Chapter 32 - Jaseon Jr #2
While listening to the Doc talk about how I needed to work on my language, my mind drifted to Blossom.
Not only was I doing this for me, but I was doing this for her and our baby.
I wanted to make them proud of me in every way.
With that, I knew I was going to have to talk with Marshall and my dad about some of the things we had going on.
I loved them, but the family I was creating would come first now.
If that meant I had to step back from the crew and our illegal dealings, then so be it.
Standing near the window in my father’s sunroom, I closed my eyes and took in the sun’s warmth.
My body hummed with anticipation of where my life was headed.
The new position in my career and my journey into fatherhood were going to change me in ways I never thought possible.
Throughout it all, I’d have Blossom at my side, loving and supporting me.
Life doesn’t get any better than this.
Feeling a presence enter the room, I glanced over my shoulder and locked eyes with my dad.
Once I told my parents about the promotion, my mother was already in party planning mode.
Now that it was official, the celebrating was in full swing.
No matter how old we got, Breonna McKnight was going to have a party to celebrate our wins and losses. I loved her so much for that.
“You okay, son?” Pops walked up and patted my shoulder. “Something wrong?”
“Nah.” I shook my head, still gazing out of the window.
The sun was reflecting off Lake Monroe, and it was beautiful.
“Just thinking about the changes I’m going through.
To be honest, I’m a little nervous.” I watched as he folded his arms and gave me his full attention.
“I don’t want to mess up with Blossom or my kid. I can be a little… too much at times.”
I’d admit that while I was ready and excited for the new chapter in my life, I was worried that I’d be stuck when it came to making the best decisions. Everything I did was with my family in mind, and I never wanted to let them down.
“Let me be real with you for a second.” He kept his eyes on me as he spoke.
“There’s no playbook on how to navigate life.
You’re going to fuck up, and you’re going to do a lot of shit that you could’ve handled differently.
One thing I know for sure is that you’re going to be the best father to your child.
Know how I know?” I shook my head no. “Let me show you.”
Turning on his heels, he walked out of the room with me following.
As we strolled down the hallway, multiple photos from our childhood littered the walls.
From birthday parties to school events, my parents never missed a beat on any of our milestones, whether big or small. I wanted to be the same way for mine.
“You see them…” He pointed to the far corner of the living room.
All of our family was scattered about, while their laughter sounded over the music.
Following my dad’s finger, I couldn’t help but grin at the sight of my mother, Blossom, and her mother, giggling in the corner like schoolgirls.
When my parents told me to come over today, they told me to invite the Reids too.
The way my mother latched on to Blossom and loved her meant the world to me.
“Those two ladies won’t let you be anything but great.
Shit, look at me. I fucked up so many times with y’all—”
“Nah.” I cut him off, throwing my arm over his shoulder.
“You’re the best father any of us could ever have.
Yeah, you provided food and shelter, but what we really appreciate is the love you gave us.
You were the perfect role model. You were, and still are, our hero.
If I can be a fraction of the husband and father you are, I know I’ll be okay. ”
Only his wife and children could make Jaseon McKnight emotional, and the tears welling in his eyes were a testament to that.
Pulling me into his arms, he kissed my temple and patted me on the back.
I may kid and give my dad a hard time, but he meant the world to me.
My baby couldn’t have wished for a better grandparent.
“I know damn well you ain’t over here hugging this nigga because he’s having a baby.” Jamari walked over and frowned. “If all it takes is knocking somebody up to get some love—”
“Jamari, get the fuck out of my face, boy.” My father frowned as he pulled away from me. “If you want some love, bring your ass here.”
Wrapping his arm around Jamari’s neck, Pops placed him in a headlock before they both fell to the floor.
I folded my arms across my chest, stepped back, and watched them do their thing.
Granted, I could have tagged myself in and helped Jamari out, but that little nigga needed to be roughed up every now and then.
Seeing him get the best of my dad, I grinned when Uncle Amir came over like he was about to do something.
“I love you, Unc, but if you put your hands on my brother, I’m going to have to do you in.”
“I am so sick and tired of y’all horseplaying in my damn house!” my mother yelled as she ran over with a frying pan. “Take y’all asses outside! Jay, let my damn boy loose!”
“Bebe, you’re supposed to be on my side.” My father huffed as he got up off the floor, pushing Jamari’s hand when he reached up for help. “You gon’ really choose these damn kids over me?”
Rolling her eyes at him, she walked away from him, causing him to follow behind her like a sad child. I looked on as he pulled her into his arms and kissed all over her face, making her blush. The shit was disgusting.
“Your parents are so cute.” Blossom wrapped her arms around my waist after sneaking up behind me. “I pray we have happiness like that.”
“You can bet on it,” I assured her, kissing her nose. “Are you feeling okay? Is this too much for you?”
Placing my hand on her small belly, I was amazed at how much it had grown since she told me we were expecting.
It was as if one day she was flat as an iron board, and the next, she looked like she swallowed a melon.
She was getting bigger with each growing day, and I loved it.
I was here to cater to her every need with no questions asked.
“I’m more than okay.” She peered up at me, and I saw all the love in her eyes.
“I’m so happy your parents invited mine.
With everything that’s happened, they needed to be surrounded with love and happiness.
” She nodded toward Governor Reid, who beamed as he spoke to Jaxson.
“Jax is going to have to get a restraining order on my father before it’s all said and done. He’s a true Reapers fan.”
As I was about to respond to her, I took note of Karlie coming back into the living room with Marshall behind her. Her puffy eyes instantly put me on alert. Blossom caught on to my sudden mood change and followed my line of vision.
“You know she’s an adult, right?” Blossom grabbed my chin, pulling my lips to meet hers. “Don’t make a fuss today. We’re here to celebrate you, to celebrate us.”
“Baby—”
“No, you listen to me…” she fussed. “I will never betray her trust, but I swear to you, nothing is going on with them. He’s just a friend, and she needs one, JJ. Please, baby. Leave her alone.”
Clenching my jaw, I gave her a curt nod before kissing her cheek.
I heard what Blossom said, but I still needed to have a word with Marshall.
I watched her sigh heavily before she walked back into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.
Once she was conversing with my mama, I turned to go find my friend.
She would probably get on me about doing the opposite of what she asked later, but I knew a few ways to get us back on the same page.
“My man…” Marshall grinned as I stepped onto the back patio. He’d joined my dad and uncles for a smoke session. “Congratulations on the baby and promotion. You’re growing up on me.”
“Whatever, nigga.” I pushed him off once he tried to hug me. “I appreciate it, but…” I lit fire to my own blunt, inhaling deeply before blowing out a smoke cloud. “You want to tell me what’s going on with you and Karlie?”
Nodding, he pulled from his cigar, eyes never leaving mine.
“I respect you because you’re my brother, JJ.
Know that I’m a grown-ass man, and I move like one.
If there was something going on with me and your sister, I’d tell you.
And check this…” He turned his head slightly, exhaling his own fumes.
“If it ever came down to it, I’d never ask permission.
I’d deal with the consequences, standing ten toes, on pissing y’all niggas off.
I just been checking on her mental with what’s happened. That’s all. You have my word.”
Saying nothing, we stared at each other with an understanding. I wasn’t going to push the issue, but I was for sure going to keep my eyes on them. I didn’t want to hear that “grown” shit when it came to my sister. For now, I would leave well enough alone.
“Since both of y’all are out here, I wanted to have a word.
” My father walked over, oblivious to the conversation seconds prior.
“With the spots being shut down in Willow Springs, I’ve been talking to Mitch and Amir about it being permanent.
We have more than enough money from the casino, stocks, and other business shit.
We’re getting too old for that shit, and now that I’m going to be a grandpappy…
” I chuckled at the smile he flashed. “I don’t want nothing getting in the way of me growing old to see my kids raise theirs. Marshall, if I need to buy myself out—”
“You good.” He waved my father off. “We can sit and talk about the logistics later.” He placed his cigar at his lips but paused, eyeing me. “What about you? You still my right hand?”
“Always.” I dapped him up. “However, I want to scale it back. Y’all are my family, and I always got your backs. Blossom is my family, too, now. She and the one we’ve created will always come first.”
Nothing else needed to be said as the fellas nodded.
These were my people, and I was honest about always riding for them, allowing Slash to appear when needed.
But I had to move smarter. I had promised my girl I would always come home to her and our kids, and I’ll be damned if I didn’t keep it.
She was my reason, and nothing would come in the way of that.