Page 30 of Bully

“Mama B, I respect and understand your anger and I know it comes from a place of concern and hurt. Maybe even disappointment.” She nodded. “I know it will be harder for you to forgive me and move on than Innvy because she loves me and knows my heart and intentions. But I assure you, I will never abandon them again. Like I told our princess, only God will be able to pry me away from them. And the only struggles they’ll have are choices between silver or gold, islands or excursions, cash or access to my credit cards. You don’t have to trust me. Trust that your daughter has good enough discernment to protect her heart and our daughter’s if needed.”

“He’s right, hun,” Hamilton said, taking his wife’s hand into his. “We raised Innvy to know when to walk away. That’s been a part of her power. She’s happy and good on her own. She doesn’t need him.” His eyes shifted to me. “She wants him. There’s value in that, and I don’t think the boy will risk losing her again.”

“If he does, he’ll have to deal with me,” Pops said. “I done already told him I’ll beat his ass if he hurts my daughter or my princess.”

Ma chuckled. “All I have to say is this,” she started, taking my hand in hers. “Life is short, and sometimes harder than it should be. Our life partner is the most important choice we will make. Besides ourselves, they are the person we will spend the most time with on this Earth.” The rest of the elders nodded their agreement. “Even after the children are grown and out the house… you’ll still have your spouse. Your life partner. If in Innvy you’ve found someone that makes this world a soft, safe space… you do whatever you can to make that relationship last. Not just last but be healthy and prosperous. If you can do that, I think I can speak for us all when I say you have our blessing.”

Ma’s eyes locked with Bianca’s, and she nodded with a small smile.

“I have no intentions other than to make their lives as happy, whole, safe, and fun as I possibly can. I love Innvy with my whole heart, y’all. I’m not leaving them again.”

“In that case…” Pops lifted his old fashioned. “To new beginnings.”

We all lifted our glasses, and Bianca shot me a wink.

“To new beginnings,” we repeated in unison.

* * *

Innah’s handssmacked her feeding table as she cooed and talked in her own language. We were up to some two syllable words now, but when she got excited and started talking fast, I couldn’t understand what the hell she was saying. Baby girl had finished all her dinner, and as a reward, I was going to let her have a little taste of a popsicle. Not only did she enjoy the small taste of sugar, but I was sure the cold felt good against her gums.

“I’m coming, Princess. You’re so bossy.”

“Da-da, food now!” she yelled, opening and closing her tiny fists as I walked in her direction.

I chuckled with a shake of my head. “We gotta work on your patience, baby girl.”

The grunt she released increased my laughter and my pace toward her. Picking her up, I tried to keep her away from the popsicle as she reached for it to ensure I had a good grip on her.

“Damn, girl,” I muttered, putting the popsicle up to her mouth as she reached for it with wide eyes. It was my intention to take her to her mama so she could see but she was going at it so fast I didn’t bother.

By the time I’d given her a few licks, Gabriella made her way into the kitchen. She wasted no time scooping her out of my arms and wiping her mouth and hands before letting me know she was about to take her for a walk. I cleaned off her high chair then headed upstairs to see what Innvy was up to.

Confusion covered her face as she stared at her phone.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, gaining her attention.

“Bae, why do we have another account?” she asked, showing me her bank app as if I wasn’t the one who took her phone to add the account.

“Because you agreed to work less.”

Her eyes rolled before they watered. “Gabriel, you already set up a joint account for us. Innah has an account for her needs, one for her college fund, and one that she will have access to when she turns twenty-two.”

“Yes,” I agreed, tilting her head by her chin and giving her a slow, tender kiss. “And now you have another one just for you. Do with it what you desire.”

“Bully, I don’t need—”

“I know,” I interrupted to make clear. “And as long as you’re with me, you never will.”

Innvy stood, and since I didn’t move back, we were toe to toe. “You’re an amazing provider,” she complimented, wrapping her arms around me. “Not just of money, but of love, security, validation, fun, partnership—literally everything I need. I love you so much, bae.”

“I love you more.”

“Where’s my baby?”

“On a walk with her tete.”

“Good.”

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