Lyric pouted, reminding me of our daughter when she didn’t get her way. The two of them loved to use their puppy dog eyes and pouty lips to get over on me, and sadly, it worked more often than not.
“I don’t like when you start making sense. Where is the coldhearted, aggressive East when I need him?”
I hugged her tightly in my arms, inhaling her addictive scent as we rocked back and forth.
“A pretty girl with a stank-ass attitude barged into my life and changed a nigga’s heart for the better. I’m still a coldhearted savage when I need to be, but for her, I’m soft as cotton.” I chuckled, thinking about how much she and Symphonee changed me. I was living a wild and reckless life before they came along. Those two infiltrated my heart and gave me a purpose and something to live for. I was forever indebted to them.
“Well, she sounds like a keeper.” Lyric giggled as I kissed all over her face.
“She is. She’s gonna be my wife one day and give me a bunch of babies. We’re gonna travel the world together, fucking in every country and racking up stamps on our passports. That’s my mothafuckin’ soulmate. She just stubborn and hardheadedas fuck.” I added the last part knowing it would get a reaction out of her.
“See. I was with you until you got to the end. I mean, you aren’t wrong, but you don’t have to call me out. I’m working on it.” She simpered.
“Well, how about you get some practice in now. I’m about to get dressed and then head out with the fellas. The last time I checked, the ladies were in the kitchen. Why don’t you go out there and see what they’re up to? You can’t drink, but I’m sure you could make a moxtail or whatever those little fake-ass drinks are,” I suggested.
Lyric giggled. “It’s called mocktail, baby. You’re starting to sound like Granny Nessa, messing up words left and right.”
“Naw, I’ll never be that bad. Granny makes words up on the spot.”
Thinking about my granny reminded me I needed to stop by and see her once we got back home. I hadn’t laid eyes on her in a while, and I needed to make it right.
“Alright, I guess I’ll try. When you come back, you owe me. I think I deserve to get my kitty licked for being the bigger person.” She smirked.
“You wildin’, shorty. I was gonna eat that mothafucka anyway, but if you succeed, I got you. I love you, Lola B.”
“I love you, too, Essie.”
“Man, gon’ ahead with all of that. It’s Essex or daddy to you.”
“Well, I’ll stick to Essex, because thanks to you, there will be enough people calling you daddy soon enough.”
I smiled as she rubbed her flat stomach. My life kept getting better and better, and we were only getting started.
Two Weeks Later
“Did you feed my babies?” East asked while we were on video chat. I was leaving from the mall, and the only thing on my mind was the Chinese food I had gotten from the food court and a nap.
Noodle was sipping on her slushie with her new pink Chanel bag her daddy bought her. Little mama was living the good life, and she knew it.
“We grabbed some food on the way out. I’m exhausted and want to take a nap.”
Once I made sure Noodle was buckled in, I clipped my phone into the holder and got settled in the car. I yawned as soon as my ass touched the seat. We had been running errands since we woke up, and it was nighttime. I’d made plans to hang outwith Kiara and Summyah, but those plans would probably be canceled.
“Alright, bet. I got done with my meetings, so I’ll meet you at the house. LJ mentioned something about playing dice on King St., but I don’t feel like going anywhere. I swear, I’m starting to feel like an old man. All I want to do is smoke and chill with my family,” East stated.
“Well, you know we aren’t complaining. We can find a movie to watch and have family night. Summyah invited me out for trap karaoke, but my eyes are getting heavier the closer I get to the house. This baby is doing me so dirty.” I spoke through another yawn.
“Naw, my son said you need to sit your ass down. He doesn’t want to be in the clubs being bounced around and shit.”
I glanced over to the screen to see his face. I rolled my eyes when they landed on the smirk on his handsome face. “You’re irritating. Your son ain’t say all of that. It’s the daddy who feels that way.” I snickered, knowing East was trying to be slick.
Since we confirmed my pregnancy, he was back on his bullshit. I’d already sent a message to Keynauri letting him know I needed to talk to him when his schedule was free because we were overdue for this conversation. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened last time, and I was taking the necessary steps to keep peace in my home.
“What the hell does she want?” I whispered to myself when I saw my mother’s number flash across the screen.
“Who?” East’s nosy ass questioned.
“Jazzie. She just called me twice back-to-back. I know she doesn’t want anything besides to beg. I’m still pissed about the way she tried to play with my brother,” I vented.
