“They.” I asked.
“Not my story to tell.” He said.
If Blue said they were cool, then I believed him. Nobody was getting near anyone in our family without a thorough check by Black and Blue. They weren’t working with me exclusively anymore, but they were still family and that would never change.I listened to them argue about it for another few minutes before they changed the subject to the kids and shopping.
“I couldn’t have picked a better life for you if I had planned it myself.” Pops said next to me.
“Oh really.” I said, smirking at him.
“I told you all you had to do was listen to your old man and find you a wife. Just think you could have had this years ago.” He smiled
“Nah I wasn’t ready for it then. Nova came into my life at exactly the right time. I was able to appreciate what Nova and Timberly brought into my life back then. I was so wrapped up in my grief and thinking that what I had was real with Sabrina. I don’t think I would have gone as hard as I did for Nova. And let’s be real Nova ain’t the kind of woman to sit around and wait on a nigga to figure his shit out. I would have lost her dragging my feet. So no, I'm glad she came when she did.” I said honestly.
“You right. Tyra would have stabbed you for playin’ with her homegirl feelings too, so right place, right time. You remember how many times she done threatened you over Nova.” Pops laughed.
“You were better off playin’ in traffic. You remember what she did to Sabrina.” Blue smiled like he was reminiscing about a good memory.
“Why are ya’ll talking about that lady?” Nova asked loudly as hell.
“What lady?” Black asked.
“You know what lady.” Tyra joined in.
“Sabrina?” I asked, trying to find out what the fuck they were talking about.
“Yes, she who must not be named.” Tyra said, with pride, like she was the one to come up with that silly shit.
“Yeah, we don’t say her name because she is irrelevant and non-existent in our lives. So, from now on, anytime y'all feel theneed to speak about her. That’s what we expect for y'all to call her.” Nova announced.
“You know what. Y'all got it.” I said, not about to argue about that.
“Yo, make sure you keep the crazy one away from my wife.” August said, pointing at Tyra. “I don’t want any of that crazy rubbing off on Anesia. I already got to deal with Kema and Mecca full-time.” August said.
A fussy cry from behind me broke through the laughter, making me turn towards the back door. Ms. Leona was lifting Peace from his pillow and soothing him with soft coos and pats on his back. I raised my hand, stopping Nova from leaving her friends by the pool, before going over to get Peace. I took him from Ms. Leona after receiving the stink eye from her and Aunt Pam.
“They mad at you for gettin nephew?” August said, tilting his head towards the auntie’s.
“Hell yeah. Like I don’t want to spoil my baby too.” I laughed. “Sitting Peace with his back to me so he could scope the scene like us.” Our son was the perfect combination of both Nova and I. He had her golden complexion and freckles with my eyes and fat dark curls. Those eyes so much like mine took in everything, like he was processing it all and just waiting for the right time to express his thoughts on the situation.
“Let me get my boy.” Pops said, holding his hands out for Peace.
“Damn, I just got him. You just as bad as the aunties.” I said, handing him over. I knew a losing battle when I saw one.
“There’s my boy.” He said, rocking Peace in his arms. “I have to start training him early to take over the family business.”
“Please don’t let Nova hear you say that.” I told him, looking her way but it was clearly too late.
“The baby is only two months old. Please don’t start planning his life before he even starts crawling.” She huffed.
“Princess, it wasn’t me. That’s his great grandfather over here, deciding his major in college already.
“Damn, when you become a snitch?” Pops frowned.
“When my wife is involved, I’m tellin it all. You not about to get me in trouble. I have to live with her.” I told him.
“Right answer.” Blue said.
“That’s what I’m talking about Nova. My sis runs a strict program.” Mecca laughed.
