Page 40 of Still Forever
Outside, there was a black truck waiting. When he pulled open the door, Zo was sitting in the driver's seat.
“Welcome home,” he said as he looked in the rearview mirror, smiling at me.
“It’s good to be back,” I laughed.
For most of the ride, I just lay on Jaxon’s chest and soaked in the moment. Then I turned to him and picked up my purse.
“What happened with you and Remy?” I questioned.
“I found a way to get out of the deal. That’s done.” He didn’t elaborate and just kissed my temple.
“Are you sure? I don’t want the rug pulled from under me while I’m planning a wedding.” I chuckled.
“Positive. You can have all the unreasonable ass shit you want. Ice sculptures, five-tier cake, all that.” My mouth fell when I realized that he remembered.
“Besides, I think I know somebody who’s holding Remy down.” He said loud enough for Zo to hear. Zo glanced in the mirror but didn’t confirm and definitely didn’t deny.
“I knew itttt!” I said as I hit his shoulder, making him laugh. But still he said nothing.
I reached inside my purse. “I’m glad that you handled that. I would have hated to have to raise our child on my own.”
Revealing the two sticks that I had taken two days ago when I realized that I missed my period. Finding out that I was pregnant was the reason why I could barely sleep the other night.
He took the tests from me and looked at the results of them. I guess that night he broke into my house, his promise to always come back for me manifested in more ways than one. He almost snatched me into his lap as he held me.
“I’m doing everything right this time, KD. I promise you.” He said into my ear.
When we made it through the estate, I was surprised to find everyone outside. My parents included. There was smoke coming from the grill on the back, and a mixture of congratulations and welcome home signs was displayed.
I cried again. These damn hormones.
As soon as I saw Storm, I playfully rolled my eyes at her. There I was, distraught and crying, and she was pretending to console me but really walking around eating corn on the cob.
“I guess you’re not the only one who can keep a secret,” she said as she reached for my hand. “Looks even better on you.”
Jaxon had already told everyone there that he was planning to propose. They swarmed around me, offering hugs and well-wishes, and saying congratulations. My father hugged me so tight that just the embrace itself made me feel loved.
“I’m happy for you, baby girl. I can’t wait to walk you down the aisle.” He whispered.
“Thank you, Daddy.”
My mother came over to me, kissed my forehead, and held me. I was surprised that I let her. But for whatever reason, I felt lighter. I needed that moment from her, too.
She pulled me away from her, her hands firm on my arms as she looked me in the eye.
“I’m sorry. I’ve seen the love Jaxon has for you in real time, and that’s enough to shut me up for life. You have my word.” She kissed my cheek, leaving lipstick on my face.
Trouble hugged us both. “If you leave again, Shorty, your nigga will be homeless. Cause I’ma demote him so fucking fast if he thinks he’s going to be moving wild again.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I learned my lesson, too,” I laughed.
Amar and my father cooked on the grill. The smell of charcoal and mojo filled the air. Then Jaxon brought me a plate of the best ribs that I had ever had. The day felt like a big family reunion. Zo and Judah were arguing over someone who had reneged on the spades game. My godson was having the time of his life on the small trampoline. Cupcake was splashing in a kiddie pool with a chicken bone, courtesy of Ms. Meena. Life was good.
Although I fought with the idea, it felt like the perfect occasion to give them the news.
“I have something I want to tell y’all,” I said as I nibbled from my plate.
Everyone’s eyes fell on me. “I’m pregnant.” The entire outdoors fell silent. Trouble and Storm were the only two who smiled because they knew he had broken orders and came to see me last month.
