Page 12 of Love Me Now: Adrian & Kwamé
Adrian shook his head. “Really, baby? I just fed yo’ ass three hours ago.”
Disappointed, Russ mimicked Adrian and shook his head. Before I could say anything, he said, “In case you forgot, she’s pregnant, nigga. Feed her whenever she wants to be fed.”
“Exactly,” I seconded.
“Oh, shit. You right.” Adrian kissed my lips. “My fault, lil’ baby.”
“I’ll let it slide this time,” I joked.
We left out of Adrian’s office and made our way back through the maze of Dr. Bell & Associates. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded working there. Having my brother, sister-in-law, and countless family at my fingertips felt so much like a dream. Back in Atlanta, there was so much loneliness in the life I lived. Being on the go at the drop of the hat masked my loneliness. I hadn’t felt that loneliness since stepping foot back on the farm.
Plus, Jessie needed every single one of these people. I wanted her to have the upbringing that instilled the value of family within her. Through Antonias’s relationships with the Bells, Jessie had cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends who would never play about her. Just the thought gave me confirmation that being back here was where we belonged.
Onthebacklawnof One Bell Place, Jessie had Adrian running behind her all over the damn yard. Amused, Russ sat off to the side, not lifting a finger to help. I was sure he felt vindicated because Jessie was giving Adrian a run for his money.
Lunch went from being just a few Bells, to the whole family gathering for the impromptu meal. Gion and Margarite even showed up. They were across the yard with the elder Bells, having drinks and playing cards. This wasn’t a special occasion. However, it surely felt like it.
Auntie Maddie waddled over to where Bianca, Coco, and I sat. She lowered herself onto the bench and sighed heavily.
“You look beautiful,” I told her.
She glared at me. “I feel like I’m carrying a walrus.”
The three of us burst out laughing.
“I’m surprised I wasn’t showing sooner,” she mentioned. “I was supposed to announce the baby on Christmas. That didn’t go as planned. Baby, the way I had to hurry and spill the beans because this baby is growing like it’s more than one in there.”
Giggling, I Coco said, “Well, you’re carrying the baby well.”
Coco was one to talk. I, for one, had a strong hunch that she was pregnant again. She hadn’t drank the first mimosa, and she’d hardly touched her food. Observing the way she grimaced whenever she looked at a plate of food, she was at the toughest stage of her pregnancy. Nausea was hell, and I was glad to be over that shit.
“I’m carrying well because that man over there,” Maddie stated, bringing me out of my thoughts. All of our eyes followed her eyes to Cooley, who was in a huddle with Adir, Alli, Dothan, and Noa. They were ragging on Adrian running after Jessie yet again. I chuckled.
“He’s so funny and sweet,” I said while gazing across the yard.
Bianca’s head whipped around. “Who’s so funny and sweet?”
“Adrian,” I answered.
Her face looked like she smelled something foul. “Girl, I’venevermentioned funny and sweet in the same sentence as my brother. That man is mean as hell.”
I cackled at Bianca’s assessment of Adrian. He could be a tad mean at times.
“Remember how he had you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes?”
I giggled hard, recalling the day Adrian and I reconnected. “Well, he was trying to see you.”
“And he just banned you from spa days,” Coco added.
“Should I hold either of those things against him?” I asked jokingly.
“Hell, yeah!” Bianca responded, and I snickered because she was serious as hell.
“He means well.” Changing the subject back to Maddie, I said, “Cooley’s treating you so well, you’re literally glowing just looking at him.”
Maddie beamed with pride. “That’s my baby,” she gushed.
“Do you think you’ll have another baby?” Bianca asked.
