Page 25 of Finding You

“Damn, man. I can’t believe you haven’t said anything.” He pounded Zion on the shoulder, then squeezed. “But congratulations, dude. The babies are beautiful… like their mother,” he said, and shuffled away before Zion could punch him.

“I’m just messing with you. I would ask how you’re holding up, but I can see you don’t look so good. Let’s go get that drink. Wanna ride with me in case you get shit faced?”

“Nah, I don’t need a ride, but thanks. I’ll have a beer with you, and then I’m heading home. Gotta lot to think about.”

“Look at you. You’re already turning into an old married man with kids, trying to get home before the wifey gets mad.”

“Man,shut upand go. I’ll meet you there.”

When he climbed into his truck, he shot off a text to his father, letting him know about the results and promising to call him later. Zion wasn’t ready to talk to his mother but knew his father would fill her in. The last thing he needed to hear from her was,“I told you so”or“I want the babies and Raven to stay in Chicago. Make it happen.”

Knowing Virginia Priestly, she was already planning the wedding that might never happen. But Zion would be in agreement about one thing. He wanted Raven to stay in Chicago. It had sounded like she was leaning that way anyway, but he wanted to make sure. He had no intention of being a part-time dad like some of the guys he worked with. Many were divorced and only saw their kids every other week.

Nope. Not him. He wanted to see them and their mother every day.

As Zion headed to the pub, he thought about what Lynix said. Married. He couldn’t say if he was ready for that, but if he ever got to that point, Raven would definitely be his choice. He couldn’t explain it, but from the moment they met, he was drawn to her. Even after their disagreement the other night, it hadn’t deterred him from wanting to be with her.

He could admit that she now seemed a little more serious than she’d been in Vegas, but it would be his guess that having kids could do that to you. Especially two at the same time. He still didn’t know how she managed that without losing her mind, but her strength and fortitude made her even more appealing.

Yeah, he liked her enough to entertain the idea of being with her all the time. He liked everything about her, and the fact that she was the mother of his kids was a bonus.

My kids.

I’m a daddy.

Zion wasn’t sure when that was going to sink in, but maybe if he told it to himself enough, it finally would.

Chapter Twelve

Afew hours later, Zion pulled up to his one-story brick home, surprised to see not only his dad’s truck in the driveway, but also his sister Dorian’s old Jeep. Essence, his oldest sister, was also there, her Honda Accord parked behind Dorian’s vehicle.

What the heck were they all doing there?

Zion had planned to be home hours ago, but one beer had turned into two beers, potato skins, buffalo wings, several games of pool, and a game of darts. It had been awhile since he’d hung out at the bar, and even longer since he had played any bar games. He hadn’t missed the activities over the past year, but he could admit it felt good to blow off steam, talk trash, and have a few laughs with the guys.

Zion lifted his arm and pushed the button in the truck that would open his garage. As he pulled forward, he glanced into his family’s vehicles, noting neither of them were sitting inside. His parents had a key to his house, but it was only for emergencies. So what was up?

He pulled into the garage, closed the overhead door, and then he heard Onyx inside the house barking. When Zion finally entered, his dog was beyond excited to see him.

This never gets old.

He had adopted the boxer when the dog was six weeks old. That had been three years ago.

“What’s up, boy?” Zion said, giving the dog a good rub down. He chuckled at the way Onyx was trembling all over with excitement, his tail wagging a mile a minute. He was definitely worked up. “I have a feeling you’re not just excited to see me. Seems like you have company.”

Just then, Zion’s mother and father strolled into the kitchen.

“Congratulations, baby,” his mother said, a huge smile on her face as she approached him with her arms outstretched. “Even though I already knew you were the father of the twins, I’m glad you received the confirmation you needed.”

Zion held her close, soaking up the love that always came through her hugs. “Thanks, Mom.” He glanced over her head at his father who gave him a head nod. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Your mother insisted,” was all his father said and turned back to the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

“I have a surprise for you.” She slipped her arm through his and dragged him along behind his father. “Just keep an open mind and don’t be mad.”

Zion grumbled under his breath. Those words were never good to hear, especially when they came from her. It was safe to say he was going to be mad at whatever she was up to.

“What have you done?” he asked, trying to keep an open mind like she requested. Whatever was going on, Onyx was thrilled. The pooch trotted ahead, but kept stopping every few inches to glance back and make sure Zion was following.

---