She nodded, exhaling a deep breath. “Okay.”
“We’ll do it tonight at dinner.”
“Anything else?”
He looked over his shoulder. “I need my pumpkin spice. I’m backed up like a mothafucka. You gon’ take care of me real quick?”
Irish’s head tipped back as she chortled. She too had been in desperate need of him.
“Yeah, I got you. Come on.”
Later that night…
Irish sat at the table, beaming at the food, conversation, and love that flowed. Noble had arranged for dinner at the beach. There was a personal chef, along with servers, that took care of their every need. The table was decorated with balloons and candles while jazz music played softly through the speakers. She had the most important people with her and Irish couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.
“Dad, look, I finished it all.” Kenji held up the shell of the lobster.
Noble smirked. “You were hungry, huh?”
Kenji nodded then reached for a scallop.
“This red snapper is so fresh,” Cali raved. “There’s nothing like fresh fish.”
“Yeah, everything taste so good,” Irish added.
Even my baby likes it…
Irish looked at Noble who peered at her. He gave her a nod, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his mouth.
“So, um,” he started. “Y’all enjoying y’all self?”
Ivory nodded. “Yes, this is the perfect getaway.”
“Everybody knows I needed this vacation,” Cali joked. “A bit—I mean I was on the brink of death so, yeah, I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
“I wanna come back here, Dad,” Kenji stated.
“Me too.” Amare nodded.
“I got y’all,” Noble promised then took a gulp of his shot. “I wanted to make this birthday special for Irish because she’s been through a lot and I always wanna put a smile on my Pumpkin’s face.”
She blushed, feeling so much love overwhelm her.
“Me and her started off crazy and without saying too much in front of the kids, I don't regret it. I knew she was mine the moment I locked eyes with her.”
Cali grinned and playfully stuck her tongue out at Irish.
“This birthday is special because…” He hesitated. “She’s carrying my lil’ one and I needed to make sure she was celebrated correctly. So, Kenji, you're going to be a big brother and Ivory, you’re going to be an aunt.”
“Really?” Kenji gushed, jumping from his chair.
Noble smiled. “Yep, the baby will be here in March.”
“Yay! I’m going to teach the baby how to play basketball and Call of Duty.”
“Babies can’t play Call of Duty, stupid,” Amare fussed.
“Yes, they can.” They argued.
