18. Mahari Creed #2
“Well, I just want you to know it. I don’t care what anyone else says. The two of you were made for each other.”
Peering down at Aspen, Mahari tapped her chin and agreed. “I think so too.”
Savannah, Jaxen, and Mahaley all came over to whisk Aspen away.
Mahari stood back and watched as they showered her with love, putting on her sash and crown.
His eyes were locked in on Aspen’s every move.
To witness others love her warmed his heart.
To Mahari, Aspen was more than deserving of it all.
Since Mahari was in a trance, he didn’t hear Denver walk up beside him. The way Mahari jumped when Denver patted his shoulder had them both laughing.
“Mane, I didn’t even hear or feel you walk up beside me,” Mahari admitted, dapping Denver up.
“It’s all good. I peeped the way you were watching my sister.” Denver paused and looked around the venue. “Y’all really went all out for her. She deserves this.”
“This and so much more. I plan to give her all her heart desires.”
“Even if it comes with backlash?”
Mahari nodded without hesitation. “I’m the type of person who doesn’t care about others’ opinions.
I’m a man who can own up to my faults. I already addressed it and apologized to Lance for my part in it.
That’s all I got in me. Regardless, I’m going to be with Aspen and love her better than he ever could. ”
“I can already see you’re on the right track. I never approved of Lance, but I let Aspen live her life. While the two of you came as a shock, I think y’all are good for each other. Just don’t hurt her, and we’ll be good.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”
They went to join everyone else, and the baby shower started. Lavender was the best host. After some games and stories, the food was served before it was time to open the gifts. Mahari was pleased to see that Aspen hadn’t stopped smiling since they walked into the venue. His mission was a success.
“Thank you for this.” Aspen thanked Mahari in between chews. “I’m still surprised you pulled it off.”
“No thanks needed, baby. You and the girls deserved to be showered with love. I wish they were here, but they’ll go home to everything they need.”
“From the looks of the gift table, we won’t need to buy anything for a while.”
“We won’t need to, but I know you’ll want to.”
Aspen playfully swatted at Mahari. He fought the urge to poke her in the side and settled for nudging her chin. The couple gazed at one another before sharing a kiss that was interrupted by the sound of Lavender yelling.
“And what the fuck is he doing here, Justin?”
Immediately, Mahari rose to his feet and made his way over to the entrance where Lavender was standing. Justin stood in front of her with three bags in his hand with Lance standing a few feet behind him. Before Mahari could take a step forward, Justin stepped in front of him.
“Don’t. He came here to apologize,” Justin explained.
“He chose the wrong place and time, Justin. Aspen is trying to heal from what he did. She doesn’t think I realize it, but that shit has fucked with her beyond what she shows,” Mahari spat through gritted teeth.
He loved Justin, and as badly as he wanted his cousin to stand with him, Mahari knew he’d stand with his brother, right or wrong.
“And maybe his apology can help Aspen heal. Look, I’ve been on his ass since he did that dumb shit, and so has Mama, so don’t think I’m taking up for him. I simply want him to do what’s right, and he’s finally in a headspace to do so.”
Mahari’s gaze bypassed Justin to Lance who was grilling him. Deep down, Mahari knew their relationship would never be the same, and he was good with that. They’d both done things to hurt one another. Lance hadn’t apologized for his part in it, and Mahari didn’t expect him to.
“Look,” Mahari started, reverting his attention to Justin, “I’ll ask Aspen if she wants to talk to him, and if she does, just know I’m standing right by her side. I don’t care if you say he’s here on some kumbaya shit. I don’t trust him around her alone.”
“And I’ll be right here at the door for back up,” Lavender added.
Without waiting for Justin to respond, Mahari headed to Aspen who was walking toward him. Her brows were touching in the middle as she looked at Justin. Savannah and Denver came up behind her with concerned expressions.
“What’s going on?” Aspen asked.
“Lance is outside, and he wants to apologize.”
Denver was running out the door before Mahari had time to finish explaining.
If it wasn’t for Justin stopping Denver, he would have gotten to Lance.
The two went back and forth for a minute.
Mahari understood Justin taking up for his brother because Denver was doing the same for his sister, but Lance deserved to get popped for what he did.
“I need everyone to chill out!” Aspen yelling caught everyone’s attention.
Mahari watched as she laced her fingers with his and led him over to where Lance stood.
It was taking some serious restraint for Mahari to keep his hands off Lance.
Anytime he thought about what he did to Aspen, Mahari got the urge to choke him out.
He guessed Aspen must’ve sensed his anger rising because she stepped closer to him and rubbed his arm.
Her touch was soothing, allowing him to simmer down. That, and the way Lance kept gritting his teeth as he tried avoiding eye contact with them. The thought of rubbing it in his face crossed Mahari’s mind, but Aspen speaking stopped him.
“What are you doing here, Lance?”
Lance wet his lips and gave Aspen his undivided attention.
“I came here to apologize for putting my hands on you, Aspen. I was wrong, and that shit has been eating at me. The truth sent me over the edge, but it doesn’t warrant my reaction.
” He paused and looked into her eyes. “I truly am sorry, Aspen. I know it’s fresh, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. ”
The sincerity was evident in Lance’s tone. Mahari knew his cousin well enough to know he meant every word, and Aspen did as well.
Her reply was a simple, “Thank you.”
Aspen tugged on Mahari’s hand to follow her back inside, but he pulled her into him and threw his arm around her before looking at Lance. He’d be crazy not to address him.
“You know I should beat your ass again, right?” Mahari started, and Aspen slapped his chest.
“Not here, Mahari,” she whispered.
“Nah. We need to have this conversation,” Lance said. “If you’re going to do something, do something.”
“I’ll do it for you, Mahari,” Denver stated from behind.
Mahari thumbed his nose and ran his tongue over his top row of teeth. “I have too much respect for my woman to show my ass the way I want to.”
“Mane, Mahari. I don’t want any beef with you.
Shit between us won’t ever be the same, but at the end of the day, you’re my family.
We do great business together, and we’d be stupid to allow this to stop us from getting money together.
I know how you are, and you know how I am.
We need time to let all this shit die down and talk it out.
” Lance ran his hand down his face, sighed, and turned back to Aspen.
“Once again, I’m sorry. If the girls are mine, I’ll step up and be the father they need. ”
“No need in all that. They’ll be good with me,” Mahari expressed.
Lance didn’t respond. He backed away and got into the car, accepting defeat. When he drove off, Aspen peered up at Mahari and released a hard breath before smiling.
“You good, Bunny?”
“I’m more than good. I honestly didn’t realize how badly I needed that apology until now.
It’s like I can finally move on and not dwell on it.
” Aspen placed her hand on Mahari’s cheek and smiled.
“With you, I know I’m always safe, loved, and cared for.
So are the girls. We’re blessed to have you. I love you.”
“I love you, baby.”
An event that could’ve easily turned sour didn’t.
The remainder of the baby shower was filled with love and laughter.
Mahari looked forward to spending the rest of his life showering Aspen with it all.
There was no doubt in his mind that she was his wife, and he couldn’t do anything but thank God for another chance.