I know that’s right, Sister-girl.
I saw so much of myself and Royce in Roulette. We were all the same, just set at different levels. While I was the first notch, Royce was the second. Roulette was the final notch. Her position was never to be mistaken. She wouldn’t allow it.
She was flawless in a lace dress that hung to her feet. She lifted it as she climbed the stairs to meet me. Her hands graced my exposed belly. Her lips pressed into my skin, leaving remnants of her lip gloss.
“Hi, babies. I’m Rou, your besteverfriend. Though I don’t like kids, I promise to love both of you. I can’t wait to meet you two so I can spoil you rotten and hand you off to your parents after making you both problems. In case you haven’t felt it, yet, you’re already loved. And honored. And cherished. And considered. And wealthy. And irreplaceable. And spoiled. Andboundless. And capable. And strong. And soft. And happy. And prideful. And genius. Muah!”
Once more, she kissed my stomach before lifting her eyes to meet mine. Her arms went around me before words escaped her. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest.
“My baby is having babies.”
My eyes welled with tears at the sound of her revelation.
“And she doesn’t look a total mess.”
I rolled my eyes, taking Roulette and her dramatics by the hand. Together we entered the cabin, joining the women we loved so dearly.
Roulette grabbed the glass that Royce was handing her. Izzy rested beside her mother, sound asleep in her car seat.
“Look at the pretty baby,” I gasped, ready to wake the sleeping beauty.
“For you.”
I grabbed the glass of juice from Rome, sure it was alcohol-free. Glasses raised in the air. Silence engulfed us. All eyes were on me.
I felt loved.
I felt heard.
I felt seen.
I felt invincible.
“To paradise,” I cheered, lifting my glass.
“To paradise,” everyone belted.
NINETEEN
Rhea’s hovering energy was enamoring. I anticipated her voice in my right ear every few seconds.
“Are you okay?” She asked again.
Nodding, I rubbed her leg. “Yes, baby. I’m fine.”
Chem’s gaze was inescapable. It pierced my heart. So did he. I clung to every second of his presence. Unless in St. Catana, his home, it was elusive. One blink and you’d miss him. His smile. His voice. His wisdom. His words. His scent.
I love you, I mouthed.
In every lifetime, baby.He returned.
Empty dinner plates rounded the table meant for a family of twenty. We were growing steadily. Rapidly. And, beautifully. I was honored to add to the Childers’ legacy. Someday soon, I willhave birthed two precious beings and begun to teach them the same morals, concepts, and lessons I’d been taught.
“I’m going to get Izzy and Psong down for the night. I will catch up with you all later.”
As the words left my mother’s mouth, a yawn left mine. I wasn’t ready to call it a night. However, my body was slowly shutting down.
“Range, get some rest, sweetie. You’re barely holding up.”
