Page 65 of Embrace

The slideshow turned black. A countdown appeared.

Baby Snow…

Are you Batman or Cat Woman?

3…

2…

1…

From behind the makeshift screen blue confetti popped into the air. Everyone clapped and cheered.

“It’s a boy!” I cried with joy. Blaze, BJ, and his friends jumped up and hooted with unfiltered happiness.

I rubbed my round belly and smiled. “You’re going to be loved, baby boy.”

“Congratulations, Suvi and Blaze! We wish you a safe journey into parenthood as you bring into the world the next generation of Snow and Summers.” Mari exclaimed.

Being a mother to a Black boy would come with many obstacles. The world was cruel to brown skinned babies, but we would protect him as best as we could while preparing him for what the world had in store for him. Our baby would excel in whatever God had in store for him.

Blaze lifted me into his arms and showered me with kisses.

“We’re having a baby boy!”

“Blaze Junior loading!”

I frowned. “I love you,somuch, but my baby will not be a junior. I want him to have his own name not attached to you.”

Blaze chuckled. “I respect it, but I would like his name to have some significance to me.”

“We’ll find one we both love.”

Sealed with a kiss, we basked in the high of knowing our baby would be in good hands. Our happily ever after was almost complete.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

The familiar building greeted us. The receptionist smiled a million-dollar smile as she greeted us.

“Welcome to Arranged Hearts, do you have an appointment?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am. We have a meeting with Lamya. The Snow family.”

“Yes! Suvi! We’ve seen you doing great things, girl. She’s expecting you. You can go ahead and head to her office.”

“Thank you,” Blaze responded. We went down the hall and her door was already open. When she saw us in the frame, she stood and greeted us with open arms.

“Suvi! Blaze! It’s so great to see y’all.”

“It’s great to see you, too.” I leaned in for a hug.

“Look at you!” Lamya cooed. “You’re glowing.”

“Girl, those prenatal pills got me living right. My hair is full, nails longer than ever, and my skin has never been so hydrated. Who knew pregnancy could have so many pros!” I joked.

“Let’s sit down. I know you don’t want to be on your feet too long.”

Lamya led us to the familiar couch. We sat down and Blaze instinctively placed his arm around my shoulder. Lamya set up a camera instead of the voice recorder.

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