Page 152 of Mia

She had me lie back and prop my legs up. Titan stood beside me, holding my hand as she prepared the wand.

“You might feel a little pressure,” she said as she moved in front of me.

I took a deep breath as she inserted the wand and moved it around. Almost instantly, a black and white image populated the screen. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at my baby.

“There’s your little bean,” Dr. Walters said with a smile. “I’d say you’re about eight or nine weeks. Too soon to tell if it’s a boy or a girl, but daddy is positive this little nugget is a boy.”

I couldn’t say anything as I stared at the screen, tears streaming down my face. I reached out to touch it. There he was, just like Eden said. Another audible cry left my throat as Titan held onto me, crying himself. Dr. Walters offered us a smile.

“I know this must have been a hard road for you both, but I have no doubt that this little one was conceived in great love. I’m so happy for you.”

She handed us some tissues and gave us the rundown of what to expect and look out for before cleaning me up and leaving me to get dressed. Once I was done, we left the room and headed up front to check, pick up the ultrasound pictures, and schedule my next appointment.

When we got out to the car, we both just stood there for a second, smiling at each other.

“We’re having a baby!” I squealed, jumping into his arms.

He laughed and spun me around. When he placed me on my feet, he kissed me softly. His hand went to my belly, and he gave it a gentle rub.

“It had to be that bathtub our last night in St. Thomas,” he said, chuckling. “The way you were riding my shit… that did it.”

I playfully slapped his chest. “I don’t know what to do with myself right now. This has been a long time coming.”

“It has, but I told you it would happen.”

“You did.” I looked up at him and smiled. “Come on. Eden should be the first to know.”

He pecked my lips. “Let’s go tell our girl.”

Anigga had been on cloud nine for the last two weeks and it wasn’t from my good ass weed. I was about to be somebody’s daddy and that shit felt amazing. It was hard as hell keeping the news of our pregnancy a secret. Morning sickness was taking a toll on Mia. Her energy was up and down, but she was pushing through like a champ. I cherished the moments when we were alone, and I could just love on her and our baby.

My hands and head were forever on her stomach.

I couldn’t stop touching it or kissing it, or talking to my seed. These were the moments I missed the first time around. Her being away for three months at the start of her pregnancy with Eden robbed me of them. To get her back and ultimately lose our child was the most devastating thing I’d ever experienced. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.

Today was Mia’s birthday and the whole family and extended family was gathering at the big house for a party. We had plans to share our big news then.

I rolled over in bed and pulled my wife into my chest, smothering her face with kisses as I rubbed her belly. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at me.

“Happy birthday, mamas,” I said, then leaned in to kiss her.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

The smile fell from her face as a nauseated look took over. She tossed back the covers and sprang from the bed, then ran to the bathroom where I heard her throwing up like she had been every morning. I tossed back the covers and stood from the bed. After making it up, I headed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Mia was brushing her teeth.

“I cannot wait for this morning sickness to be over,” she said, groaning.

“I know, baby.”

“You better tell your child to let me eat today. I know daddy is making steak and I need the fattest, juiciest one.”

I chuckled and rubbed her stomach. “Baby boy, give mommy a break and let her enjoy a good meal today, okay? Your Pop Pop can throw down on the grill. I promise you’re gonna enjoy it.”

I pecked Mia’s lips, then undressed her and put her in the shower. While she washed up, I brushed my teeth and gave my beard and hairline a little taper. Then I washed my face and stripped down to join my wife in the shower. By the time we got out, Bleu was scratching at the bedroom door. I walked over and let her in.

She ran straight to Mia, who stooped to greet her.

“Good morning, Bleu Bleu,” she said, scratching behind her ears.