Page 67 of A Toxic Redemption

"Three years ago, when I saw you in Xquisite Jewelry." I frowned slightly because I know damn well this nigga didn't have me mixed up with someone else. "Don't look like that. You were in there trying to get your watch fixed, and I was picking up a ring for Mia."

When Khalil mentioned the watch, my eyes widened. I remember the moment he spoke of. I had just moved to town and was leaving a meeting at city hall about my new business. I was nervous as hell that day and broke my watch that morning. Now that I think about it, he was there with Kaine.

"Our eyes locked, and I knew then you were trouble." He chuckled as he continued to eat. "I felt like my world stopped at that moment, but I shook it off because I thought I was doing right by Mia."

"Do you have any regrets? With her? Us?"

"The only thing I regret is not approaching you three years ago," he honestly spoke. "Yes, I was prepared to ask Mia to marry me, but I felt like I was drawn to you. Maybe, had I at least gotten your number and befriended you, I could have locked you down earlier."

I heard what he was saying, but I believe everything happened for a reason. Everything that he went through, that I went through, over the years led us to this moment and to each other.

"Well, regardless of the path we took, I'm glad that you're here with me right now." I waved the hostess over so she could bring the gifts I gave to the manager earlier. "Here, I have some things for you."

Khalil threw his head back and laughed at the sight of the cart being rolled over and littered with gifts. "I must have really put the dick down. You tricking on me now, girl?"

"Something like that." I smiled while opening the boxes and looked through the bags. There was a variety of clothes, cologne, and gift cards. I even purchased him a few pairs of cuff links since he's transitioning into a suit-wearing man.

"What's this?" he asked as he held up a smaller box and shook it slightly. "Why do you look like you're about to throw up, Luck?" He frowned and turned in his seat. "If y'all made my girl sick with this raw ass meat—"

"Oh my gosh, Khalil!" I shrieked as I threw my napkin at him. "Will you please shut up and open the gift? I am fine!"

"Shit, you better tell me something then." He turned back around and placed the gift on the table. He slowly unwrapped it as he talked shit. "Gone have me throwing these people off this roof and shit—"

As he eyed the contents of the box, he went silent. He and KJ couldn't care less about what the weather was like outside. They were going to wear a hoodie. So inside, there was a small heather grey and black hoodie that readDaddy and Mewith an adult and infant fist bumping. Next, he pulled out the matching onesie that readPlot Twist. Last but not least, there were three positive pregnancy tests. For several minutes, all he did was stare. He was so quiet that I began to worry.

"Khalil," I spoke just above a whisper, "say something."

Slowly, he dragged his eyes to mine, and in that moment, I saw all the love he had for me. If there was any doubt before, this second let me know this man really loved me. His eyes were glazed over, and I don’t think he would care if a tear fell or not.

"You're having my baby, Luck?" He palmed the table as he stood up. "Tell a nigga you're having his baby."

"I'm having your baby, Khalil." I smiled as tears slid down my cheeks. "I'm really having your baby."

"Come here, girl." He pulled me from his seat and eyed me as if he were seeing me for the first time. He planted his handon my still-flat stomach and rubbed slowly. "I love you so much, Lucky."

"I love you more, Khalil." I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. We were so lost in each other that we barely heard the host when she approached us.

"I'm so sorry for interrupting, but would you all like dessert?"

"I'm about to go eat the sweetest pussy on earth right now," he stated before grabbing my hand. "Box this up for me and have it delivered to our room. Come on, Luck, I'm about to see if I can give you a two-for-one special."

No longer wanting to argue with him about his mouth, I just smiled like an idiot and followed him to the elevator. I knew we were in for a long night, and I couldn't wait. Having Khalil's baby was never part of my plan, but creating a family with him was the biggest blessing I could have seen. Nothing or no one would ever come between us and the life we were creating together. They would certainly die if they tried.

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

KHALIL

May2023

It's been three months since Lucky told a nigga she was having his baby, and I have been on cloud nine ever since. We thought KJ would feel a way about another baby since he hasn’t been with us a whole year, but he was more excited than anybody. The only thing he hollers about is nobody is going to mess with his sister. It's funny because we decided to wait until the baby was born to find out the gender. I don't care what it is. I just want mama and baby to be and stay healthy.

"This is so nice, Khalil," Luck cooed as she entered our room. The gang has been planning a trip to the cabins in Gatlinburg for a few weeks now, and we just made it in today. "I'm so glad we were able to do this. I haven't been on vacation in so long."

"Baby, if you wanted a vacation, all you had to do was tell me."

I followed her to the balcony located in our room. Overlooking the woods, the scene before us was so beautiful and peaceful. With all the chaos we've had in our lives, we needed this. Kaine and Mia hadn't called or been seen in months, and we were all happy about it. I still have people looking for thembecause I don't trust their asses. Mia didn't even show up for our continued court date. She's lost all custodial rights to my son, and I thank God every day about it. I know they're lurking somewhere, though.

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