19. Bless
CHAPTER 19
BLESS
S ky, Joy, and I were rushing around my condo, trying to make sure everything was perfect for Legacy's surprise party. The buffet table was nearly set, and the kids were running around, laughing and playing. Custom balloons were scattered about the living room. Joy had gotten them made on Etsy. They read, “Congratulations on 5 years of Sobriety” and “Happy Soberversary”. They were accented by other balloons all bearing the number five. The deejay was spinning. My house was full of so much joy and laughter as Darrell and other relatives from both sides of Legacy's family sat around telling stories about him and Ri. NaNa had come as well and was catching up with Darrell, who she had gotten to know over the years through our blended families.
Darrell had been right. This was definitely needed on this particular day.
However, although everyone was having a good time, I was a mess. It obviously showed since Sky gave me a concerned look. “What is wrong with you, girl? Everything is turning out perfectly. We got this.”
I blew out a frustrated breath. “It’s not that.”
Her head tilted as she looked me over with sympathy. “Are you still shaken up about Raja?”
I shook my head. “Not really.”
I hated that Raja had to lose his life, but he had taken away any sympathy I would have had for him when he attacked me twice and tried to kill me.
“Then what’s wrong?”
“I-I… um…” My hesitance caused her worrying to deepen.
I took Sky’s hand and pulled her into the closest room, which was Riley’s, ironically. I closed the door behind us, and Sky watched me curiously. I plopped down on Riley's bed and held my face in my hands. "I told him," I said, my voice muffled by my hands.
"Told who what?"
"I told Legacy the truth," I replied, lifting my head to look at Sky. "I told him about Riley.”
Sky’s eyes expanded wildly as she inched towards the bed. She slowly sat beside me.
“I just blurted it out. He told me he still loves me and wants to make things work, so I had to tell him."
Sky’s eyes stretched even wider in shock. "Wait! What? When did all this happen?"
"Last night after we had sex.”
“Excuse me?!”
“ Ssshhh !” I hushed her even though the deejay’s speakers were pumping so loud that no one should have heard her. “Oh my God! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
"There has been too much going on today for me to tell you about that drama too,” I whined. “Now, I'm scared he won't show up for the party because he's upset."
Sky put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Bless, he’s going to come. No matter what, he’s always shown up for the kids.”
Before I could respond, Zara burst into the room, grinning excitedly. "Daddy’s here! I just buzzed him up!"
My heart skipped as I glanced nervously at Sky who gave me an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, I stood up. Sky and I followed Zara out of the room and up the hall into the living room, her ponytails bouncing with each step. The deejay had turned off his music, and Darrell was quieting everyone down. I admired the smile on his face, a rare sight that warmed my heart on a day that was usually so weary.
The knob started to turn, and everyone fell into tense silence.
Legacy walked in and everyone yelled, "Surprise!"
He stood frozen, completely caught off guard. His eyes widened as he took in the crowd. I stayed back, watching as everyone approached him with congratulations and hugs. My eyes narrowed on Eden, who sat unfazed on the couch, his attention glued to his phone. I had too much on my mind to chastise him at the moment.
Legacy moved through the crowd, hugging and shaking hands with all his guests. Taking in the balloons, his eyes glossed over with emotion. Shock and appreciation were written all over his face. His voice was thick with emotion as he tried to keep a cool demeanor. "Man, I can’t believe this. Y’all really got me.”
Zara and Riley were vying for his attention, tugging at his clothes. I held my breath as Riley pulled on the leg of his shorts. He looked down at her, and I saw his eyes grow glassy. He stared at her for a moment before he bent down and scooped her up, hugging her tightly.
I inhaled sharply, holding back tears.
“Daddy, we surprise you!" Riley exclaimed in her tiny voice.
Legacy's voice cracked a bit as he told her, "Yeah, baby girl, you surprised, Daddy."
The sight was too much for me. My emotions overwhelmed me as tears welled up in my eyes. I turned and bolted down the hall, barely making it into Riley’s room before bursting into tears. I locked the door behind me, sinking to the floor as I sobbed uncontrollably. The pain, the guilt, and the overwhelming love for Legacy all collided, leaving me breathless and broken.