I was honestly hoping she’d forgotten about that. We were playing this basketball game that was also like Connect Four, and right when she had three in a row, I stole her turn and shot so I could win. We’d gone with Dejvi and Enjell for a double date and had a blast, even with herlighting my ass up for cheating. We all were super competitive, but she and Dejvi took it to a whole other level. I was sure if I called and told him where we were going, he’d leave the party just to join us.
They found out Enjell was pregnant with their first child when Malaysia was four months pregnant with Asia. They had a son whom they named Donovan. I was glad he and Asia would be able to grow up together like me and my brother did. Even with Donovan being a few months younger than Asia and a few months older than the new baby, I was sure he’d be a protector of his cousins.
“Aight, I won’t cheat tonight.”
“You’re lying.”
That made me release a bark of laughter because I absolutely was. “Just go get dressed, girl. And don’t take a long time either.”
“Don’t rush me. You’re the one that keeps getting me pregnant. You know it takes me longer to get dressed when I start getting bigger. I need more clothes.”
“Say less, bae. I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”
“You showing out tonight. You must want some pussy?”
“Malaysia,” I warned through my laugh.
“Okay, okay, I’m going.”
All I could do was shake my head as she went to the closet to find something to wear. I said God was giving us girls to soften me, but I felt like it was also to soften Malaysia. She was so used to being overly independent, insecure in relationships, and aggressive as hell. At one point, I loved a wild woman who didn’t mind fighting. I knew I cared about Malaysia differently the first time she fought after we met and I hated that shit. I wanted her soft, secure, and submissive with me.
It only took her just under an hour to get dressed, whichwas good for her. When she was pregnant, she was more indecisive and slower, which was cool. I didn’t mind at all. I’d make all the decisions and take care of everything she needed when she was pregnant and when she was not, but a nigga couldn’t lie; I wanted to keep her pregnant for the next two or three years. The amount of kids we said we wanted to have changed like the seasons. Right now, we said we wanted four.
Her bouquet business was blossoming, and my tattoo shop was doing amazing along with the other businesses I owned with my brother. I still did my pottery as well and participated in one artist showcase a year atDivine Art Galleryin Rose Valley Hills. All in all, life was pretty damn good, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in this world.
I sawred when that little boy raced past us and hit Malaysia in her stomach. She grunted and doubled over while I grabbed him by the back of his neck. It happened so fast I couldn’t even stop myself. Normally I wouldn’t put my hands on a child that wasn’t in my family, but the thought of him hurting my pretty lil baby or my baby made me forget my usual principles.
“Aye!” I roared, pulling him closer to me. “Slow your ass down. You ain’t supposed to be running in here. And say excuse me. You bumped into my wife.”
He jerked against me and mugged me with his bad ass. “Let me go!” he yelled.
“Nah. Apologize.”
“It’s fine, Aspen,” Malaysia said, frowning as she held her stomach.
“Nah, it’s not. It’s clear his parents ain’t teach himmanners or how to behave in public, so I’ma teach him.” I pulled him in front of my wife. “Apologize.”
“No!” he yelled.
“Aight, bet. Take me to yo’ people.”
“Baby, please,” Malaysia almost whispered, grabbing my arm. “We’ve been having a good time. Let’s just go.”
The fact that her face was twisted up and she was still holding her stomach further pissed me off.
“Are you good?” I checked, releasing my grip on the little rascal.
“I think so. That shit hurt. His elbow was sharp as hell.”
She cracked a smile that calmed me down a little bit. When I looked behind me, the little boy was gone. That was probably for the best anyway.
“Do you wanna go to the emergency room?”
Her head shook. “I think I’ll be okay.”
“How do you feel? And tell me the truth. Are you in pain still?”
She released a shaky breath and nodded. “A little, baby.”
