouse snapback on his head, P asked, "And what's this? Did you buy it for me?"

Noah furiously shook his head and reached for his beloved hat. "This is my um..my mouse hat from the Kingdom. Mommy bought you mouse ears but she left them down there." P looked to me and gave me a playful disapproving glare. "The Kingdom had a prince but he's not a real prince, you're the prince Prince." P chuckled as Noah caught his breath.

Putting his arm around Noah's shoulder, he told him, "You're right, they are pretend prince's. My real name is Prince."

Noah glared up at him. "Does that um, does that um make mommy a princess?"

"Mommy is a queen", P stated in a matter-of-fact tone. Warmth radiated across my cheeks as we exchanged loving gazes.

Per his request, P tackled the task of making lunch. I was apprehensive because although he has his select signature dishes, baby boy cant even cook rice. Needless to say, I was thrilled when what he whipped up didn't involve the use of a stove.

Placing down the three plates of almond butter and grape jelly sandwiches and handing Noah his sippy cup of low fat milk, P looked to me for approval. "As you can see, I remembered you don't like like the crust at the top of your sandwich. And that he doesn't like his sandwich put together, he like one separate slice with almond butter and one slice with jelly." I gave him a round of applause.

Swirling the milk in my glass, I would occasionally look over at P who was actually making an effort to finish his food today. Twirling the ring that rightfully belonged on my ring finger with my left thumb, I thought back to the words he whispered in my ear as we lay spent from our passionate moment between the sheets.

"Marry me."

Not knowing whether that was his real proposal solely because it occurred after sex, I was confused. I was afraid to bring it up because he could've just uttered it 'in the moment'.

Noticing my contemplation, he wiped his face and extended his right hand out to grab my left. "Jazzy Poo, is my sandwich that bad?" I couldn't help but grin at his playful tone.

"No its not that..." I allowed my voice to trail off, not knowing how to vent my thoughts. Running the pad of his thumb against the outline of the ring, he finally realized what was on my mind. That's another thing I loved about him, sometimes we don't need words in order to know each others thoughts.

He started off, "About last night..."

I was mentally preparing myself for the worst, being pessimistic sometimes is one of my worst traits. A part of me feared he was going to say that what he asked of me last night was a mistake. I grew impatient as the clock ticked on and he attempted to gather his thoughts.

I looked into his hazel eyes and blurted out, "Did you mean it? Was that your proposal?"

Sighing, he looked off towards Noah before turning his attention back on me. "I did mean it, albeit that wasn't the best delivery or timing. I had been wanting to propose to you since June. Us coming back together as one, I guess I couldn't hold it in any longer.'

Rising from the dining chair and sitting in his lap, I cupped his right cheek as I latched my lips onto his. I whispered against his parted lips, "Yes."

Through his hooded gaze, a look of confusion took over. "Yes?"

I couldn't help but giggle at how clueless he was. Running the tips of my fingers through the field of hair on his chest and resting my forehead against his, I said, "Yes, I'll marry you P."

Sheer elation washed over his face. I think for a second he was nervous I would dismiss his proposal.

Pulling me in for a passionate kiss, I could feel the internal fireworks going off. Without a doubt I knew this was the man I wanted to marry. Through all the bullshit and drama, he was my best friend, my lover, my confidant, my support, and importantly a man who was willing to accept my baby boy as his own. God, I love that man.

Tracing his fingers down the dip in my lower back, as our tongues danced in my mouth, we almost forgot there was another little presence in the room.

"Ewwwww, thats nasty mommy!", Noah giggled. Breaking the kiss, as P laid his face on my chest in embarrassment, I peered over at Noah to see him peeking through his jelly covered fingers as he attempted to cover his eyes.

After lunch, P suggested that we take Noah to burn off some energy on the jungle gym at Paisley Park. I tried telling him there was a park in my subdivision, but he insisted on traveling to Paisley. I thought the longest part of leaving the house would've been getting my baby cleaned up and ready to go. In fact, it took P quite a while to get Noah's car seat in the back of his BMW and fastened in.

It was so funny yet cute to watch him fumble with it and Noah standing close by watching in confusion. I tried to offer my assistance but he had to be macho about it. Once he finally realized it wasn't supposed to be rear-facing, he took another five minutes attempting to fasten him in. Every now and then Noah would huff, that was until he finally peeped, "Do you need help Prince?"

Determination written all over his face, he uttered, "No little man..I...got it!" I sighed in relief once I heard that final Click! of the seatbelt.

Cranking the car up and throwing it in reverse, he zoomed down the street until we approached the front gate. Checking to make sure he could make a left hand turn, he cockily said, "I don't know why you were doubting your man, I told you it's all good."

Oh wow you fastened a car seat, aren't you an einstein? Playfully rolling my eyes, I quickly looked back at Noah who already had his thumb in his mouth.

Bobbing my head along to the Fela Kuti CD that had been playing, the only other sound that was heard was the tires rolling against the concrete and light chatter rumbling from Noah if you listened closely. Out of nowhere, what I had been meaning to tell P came to the forefront.

He shot me a glare when I reached to turn the music down. "Sorry babe, anyways! Before we can jump the broom and I become Mrs. Unpronounceable Symbol, I hope you realize we skipped a very important step."

A hearty chuckle escaped him."What's that?"

"You meeting my parents. Although that shouldn't make you nervous since you've probably met A LOT of girls parents."

He kissed his teeth. "I'm going to let that comment slide, I'm not worried about meeting your parents, they have no reason to hate me. But speaking of names, I'm reclaiming mine in the New Year. On December 31 my publishing contract with Warner expires, which will emancipate Prince from all restrictions."

Seeing how genuinely happy he was when he told me that, I just wanted to jump into his lap and kiss him. The fact that he's been wanting this since 1993 and it's finally happening is remarkable. "Baby, I cant even describe how happy I am for you. You're finally going to be free!"

Without looking away from the road, he reached over the middle console and brought my left hand up and placed a tender kiss on the back of it. "Free, I love the sound of that word."

"It's going to be weird calling you 'that name' "

He smirked, "I loved the way you called my name last night."

My cheeks grew warm thinking back to our love-making. "I'm sorry about that."

"No its fine. You can call me whatever makes you more comfortable; P, P-nut, baby, Prince, Daddy..."

I scoffed at him and crossed my arms, "I do not call you daddy...Okay maybe a few times in the bedroom but that's it."

"Jazz, if a few times means every night then I guess."

Sitting on the swing, I looked on as the two of them ran back up the stairs to go down the slide again. How he's running on mulch in heels, I don't know. When we got out of the car, I changed my mind about him playing out here when I realized how cold it was. Wanting to make me out to be Mommie Dearest, Noah whined until P got me to agree to let him play for five minutes and then we'll go inside. I'm not trying to be mean, it's just my baby has asthma and I'm not in the mood to have my child admitted to Shriner's.

As soon as I heard that first little cough come from Noah, I yelled. "Nope, its time to go! Play time is over, grab my baby we're going inside!" Of course, Noah was fine after I gave him his inhaler.

He tuckered himself out beating on the drum set in Studio C and after that it didn't take him long to pass out on the sofa in the private quarters. Resting my head in P's lap, his fingers delicately stroked through my straightened mane and massaged along my scalp, putting me in a calming state. I let out a long yawn.

"Sounds like someone else needs a nap too."

I smacked my lips, "Nap? I'm grown, I don't take naps. I'm not even—" Another yawn escaped me before I could even finish the sentence.

"Yeah, you need a nap. But before you do that, I needed to tell you: You and me, New York next week."

Any sense of sleepiness I had washed away once he mentioned NYC. I hadn't been in so long, even though I didn't know the main reason for the trip I started mentally planning everything I wanted to do while I was there. I shot up and knelt next to him. "Omg really?! I cant wait!"

Killing my vibe a little bit, he said, "Slow your roll baby girl, we're only going to be there for a night MAYBE two. Arista is having the album release party for Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic and I wanted—I need you there with me."

A goofy smile was plastered on my face. "Aww baby, of course I'll go. You know I support everything when it comes to you. But won't it be paparazzi there? I don't think I should be that close to y—"

He sternly said, "No cameras or recording devices will be allowed in the event. I can guarantee that. I know you said you don't want to be in the limelight, but baby girl that territory comes with being with me, I'm sorry. You understand?" He stroked my face in an attempt to calm my nerves.

"Yeah, I do. So is anyone going to be there that I know? You know since you'll probably be mingling with record execs or on stage the whole time."

"If you're not by my side, I know Stephanie my assistant will be there. Troy will be working security that night along with Anthony, Kim will be there. Oh and Larry and Tina said they're coming."

An involuntary eyeroll occurred when I heard the name Larry. Even though he has apologized to P for his behavior and his words, doesn't mean he's cool with me. Old man seriously needs a reality check, acting as if he's always been perfect.

"Jasmin." He scolded me for rolling my eyes.

"What?! I didn't say anything."

"Yeah, but you didn't have to. Listen, I don't want it to be bad blood between you two. Larry is a dear friend and you are going to be my wife so can you two be civil? He wants to give you an apology for his actions. I thought you said you forgave him?"

Rolling my eyes again, I huffed. "I'm fine, I can act civil. You know I am master at ignoring people babe. If he wants to give me an apology to soothe his guilty conscious thats fine. And I have forgiven him, it's just that when I hear that name and think about what he said, I just want to knock him off his high horse and pop him in the mouth with my chancla."

The anger started to rise again as I walked over to look out of the window on the other side of the room. Without his shoes on, I hadn't realized P had walked up behind me until his familiar lavender and vanilla fragrance laced my nostrils.

"Hmm, it sounds like you haven't really forgiven him Jazz. Listen, I know you're skeptical of him sometimes but maybe that's because you don't understand him."

I deeply sighed. "What is there to understand? My Uncle Dennis is a JW too so I know exac—"

He sternly said, "I'm not finished." I rolled my eyes as his domineering side started to rear it's ugly head, but he doesn't scare me. "You act like I'm ready to commit to his faith tomorrow. I admit some of the things he says sound a bit flawed but he has given me some spiritual guidance. You said yourself that you've never really heard out what your uncle had to say, your family has just passed judgment based on what you've heard."

Wrapping his arms around my waist, he firmly pressed his body against mine and pushed my hair aside to expose the left side of my neck. "It wouldn't kill you to sit down with Larry, Tina, and I one time." He brought his right hand up to tilt my head back and meet his elusive gaze. "Baby girl, if you love me you'll do this for me, with me."

Momentarily flicking my gaze to his plump lips, he took notice and brought himself in for a kiss. His grasp tightened on me as I allowed his tongue to explore the warmth of my mouth. I guess he took my lack of refusal as a sign that I had agreed to go along with his plan. I didn't say yes nor did I say no, but everything was happening so fast I felt like I was put in a trance.

What the hell am I supposed to do?

A/N: I had a few questions but I simply want to know y'alls thoughts on what occurred in this chapter.