Page 55 of More to Love

“Did you bring any of Avi’s ashes? I can get her some kind of necklace made for her,” I inquired, fixing Princess on my shoulder.

“I did. They’re in her suitcase in a small vessel. Thank you for being such a good man Hendrix. My sister might have fumbled the ball, but you always deserved someone to match the kind of energy you gave. I would still like to be involved in her life if that’s okay.”

“Of course it is. I wouldn’t shut y’all out. Ain’t nothing changed in that department.”

“Cool. I’ll talk to you later. Tell my baby I love her dearly.”

She hopped in her ride and was gone moments later. I stood there thanking God for coming through. I hated that Princess had to lose her mother in order for me to see her again, but I was grateful for the chance. I was going to grieve Avi as well but not the way I would have if I was still locked in on her.

“Bring her inside Hendrix.” Sorimah’s voice brought me out of my trance.

I did as she said and took her up to her bedroom where her bed was still intact. Once she was comfortable, I dipped out and went to find my woman. I was in better spirits and needed her to know that this was it for me. I couldn’t deal with anymore losses.

She was in the kitchen beginning to cook and seeing that instantly brought a smile to my face. I snuck up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. Never would I have thought I would have a voluptuous woman with so much confidence and beauty having my child, having me in love, or better yet, ready to settle down.

I loved women and adored the ones that knew no man was needed to validate anything in their life. My baby radiated with that and had me wrapped around her chunky ass fingers. I couldn’t see myself with anyone else now that I’d experienced her. I was all about her, and she didn’t have to change a damn thing for me.

“Let me make something clear beautiful. When it comes to my family, I’m not taking any losses. I need to know that y’all are in a space that’s comfortable and untouchable. I’m not trying to control you in no shape or form but I’m not sleeping without y’all near me. I did that already and I almost lost my mind.”

“Then ask and stop telling me what I ought to do. I’m a human being as well and I’d like to know that we have respect for each other.”

“Will you move in with me so I can continue to love you and my daughters properly?”

“Yes. I will. I’ll tie up my loose ends as you said and be here before she comes. That wasn’t so hard, now, was it?” She raised my hand to her lips and applied a soft kiss to the back of it.

“Can I have some of your love before Princess wakes up? I didn’t get to slide up in it this morning, but I feel like it’s time.”

“Where you want me?”

Chapter Fifteen

SORIMAH

Euphoria. I’d been stuck in a euphoric place ever since Hendrix came back into my life. He was everything I expected him to be and for the past three months he’d been challenging me as a partner. I had never been so committed and all about one person before, but it felt damn good to be.

“Ri, is the baby here yet?”

I turned around to see Akeera headed in my direction with a slice of cake in tow. Today was the day of my baby shower and Zylah was due any day now. She was being stubborn, and my friends and family were upset at this point. They were ready to love her and get on my nerves at the same time.

“No beautiful one,” I said giggling at her question.

“Once this big belly of mine gets smaller than you’ll know for sure that I had her, okay?”

“Well, why are people here if she isn’t?”

“This is called a baby shower which means people bring gifts and things for her as a token of their love and support. When your sister gets here, I promise you’ll be the first one to see her.”

“Yay!” She was satisfied with my response, and she took off running to finish playing with her friends.

I was just as eager as she was to have this little one. I was toting around a nine-pound baby that was causing back pain and everything else to the third power but let her father tell it, I was rushing his baby and she could stay put as long as she wanted. He had no idea the strength it took to carry a child.

Grabbing a bottle of water, I walked over to my designated seat and rested my feet. I was soon joined by Hendrix’s grandfather who I thought was so wise and sweet. I saw so much of Hendrix in him. He placed a kiss on my cheek before he got comfortable beside me.

“Hey sweet pea. How’s my girls doing?”

“We’re good, Pops. I think she wants to come when I least expect it and have me running around like a chicken with my head cut off,” I said as I rubbed my stomach.

I was just keeping everyone at bay. I’d been hurting for quite some time but was trying to get through this event. Everyone had showed and was being supportive and I didn’t want to ruin that for them. I even kept it to myself that my mucus plug had discharged. I knew enough to know that panicking wasn’t going to help a thing.