Chapter 22
Three Months Later
As I gazed into baby Jaeden's face, I couldn't help the tears that flowed from my eyes.
He looked just like his father. The only thing he got from me was my eye color.
It made no sense how much father and son looked alike.
Jamari was over the moon with happiness.
He stayed by my side the entire time when I went into labor.
What had me scared was that Jaeden came a few weeks early.
I tried not to let it get to me, but when I saw him, and I knew he was healthy, I felt better.
I went into labor at my mother's house, where we had a family dinner.
It felt good seeing my parents together.
They appeared to be happy with each other. I loved that for them.
"He looks just like me," Jamari whispered as he stroked my hair from my face.
I nodded as my lips trembled. "He does. The bad thing about that is I didn't hate you. So, why does he look like you?"
He laughed. "Good genes, baby."
I rolled my eyes skyward. "Do you want to hold him?"
Jamari nodded and sat on the edge of the bed.
I placed Jaeden in his arms, and he opened his eyes.
Father and son stared at each other. I wish I could freeze this time right here.
It meant everything to me. I had the two most important people in my life in the same room with me.
I reached for my phone and took a picture of the two of them.
"This moment right here means everything to me," Jamari affirmed.
He lifted his head and stared at me. I could see the tears in his eyes. That had me wanting to cry again, but I had to suck it up.
"You gave me something I never thought I needed until I stared my son in his face. Thanks, Chy. I never thought my life would change the way that it did. It hasn't even taken a year, and it's all because of you."
I bit down on my bottom lip to keep the sob in my mouth. "Aww, please stop." I sniffed.
Jamari shook his head. "Nah, I'm not going to.
You need to hear this. You brought so much light into my life with your love and smile.
I appreciate you so much. Without you, I don't know where I'd be.
Not only have you changed my life, but you've changed my siblings' lives as well.
They love you as much as I do. No other person has come into my life and changed it the way you did.
I love you, Chy, with all of me. The person you are can brighten up anyone's day.
I'm just happy to be the man you chose to shine your love on.
Without it, my life would be dull and gloomy. Thank you."
I sobbed as I stared at Jamari, the man who's in my life. The man who turned my life around. "Aww, Jamari. I don't know what to say."
He shook his head. "For right now, you don't have to say anything. Just keep being the person you are."
I nodded through my tears. "I sure will. You're welcome, and I love you so much more."
After we took turns holding Jaeden, the nurse came in and got him to run tests. Jamari climbed into bed and held me. It felt great being with him.
"I'm glad your moms agreed to watch Rylie and Zach for me. They should be coming up here soon."
I nodded. "Yeah, I need to let her know I delivered the baby. But right now, I just want to chill with you."
He hugged me tighter. "I know, and I feel the same way. Chy?"
"Hmm?" My eyes were nearly closed. Tiredness enveloped me out of the blue. I was exhausted from being in labor for six hours.
"Marry me," Jamari whispered.
I smiled as more tears gathered in my eyes. "I will. I love you more than my next breath, Jamari. You mean so much to me. I will be honored to be your wife. I'd continue to shine my love on you."
I turned my head to the side and locked lips with him. The kiss we shared caused me to shudder against him, and he groaned in my mouth.
Jamari pulled away from me. "You're about to mess around and get pregnant again."
I giggled. "I'm here for it. Jaeden won't be the only child. Just say when."
"When."
We burst out laughing and talked until I fell asleep on him.
One thing I could say is that I am happy and blessed to have the family I have.
Being with Jamari was a blessing in itself.
His siblings were an added bonus, but with our son, the addition to our family, my heart was full.
I was as happy as I could be, and I could only thank God.
Who knew I'd be here? But look at me now.
I was here, with a family I could call my own. I loved that for me.
The End