Page 197 of Rose
Ahzii gave a small, shaky chuckle. Sarai had always been able to slip humor into the cracks of her pain, make her laugh when she thought she’d forgotten how.
When they pulled apart, Sarai brushed her thumb over Ahzii’s damp cheek.
“I’m scared,” Ahzii admitted, her voice trembling. “Savior’s still out… and I’m pregnant. I keep thinking about my daughter. There’s a baby growing inside me, but the one I was supposed to have didn’t make it. What if history repeats itself? Or worse… what if I lose both Savior and this baby?”
Her words began to tumble out faster, panic swelling, but Sarai cut in before she could spiral further.
“Zii, none of that is going to happen. I know it’s terrifying right now, but history won’t repeat itself. Savior is going to wake his big-headed ass up, and you’re going to push his big-headed ass son out in nine months.”
Ahzii shook her head, a laugh slipping out through the tears.
Sarai’s voice softened, her words taking root. “Willow’s looking down, proud of the woman you are today. She knows you would have been an incredible mother, and you will be one now. That’s why she gave you a second chance through this baby.”
Ahzii nodded, trying to hold on to her words like a lifeline.
“Now eat,” Sarai ordered, sliding the bag toward her, “before I stuff it down your throat myself.”
Ahzii cracked a smile, opening the container. “How do you even know it’s a boy? This baby ain’t formed one finger yet. They don’t even have a head.”
“I’m hoping for a girl, but I won’t be surprised if it’s a boy. Women are rare in my family. My dad always told me I was the golden child because I was a girl. I’m literally the only girl in my family besides Olivia. and she’s not even blood. All my cousins are boys.”
Ahzii’s eyes widened. “Damn… seriously?”
Sarai nodded, grabbing a piece of bacon off her plate. “Yeah. That’s how I got the name Gold.”
“That makes sense,” Ahzii said, piecing it together. “I always wondered where it came from. Thought it was just because of your restaurant.”
“Nope. So that little bean cooking in there? Nine times out of ten, a boy.”
Ahzii shook her head, laughing.
Sarai glanced at her watch. “I have to get back to the restaurant, but Kyre and Maz said they’re coming on their lunch break. Aunt Marley, Ms. Bianca, and my mom will be here tonight.”
Selene had been coming every day. Watching Savior fight to hold on had shifted something in her. Life was too short to keep pride as armor, and she’d apologized to Ahzii for everything she’d said and done. They were working toward something likea relationship. Ahzii still wouldn’t trust her as far as she could throw her, but it was a start.
Sarai leaned down, hugging her again before pressing a kiss to Savior’s forehead. “Wake up, ugly-ass nigga. You’ve got a family to take care of.”
Ahzii laughed through her tears. “You’re right, but lay off my baby daddy.”
Sarai grinned. “I love you, Ahzii.”
“I love you too, Gold.”
“Now eat!” she demanded, heading for the door.
Ahzii was still smiling as it closed behind her.
Even though she needed to eat, the food sat untouched, her body moved on its own, straight to Savior’s bedside.
“Hey, baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she looked over him. His chest rose and fell, steady but silent, the machines humming like a cruel lullaby. She tried to hold back the tears, but one slipped free.
“I know you’re resting… but I need you. We need you.”
Her fingers curled around his, guiding his hand to rest against her stomach where their baby now grew. She held it there, eyes falling shut.
“Dear Lord,” she began, her voice barely above a breath. “I come to you humbly… asking you to bring Savior back to me. I love him. You know I do. And although our story didn’t begin perfectly, please don’t let it end like this.”
Her tears fell faster, soaking his skin.
