Page 76 of Set me Free

Sevyn’s voice carried over the noise of the backyard, his plate stacked with barbecue as he balanced Gio on his hip like a natural.

Gio nodded fast, his curls bouncing. "Mowe, Unc Sevy!"

I smiled, watching as Sevyn grabbed more fresh-cut fruit from the table and popped one into Gio’s mouth, grinning when Gio clapped excitedly.

It was wild how attached my brother had gotten to my boyfriend’s son. But I wasn’t surprised. Gio wasn’t just Creed’sbaby—he was family now. And if there was one thing about the Bradshaw’s, it was that family came first. My daddy spoiled him like he was his grand baby, my grandparents loved him, even Ari, Uncle Leo and Aunt Aimee, and Sevyn? Sevyn acted like he had been waiting for years to have a nephew.

"You want ice cream next?" Sevyn asked Gio.

"Mhm!" Gio clapped, kicking his little feet.

"Bet. But don't tell your daddy I let you eat all this sugar."

I laughed. "You are literally the worst influence."

"And yet, I'm still his favorite." Sevyn smirked, holding Gio closer as the baby snuggled into him.

"That’s debatable."

"Nah," Sevyn said, glancing over at me. "I know my competition. And I ain’t worried ‘bout you."

I rolled my eyes, my smile widening. This was why I came home. For moments like this.

Was I thrilled when Sevyn informed me he was celebrating his birthday at home this year? No. Because I knew that being home, meant I was going to have to see Sienna who never missed an opportunity to celebrate her golden child.

After spending most of the afternoon outside, I slipped away from the party and went inside to grab a bottle of water.

And that’s when I saw my mama. She was standing in the kitchen, pouring a glass of wine like she hadn’t just upended my entire life two years ago.

She looked… the same. Flawless chocolate skin. Regal. Like she had just stepped off a movie set, her long silk press flowing down her back, her face freshly made up.

Her eyes lifted, meeting mine through the reflection of the floor-to-ceiling window. For a long moment, neither of us said anything, until she disrupted the natural silence around us.

“Hi Tootie.”

“Hi Mommy.” I replied taking a sip of my water.

"You look good," she said, setting her glass down.

I lifted my chin, shrugging slightly. "I know."

Her lips twitched like she wanted to smile. I didn’t give her the satisfaction.

"How long you been in town?" she asked, turning to fully face me.

"Since yesterday."

"And you weren’t going to call me?"

I crossed my arms. "You were expecting me to?"

Sienna sighed, running a hand over her perfectly tailored blouse, like she was mentally preparing herself for this conversation.

"Serenity… can we just talk?"

I exhaled, setting my water bottle down and leaning against the kitchen island. "Okay Mommy, talk."

Sienna took a deep breath, stepping closer. "I know I hurt you."

---