Jabbing him in his side, I swatted JJ’s hand and took one last look at Rowan. “I’m going to be happy, Rowan. I’m going to live a life with someone who loves me and the life we’ve created.” I heard my mother gasp behind me as I placed my hand over my belly. “I will make sure my kids grow up loving and protecting each other as siblings should because nothing is more important than that. Goodbye, Rowan. I hope in the next lifetime you’re a better brother than what you were in this one.”
Grabbing JJ’s hand, I turned and left my parents alone with their son. With my head held high, I felt lighter. I felt empowered. I felt free. I would be starting my own family soon, and the heaviness from the last few months would not be part of it. With my man by my side, I knew I would be fine.
“Are you okay?” JJ asked as we stepped outside. The sun against my skin almost felt as good as being snuggled against him. “I’ll go back in there and push that nigga down some stairs if you want me to.”
“Boy, no!” I slapped his chest as my parents were exiting the building. The sorrow my father wore broke my heart. “I’m fine… I promise.”
“Sweetheart, do you have something you want to tell us?” my mother walked up and asked with tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to assume.”
“I’m pregnant, Mom.” I smiled through my own tears of happiness. “I didn’t want you and Dad to find out like this because we haven’t even told his family yet. We’re actually about to head out to lunch, and then a doctor’s appointment now.”
The night JJ broke into Stacy’s house, I pretended to be asleep as I heard everything he said. He insinuated he killed TJ, and while I should’ve run for the hills, there was no point when I knew he would only chase me. I loved Jaseon Jr., and nothing would change that. With us creating a life together, I wanted to be with him more than ever. I knew for a fact he would do everything in his power to protect our family and me. He had proven that to me over and over.
“At some point, I would like for us to have a more serious conversation.” My father gave JJ a knowing look, who in return wasn’t moved the least bit. “This is my baby girl, and I’m not playing with another little boy about her.”
“With all due respect, I’m a grown-ass man,” JJ replied coolly without hesitation. “You’re her father, and I respect that, but I’m herman. Blossom is in good hands and will be for the rest of her life. To disrespect or hurt her is to hurt me. I would say ask the last nigga that hurt her what happened, but he’s busy with the fishes right now.”
We all looked at each other at JJ’s insinuation but shrugged it off. My father nodded before extending his hand for JJ to shake once more. Kissing my lips and telling me he was going to get the car, he left me alone with my parents.
“I’m sorry, Dad…” I spoke instantly. “I know you love, Rowan, but I’m done with him. I never want you to choose between your children.”
“I never will.” He gave me a comforting smile. “I accept the role I play in all this. I could have very well been a better father. I missed signs with him, and that’s on me. I’ll visit him and do what I can from here. However, I hate it came to this.” He dropped his head before bringing his eyes back to me. “Are you happy with Dr. McKnight? Is he treating you right?”
“Better than any man ever has.” I smiled, causing him to do the same. “I love that man with my entire heart, Daddy.” I glanced at my mother, whose smile mirrored mine. “I’m going to get my happily ever after.”
I never want to compare JJ and TJ, but they couldn’t be more different. I felt loved, safe, and seen with JJ, and that’s all I ever wanted from my partner. The love JJ has for me is intense and obsessive, but I love every second of it.
“As long as you’re happy, I support whatever you do,” my mother stated as they both hugged me. JJ pulled up to the curb and got out to help me inside. “Make sure you call us after your appointment. It was nice meeting you, JJ. Hopefully, the families can get together soon.”
“Ehh…” He chuckled, causing me to do the same. “You’re going to meet them soon enough. Please, don’t rush it.”
Inside the truck, I took a deep breath, releasing the dread of the visit. Peering out the window, I looked on as the building began to fade into the distance, taking any lingering hurt and resentment with it.
“You okay?” JJ asked as he pulled my hand into his. “You need anything?”
“You,” I answered, causing him to grin. “All I need is you, baby.”
“Lord, my children are out here having sex! I cannot take it.” I looked on in shock as Breonna sat in the middle of the lounge, crying.
The ladies called and invited me to girls’ night, and even though I would rather be home with my man, I decided to join them while I could.
“Mama, are you serious right now?” Karlie grabbed the ultrasound and smiled. Her eyes soften with a faraway gleam. “You think we’ve been knocking these girls in the head for no reason? Be glad it’s JJ and not Jamari. That’s the one you really need to worry about bringing home a gutter rat. That boy will sleep with anybody.” She handed the photos to Monique before giving her attention to me. “Congrats, sis. I’m so happy for you. How far along?”
“Almost three months.” I cleared my throat, avoiding eye contact as I sipped my lemonade. “The baby is fine and?—”
“Three months?” Jayce frowned and looked to the girls. “Isn’t that when we were on vacation?”
“Friend was getting dickeddownon an island!” Stacy raised her glass and cheered, causing me to cover my face and groan. “Sand all in her coochie!”
The table erupted in laughter as I waved her off and ignored them all. I bobbed my head to the sounds of Ella Mai. The vibe in here was so light and fun. It was exactly what I needed with everything that had happened over the last few months.
“You look happy.” Breonna grabbed my hand, giving it a firm squeeze. “The last time you were with us, it was because of different circumstances. Has that changed? I love my baby, but I’m a woman first. You’re bringing life into this world, and youneed to be happy and stress-free. Don’t stay anywhere you’re not loved and appreciated.”
At her words, I sat back and thought about her question. JJ had done some harsh things, but they were never meant to hurt me. While they were a little extreme, his actions always came from a good place. That man loved and appreciated me in a way that made me want to submit and give him everything I had to offer.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” I smiled and assured her. “I was a little worried at first, but you and your husband did a wonderful job raising my man.”
“You know, he’s never letting you leave, right?” Mo spoke over the rim of her martini. “The McKnight men are very intense, and they mean business. At the same time, you couldn’t have picked a better partner. You’re part of a family that will not play with or about you. Be prepared to leave your home or have him move in. These are about to be the best and most chaotic days of your life.”
