“You lucky you're cute. Come on.” She held her arms out and he ran into them.
Despite her challenges as a mother, Cali loved her baby boy so much. The love she possessed outweighed what she deemed was her failures. She rubbed his kinky curls before kissing him on the cheek. Cairo was a doll with a mixture of Rio’s features and Cali’s. His skin was umber just like his parents with a sneaky smile and long lashes like his father. Rio walked in the room, looking down at his phone. When he glanced up, his face contorted into confusion.
“What’s on his face?”
“My makeup.” She attempted to wipe some blush off his lips with her finger. “I turned my head for a minute and he made a mess.”
Rio shook his head and held his arms out for Cairo. The baby quickly traded on Cali and went for his father. The lastthree and a half years had been fast paced but blissful. After Cali learned of her pregnancy, she and Rio continued to work on their relationship. She spent many months in Diamond Falls before she finally moved back to St. Parklynn during her eighth month of pregnancy. Rio traveled often to be with her and accompany her to prenatal visits. He’d pushed for her to move sooner but Cali wanted to stay on her job for at least six months before leaving.
Cali kept in touch with Elara and had even invited her to her baby shower. However, Rule was someone she had to let go of when she and Rio got back together. Vividly, she remembered their last conversation and the disappointment he’d displayed when she had cut ties.
‘Damn, Cali, me and you were just finding our sweet spot. Now you trying to run from me.’
Cali smirked at his words from over three years ago. She wasn’t sure if he had been playing a role or he genuinely liked her. She hadn’t stuck around long enough to figure it out, especially with Rio hovering over her about letting that situation go.
“I’ll clean him up,” Rio offered. “You can go get dressed.”
Cali appreciated how he always knew when she was overwhelmed and needed a break. Their bond was solidified this time around. He wasn’t neglectful or hadn’t thrown gifts at her to make up for his absence. Rio was involved in her life as well as Cairo’s. They were always together, making memories and being a family.
“I appreciate you.”
Rio leaned over and kissed her lips. “Stop telling me that. You know I got you. And don't be thinking you're a bad mom.”
Cocking her head, she challenged, “How you know that’s what I was thinking?”
“Because every time he does something, you get this look on your face. You a good mom, baby. It’s just these terrible twos are whooping our ass.”
Cali laughed. “They turning me every which way but loose.”
“Right.” He shook his head. “He just threw my phone down the toilet so be easy on yourself. You the best mother ever.”
“Thank you,” she cooed, kissing his lips. “Let me hurry up before Irish start calling looking for us.”
Irish looked around her backyard for anything that was out of place. It was her baby girl’s third birthday, and they opted to have a party at home. The smell of barbecue seasoned the air. Noble’s family was present and all the kids were either getting their faces painted or jumping in the bouncy house.
“Hey, Irish. I put the meat in the oven to finish cooking,” Lyra told her.
“Okay, thank you.”
Lyra had been in her life for the last three years, and Irish truly enjoyed her. She was a good grandma and was always willing to chip in. Her and Noble’s relationship was better than before although he still hated her husband, Bernard.
Irish spotted Ivory coming out of the house and waved her over. She smiled at her sister, who was growing into a mature young woman. Ivory still helped out with the clothing line but she was back in school fulltime to finish her degree. Irishwas so proud of her. Ivory had proven to be driven and goal oriented, which was what she wanted for her all along.
“I got the cake. It’s really cute.” Ivory grinned. “Isley’s going to love the ladybug theme.”
That was Irish’s nickname for her daughter, Ladybug. Ever since she came out the womb with ginger hair and a freckled nose, she thought the nickname was fitting for her.
“Yeah, she is.” Irish agreed, spotting Noble walk out with Isley in his arms. Kenji was right behind him with a basketball in his hand. At nine years old, he was progressing well, despite the loss of Shay. He took it hard when the news came, opting to be glued to Noble’s side to cope. Irish did the best she could to love on him. Daily, she showered him with maternal comfort and always made sure she was available to him. She would never replace Shay but she would stop at nothing to ensure that he felt loved by her.
Kenji ran over to her. “Irish, can I have a cupcake?”
“You can have whatever you want.” She cupped his face and kissed his cheek.
“Don't tell him that,” Noble grumbled as Kenji ran over to the treat table. “That’s why he spoiled now.”
“Oh, Noble, please,” Ivory interjected. “You tell Isley all the time that it’s her world and she can have whatever she wants.”
“Exactly,” Irish instigated. “That’s the one that’s spoiled.”
