Patiently Waiting

"Daddy!"

Marshall opened his eyes with a gasp as Madison jumped on his stomach - causing the air to escape his lungs quickly. He gasped again - motioning for Shanea to come and get their daughter. Shanea walked towards him and picked Madison up, holding her on her hip.

"You alright?"

He nodded and clutched his chest, looking at Madison. A look of worry and fear was in here eyes.

"Don't jump on Daddy when he's sleepin' baby - you scared me."

"I'm sorry, daddy.." She assured quietly, hiding her face in her mothers hair. "Come 'ere.. tell me what you did today?" Marshall smiled, reaching out for her. He had come home to an empty house and decided to take a nap while he could - not expecting Shanea to be home only thirty minutes later.

"Mommy give me a nover barbie doll her name is Ariel like the murmey." Madison held up a small red haired doll and waved it viciously in front of Marshall's face. "Hailie got one too but hers is not like dis one."

"Where is Hailie?" He asked, looking up at Shanea. "Alaina wanted her to stay over tonight. I told her I would ask you when you got up and if she couldn't you'd come get her."

"You don't have to ask me, Shay. You're going to be her step mom - you have say so in what she does." Shanea looked away from him and shrugged her shoulders, "I just wanted to make sure..."

Marshall looked at Madison and smiled, lifting her up in his arms as he stood to his feet. "Come on, Madi. It's after nine - you gotta get in the bed."

"Aww, daddy I wanna go where Hailie is dough."

"Hai's gonna be back in the morning sweety, the sooner you go to bed the sooner you can see her."

"Okay.." Madison nodded her tiny head and smiled, wrapping her arms around her fathers neck as he took her into Hailie's room and put her to bed. Shanea came in a few minutes later and kissed Madison goodnight, walking behind Marshall back into the livingrom.

~

Shanea walked out of the bathroom slowly - wearing white panties and a matching tank top, drying her hair with a towel. Marshall was lying on the bed, shirtless - staring up at the ceiling with his hands resting behind his head.

"You know Hailie adores you, right? You could have told her it was okay to stay with Lani.." She rolled her eyes and dissapeared into the bathroom, returning with toothbrush in hand. "And if I would have said it was okay you'd be bitching at me right now." She assured with a smirk.

"No I wouldn't - damn. I just want you to know that you're a part of my life now - me, you, Madi and Hai. It's us now."

Shanea nodded her head and began brushing her teeth - not making him any comment. Why was he looking at her like that? Marshall sighed and returned his gaze to to heavens, thinking about the dream that had been haunting him the past week.

Proof hadn't mentioned anything else about his sudden engagement to Shanea and Kim was still missing in action so why was he so damn scared? Scared that Proof was right, afraid that Kim was going to show up and try to take Hailie away - not to mention attack Shanea again.

"Shay?"

After a moment she walked back into the room, her hair long and wet, clinging to her skin. "Yeah?" She asked, sliding into the bed beside him. "Proof thinks its a bad idea.. us getting married.. you shoulda saw how bad me and Kim fucked up after we got married.."

"What? Proof said that?" Why would he compare her to Kim? That asshole. "You and Kim fought the day you met." She snapped, matter-of-factly. "Why are you bringing this up now, Em? Shouldn't you have thought about this before you asked me to marry you?"

"I want to marry you I just don't want to fuck it up, you know? I mean I dated this one girl when me and Kim were split for a month and she tried to make up a story about me and Elton John to some fuckin' tabloid. I had to pay her three grand to keep that shit off the press and we didn't even beef - she left me for her ex-boyfriend."

"You think I would do something like that?"

Shanea sat up in the bed and looked at him - tears appearing at the rims of her eyes. "No, baby - I just don't.."

"You don't trust me. You think I'm like a fuckin' groupie who just wants your money? You think I'm going to turn out like Kim? Some fucking whore who cheats on you every chance I get?"

She stood up and glared at him, silent tears slipping past her cheeks. He couldn't speak - couldn't think of the right things to say to assure her this isn't what he wanted - isn't what he had meant to say.

"Fuck that, Marshall. You've known me for all these years but you don't know shit about me."

Before he could fix this she was gone - jerking on a pair of loose jeans and storming out of the house. Marshall sat up and blinked, trying to figure out when their conversation had turned sour.

~

The next morning.

"Where's mommy?"

Marshall blew on the plate of eggs before sitting them in front of Madison. He tried not to look into her innocent eyes - he tried not to think about her question.

"She's running some arrands, baby. She'll be home soon - you wanna get Hailie and go see Uncle Mike after breakfast?" The little girl nodded her head and smiled, shoveling a spoonful of eggs into her mouth. "Is Mandy and Dakota gonna be dere? I wanna show them Ariel."

~

Marshall put his SUV in park and took in a deep breath, staring up at the tall apartment complex. Shanea's beat up car was empty beside his causing dark blue eyess to dart towards room fourteen - the door open slightly. He got out of the vehicle and ran up the few flight of stairs, stopping to knock slightly on the door before going inside.

'Shay, baby?"

No answer. "Shanea? The room was almost bare, most of her few belongings now at his place. He made his way through the livingroom and towards her bedroom, no sign of her. "Shanea Rae, fuck, don't do this to me.." He heard a sob from the bathroom and jogged down the hall, opening the door quickly.

Shanea was sitting on the floor with her head resting in her arms, her thin body shaking. Another sob escaped her throat and she sniffed, not bothering to look up at him. She had been sitting there all night and she was tired, alone and cold. "Shanea.." Marshall knelt beside her and touched her bare arm, shaking her slightly.

"Go away."

"Damnit, you ran out last night and I couldn't just wake Madi up.. fuck, Shay.. why are you doing this?"

"Me?!" She looked at him finally with bloodshot eyes. "You don't trust me. You think I'm just like Kim."

"You're nothing like Kim, Shanea - you know that. I never fuckin' said that. Proof just filled my head with all this bullshit and hell I don't want another relationship like mine and Kim's but I love you, Shay."

She wiped the tears from her cheeks and laughed, "You so sure about that? Seems like you got it all figured out." Marshall grabbed her by the arms and lifted her in the air, meeting her eye to eye. "Don't fuck with me like that, Shay. You know I love you - more then I ever loved Kim."

She shoved him away and moved towards the livingroom. "I don't think this is going to work. I'm going to get my shit and move back here with Madi, if you are doubting our relationship then.."

"I'm not doubting shit, Shanea! Damnit are you fuckin' listening to anything I'm saying?"

She decided not to say anything - nodding her head slightly. She was tired - there was no point in fighting anymore. A part of her just wanted to fall into his arms and be held but she was to stubborn and hurt to allow that. Marshall ran a hand through his hair, causing the hood of his jacket to fall back.

He stared at her with matching sad blue eyes.

"Shanea, I love you. I'm sorry.." She stopped him, finally filling the vacant space between them as he wrapped his arms around her and placed his lips against her temple. "I would never do anything to hurt you, Em. I never have.."

"I know.. it's stupid. Proof was just lookin' out. You're nothing like Kim or anyone I've ever met.." After a moment Shanea wrapped her arms around Marshall's waist and sighed, closing her eyes.

It had been a long night, she had overreacted. They belonged together.

~

One month later.

Marshall walked towards his house slowly, shoving his hands into the front pockets of the heavy gray jacket he wore. It was blue cold in Detroit and a part of him missed Los Angeles. Fortunately, he missed Shanea more.

"Honey I'm home.."

Shanea looked up from the stove and smiled, moving across the large kitchen to wrap her arms around Marshall's neck. Without hesitation he lifted her into the air and wrapped her legs around his waist - pulling her in close.

"I have a surprise for you.." He whispered against her lips as they kissed, causing her to jerk her head back in surprise. "Gimme!" She knew she sounded like a child but she didn't care - when your multi-millionaire fiancee comes home bareing gifts you want them. "What is it?"

Marshall let Shanea slide down her body and stand to her feet, looking at him with big blue eyes. She reminded him of Madison so much when she looked at him like that. "Tonight.. call your brother, tell him he's watchin' Hai and Madi.." Shanea narrowed her eyes and moved away from Marshall, returning to the breakfast on the stove. She huffed loudly and turned her back to him.

"Come on baby, you'll ruin the surprise.. now I'm takin' Hai and Madi for the day and you're going to go out with Dee. I want you to buy the finest dress Detroit has for tonight.." He walked towards her and slipped his arms around her body, holding her against his chest. Shanea shivered at his words, feeling cool breath on the nape of her neck. She spun around to face him, pressing their bodies together. God, she had missed him.

"Tonight's gonna be amazin' girl.."

~

"Ooo, girl. Look at you. Damn you best keep your white ass away from my man!" Dee, Bizaree's wife, assured with a laugh - jerking Shanea across the room and towards the a large set of mirrors. Shanea smiled sweetly and glanced at her reflection - feeling very embarassed.

The dress was short, barely mid-thigh - soft pink clinging to her in all the right places. It was a simple dress but it was goregous and very expensive. "I can't.. get this - it's to much.." Shanea whispered, running her hands downt he front of the dress. "What? Oh girl - you're new to all this aint you? I forgot.. I was like that too, for like two seconds!"

Shanea returned her attention to the mirrors and smiled, feeling very pretty in this dress. It was something she wasn't used to - buying expensive clothes, dressing up for... anything. "I wonder what Marshall has planned for tonight?" She wondered, a loud - glancing over at Dee, who was picking out some pearls and diamonds.

"Who cares? Damn, he gave you his credit card girl - we gonna make good use of it." Dee grinned and handed Shanea a pair of hooped earrings that matched the dress perfectly. "These are diamonds girl - pink diamonds - J-Lo style."

~
Marshall closed his new, more durable, cell phone with a sigh. Dee had just finished assuring him that Shanea was on her way to the resturant and she would be there any minute. It was already eight fifteen. He leaned back in his chair and waved the waiter over, glancing around the nearly deserted room.

"Yo, jeeves - bring me a bottle of your finest, alright? This is a special occassion."

The destinguished waiter narrowed his eyes but nodded, "Anything else, sir? Apitizer?" Marshall shook his head no and watched as the gentlemen walked away. This place was the real deal aparently, very fancy - very expensive. After another moment Shanea walked into the room looking lost and beautiful. Marshall stood up and waved to her - causing a small smile to appear on her rose colored lips.

"Hey.." She said quickly, sitting down beside him at the table. "Do you like it?" Marshall's eyes were glued to her body - she had to be wearing one of those wonder bra thingies because she looked - so fucking hot. The look on his face alone assured her that he did but she wanted to hear it.

"Marshall?"

"You look... fuck, I'm supposed to be good with words 'n shit.." He finally looked into her eyes and offered a sheepish grin, reaching out to take her hand. "You're beyond description, baby."

Shanea laughed quietly and thanked him, giving his hand a squeeze. "This place is.. amazing. I didn't even know if I could wear my shoes in here.." She lied, causing him to laugh out. Even though she was wearing a dress that cost more then her car had, and her hair was fixed perfectly not to mention her makeup wouldn't smear or smug for twenty-four hours - she was still Shanea, the girl he had met when he was just a kid - the girl that had never let him down.

"I was gonna wait till after we ate.. but you look so damn fine.. I gotta give it to you now." Marshall shoved a hand into his pocket and fumbled around for a moment, finally pulling out a small black velvet box. Shanea's eyes went wide as she watched him stand and move over to her chair, knealing down on one knee in front of her. "Em.." He grinned at her embarassment, opening the box to reveal a large - sparkling diamond ring.

"I didn't even do this shit with Kim.." He assured, reaching for her shaky hand. "I know you already said yes but I had to make it legit, Shay. I wanted to give you this.. I want you to know that I love you.."

Shanea held out her hand and watched as Marshall placed the amazing ring on her finger, never letting his eyes fall from hers. Most people - hell, she didn't even know - how romantic and wonderful he could be sometimes.

"You're gonna make me cry.." She squeaked, fanning her eyes quickly. It had took three hours of Dee's torture to make her eyes look that amazing and she'd be damned if she'd allow it to mess up now. Marshall laughed, standing up to place his lips against hers.

"This ain't the only surprise I got for you.."

~

Shanea stared at the beautiful five karat diamond ring on her finger in awe as Marshall led her down the hallway to his bedroom. The surprise he had been talking about eariler was becoming more aparent by the minute as he jerked her in anticipation towards their sancuary.

"I can't take all the credit for this 'cuz Biz was readin' one of Dee's magazines the other day in the studio and.." He opened the door slowly and ushered her inside, smiling at the surprised look on her face. There had to be a million vanilla candles flickering in the dark bedroom - causing shadows to dance on the walls. Shanea's eyes went to the luxurious white bedding; so inviting and comfortable.

"Wow, Em.."

Marshall grinned and made his way towards the small, yet expensive, cd/dvd/mp3 player on the table under the plasma screen tv and pressed a button, causing Shanea to laugh once 'Red Light Special' by TLC began playing softly. She couldn't count the times she had listened that album and Marshall knew it was still her favorite after nearly ten years. [A/N: I found this album when I was cleanin' out my closet (haha) the other day - damn, makes me feel old.]

"Our first time was.. over before it even got started.." He looked embarassed as he walked back towards her and wrapped his arms around her thin waist, pulling her close as they swayed to the music. "You always said if we could do it over you wanted this song playin'.."

Shanea smiled, resting her head on his shoulder as they danced. "I didn't think you remembered me sayin' that.. it was almost ten years ago, Em.." He held her tigher and grazed his lips against her exposed shoulder. "I remember everything.." Marshall whispered, kissing the top of her shoulder lightly as he closed his eyes.

~

1994

"He doesn't realize he hurts her to much, but all the prayin' just ain't helpin' at all - cause he can't seem to keep himself outta trouble.." Shanea stopped singing quickly as the front door opened and Marshall walked inside - looking very depressed, almost crying. "Hey? You alright?"

He met her eyes quickly and looked away, flopping down on the worn couch uninvited. His clothes were dirty - his hair was unkempt and he looked miserable. "Em?" Shanea shoved his leg as she walked past him and sat by his side. "What's wrong, damn - you look like you've lost your bestfriend.."

"Fucking bitch.." Was all he could give her. It was all she needed. Kim. Of course. "What's she went and done now?" Shanea wondered, placing her hand on his knee. Marshall's eyes went to her hand and then to her eyes. "Some fucker named Eric.." He sighed, leaning forward to bury his face in his hands.

He had been working his ass off down at some new factory while Kim spent her days at Eric Hatters apartment and her nights at some strip club, her new job. Another sigh escaped Marshall as he leaned back and looked at Shanea.

"What the hell am I gonna do, Shay?"

Shanea shrugged her shoulders - she had gave up on giving Marshall advice a long time ago - he never took it anyway. One day maybe he'd figure it out for himself but she didn't have the answers anymore. After a moment of silence Marshall leaned across the couch and grabbed the portable cd player beside them.

"What you listenin' to?"

"TLC's new album - CrazySexyCool. It's no LL Cool J but I like it."

"Yeah? Biz was sayin' Dee played this one song on here - got him all crazy.." Marshall put the headphones on and searched the track for number seven, waiting as 'red light special' started to play. He listened for a minute and grinned, glancing over at Shanea. "You listened to this one yet?"

She nodded slightly and took the cd player from him. "Yeah - to bad I lost my virginity to some drunk asshole." She spat, causing him to glare at her. "I thought that was water under the bridge?" She just looked at him, finally smiling after a moment of seriousness. "Well, it still would have been nice to be romanced, ya know? This song playin' in the background."

Marshall watched Shanea stand to her feet and walk towards the small kitchen. "You want somethin' to eat?" That conversation was aparently over. He nodded and pushed himself up quickly, following her out of the room.

~

Marshall pushed Shanea back on the bed slowly and advanced ontop of her - spreading her legs apart with his knee. His lips found hers quickly and they kissed, wanton desire causing them to goran in pleasure. He slipped his hands under her dress and nearly ripped the silken material as it flew across the room - leaving her in nothing but a matching pink thong.

Shanea thought his eyes were going to burst from his head. "Em, that dress cost.." He kissed her again, pressing his weight into her body. He didn't give a fuck about some outrageously prieced dress - he just wanted to be inside her, and fast. "Doesn't matter.." Marshall whispered, pulling at the tong she wore. The plan was to bring her into this beautiful oaisis and make sweet love to her. Fuck that plan - he needed her to badly.

"Rip 'em.." Without a second thought Marshall ripped the thong off Shanea's body and unbuttoned his pants - watching her idle hands take over and slip the prada whatever dress pants down his thighs. There wasn't even time to remove them all the way. "You're so fucking beautiful, Shay.." He hissed against her lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth with a moan. Suddenly, she ripped his pricey blue button down shirt at the collar, causing buttons to fly across the room; Marshall laughed - feeling her hands on his chest, pulling him down.

He took hold of his dick and pressed it into her opening, causing her eyes to open quickly. They stared at each other for what seemed like a century and only when she mouthed the words I love you did he slip further into her depth. Shanea dug her nails into his back - holding him completely still for a moment before he began to thrust into her. "It wasn't.. supposed to be.. like this.." Marshall assured, kissing her as he tried to slow down. "It was supposed to be romantic.. and... oh, god...."