Chapter 15
Fifteen
Irish walked into the villa with a cheek-aching smile on her face.
Looking around, she was in complete awe of the immaculate property.
Noble had taken them to Nirvana Sky Island for her birthday.
The enchanting views of the ocean left Irish speechless.
The water was so blue that it mirrored a painting.
“This house is huge!” Kenji yelled then did a cartwheel in the vast living area.
“I’m going to pick out my room!” Amare announced.
“Ooh, me too.”
“Hold on, now,” Cali fussed. “Let me make sure y’all not getting a room with a balcony ‘cause that’s all me.”
The boys ran down the hall as Cali shuffled behind them. Irish smirked at them then went to the balcony. The warm air kissed her toasted brown skin as she inhaled a deep breath. This had to be what paradise felt like.
“Surprise!”
Irish turned around, mouth gaping as Ivory threw her arms around her neck.
“What are you doing here?” Irish questioned just as Ivory pulled back.
“I couldn’t miss your birthday. Noble told me the plans and booked my flight. I don't know, sis, I kinda like him,” she whispered the last part.
“Wait, I didn’t know you didn’t.”
“Well.” She shrugged. “I felt like I was betraying Jovanis by accepting another man, so I kept my distance a little bit, but I like Noble. He seems genuine.”
The mention of Jovanis made her gulp back the lump forming in her throat.
It was the first birthday without him in over fifteen years.
She would’ve gotten a kiss on the cheek that stirred her out of her sleep.
He would’ve whispered, “happy birthday,” and sat an expensive gift at the foot of the bed.
Those now were memories. Good ones that she would cherish.
“Hey, no sadness.” Ivory cupped her chin. “This is your birthday, and Noble went all out to make sure you're happy. That’s a good man, Savannah.”
Irish snickered and pulled her in for another hug. “He is.”
“And he likes to take care of you, so he’s cool in my book.”
Irish twisted her lips while pulling back. “He’s cool ‘cause he brought you to an island, huh?”
Ivory chuckled. “Yeah, but I can tell he loves you and want the best for you. I accept.”
Irish pinched her cheek. “Well that’s good to know.”
“I’m about to go put on my bathing suit. That water needs me.”
Irish watched her go back in the house just as Noble joined her on the balcony. His towering frame loomed over her as he pulled her in for a hug.
“Happy birthday, Pumpkin.” Noble graced her with a kiss that made her melt into him.
“Thank you for bringing Ivory. I wouldn’t have been able to have fun without her.”
“I know. I wanted to make sure you had everybody you loved here. So, I knew I couldn’t leave her behind.”
One of the things Irish loved most about Noble was his consideration. He always thought about every aspect of a situation. Never one to half-step, he covered every basis, especially when it came to her.
“You feel good?”
“Yes.” She gazed into his eyes.
“Good ‘cause I’m ready to tell everybody about the baby.”
She nodded, exhaling a deep breath. “Okay.”
“We’ll do it tonight at dinner.”
“Anything else?”
He looked over his shoulder. “I need my pumpkin spice. I’m backed up like a mothafucka. You gon’ take care of me real quick?”
Irish’s head tipped back as she chortled. She too had been in desperate need of him.
“Yeah, I got you. Come on.”
Later that night…
Irish sat at the table, beaming at the food, conversation, and love that flowed.
Noble had arranged for dinner at the beach.
There was a personal chef, along with servers, that took care of their every need.
The table was decorated with balloons and candles while jazz music played softly through the speakers.
She had the most important people with her and Irish couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.
“Dad, look, I finished it all.” Kenji held up the shell of the lobster.
Noble smirked. “You were hungry, huh?”
Kenji nodded then reached for a scallop.
“This red snapper is so fresh,” Cali raved. “There’s nothing like fresh fish.”
“Yeah, everything taste so good,” Irish added.
Even my baby likes it…
Irish looked at Noble who peered at her. He gave her a nod, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his mouth.
“So, um,” he started. “Y’all enjoying y’all self?”
Ivory nodded. “Yes, this is the perfect getaway.”
“Everybody knows I needed this vacation,” Cali joked. “A bit—I mean I was on the brink of death so, yeah, I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
“I wanna come back here, Dad,” Kenji stated.
“Me too.” Amare nodded.
“I got y’all,” Noble promised then took a gulp of his shot. “I wanted to make this birthday special for Irish because she’s been through a lot and I always wanna put a smile on my Pumpkin’s face.”
She blushed, feeling so much love overwhelm her.
“Me and her started off crazy and without saying too much in front of the kids, I don't regret it. I knew she was mine the moment I locked eyes with her.”
Cali grinned and playfully stuck her tongue out at Irish.
“This birthday is special because…” He hesitated. “She’s carrying my lil’ one and I needed to make sure she was celebrated correctly. So, Kenji, you're going to be a big brother and Ivory, you’re going to be an aunt.”
“Really?” Kenji gushed, jumping from his chair.
Noble smiled. “Yep, the baby will be here in March.”
“Yay! I’m going to teach the baby how to play basketball and Call of Duty.”
“Babies can’t play Call of Duty, stupid,” Amare fussed.
“Yes, they can.” They argued.
“Whew, I’m so happy the secret is out. Now I can celebrate out loud.” Cali beamed.
Irish noticed that Ivory had been quiet during the announcement, not showing any emotion. She found her reaction to be weird since she’d just approved of Irish’s relationship with Noble.
Ivory cleared her throat. “I’m going to the bathroom,” she stated quietly.
Irish sighed as she ambled away from the table.
She rested her forehead against her closed fist while closing her eyes.
The one thing she desired at this point in her life was contentment.
Jovanis’ murder had stolen her joy. Her brief breakup with Noble had disrupted the pace of her heart rate and now Ivory wasn’t happy about her pregnancy.
Why couldn’t Irish keep bliss in her grasp?
Whenever she experienced a small high, the valley was ready to catch her when she fell. The cycle was exhausting.
“Is she okay?” Cali questioned.
“I don't know,” Irish admitted, scooting back from the table. “I’ll be right back.”
Irish’s feet sank into the sand until she went down the hallway. She spotted Ivory sitting on a bench, resting her chin on her open palm. A somber expression covered her features, making Irish feel so guilty.
“Sis, what’s wrong?”
Ivory turned, holding tears in her eyes but forcing a smile on her face. “I just needed a minute. I’m sorry if I was being rude.”
“Listen…” Irish sat next to her. “You don't need to apologize. You can tell me how you feel. Are you not happy about my pregnancy?”
“It’s not that.” Ivory sighed. “Everything is happening so fast, and I feel like I can’t keep up.
I came home from college and everything seemed to fall apart.
” She swallowed hard. “You and Jovanis were going through your issues. He attacked you then you left him. That was a lot but I was going to ride with you. Then, he got killed and now Noble is in your life. I like him for you but it’s just a lot.
Now you're pregnant, and I can’t help but feel as if I’m being replaced.
Like it’s time for me to grow up and let you live your life. ”
“Oh, my God.” Irish quickly pulled her into her embrace. “Ivory, please don't think you're being replaced. You're my first baby. The first little girl that I’ve ever loved. No one would be able to replace you in this lifetime.”
Ivory drew back, allowing her tears to fall. “I know I’m an adult but you're the only person that’s been there for me, and I don't wanna lose you.”
Tears fell from Irish’s eyes without notice. It pained her that Ivory didn’t comprehend how important she was to her.
“You will never lose me. I’ll always be in your corner and in your business.”
Ivory laughed. “You're always trying to get in my business.”
“Exactly.” Irish grinned. “And that’s never going to change because you're mine. I know it’s been a lot.
Shit, it’s been a lot for me, too. I still can’t believe I got pregnant but I’m happy.
Noble has shown me love that I never experienced, sis.
I love him so much and want to be with him.
I’m not going to be able to do that if you're not on board.”
“I told you that I like Noble. I’m just… I don't know. Maybe I’m being a brat because Mama wasn’t there and my father is dead. You and Jovanis were the only people I could depend on and now that he’s gone, I’m hanging on for dear life with you. I’m just anxious.”
Irish touched her arm. “Don't be. I’m here and I'm not going anywhere. You're not being replaced with the baby. You just have to share. Hell, you're probably going to be in love with him or her when they come.”
“Yeah.” A faint smile covered Ivory’s face. “I talked to Mama the other day. She said you cut her off. Do you wanna talk about why you did it?”
Their conversation had ceased as Irish retreated to her thoughts. The history between her and Daisy was too complicated and right now, Irish wanted to stay in this bubble of bliss.
“I’m not ready to talk about it. Eventually, I will, but not right now.”
Slowly, Ivory nodded. “Well, do you know what you're having?”
“No, not yet. Hey, do you wanna plan my baby shower?”
Ivory’s eyes expanded, instantly. “Yes, I would love to.”
“Okay, good. Now give me a hug and tell me you're ready to be an aunt.”
Giggling, Ivory hugged her. “Yes, I’m ready to spoil my niece or nephew.”
“Oh, I just love you so much. Don't ever forget it.” Irish squeezed her hard.
“I love you, too.”