Dream had gifts, but the only thing he was worried about was when we were going fishing. I promised him I would take him next week. I was looking at a small boat so he could experience being out on the water instead of fishing from the edge. After all the cake and food, the twins were exhausted and ready to lay down.
Since they were already here, I agreed to let them stay and give Lonni the night off. Lonni was loving having Tatiyonna in our life because she was able to have her freedom. I was all for seeing my family happy, and right now we had balance. I let Tatiyonna rest for the remainder of the evening while I got the twins bathed and in bed. I then went back downstairs and cleaned up all the mess. If I hadn't, Tatiyonna would be up at midnight cleaning the house from top to bottom.
By the time I finished, the house was quiet in a way that felt peaceful instead of lonely. For so long, this was my chill house, and Tatiyonna walked in and made it into something more. I leaned against the counter for a moment, rubbing my face, before turning the lights off and heading upstairs. Tatiyonna was already curled up in bed on her side, one hand resting protectively over her stomach. I just stood there watching my baby breathe. She would never admit it, but she’s gotten the best sleep since she’s been around me. She could sleep peacefully knowing I wasn’t doing anything to harm her. Tatiyona was safe with me. And that meant everything.
I went to the bathroom and ran myself a hot shower. While the water was getting warm, I looked at myself in the mirror. For the first time, I was about to cry for what I was blessed with.
“God, I love this woman. So please, whatever you do give me everything I need to make her feel safe, take her away from her fears and anxieties. I don’t want her to ever doubt my love for her or our family. If I have to be broken for her to be safe, I can live with that. Amen.”
After I showered, I slid in beside her, careful not to wake her, but she shifted immediately, turning toward me like she always did.
“You okay?” she whispered.
“Yeah,” I murmured. “Just finished cleaning up.”
“Jah, you didn’t have to do all that,” she said, trying to sit up.
I gently pressed her back down. “I know. But I wanted to. If I didn’t, your ass would’ve gotten up and did it. I don’t want you doing too much.”
She smiled and laid on my chest. “Thank you for today. For everything. Especially me turning this house into a circus for the kids.”
I kissed the top of her head. “They had a good time. That’s what matters.”
“You’re a good uncle, Jah. Those kids love you. Their eyes light up when you walk in the room.”
The words hit me harder than I expected. All I ever knew was look out for my family. Shit, that’s what a man is supposed to do.
“Thank you, baby,” I said.
We lay there in silence for a few minutes before she spoke again. “I don’t want you thinking I’m fragile,” she said softly. “I know you’re just trying to protect me, but I don’t want to lose myself either.”
I sighed, resting my chin on her forehead. “I know. I just need you and the baby good. That’s it.”
She nodded. “I promise I’ll tell you when it’s too much.”
“Deal.”
Tatiyonna started back lightly snoring. I stayed awake a little longer, staring at the ceiling, thinking about how fast life was moving. A baby on the way with a woman that I loved. The twins growing up right in front of us. My business was doing great and my sister was finally able to have a life. I had everything I hadever wanted. I wrapped my arms around Tatiyonna and went to sleep peacefully.
I grantedTatiyonna’s wish and waited to tell everyone the news of her being pregnant until she was out of her first trimester. Honestly, I was ready when we took the test. She was adamant about making sure the baby was going to make it before we made our announcement. Tatiyonna wanted to hold the shit in until the baby was here, but I knew that Mr. Cole would kill us.
Tatiyonna walked out of her closet in a cute dress. She had been trying to give me space and move back in her house. I don’t know why she would think I would ever want to be away from her after I had to fight for my life to be with her. I was a clingy nigga, and now that she was pregnant, I couldn’t be out of her presence too long.
“You’re beautiful,” I told her as I put her diamond necklace on.
“Thank you, Jah. You sure you’re ready to deal with all my craziness that comes with this pregnancy?”
“Baby, you can have whatever you want. I’m not going to argue with you unless I feel like you’re doing too much and putting stress on my baby. Other than that, the world is yours.”
“You’re saying that now.”
“Nah, I’m dead ass serious. I want my baby to come out chill. I want this pregnancy to be stress-free.”
“Do you have the gift bag for my daddy?” She asked.
“Right here.” I showed her.
She had a special bag put together for him. There was a onesie in there, with a ballcap, and the sonogram pictures. Wedecided to tell her dad first and then we’ll tell everyone else. I had something special put together for Lonni, even though I kind of figured her ass kind of had a feeling. She was watching Tatiyonna like a hawk at the twins’ party last month. Tatiyonna loved a glass of wine or champagne, but Lonni noticed it was none in the fridge. She had to go to my wine cellar and grab one.
