Chapter 31 - Blossom #2
We all looked at each other at JJ’s insinuation but shrugged it off. My father nodded before extending his hand for JJ to shake once more. Kissing my lips and telling me he was going to get the car, he left me alone with my parents.
“I’m sorry, Dad…” I spoke instantly. “I know you love, Rowan, but I’m done with him. I never want you to choose between your children.”
“I never will.” He gave me a comforting smile.
“I accept the role I play in all this. I could have very well been a better father. I missed signs with him, and that’s on me.
I’ll visit him and do what I can from here.
However, I hate it came to this.” He dropped his head before bringing his eyes back to me.
“Are you happy with Dr. McKnight? Is he treating you right?”
“Better than any man ever has.” I smiled, causing him to do the same. “I love that man with my entire heart, Daddy.” I glanced at my mother, whose smile mirrored mine. “I’m going to get my happily ever after.”
I never want to compare JJ and TJ, but they couldn’t be more different. I felt loved, safe, and seen with JJ, and that’s all I ever wanted from my partner. The love JJ has for me is intense and obsessive, but I love every second of it.
“As long as you’re happy, I support whatever you do,” my mother stated as they both hugged me. JJ pulled up to the curb and got out to help me inside. “Make sure you call us after your appointment. It was nice meeting you, JJ. Hopefully, the families can get together soon.”
“Ehh…” He chuckled, causing me to do the same. “You’re going to meet them soon enough. Please, don’t rush it.”
Inside the truck, I took a deep breath, releasing the dread of the visit. Peering out the window, I looked on as the building began to fade into the distance, taking any lingering hurt and resentment with it.
“You okay?” JJ asked as he pulled my hand into his. “You need anything?”
“You,” I answered, causing him to grin. “All I need is you, baby.”
“Lord, my children are out here having sex! I cannot take it.” I looked on in shock as Breonna sat in the middle of the lounge, crying.
The ladies called and invited me to girls’ night, and even though I would rather be home with my man, I decided to join them while I could.
“Mama, are you serious right now?” Karlie grabbed the ultrasound and smiled.
Her eyes soften with a faraway gleam. “You think we’ve been knocking these girls in the head for no reason?
Be glad it’s JJ and not Jamari. That’s the one you really need to worry about bringing home a gutter rat.
That boy will sleep with anybody.” She handed the photos to Monique before giving her attention to me.
“Congrats, sis. I’m so happy for you. How far along? ”
“Almost three months.” I cleared my throat, avoiding eye contact as I sipped my lemonade. “The baby is fine and—”
“Three months?” Jayce frowned and looked to the girls. “Isn’t that when we were on vacation?”
“Friend was getting dicked down on an island!” Stacy raised her glass and cheered, causing me to cover my face and groan. “Sand all in her coochie!”
The table erupted in laughter as I waved her off and ignored them all. I bobbed my head to the sounds of Ella Mai. The vibe in here was so light and fun. It was exactly what I needed with everything that had happened over the last few months.
“You look happy.” Breonna grabbed my hand, giving it a firm squeeze.
“The last time you were with us, it was because of different circumstances. Has that changed? I love my baby, but I’m a woman first. You’re bringing life into this world, and you need to be happy and stress-free.
Don’t stay anywhere you’re not loved and appreciated. ”
At her words, I sat back and thought about her question.
JJ had done some harsh things, but they were never meant to hurt me.
While they were a little extreme, his actions always came from a good place.
That man loved and appreciated me in a way that made me want to submit and give him everything I had to offer.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” I smiled and assured her. “I was a little worried at first, but you and your husband did a wonderful job raising my man.”
“You know, he’s never letting you leave, right?
” Mo spoke over the rim of her martini. “The McKnight men are very intense, and they mean business. At the same time, you couldn’t have picked a better partner.
You’re part of a family that will not play with or about you.
Be prepared to leave your home or have him move in.
These are about to be the best and most chaotic days of your life. ”
“I already know.” I sighed through a laugh. “JJ has already told me to put my house on the market, as well as demanding I cut my work schedule in half. My man—"
“My man! My man! My man!” Malayah stuck her tongue out, stood from the table, and twerked. “I know that’s right! Love my cousin out loud, girl.”
What started as a simple night out amongst family and friends turned into a celebration.
With the exception of me, everyone was ordering all types of shots and cocktails.
Someone made a toast while others shed a few tears and cheered.
The ladies were truly happy about JJ and my news, and I loved that for my babies and me.
Out of nowhere, a chill ran down my spine. Looking around, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but it felt as if I was being watched. It didn’t feel like it did when I felt like I was being stalked. This just felt… different.
“You okay?” Stacy’s brows furrowed as she eyed me. “Something wrong?”
“Not at all.” I bit into my cheese stick, brushing the feeling off. “I’m good, friend.”
With the food and drinks flowing as the music blasted loudly, we were having the time of our lives.
Breonna pulled me from my seat and swayed with me to Usher crooning.
We both smiled and sang the words to “U Got It Bad” with our whole chests.
I couldn’t hide the fact that I was happy and in love if I tried.
While we were in our zone, a shadow approached and interrupted.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Everyone within earshot faced the man, with Breonna sucking her teeth and Mo mumbling something.
“My friends and I were wondering if we could join you all and buy you a few drinks. There’s no reason for such beautiful women to have to spend their evening alone. ”
Glancing over his shoulder, I noticed three additional men walking up behind him. They were all handsome with various builds and complexions, but that meant absolutely nothing to me. By the looks on the ladies’ faces, it didn’t mean anything to them either.
“While I appreciate the offer…” I grabbed Breonna’s hand to lead us back to the table. “I speak for the ladies when I say we will have to decline.”
“Are you sure?” He grabbed and placed his hand on my waist. “You can’t use a friend?”
“I really hope that’s not your dominant hand.
” I frowned, pushing it off of me. “The only thing I’m sure of is you’re going to lose it by the end of the night if you don’t scram.
” It was then that I noticed the lounge was slowly clearing out.
Letting my eyes shift with the crowd, I told the handsy stranger, “Just because you don’t see me with someone doesn’t mean I’m alone. ”
No sooner than the words left my mouth, the air around us shifted. The fun and light atmosphere now felt dark and cold as people continued to exit the lounge. I didn’t have to look around and pinpoint the reason for the shift. The men before us stiffened from fear, and I already knew why.
My crazy-ass baby daddy.
Ignoring the worried looks from the ladies, as well as the men, I resumed eating my wings. There was no way I was letting my food go to waste because my man was about to act a fool. I was going to just sit back, feed my face, and enjoy the show.
“Now, I’m not a perfect man, so I promised my girl I would work on being less of a homicidal maniac since we have a little one on the way—”
“Bebe, you know your son been out here fucking?” My eyes widened at Jaseon’s interruption. “This nigga is about to be somebody’s damn daddy.” He walked up to his wife with a shocked expression. “We’re about to be grandparents! The fuck we gon’ do with more kids?”
“Jay, please!” Breonna groaned, shaking her head as he hugged her and placed his head on her chest. This man was really distraught, and I almost choked on my chicken, cackling.
“The plan is to grow old and have grandchildren. Just think, you can beat them up since it’s obvious you don’t stand a chance against your son. ”
Slowly, he stood to his full height and turned to JJ, who was still eyeing the man who’d touched me.
Dragging his eyes back to his wife, he grabbed her hand and carefully pulled her away from the table and toward the exit.
“I’m not fucking with that crazy-ass son of yours.
I’m not even fuckin’ with his kids. Matter of fact, let’s go home and figure out a room for the littles.
I ain’t trying to piss that nigga or his demon seeds off. ”
“Don’t talk about my man and my baby!” I yelled out, causing our crew to laugh. Standing, I took one last sip of my virgin drink. “Come on, baby. Let’s go.”
“Did you touch my wife?” JJ stepped closer to the man, causing him to gulp and take one back. “Tell me my eyes deceived me.”
“Look, man, I didn’t mean no harm.” He palmed his chest before glancing over at me. “I apologize, ma’am.” He extended his hand for me to shake. “Forgive me—Ahhh!”
Shhkk!
Covering my mouth in shock, I watched as JJ removed his machete from his back and sliced the man’s right hand from his wrist with clean precision. He dropped to the floor, screaming at the top of his lungs, as blood squirted all over the place.
“Next time, keep your hands to yourself.” JJ grabbed my hand, locking his fingers into mine. “You okay? Did you have fun?”
“Yes.” I nodded, his eyes darting to my tongue as I swiped my bottom lip. “I’m better than okay. Take me home.”
“You missed me?” His voice dropped as he peered down at me with hooded eyes. “You missed Papa, baby?”
“Mhm.” I stood on my tiptoes, pulling his lips down to mine as I eased my tongue inside his mouth. I didn’t know if it was my hormones or seeing him cause someone harm for disrespecting me, but I was turned on something serious. “And I want to show you just how much.”
Grinning, he licked his lips before they spread into a smirk. Pulling me toward the exit, he shuffled me closer into his side. The way I was feeling, we weren’t going to make it out of the parking lot.
“Friend, you’re just as crazy as him,” Stacy mumbled as we made our way outside. “I’m going to pray for you because that nigga is a fuckin’ maniac!”
Laughing at Stacy’s words, I couldn’t help but agree. JJ was, in fact, a maniac, but he was mine. I knew he was a little crazy but being crazier about me is what made me love him the most.