Chapter 22
Iwas nervous meeting Samir’s family, but surprisingly, everything went great.
Although I had met his mother and grandmother once before, it was still somewhat awkward at first. The last time I’d seen them, Samir and I had just sexed each other the entire night.
Waking up to the man you just fucked from dusk to dawn was not becoming, and we weren’t even a thing back then, so it was giving a horrible first impression.
Back then, I didn’t even know what we were, so I didn’t care about first impressions as a girlfriend, but I did care about how they viewed me as a woman.
Today was different, though. Today, I walked in as his woman—not some fling or some secret.
Today, impressions mattered, and I wanted to gain their approval.
His mom greeted me with open arms, pulling me into a hug that felt warmer than I expected.
His grandmother called me “pretty girl” and made me a plate before I could even sit down.
It felt… real. Comfortable, as if they’d already accepted me into the fold.
And when he told them about the baby, his mother cried, and his grandmother prayed over both of us.
It was beautiful, and for once, there wasn’t any second-guessing my feelings—just peace.
As I sat there surrounded by his family, hearing the love in their laughter, I realized something I hadn’t said out loud yet: I loved Samir Carter.
“My grandson probably put that bun in the oven the day we popped up at his house. I know y’all just got done doing the nasty all night long,” Samir’s grandmother blurted out.
I almost spit out the water I was drinking across the dining room table.
“G-Ma, you wilding…” Samir groaned, rubbing a hand down his face while Jamila tried to hide her laughter behind a napkin.
“Wild but right,” she said proudly. “Don’t matter when it happened. What matters is… that baby’s going to be loved and covered.”
His mother reached across the table and grabbed my hand, squeezing it gently. “I can’t wait to help with the baby shower!”
“Ma, the girl is two minutes pregnant, and already, you’re about to be extra.” Jamila shook her head.
“Aw, hush. I did the same when you were pregnant with Joya. This one won’t be any different.”
“Ma, we just want to enjoy this for now. Let’s not overdo anything just yet.”
I was grateful Samir stepped in when he did.
Right now, all I want was to enjoy this pregnancy and to take it one day at a time without everyone else’s excitement overwhelming me.
I was still trying to process it all myself.
Between my parents, Samir’s family, and Nyala, I could already tell this was going to be a long pregnancy.
But honestly? I wasn’t complaining one bit.
Beneath all the emotions, I knew God had truly blessed me.
Not just with this precious bundle of joy, but with a good man.
Samir and I may be in the beginning stages of our relationship, but he made me feel safe in a way that I couldn't explain. The way his hand would find mine without thinking to how his eyes softened every time he looked at me, I was smitten and felt safe with my feelings. It was those little things that reminded me I wasn’t doing this alone or in this space alone.
By the time we left Samir’s mom's house, I was full and exhausted. When we made it back to my condo, we showered, and I was sleeping before my head could hit the pillow.
A Few Weeks Later
Nyala and I had been walking through Melville Galleria Mall for what felt like hours, hands full of shopping bags, and my patience hanging by a thread.
Three hours in, my feet were killing me, and I was starving.
Meanwhile, Nyala was still in full shopping mode, but I was hungry.
We ended up at the food court that sold fish tacos.
While she went to grab the food, I found us a table near the windows and dropped into the chair like my body had finally given up on me.
I loved my girl, but damn, next time, she was on her own with coming to the mall.
“I still can’t believe I’m going to be an auntie slash godmama! I’m so excited!” Nyala set two trays filled with food on the table before sliding into the seat across from me. She was still on cloud nine about the baby and had already started buying little outfits every chance she got.
“Ny, you’re doing too much. Between my parents and Samir’s mom, this baby is not going to need a thing for the first few months.” I cackled, shaking my head.
“Oh, hush! Let me live. I’m going to be the coolest, sexiest godmama!” she said, flipping her hair with a grin that made me laugh even harder.
I shook my head again, mumbling a quick grace before diving into my taco. The first bite hit just right. It was crispy and a little spicy, exactly how I liked it.
I looked over at Nyala, who was still talking a mile a minute about baby names and nursery themes. I couldn’t help but smile. Her excitement was contagious, even if I tried to play it cool. Deep down, it felt good being surrounded by people who were genuinely happy for me.
I was coming up on my eighth week of pregnancy, and so far, the only symptoms I had were craving spicy foods, hormonal mood swings, and my sex drive being through the roof.
If I wasn’t eating, I was hopping on Samir’s dick.
He wasn’t complaining one bit. I would roll over during the middle of the night, horny as hell, and would deep throat him before sliding down his pole.
“So, did you and Samir’s sister talk?” Nyala asked, breaking me from my nasty thoughts.
“Yeah, we did, actually. I have no ill will against her. We both are victims of Jerome’s lies.” I shrugged, wiping my hands on a napkin. “It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t know what was really going on.”
Nyala raised a brow, leaning forward. “Mmm, look at you, being all grown and healed. Old you would’ve been ready to throw hands.”
I laughed. “You’re not wrong. But honestly… It felt good to finally clear the air. We were both wanting a nigga that didn’t want to be kept. Even with me being the wife and her the baby mama, we both were being fed lies. Besides, I’ve carried enough drama for a lifetime. I’m over it.”
She nodded, smirking. “I feel you. I’m just glad everything worked out. I’m so happy for you, friend. You might as well write a self-help book next.”
“Girl, please,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m just trying to make it through the next trimester without crying.”
Nyala burst out laughing so hard, people at the next table turned to look. “You are so dramatic, friend! What the hell you be crying about?”
“I’m hormonal!” I shot back, laughing too. “It’s not my fault everything hits differently when you’re growing a whole human.”
She grinned, shaking her head. “Samir better be spoiling you, ’cause if not, I will kick his ass.”
“Oh, trust me… He’s been on it,” I said with a soft smile. “Almost too much sometimes. I think he’s more scared of me being pregnant than I am.”
Before Nyala could respond, my phone started buzzing on the table. Samir’s name lit up the screen.
“Speak of the devil.” Nyala teased as she popped a fry into her mouth. “Answer it before Daddy-to-be has a meltdown.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide the smile creeping up on my face. “Hey, babe,” I said, picking up the call.
“Hey, beautiful. Have you eaten yet?” His voice came through so husky and sexy.
“Yeah, just now. Nyala and I are at Melville Galleria Mall doing some shopping.”
I heard him chuckle. “You sound tired. You okay?”
“I’m good.” I smiled. “My feet hurt, but my stomach is full.”
“That’s my baby. I’ll rub your feet and eat that pussy when you get home.”
Nyala snapped her fingers dramatically, proving she’d heard his promises, and I threw a napkin at her, trying not to laugh.
“I’ll hold you to that, Mr. Carter.”
“You better…” he replied, voice sounding like sex. “I’ll see you soon, all right?”
“Okay, babe.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more,” I said, smiling. I hung up and set my phone down, only for Nyala to grin at me like she’d just won the lottery.
“See? That’s that good love right there. Got you smiling like a teenager again.”
“Whatever,” I said, trying to play it off, but she wasn’t wrong. My cheeks were warm, and that little flutter in my chest was impossible to hide.
After spending another hour talking and enjoying our food, Nyala and I headed out of the mall.
The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the parking lot.
Just as I reached for my key fob in my purse, I heard a familiar voice call out my name.
I turned to see Jerome, striding towards me with a determined look on his face.
“What, Jerome?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“I saw you and just wanted to come and talk with you. How have you been?” he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.
“She’s been great. Now, move on before I pull out Rufus. He hasn't been out in a minute, and he’s dying to be put to use.” Nyala threatened him, stepping in between us, holding that damn taser at her side.
“Why are you always in our business, Nyala? Damn! You probably had something to do with Nova divorcing me. Worry about your own damn business and stay out of our shit!” Jerome had the nerve to say.
“Nova is my business, negro. She’s my best friend. I was there for her when your no good ass cheated the first time. And I was there when your ass cheated and had a baby on her. So yeah, she’s my business. Now, move around before I light your ass up with some volts!”
Jerome kissed his teeth like a bitch, dismissing Nyala’s threats. “Nova, please, can we go somewhere and talk?”
I sighed inwardly, not in the mood for a conversation. “There is nothing to talk about. I am no longer your concern. Now, if you’ll excuse us…” I turned around and pressed the unlock button on my key fob.
He didn't seem to take the hint, even more persistent. "I just need a few minutes, please!" He grabbed hold of my arm.