“Whew, I’m so happy the secret is out. Now I can celebrate out loud.” Cali beamed.
Irish noticed that Ivory had been quiet during the announcement, not showing any emotion. She found her reaction to be weird since she’d just approved of Irish’s relationship with Noble.
Ivory cleared her throat. “I’m going to the bathroom,” she stated quietly.
Irish sighed as she ambled away from the table. She rested her forehead against her closed fist while closing her eyes. The one thing she desired at this point in her life was contentment. Jovanis’ murder had stolen her joy. Her brief breakup with Noble had disrupted the pace of her heart rate and now Ivory wasn’t happy about her pregnancy. Why couldn’t Irish keep bliss in her grasp? Whenever she experienced a small high,the valley was ready to catch her when she fell. The cycle was exhausting.
“Is she okay?” Cali questioned.
“I don't know,” Irish admitted, scooting back from the table. “I’ll be right back.”
Irish’s feet sank into the sand until she went down the hallway. She spotted Ivory sitting on a bench, resting her chin on her open palm. A somber expression covered her features, making Irish feel so guilty.
“Sis, what’s wrong?”
Ivory turned, holding tears in her eyes but forcing a smile on her face. “I just needed a minute. I’m sorry if I was being rude.”
“Listen…” Irish sat next to her. “You don't need to apologize. You can tell me how you feel. Are you not happy about my pregnancy?”
“It’s not that.” Ivory sighed. “Everything is happening so fast, and I feel like I can’t keep up. I came home from college and everything seemed to fall apart.” She swallowed hard. “You and Jovanis were going through your issues. He attacked you then you left him. That was a lot but I was going to ride with you. Then, he got killed and now Noble is in your life. I like him for you but it’s just a lot. Now you're pregnant, and I can’t help but feel as if I’m being replaced. Like it’s time for me to grow up and let you live your life.”
“Oh, my God.” Irish quickly pulled her into her embrace. “Ivory, please don't think you're being replaced. You're my first baby. The first little girl that I’ve ever loved. No one would be able to replace you in this lifetime.”
Ivory drew back, allowing her tears to fall. “I know I’m an adult but you're the only person that’s been there for me, and I don't wanna lose you.”
Tears fell from Irish’s eyes without notice. It pained her that Ivory didn’t comprehend how important she was to her.
“You will never lose me. I’ll always be in your corner and in your business.”
Ivory laughed. “You're always trying to get in my business.”
“Exactly.” Irish grinned. “And that’s never going to change because you're mine. I know it’s been a lot. Shit, it’s been a lot for me, too. I still can’t believe I got pregnant but I’m happy. Noble has shown me love that I never experienced, sis. I love him so much and want to be with him. I’m not going to be able to do that if you're not on board.”
“I told you that I like Noble. I’m just… I don't know. Maybe I’m being a brat because Mama wasn’t there and my father is dead. You and Jovanis were the only people I could depend on and now that he’s gone, I’m hanging on for dear life with you. I’m just anxious.”
Irish touched her arm. “Don't be. I’m here and I'm not going anywhere. You're not being replaced with the baby. You just have to share. Hell, you're probably going to be in love with him or her when they come.”
“Yeah.” A faint smile covered Ivory’s face. “I talked to Mama the other day. She said you cut her off. Do you wanna talk about why you did it?”
Their conversation had ceased as Irish retreated to her thoughts. The history between her and Daisy was too complicated and right now, Irish wanted to stay in this bubble of bliss.
“I’m not ready to talk about it. Eventually, I will, but not right now.”
Slowly, Ivory nodded. “Well, do you know what you're having?”
“No, not yet. Hey, do you wanna plan my baby shower?”
Ivory’s eyes expanded, instantly. “Yes, I would love to.”
“Okay, good. Now give me a hug and tell me you're ready to be an aunt.”
Giggling, Ivory hugged her. “Yes, I’m ready to spoil my niece or nephew.”
“Oh, I just love you so much. Don't ever forget it.” Irish squeezed her hard.
“I love you, too.”
Grabbing Ivory’s hand, Irish stood. “Now, let’s go finish my birthday dinner.”
