“Uhm, Brixton and I didn’t make this decision lightly,” I said, not knowing if that was true or not, because we did make the decision quick as hell. “We talked about it. We went over the pros and cons. We had a meeting with our lawyers and had a contract drawn up. This is not something we’re deciding all willy-nilly.”
“How do you plan to get pregnant, Ry?” my dad asked.
“IVF,” I responded.
“So, I’m getting another damn test tube grandchild?” Mr. Bailey threw his hands up.
“Our kids are gonna be cousins both ways,” Genesis said with a smile on her face. “Congratulations. I can’t speak for anybody else, but I’m excited.”
“Me, too!” Zyah squealed.
“This shit sounds crazy to me,” Ricky muttered.
“How is it any different from any brother and sister getting together with a brother and sister?” Genesis asked. “Twins have married twins before. I don’t think it’s all that unusual.”
Christian turned to her, as they were sharing the same screen. “You don’t think it’s weird that your brother offered his sperm to my little sister?”
Genesis’s face morphed into a frown. “You offered your sperm tohislittle sister,” she reminded him.
“Oh shit,” Ricky instigated. “Shots fired.”
“We got a player down on the court. Man down,” Beaux added.
“How is custody gonna work, Ry?” my mother probed. “Where is the baby going to live?”
“Brix and I have drawn up a custody agreement. We’ll have joint custody, but the child will live with me and have liberal visitation with Brix.”
“What if Brix gets traded?” That was Christian. “What if I get traded?”
“That’s a good question,” my father said.
“Damn good question,” Mr. Bailey co-signed.
“If I get traded, she and our child will move to my new city,” Brixton told him.
“And if you get traded,” I said to Christian, “you’ll have to replace me.”
“Wow.”
“Don’t do that, Christian,” Zyah told him. “Ryann’s life has revolved around yours since she graduated college. She’s always been there for you. Always made sure you were straight. Whenyou married Genesis, she started making sure Genesis was straight, too. No questions asked, no complaints. When y’all had your kids, she adjusted. Please don’t make it seem like she’s treated you bad.”
“She’s right, Chris Cross. Ryann has always looked out for you. If she needs to make decisions for her own life, you have to let her.” Our mother’s voice was gentle.
“Just like you would have to do if she was pregnant by a player from any other market. If she met a dude from Charlotte, you would have to let her make her life in Charlotte.” Brixton’s words were logical. “This isn’t a situation that’s exclusive to her having a baby with me. Any man could have to relocate for his job at any time.”
“Facts,” Ricky muttered.
Christian’s face was still frowned.
“What happens when Ryann or you, Brix, meet somebody that you want to get serious with?” my father asked. “How do you plan to navigate that? We’re family. Any discord between the two of you will affect the family dynamic.”
“Ryann and I are two single, mature adults. We’ll navigate any romantic relationships with other people with understanding, communication, boundaries and respect.”
My dad looked exactly how I felt… skeptical.
Later, when the Zoom call had ended and Brixton and I were on a video chat, I let out a heavy sigh. “That didn’t go well.”
He chuckled lightly. “It wasn’t that bad. We sprung it on them. They were shocked.”
