“Hey, I never said you were wrong because I’m on that man real bad.” She snickered while glancing down at her phone. Wisdom was equally crazy about her as she was about him.
“Exactly, so don’t come for my sister because she’s over here with drool on her lip, watching her man.” My mouth dropped open as I wiped my face to make sure there wasn’t any actual drool on it.
I won’t lie and say there weren’t times when I blanked out from admiring my man, especially when he used to let me work out with him. I rarely got anything done messing around with him.
“Y’all haven’t been here for more than a few minutes and are always on good bullshit. I can’t help but stare at my man because, thanks to your nephew, I hardly get to do anything besides look at him,” I huffed, although I hadn’t complained. This was an adjustment for all of us.
“Well, you won’t have to worry about any of that because Khalil is on his way to his Gigi Elantra’s house, and I’m telling you right now, she’s not giving him back.” My stomach dropped the moment the words left Ren’s lips.
“What do you mean?” my hands started sweating at the idea of my baby being away from me overnight.
“I’m taking Khalil to momma’s house, and he will not be returning until morning. Your husband has a nice evening planned for you that does not include last night’s feedings and diaper changes. And don’t even bother with the tears because you, my good sister, need this night out. He will be perfectly happy and healthy. The only thing you need to do is make sure you pump as much as you can before it’s time for you to get dressed.” She must have known I was getting ready to freak out.
My son has not left this house since he was born, so I was nervous about how he would react. We were just a few months away from holidays, so we hadn’t been in any hurry to take him out lately. I hadn’t even been to Granny Lula’s house, although she made sure we got our plates every Sunday.
“I can see your mind reeling, and you can save all of that. He has everything he needs, including two new winter coats and a snowsuit. I bought and washed him some bottles, pacifiers, and blankets as well.”
“So, you’re basically kidnapping my baby?” I smiled, even though I was nervous. I knew in my heart he’d be perfectly safe; it was me who was the problem.
“That man in there loves you with his whole heart, and he wants you to relax and breathe a little.”
“It’s easier said than done. I appreciate his efforts, though. He worries about me all the time, so I know his heart is in the right place.”
“Sis put that good pussy on the pastor’s son, and now he’s locked in for life.” I snickered at Ren’s silliness. She wasn’t lying, though we were locked in for life.
Ciyani washed my hair, Miyana did my nails, Janae hooked up my brows, and, of course, my sister gave me a glam look like only she could. I stared at myself in the mirror after they helped me pick out a dress for me to wear.
“Charity, you are naturally beautiful, but baby, you are shutting shit down tonight.” Yaya complimented me. I’ve become an emotional wreck since having my son, so it came as no surprise to me when I felt Serenity dabbing under my eyes.
“Now, I’m not about to tell you again. Don’t mess up my hard work. Now get out of this house and enjoy your night. I’m taking my nephew to momma’s house. Don’t call us; we’ll call you.” I rolled my eyes in response. The idea of my baby sleeping away from home hadn’t resonated with me yet. As a mother, you worry about everything and nothing at all. My momma has raised five children, yet I felt uneasy about her keeping him overnight.
“I appreciate you ladies coming through for my baby. I affirm her beauty every day, but I understand sometimes beauty is in the eye of the behold. Thank you for bringing to life what I see every day.” My heart swelled with pride. I’d really lucked up with my husband.
“Okay, brother-in-law! Talk yo’ shit!” Serenity hyped him up. I showered my little man with more kisses than he could stand. His little face scrunched up in irritation.
“Girl, you are doing way too much. My nephew does not want your dick suckers all over his face,” Ren teased. I gave her the middle finger, then got a few more sniffs of his neck. I loved the smell of newborn babies.
“Goodbye, mommy’s baby! I miss you already!”
“Dramatic ass. Come on, Pooh. Let me get you away from your momma before she stuffs you in her dress.” I snickered because it wasn’t too far-fetched. The ladies hugged me one by one before leaving out the door. Khalid held me from behind while I watched Ren carry my baby out of the door.
“I meant what I said! You’re only allowed two “Is he okay?” text message. I don’t want to block you, but I will,” Ren warned. She could go straight to hell with her demands. If I wanted to Facetime my baby in the middle of the night, I would.
“She won’t have her phone; don’t even worry about it. If anything happens, you can call my phone. I planned to have her occupied for the rest of the night.” His declaration caused my nipples to harden.
“Oop, say less. I love y’all. Enjoy your night, and make Khalil a sister!” She yelled out. Of course, she slammed the door before I could protest her request. Another baby was the furthest thing from my mind right now.
“Come on, love. I’m trying to show you off before I wear you out.” Khalid winked, smacking me on the butt. God, I loved this man.
five
“WelcomeHome,Bro!”Theexcitement I felt in my heart seeing my brother walk out of those gates was something I couldn’t even put into words. The days leading up to his release seemed to move slower than any other day, but here we are.
“What’s good, bro!” Law hugged me tight right there in front of my car. I tried not to let my emotions get the best of me, but this moment was something I’d been waiting on for years. Seeing my baby brother outside of these four walls was a prayer I’d kept in my heart every single day for the last four years.
“They finally let a real one free!” He exclaimed. Stepping back, I took a moment to look him over. He bulked up in muscles over the last few years, but he still looked like the same Law that used to get us in trouble.
“Pops and the family are at the house waiting for you, but I told them I had to make sure you were straight. I got you some clothes and shit at your place, but I can take you to the mall if you need me to.