Page 100 of My Heart Belongs to You

“I know. I'm just talking shit,” he said, then kissed me.

I met his gaze. “To be clear, we’ve been together since I told you that I love you.”

He laughed throatily. “Fair. I would’ve liked the opportunity to ask you to be my woman.”

“Just know, the answer is an unequivocal yes.”

His smile was as warm as the sun. “I love you, Robyn.”

“And I love you.”

Nadir’s phone rang, interrupting our sentimental moment. Panic flashed in his eyes as he answered.

“Wassup, man? Everything cool?” His eyes widened as he backed away from me. “How’s Sunny? Do you need me to come to the hospital?”

Nadir paced in his office, causing a wave of worry in my stomach.

“Okay. Keep me posted. I’m going to call my mom. She’ll be on the first flight out.”

After ending the call, he ran his hand over his face. “Sunny’s water just broke. They're on the way to Roseville General,” he explained while calling his mom.

My mind whirred as I thought about what dishes she wanted me to make. While I wanted to leave and get started right away, I remembered that labor could last minutes or it could be hours. It was best that I wait for directives from Nadir.

His mom was just as anxious as we were, prattling off flight times to Nadir. I left his office, figuring he needed a moment to process everything.

Once I returned to the bar, I shared the news with Raven and Kenya. Everyone brimmed with excitement. We took celebratory shots just as DJ Love transitioned to SWV’s “Use Your Heart”. The words of the song reminded me of Nadir. The many nights we’d shared our desire to find real and enduring love. Never did I think we’d find that in each other; certainly not after the breakups we experienced. I was reluctant at first, not wanting anything to ruin a friendship I cherished deeply. However, my heart wouldn’t allow me to continue as if he wasn’t my person.

I rocked from side to side, singing along to the words. The familiar scent of Nadir’s cologne engulfed me as he hugged me from behind. I settled in his embrace, immensely grateful to have taken a leap of faith because it led me right to him.

EPILOGUE

My godson was perfect. Ryan Greene had his mother’s eyes and his father’s brown skin. I ran my index finger across his little hand placed on my chest. He snuggled on my shoulder as I bounced him slowly while humming “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider”. He smelled of milk and softness. Every time his scent wafted into the air, I melted inside. In just a short time, he’d gotten fatter, his skin had browned, and his eyes opened wider.

I wasn’t afraid to admit how much I loved babies. They reminded me of the beauty of life and how precious time was for us. For the last six weeks, I’d visited him every single day. During my visits, I rarely spent time with him. I tackled his laundry, washed his bottles, and whatever other tasks Summer and my mom would conjure up. Not to mention the pans of food Robyn sent twice a week. Plus, with his grandmas alternating visits, spending time with him was impossible. Now that they’d returned home, he was all mine. “He’s asleep, G’Daddy,” Summer said from behind me.

I cradled his head while leaning him back. Sure enough, his eyes were closed and drool ran from the corner of his mouth. I walked over to his crib then lay him flat. Summer stood next to me as I peered down at him.

“Wow. You’re a mom,” I whispered, careful not to wake my baby boy.

Summer sighed. “Crazy, right? I thought I had good practice with Bri, but as it turns out, I wasn’t prepared.”

“You’re doing great, Sunny.”

“Having you here has helped us a lot. You bringing food and doing house chores has made my life ten times easier.”

“I can’t take credit for the food.”

“Oh, I know. Robyn gets a lengthy text from me at least once a week. But seriously, I can’t thank you enough. Especially since Ry is already back at work.”

Throwing an arm over Summer’s shoulder, I pulled her into my side. As I kissed her temple, Summer gasped.

“Careful.” She pushed me then held her chest. It was then that I heard the soft whirr of her wireless breast pump. I rolled my eyes. I still hadn’t wrapped my head around her pumping anytime, anyplace.

“My bad. I’m gonna head out so you can do that in peace. If y’all need anything, call me.”

“Good luck today.”

I placed my hand over my heart. “’Preciate it.”