Page 127 of Mia

His and his family’s ashes were currently floating down the river. The warehouse we used on the outskirts of the city was scrubbed clean, and there was no evidence of the brutal murders that took place there. It was like we were ghosts… just gone with the wind.

“I hope you’re at peace now,” I said, caressing the nameplate. “I know grandpa is taking good care of you. You take care of my old man too.”

I sat there for a while until the family group chat started blowing up. When I checked my messages, my eyes widened. Jaeda was in labor. I scrambled up from the bench and ran to my golf cart. By the time I made it back to the house, Titan was coming outside.

“I was about to come get you,” he said, opening the door to his truck.

He helped me in and rounded the driver’s side to get in himself. As he backed out of the yard, my phone rang. I looked down to see my sister’s number. Quickly, I swiped the screen to answer.

“Jae.”

“Sissy, I need you.”

“Titan and I are right behind y’all on the way to the hospital.”

“I’m scared, Mia. He’s a little early.”

“You and baby boy are gonna be fine,” I assured her, softly. “You got this, baby. You’re gonna get in there. You’re gonna push. And you’re gonna bring my nephew into this world. No negative thoughts. You were born to be this baby’s mommy, and you’re gonna be a great one, Jae. You and Quaid will be amazing parents to an amazing little boy.”

She sniffled. “I… I was afraid to ask, but will you be in the delivery room with Quaid and my mom?”

“You want me there? You sure you don’t want Shar or Grams?”

“No. I want my sister. I’ll understand if it’s too much, but I had to ask.”

It was my turn to sniffle. “It’s not too much. Not for you, Jae. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We disconnected the call, and I broke into tears. Titan reached over and grabbed my hand. Pulling it to his lips, he kissed it.

“I don’t know if these are happy or sad tears.”

“Happy tears,” I confirmed, wiping my eyes. “I almost wasn’t here for this moment a few months ago.”

“But you are. And you’re gonna be a great auntie to this baby.”

“I’m gonna try my best. I really want to get closer to the kids.”

“You can. I mean, they already love Uncle Titan, so I don’t gotta do much.”

I playfully slapped his arm. “Shut up.”

He chuckled. “For real. Now that I’m on the compound full time, we gotta start babysitting. Gotta be prepared for when it’s our turn.”

“I know. We have to take Smoke’s kids in doses. I can’t do all of them at one time.”

He laughed out loud. “Facts. Korri is a sweetheart, but them other three? I’ma square up with Juri’s mean ass before it’s all said and done.”

I giggled because my niece was a handful for everybody outside their house, but my daddy, Romi’s parents, Jaeda, and Quaid. She was such a sour patch kid, but she loved hard. Whenever she saw anybody she knew, she ran up to them for hugs. The child almost cut off your airflow because she squeezed your neck so hard.

We got to the hospital twenty minutes later. When we got out of the truck, most everybody else was getting out of their cars. We were about to pack this waiting room out. I ran over to Quaid, who was rolling Jaeda in.

“I’m here!” I announced.

She grabbed my hand and smiled. “He’s not trying to stay in here,” she said, squeezing. “He just had to interrupt⁠—”

She was quick not to finish that statement. My gaze shot to Quaid.