Gabrielle was a little Picasso. At three years old, she was extremely talented with a paintbrush. Most of her paintings reflected a child much older than she was. I had recommended to Capone and Giovanni that they enroll her in some classes. As good as I was, I wasn’t a professional.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, gaining my attention. I rocked Caleb in my arms when he started to squirm. I was currently in the nursery putting him to sleep for his nap. He hadbeen fed and changed. Now, all he needed to do was quit fighting the sleep that was so desperately trying to take him.
I got up from the rocking chair and began humming while swaying him in my arms. His big green eyes that matched Alice’s started to close. It wasn’t long before his mouth popped open and sleep claimed him. I kept this up for a few minutes until I was sure I could lay him in his crib without waking him.
Once I had him settled on his back, I returned to the chair and whipped out my phone. A grin took over my face when I saw the text thread in my notifications.
Cara: Ladies, let’s welcome Will to the SSGC. I may need a new name since the group isn't only ladies anymore.
Sara: Welcome, Will. Remember, judge-free zone. We speak our minds here.
Sofia: Yes. Guard this chat with your life, Will. Some people don’t understand the importance of confidentiality.
Bianca: Sof, pump the brakes. Blade texted in this chat one damn time! Be like Elsa and let it go.
I chuckled reading their texts. I wasn’t going to respond just yet. The show was just getting started.
Cara: That was one time too many. The next time you violate the codes of conduct, I’m fining your ass.
Madison: I’m with Cara on this. Do you have any idea what will happen if our men read these text messages?
Cara: Nothing is going to happen to me. My man knows I’m crazy. Y’all are the ones trying to hide it.
Alice: Ladies! We are getting off topic lol. We’re supposed to be welcoming Will.
Crystal: Exactly. Welcome, Will. Ignore the heathens.
Laughing, I decided to finally reply.
Me: Thank you, ladies. I feel so honored to be a part of the infamous group chat.
Sara: We should have added you a long time ago. You were Tech’s Ol’ Man long before he asked.
A grin stretched across my face. It never got old thinking about Tech claiming me. I always wished this moment would come. Now that it was here, it felt so surreal. I was finally his, and I couldn’t be happier.
Cara: Speaking of Ol’ Men, that is why I summoned everyone to the group chat. I was thinking about planning a couple's trip to Vegas. We’ve all been so tapped into work and parenting that we haven’t taken a moment to unwind and reconnect with our spouses.
I was intrigued. A trip to Vegas sounded like lots of fun. Since I’d been here, it had been one baby being born after another, brothers claiming their women, and weddings. Even when the club threw parties, the couples mostly chose not to attend.
Sof: I could get with that. I’ve been knee-deep in my studies. A break sounds lovely.
Madison: Same. I love my baby girl, but she sure knows how to cockblock.
Alice:
Cara: So, we’re all in agreement that I have the green light to start planning.
Crystal: You can do what you want, just leave me out of the plans. I will not go to Sin City with you all.
Victoria: Same! You’re all going to be like a bunch of escaped convicts who are experiencing freedom for the first time.
I chuckled but quickly smothered it with my hand. I peered into the crib and saw Caleb was still sound asleep. I decided to step out of the nursey before I ended up waking Caleb. Making my way into the guest room next door, I kicked my shoes off and lay across the bed.
Cara: I’m not even going to try and dispute that. I will definitely be living my best kid-free life for three days.
The next string of text was the ladies giving their stamp of approval for the trip. Once I pocketed my phone, I put my shoes back on and made my way to the living room. It was fairly empty since all the toddlers were in the playroom with Debbie and Victoria.
I barked out a laugh when I saw CJ nestled into Paul’s side in his recliner. He had a chicken wing in his hand, gumming at itas he watchedPaw Patrol. He had just turned ten months, and Crystal had been feeding him anything his little heart desired.
