“You don’t think me grinding is prioritizing you?”
“Hell no. It’s you following your dreams and doing what you feel is best for you and your career. I understand it to a certain degree, but damn. I’m carrying your kids. You can at least show up for the important things.”
The heavy breath Lance released let Aspen know he wasn’t going to fold. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Whatever.”
It took everything in Aspen not to throw her phone across the room when she hung up on him. She plopped down on the toilet, covered her face with her hands, and bawled her eyes out. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why Lance wouldn’t change. His actions were speaking louder than his words, but still, Aspen stayed in hopes the twins would change him.
Who was she kidding?
If he wasn’t showing up for them while they were in the womb, what made her think he would when they were born?
Mentally coaching herself to get it together, Aspen got up and wobbled over to the sink to wash her face. She hated how puffy her eyes were and how pale her skin looked, making her freckles pop more. On top of Lance upsetting her, she woke up not feeling the best. Every part of her body hurt, and she was super nauseous. The only thing she desired to do was ball up in bed and sleep, but the thought of finally knowing what her babies were gave her the strength to push through.
Just as she grabbed her slides to slip on, she heard a voice that stirred her soul call out her name.
“Aspen?”
“I’m up here!” she yelled back, sliding her feet into her slides. She was grateful they weren’t swollen today, but she knew once she got to moving around, they would be.
His scent greeted her before he did. Aspen closed her eyes and deeply inhaled, loving the notes of cedar oak and amber. He smelled heavenly, and when he appeared in her doorway, Aspen saw he looked just as divine.
Mahari Creed.
Mahari stood there with his stormy gray eyes resting on Aspen. She took him in, loving how he wore all black with a nice diamond chain resting against his neck. His locs were pulled into a man bun on top of his head, showing off the diamonds dancing in his ears and his handsome facial features. Between his full, well-oiled beard and his full lips, Aspen had to look away to rid the thought slowly creeping into her mind.
“Let me guess,” she started and tried to stand up but fell back down.
Chuckling, Mahari swaggered over with his tattooed hands outstretched. Aspen placed hers in his, appreciating how soft and warm they were. Her body crashed into his when he pulled her in for a hug that Aspen instantly melted into. With her head resting on his broad chest, Aspen took another deep inhale of his scent.
Being wrapped in Mahari’s strong embrace had Aspen’s emotions on a whirlwind. Her arms rested around his waist as she listened to the thumping of his heart. The immense amount of comfort and safety she felt with him stirred her emotions. She deeply inhaled and slowly exhaled, trying to swallow the lump forming in her throat.
“You know I got you, right, Bunny?” Mahari asked. The old nickname he had for her made Aspen giggle. She hadn’t heard it in forever, but it felt good.
“At least I know you do.” She pulled away from Mahari, and he thumbed away her tears. “I’m so sick of him, Mahari. How is it that you’re just as busy as him but always find the time to show up for me? He should be here taking me to my appointment, not you.”
“Damn. Am I not good enough?”
Aspen playfully rolled her eyes. “You know that’s not what I mean. You do get what I’m saying, right?”
“You know I do, but Lance is busier than I am. I can pretty much make my schedule, while he has other shit. And no, I’m not excusing his behavior, because if you were mine . . . Just know you’d never have to worry about me missing a beat. Pun intended.” He winked.
Why must Mahari do that to her?
Aspen mushed her lips together and rubbed her belly. She was trying her hardest not to read in between the lines with Mahari, but his statement made it almost impossible. Knowing exactly what he meant, Aspen cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“Oh, well. Are you ready?” she quizzed, picking up her crossbody. “I don’t want to be late, or they’ll reschedule the appointment.”
Mahari gazed at her for a few seconds before thumbing his nose and nodding. “Yeah, let’s ride.”
Without pause, Mahari laced their fingers together and led Aspen outside to his car. She held on for dear life, secretly never wanting to let go. Over the years, Mahari had become her safe space. Outside of Lavender, he was her best friend. The bond they had created came well before she and Lance got together. They’d known one another since they were ten, and she didn’t meet Lance until she was a teenager. Time had been good to them. Aspen truly valued their friendship.
Once she was safely buckled in, Mahari jogged to the driver’s side and got in. They could’ve easily been chauffeured, so Aspen appreciated him taking the time to drive.
They made it down the street, and Mahari’s phone rang.Dynastydisplayed on his large screen causing Aspen’s arched brow to raise.
“Are you going to answer it?” she interrogated with her head tilted to the side.
