18. Epilogue
Epilogue
A year later
This past year has definitely been one for the books.
Gabe and I’s relationship has been doing great, and that meant more to me than anything else.
He’s not throwing his self into his work anymore and I stepped off of his neck.
After some searching, I understood his plight, and I ended up apologizing again.
His business with Gary has flourished, and they even hired more drivers so that the both of them could be home more.
As a result, he and Shannon are on baby number two.
Tonight we were hosting a small New Year’s get together for our family.
I’ve been in the kitchen most of the morning preparing because I refused to let anyone come early and help me.
Thank God Gabe was home to lend a hand when I needed it.
I had just gotten finished taking my shower and getting dressed when Gabe walked inside of the room with our three-month-old son, Garrison.
I let them keep their little tradition of naming their children after each other.
Garrison wasn’t a bad name, so I could live with it.
“I was just coming to get him so you could shower,” I said, taking the baby from Gabe’s arms.
“It’s cool. Me and the lil’ homie was just kickin’ it until his little ass spit up on me.”
“You probably were holding him up in the air like I asked you a million times not to do. You must like it when he throws up on you,” I teased.
“It’s all good. It’s his mama’s good ass titty milk, so we’re straight.” He placed a kiss on my lips and headed inside of our ensuite bathroom to start his shower.
“Come on, mommy’s man. Let Daddy wash his stinky butt.” I gathered my baby and took him into his room to get him cleaned up before our guests got here.
Forty-five minutes later, Gabe was dressed, and our guests were finally arriving. Gary and Shannon were the first to show up, with Gabrielle in tow.
“Happy New Year, sis,” Gary spoke after slapping hands with Gabe.
“Same to you. Look at you,” I cooed, rubbing Shannon’s round belly.
“Girl. I can’t wait for this lil’ boy to get his ass out of here.” She pouted.
“Don’t be talking about my boy like that. Let him live,” Gary interjected.
We all were headed back to the family room when there was another ring at the door.
“I’ll get it,” Gabe offered, swaggering past me and to our front door.
I heard the voices and immediately knew it was his parents.
They followed Gabe into the family room and spoke to everyone and issued out hugs.
His mother came straight for the baby while his father picked up Gabrielle.
I went to get some wine for everyone. On the way back, someone was at the door again.
This time, I stopped by on my way to let see who it was.
Opening the door, I saw my sister, along with my parents.
Of course, Chiquita had a bottle in her hand.
“Happy New Year,” Chiquita squealed.
“Happy New Year, crazy girl.” I laughed.
“Hey, baby girl,” my father spoke, pulling me into a hug.
“Hey, Daddy. Ma, you look fabulous.” My mother had a rough couple of months, but she was now back to her former self. We worried about her, but she came through victoriously.
“I know, right,” she gloated.
I escorted everyone back into the family room. My parents spoke to Gabe’s parents, and the mothers gushed over the baby as usual. I saw my father go over to Gabe and became nervous. The two of them still weren’t the best of friends, but they were cordial for the sake of me and my marriage.
“So, how have things been since everything and the baby?” Chiquita asked, pouring herself a glass of wine. I had enough milk pumped to last a few days so I could enjoy myself tonight.
“Things are so much better. Sometimes I’m surprised that he stayed around with all my foolishness, but I thank God that he loved me enough to deal with my foolishness.” At times, I often thought about how ridiculous and spoiled I was being.
“That’s good, Chi, and I’m happy for y’all. I kind of hate you for not being pregnant anymore,” Shannon joked, “but I’m happy for y’all.”
“Me, too, sis. You deserve this and everything that comes with it,” Chiquita chimed in.
Simpering, I looked up and locked eyes with my husband and he winked his eye at me, causing me to feel like a love-sick teenager.
“Looks like baby number two is on the way,” Chiquita whispered.
I thought about it, and it didn’t sound too bad. At least not the practicing.