Page 109 of Set me Free

SERENITY

It had been one month since Cree was born, and life in Phoenix had been a rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and overwhelming love. Adjusting to motherhood was easier than I expected—probably because Creed was so hands-on. He was there for everything, never missing a feeding, never hesitating to change a diaper, always making sure I had everything I needed.

And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel… comfortable. Too comfortable.

That was the problem.

I’d let myself slip back into this space where Creed and I felt like we were a unit again. But we weren’t. I had to remind myself of that.

I sat in the living room, gently rocking Cree in my arms when I heard the front door open. I knew immediately who it was, and my stomach twisted in nervous anticipation.

"Gio! Wait, slow down, baby!"

That was Tasha’s voice, followed by the sound of small feet pattering against the hardwood floors. I barely had time toprocess before a tiny figure came into view, stopping abruptly just a few feet away from me.

I hadn’t seen Giovanni in months—not in person, at least. I’d only caught glimpses of him in FaceTime calls and videos Creed sent me. And now, standing in front of me in his little Nike sweatsuit, his hair freshly braided in six single plaits, I could tell how much he had grown.

He was taller now. A little stockier. His face was filling out more, looking less like a baby and more like a little boy. But his big brown eyes—the ones that always melted me—were the same.

He stared at me, his small face scrunching in confusion. I knew this would be an adjustment. It had been months since I was a regular presence in his life. I wasn’t sure if he even remembered me enough to know how much I loved him. Kids his age either fucked with you or they didn’t, period. I just hoped that he remembered after all this time that I was somebody he rocked with.

"Hey, baby," I said softly, my voice thick with emotion.

He didn’t respond. He just stood there. Frozen. Thinking. Processing. Then, his gaze dropped to the bundle in my arms.

"Who dat?" he finally asked, his voice small.

I smiled. "Come here, baby, I’ll introduce you."

He hesitated, rocking on his feet before glancing over his shoulder toward Creed, who had just entered the house. Creed gave him a reassuring nod, and after a second, Gio walked toward me cautiously.

My heart swelled when he got close enough for me to run my fingers through his braids, gently cupping his chubby cheek.

"You remember me, don’t you?" I asked softly.

His little brow furrowed. "‘Renity?" he asked hesitantly.

I felt my throat tighten, but I forced myself to nod, smiling through the emotion. "That’s right, baby," I whispered. "It’s me."

His small hands reached for my arm, touching me like he was making sure I was real. Then, suddenly—he smiled. A slow, big, beautiful smile that brought tears to my eyes. I barely had time to react before he climbed into my lap, wrapping his tiny arms around my waist.

I let out a shaky breath, holding him tightly, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill. I missed him so much.

He pulled back just enough to look at Cree again. "She sweepin’?" he whispered.

"Yeah, baby," I murmured. "You wanna meet her?" He nodded excitedly, suddenly forgetting all the hesitancy from before. I carefully adjusted so he could get a better view of her face. His little mouth parted in awe. "A baby," he whispered, his chubby fingers reaching toward her, but stopping just short of touching her.

I smiled. "Yeah, she is."

He turned to look at me, his eyes full of pure, unfiltered love. "She mine?"

I giggled, tucking a braid behind his ear. "She’s your baby sister," I told him. "That means she’s yours to protect. You gotta be her big brother forever and ever."

His face lit up with pride, and he nodded hard. "I protec’ her!" he declared.

I glanced up at Creed, who was watching the moment with a soft smile. He looked proud. Emotional. He stepped forward, rubbing Gio’s head.

"You love her already?" he asked.

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