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“Y’all know my sister hates surprises. I told y’all this was a bad idea. Gon’ have her stressing my new niece or nephew out,” Jamie said.

My mouth flew open, and I looked at Chyanne.

“Chyanne Legend. Seriously!” I groaned.

“I know. I know. I was not supposed to say, but I was just so excited.” She put on her best puppy-dog eyes. “You know we have a small family. This kind of news was such a blessing. I couldn’t keep it from Momma and G-pop.”

“Bitch, that was low.” I shook my head and laughed at her dramatic ass. Chy had fit in perfectly with my sister, Sage, and me. We’d basically all become best friends.

“Fine, but because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut, whenever I want seafood, you have to get it. Even if it’s two a.m.”

“Deal. It’s not like I have a job.” She paused as if she had a bright idea. “Actually! I’ll add seafood to the menu.” She winked at me.

I rolled my eyes, playfully. They all surrounded me and hugged me before Chance pried them off me. He kissed my forehead and rubbed my stomach. We went back to the party where all of our families had blended together.

Rich and Lyric also joined the celebration. My heart was filled with so much joy. I couldn’t believe this was really my life—going from a felon to a platinum-selling artist, married to the man I had only dreamed of. I am truly grateful for everyone in my life and cherish the chance to build our family.

We celebrated with my favorite dish, blackened Salmon, loaded mashed potatoes, and sautéed spinach. Marie also made some regular fried chicken and sweet peas to give others options.

The drinks and music were flowing; before I knew it, it had became an intimate listening party. Lyric asked if it was okay to play my unreleased album titled Trouble. Of course it was fine; these are the only people I trust most in this world.

Later that night, I saw Jamie step off to answer a phone call. She was on the phone with someone, and although she wasn’t speaking, her body language seemed unusual. When our eyes met, she looked confused before she tore her eyes away from me and turned her back.

Immediately, I stood and marched over to her. Just as I was approaching, she disconnected the call and turned back toward me. She jumped a little at my quick approach.

“Girl, you move fast,” she chuckled.

“Ummhmm. What’s wrong? Who was that on your phone?”

“I can tell you later. I don’t want to ruin⁠—”

I cut her off. “No, tell me. You said no more secrets,” I reminded her.

“I wasn’t keeping—whatever. It’s Dad. He was found dead at a motel. Overdose. They want me to come down to confirm the body. I told them I would come down Monday.”

“Oh.” That was all I could say. It was the last thing I expected to hear. So I didn’t know how to react. I hadn’t seen my Daddy since our impromptu FaceTime call. I hadn’t told anyone about that. I didn’t know how to feel. So, I just nodded and turned back to the party to look for my baby girl. When I saw her playing with her Daddy, I walked over, scooped her into my arms, and just hugged her.

She laughed playfully, “Mommy, give me the biggest hug.”

“Baby,” Chance said, rubbing the middle of my back. “What’s wrong?”

I cleared my throat. “My—um—my dad died. Overdosed.”

Without hesitation, Chance jumped into action. Chance would randomly ask me throughout the years how I felt and if I wanted him to find him for me. I honestly didn’t feel the need to patch anything up. It wasn’t my fault; he was a selfish ass nigga, but at the end of the day, he was my daddy. He was all I knew until I was sentenced, so he wasn’t a complete villain in my story.

Chance thanked everyone for coming but told them the party was over. G-pop and Momma were staying the night since it was late, so Chance helped them to their room. Everyone else stopped to congratulate me and say good night. Jamie made sure I was good a thousand times before she left. I told her to call me after she confirmed whether it was Daddy. We hugged, and she went her way, while I sat in the lawn chair looking at the night sky.

“Come on, baby, lets go inside.” Chance reached down to help me up.

“Where is Buddha?” I asked once we were inside, and I realized I didn’t hear her little laugh or footsteps.

“Chy took her for the night.”

I stopped mid-step. “Why?”

“We… we didn’t know if you wanted to mourn your father. I wanted to give you space to decide.”

I continued walking. Chance did what he does best. He made sure I was comfortable and wasn’t overwhelmed. Three years later, he still knew how important it was for me to have quiet time when I was processing anything life-changing. He didn’t force me to talk. He just allowed me to be me.