“Hold up,” she fussed.
“What?”
“I’m not gonna be able to drink for a while. Yeah, I don't know about this,” she joked. “This baby trying to fuck up my lifestyle.”
Rio chuckled. “Chill out. You can give up drinking for nine months.”
Cali shook her head. “I don't think so. You know I love me a good drink after work on Fridays.”
“Well, yo’ ass better find an alternative,” he warned. “Cause ain't no more drinking with my baby in your stomach.”
“Look at you,” she teased. “Already claiming the baby to be yours only.”
“My bad.” He cupped the side of her face and gave her a quick peck. “It’s our baby.”
“Yeah,” she whispered, gazing at his lips. “Ours.”
“Now let’s go celebrate how happy you just made me, baby.”
She grinned at him. “Let’s go.”
Irish combed through her hair before spraying oil sheen on her tresses. She’d just gotten her natural hair styled in her signature shag cut and wanted to look perfect. It was the day of Thanksgiving and Irish was a bundle of nerves. Finally, she would be meeting Noble’s mother and sister, and she wanted to make sure her appearance was flawless. Turning around, she checked her angles in her newest collection from 1993. It was a brown, A-line dress with a built-in push-up bra. The dress was flowy and did a great job of hiding her belly. Not that she wantedto but it didn’t make her look so big. For her shoes, she wore gold heels and gold jewelry.
Irish turned to find Noble standing in the doorway. He smiled at her, inciting butterflies to meet in her belly.
“You look perfect.”
“You sure? Is the dress too much? Does it look like I’m trying too hard?” she rattled off questions.
Noble advanced toward her and pulled her close to his chest. “You look good. Stop worrying over this shit. My mama and my sister ain't nobody special.”
Tittering, she responded, “Only you would say that. Aren't all mothers supposed to be special?”
“Is yours special?” He raised a brow.
“Hell no.”
“Exactly.” He chuckled. “They cool so you don't need to be doing all this. Just be yourself and show them why I’m so in love with you.” He pecked her lips then kissed her neck. “You ready?”
She nodded so he grabbed her hand and led her downstairs. The aroma of food made her baby kick. Irish offered to cook but Noble wanted her to be free from kitchen duty. So, he hired a chef to cook most of the meal. Wanting to add a contribution, Irish opted to make homemade banana pudding and sweet potato pie. The food was set in the kitchen, and the dining room table had been set for them to eat. Wilde and Zayd were already there along with Kenji.
“Irish, can I have some pie now?” Kenji asked.
“No, you gotta eat first,” Noble answered.
“Hmph,” he groaned, walking away.
“Man, how long we gotta wait?” Wilde fussed, sitting in the recliner. “I’ve been starving since last night.”
Noble kissed his teeth. “It ain't my fault your slow ass didn’t eat breakfast. We’ll eat once Mama get here.”
“You know niggas starve for most of the day on Thanksgiving,” Zayd joked.
When the doorbell rang, Irish hoped it was Ivory. She didn’t want to be the only one without family. Since Cali was out of town and Jovanis was gone, Ivory was her only family besides Noble. He walked down the hall to answer the door. Irish checked her makeup in the mirror on the wall.
“Damn, Mama, it took you long enough,” Wilde complained.
“Boy, hush! Traffic was backed up. I got here as quick as I could,” she ranted, walking behind Noble.
