Page 131 of Mia

Mama Tavia, Quaid, and I disrobed and left the birthing area, heading back out to the waiting room.

“I’m really a father,” he said quietly.

I smiled. “You are. And you didn’t pass out. Congratulations, Pappy.”

He chuckled. “Thank you, Mia. And thank you for trying to talk me down out there, Ma.”

Mama Tavia waved him off. “You’re my son now. That’s what Mama is for. I can’t believe I’m a grandma again for the third time in a year.”

I smirked. “Well, if your kids follow in their daddy’s footsteps, more are coming.”

She playfully rolled her eyes. “I already know.”

As we neared the double doors, I stopped. “Mama Tavia, can I have a second alone with Quaid?”

“Sure, baby.”

She walked ahead of us and out the doors. I turned back to Quaid.

“I um… I just want to thank you for all you’ve been to Titan the last couple of months. I don’t take your friendship with him for granted. And I want to thank you for your help in Paris. I know I’ve said that I was jealous of having to share my sister with you two, but I’m honored to call you my brother, Quaid. The way you love her… it’s everything she deserves. You two deserve each other, and I pray I can have at least a portion of the kind of marriage you share.”

“You will. I know I was against you and T before… you know, when things were toxic. I was still against it up until a few months ago. But I’ve watched you both grow. I’ve seen your relationship blossom into something I’m proud of, and I have faith that you two will continue to do the work to be better for yourselves and each other.”

He pulled me into a strong hug, and I reciprocated.

“I love you, sis.”

“I love you too.”

A low chuckled rumbled in his chest. “Finally, a sibling that isn’t afraid to admit that shit.”

I laughed as we parted. “They’ll come around.”

“They don’t have a choice. They are stuck with me for the next eighteen years at least.”

“Nah, we are stuck with you for life because my sister isn’t coming up off you.”

“Facts.”

We headed out to the waiting room with smiles on our faces.

Today signified the birth of a new life for many different reasons.

“Look at my boy,” I said, looking down at my godson. “This lil’ nigga is big as hell.”

Lil’ Stanley weighed a whopping nine pounds, seven ounces, looking just like his daddy. They’d been home for a week now and had adjusted pretty well. Jaeda had that new motherhood glow and was handling it all well. My boy was at her side for everything. Senior had put a hold on taking missions until their maternity and paternity leave was up. He didn’t want them stressing about anything other than settling into being new parents.

“It’s crazy that he has your whole face, Q.”

“I know, man. I can’t believe I’m actually a father. I don’t think I’ve ever loved another person so damn quick.”

I smirked. “You been in love with Jaeda before you met her. Did you forget how obsessed you were with her? So much so, you let yourself get kidnapped.”

“Why are you bringing up old shit?”

I laughed. “These are the facts. I’m just saying.”

“Give him to me,” Mia said, walking back into the living room from washing her hands.