Page 129 of Malachi

“As soon as I think I’m coming to find you and get our shit back, I just… I just think about the things I said to you. The way I treated you. I can’t help feeling like you might be better off without me. You saw a side of me I didn’t even recognize. I used to think it didn’t get any better than me but baby, I’ve been humbled.

“When you’re walking alongside an angel, it gets no better than her. It gets no better than you. You’re not the winner, I was. And I fucked over my prize. I let greed and grief and revenge turn me into a monster. I can’t—I still can’t believe myself. Even if shit never gets back right, I just wanted to tell you I apologize.”

“Apology accepted,” I choked out, unable to control the sobs coming from my body.

“Don’t cry ’bout me no more, Aeir. Wipe your pretty face, Mommas.”

“Where will you meet me?”

“I’ll let you know in a minute. We’re almost finished here.”

“Okay.”

“Have you been to the doctor?”

“Yes. I went the other day.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.”

“Can you add me to your calendar? I don’t want to miss another appointment. I know shit hectic, but you’re not doing this alone. I’m here.”

“I know. I will add you. The next appointment is next month on the twentieth at ten.”

“I’ll be there. Just send me the address.”

“We’re having a boy,” I revealed.

Pausing for a brief second, Malachi nodded his head, still unable to face the camera.

“That’s incredible, my love. That’s incredible. You’re incredible, Aeir. You’re going to be a hell of a boy mom.” He smirked.

“I should go now. You don’t have to bring Aussie with anything. I have everything she needs here. I’ll be waiting on the location.”

“Alright.”

He ended the call without another word, leaving me in shambles. Unable to pick myself up off the floor I slid down on, I leaned against it. It wasn’t until I heard small fists banging against the door that I was given the strength to pull myself up.

Aussie?

“Mommy!” she screamed from the other side of the door, letting me know it was indeed her trying to gain access.

I opened the door to find her standing with a bag from Rankings in her hand.

“Here, Mommy. Daddy got you some food.”

I accepted the bag and stepped aside so she could come inside.

“Can I watch TV, Mommy?”

“Yes. The first room is mine. You can watch TV in there. I’m right behind you.”

I let the door close behind us. Malachi’s scent tickled my nostrils. When I turned, I found him standing between the door and the frame, stopping it from closing.

“Malachi, what are you doing?”

“We’re a package deal, Aeir. There’s no Aussie without Malachi. It’s how we rock. You take one, you take both.”

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