Page 73 of Beyond The Stars

Janay eased off the couch in hopes of Qamar or Siasia seeing her tawny face lightly covered in tears. Sniffing, she made her way to Malaysia who had rocked Belinay to sleep by rocking her body in a smooth pattern.

“I got her.” Malaysia forced a tiny smile.

With a curt head nod, Janay thanked her after placing her diaper bag on the island in the kitchen, damn near running out of the apartment. She needed to clear her head and some fresh air.

21

Siasia sat on the floor, her legs crossed beneath her, the soft glow of her laptop casting a warm light that danced across the room. Outside, the stars twinkled like distant diamonds through the massive window, a stark contrast to the cozy sanctuary she had created. She had relieved Malaysia for the night, tucking herself into the corner while Belinay slept peacefully in her bassinet nearby. The decision to roll her into the living room had been a desperate one, born from the restless night that had gripped her.

Janay had left and hadn’t returned, leaving Siasia feeling a mix of concern and relief. She had called Qamar to ensure it was alright for Belinay to stay, and naturally, he had agreed. It had been three days now, and with everything swirling around them, Siasia knew having both his babies close brought him a sense of relief, a momentary escape from the chaos. Now, with her mind racing like the stars above, she found herself lost in a digital treasure trove of memories—every image of Qamar that had captured her heart. Her cheeks ached from the smiles that danced across her face as her fingers traced the contours of his handsome features on the screen.

Over the course of their relationship, she had snapped candid shots of him in all walks of life, each one telling a story. Her favorites were of that magical night at the park with Esmeray or the playful race between him, Malaysia, Noodle, and Esmeray that had filled the air with laughter. Yet, one image stood out among the rest. It was a candid shot of Esmeray and Noodle gazing up at him with wide, trusting eyes, as if he held every answer to their innocent questions. A lump formed in Siasia's throat, a bittersweet ache that reminded her of the profound safety Qamar brought into her life. With him, the shadows of the dark faded away, and the monsters under the bed were nothing more than figments of imagination. He made her feel seen, cherished, and she knew that no words could ever repay him for that gift. What she could do was show the world just how incredible he truly was, how many different hats he wore with grace and love, illuminating the lives of everyone around him.

Belinay whined her in sleep, prompting Siasia to wrap up her video. All she needed to do was find the perfect song. Only then would she present it to the world. Her social media followers tripled after her shoot with Candi and Jay was published. In the corner on the last page of the three-page spread was her picture with all of her contact information. The shoot had been so beautiful and professional, Black Excellence Magazine asked if she was open to be contacted for more. Of course, she said yes.

Another coo from Belinay had her saving the video and closing her laptop.

On her feet, she stretched her arms high and wide to relieve the ache of sitting on the floor. Easing over to the bassinet, she smiled at how juicy Belinay and the fact she was wide eyed looking into her.

“Hey, juicy baby. You ain’t gone sleep for long, huh?” she whispered to her while lifting her into her arms. She didn’t see Qamar in her but she’d never deny she was his. If it was his will to take on the role and responsibility, she would never be a bitch and suggest otherwise.

Her heart melted when Belinay sucked on her own tiny fist. “Your fat ass hungry, ain’t you?” She laughed before kissing her chunky cheeks. “I know you are. Let’s warm you up a bottle, greedy girl.”

“I got it,” Qamar popped up, scaring the hell out of her.

Siasia laughed while calming her racing heart. “You can’t be popping up on us like that, boy.” She continued her trek to the kitchen. “Why you up anyway?”

“Man, they sleep so damn wild.” He laughed, talking about Noodle and Esmeray.

“I woke up with Es’s foot in my face. I was like hell no.” She snickered, placing the bottle in the warmer.

Belinay could hear her daddy and tried to find his face. “Oh uh un, don’t switch up on me for your ugly ass daddy, Fat Ma.”

“Ugly?” He pushed his face into Belinay. “She know I ain’t never been ugly, ma-ma. Ain’t that right,” he cooed in baby talk.

As if she was agreeing with her daddy, she blew spit bubbles.

“Oh, I’m ‘bout to hand you to your daddy since you want to act brand new with me,” she joked, still holding her in her arms.

Once the bottle was warmed and tested on her hand, she cradled it gently, her heart swelling as she settled onto the couch. Qamar trailed behind, his gaze softening at the sight of Siasia with his children. It filled him with a sense of reassurance; he knew he had chosen wisely. Her gentle touch and inherent kindness shone through, even amidst the shadows of her struggles with Janay.

“You want kids?” he asked, his voice low, allowing the stars to illuminate her pretty, blemish-free face. She had let her hair flow freely, a wild cascade that framed her features, and he found her irresistibly sexy in her natural state.

Her shoulders hunched slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “I don’t know… I didn’t.”

“But?” His bushy brows rose, curiosity piqued.

“When I look at you, I envision a little boy that looks just like you.”

“Oh really?” A smirk danced on his lips as he pulled her bare feet into his lap, his calloused hands kneading into the soft soles. A soft moan escaped her lips, the sensation drawing her deeper into the moment.

Siasia's head nestled into the crook of the couch, surrendering to the euphoric bliss of his impromptu foot massage. “Mhm,” she hummed, lost in the comfort of his touch.

“And what else do you see in our future?” he pressed, his tone teasing yet earnest.

“You so sure you’re in my future?” she challenged, a playful glint in her eyes.

“It’s the only thing I’m sure of. With all this shit hanging over my head, the one thing I know is that you’ll be there seeing me through whatever my next phase of life is.”

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