Page 157 of Set me Free

Arielle sighed, placing her pen down on the desk. "Serenity, I get why you’re upset. He should’ve talked to you first, I agreewith that. But you know how he is about Gio. He’s doing what he thinks is best for his son. This is not worth you icing him out."

I huffed, slumping back into my seat. "It’s just… I feel like he’s always doing some stupid shit when it comes to Gianna."

Ari smirked. "And you don’t do stupid shit when it comes to him?"

I narrowed my eyes, ignoring that statement. "Anyway, let’s sign these damn papers so I can get out of here. My daddy called me earlier talking about some damn family meeting or something."

Ari handed me the folder. "Standard agreement—if anything happens, y’all both leave with what you came with, community property is split evenly. No surprises."

I flipped through the pages, feeling a little bitter as I signed my name. Post-nups. Prenups. Shit like this made it feel like a time stamp was on the marriage.

"You okay?" Ari asked.

“I’m good.” I glanced up and noticed she looked a little off—her skin was paler than usual, and there was a subtle sheen of sweat on her forehead. "You look sick," I noted. "Are you good?"

Ari exhaled deeply. "You can’t tell anybody Tootie, not even Creed.

“I’m not even talkin to that nigga, I ain’t tellin him shit.”

“I’m pregnant."

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

She gave me a small smile. "I just found out a few days ago. You’re literally the first person I’m telling."

I gasped, grinning instantly. "Ari! Oh my God!" She laughed as I ran around the desk to hug her tightly. "You’re gonna be a mama again!"

"Yeah, yeah, just keep it between us for now, okay?"

I pulled back, smirking. "You’re not even showing yet. I got at least three more months before I can start sending ‘Favorite Auntie’ onesies to the house.”

Ari laughed, shaking her head. "Let me break the news to Brodie first, okay?"

I sighed dramatically. "Fine."

After having a late lunch with Arielle after our meeting, I ended up sitting in the pickup line for the kids. Giovanni was the first to come out jumping into the car so we could wait for his sister.

“Hi Mama Ren.”

“Hi baby. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes. I had a green star day today.”

“Good job baby, I gotta stop at Glammy Si and Papa Lenox’s house, but afterwards we’ll get you a snack okay?”

“My mommy used to stop and get me snacks all the time.” He replied and as I looked into the rearview mirror, I could see a sadness in his eyes. “I miss my mommy, Mama Ren.”

“I know you do baby.” I replied feeling bad about being so mad.

I knew Gio missed his mom, knew he needed to see her as much as she probably wanted to see him. I couldn’t stand Gianna, but I couldn’t imagine what she was dealing with sitting behind bars unable to access her child as easily as she was used to. Even when he would be in Phoenix, Gianna was just a phone call away.

Before we could continue our conversation, Cree hopped into the car, throwing her backpack on the floor in front of her seat.

“Hi Mommy.”

“Hi, my beautiful girl. Did you have a good day?”

“Yes ma’am.”

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