Page 193 of The Ninth

“I don’t have any kids personally. By more, I meant more than Eddy. I’m with Tatianna and care about her, so Eddy will always be in the count for my children.”

“Wait, you met Doodas?” Devyn asked.

“No,” he shook his head. “Which I’m grateful for because I wouldn’t trust if Tatianna rushed it anyways. He’s still mine because his mother is mine.”

All of our eyes fell to Tatianna as she ducked her head slightly, blushing. I reached over beside me and intertwined our fingers. As chatter picked back up, we both stayed silent. Both of us are living in a reality we once prayed for. If anything, I hope she realizes her and my Godson will be okay without Poncho. Kelisha was kicking Tati under the table, making sure this hoe didn’t fuck our football tickets up.

“Would you have a baby with Trent?” I asked Kenzie.

She smiled, “Yeah. I’ll keep that one.”

I covered my mouth as Kelisha popped her lips. She got on Kenzie while the three of us laughed. Tatianna had to remind her that my mama tried to get her to Planned Parenthood for hers but neither hoes had any gas.

“It was a blessing in disguise!” Kelisha laughed drunkenly.

“Nah, you just didn’t want it bad enough. I would’ve rode on top of the city bus like Subway Surfers to get to that mothafuckin clinic,” Kenzie shrugged. I fell out my chair laughing at this hoe.

“FUCK YOU!” Tati laughed.

The dinner went beautifully. The waiters never approached me once, because Kenzo was constantly checking on me. More water? He got it. Lip gloss? He ran upstairs. Kisses? Right in front of everyone.

At some point of the night, he just sat his chair behind me, rubbing my arms, kissing my back, massaging my shoulders. I laughed every single time he asked me to see the ring on my finger.

Kelisha stood up towards the end, tapping her glass multiple times. All of us fell silent under the Chicago stars. I stood, allowing Kenzo to sit down before sitting in his lap. We immediately wrapped up into each other. Grateful to come close to sharing a skin again.

“I just want to say, Cassandra, I am so very proud of how hard you’ve worked since your parents died. It’s been a dream seeing you find a true love like your mother did. Watching you and K3 feels the same as watching Tami and Cash. I’d like to think I knew Tami better than anyone, and I know she would’ve been so beside herself watching the two of you. Congratulations on your salon, your engagement, and your beautiful home. I wish you two nothing but love, success, and happy, long lives together. This is all your parents wanted for you, baby. Cheers.”

“Cheers!” everyone said.

I didn’t say anything. Instead, I buried my face in my hands while Kenzo squeezed me in his arms. Although I felt sad, I also felt grateful. Happy for the community and people we have together. Grateful to have him.

“I promise you my life, Crybaby,” he whispered in my ear.

“I love you. I’ll always love you.”

“I love you always, my heart.”

In true Kelisha fashion, she asked K3 and I to stand up so she could take pictures of us. That made me realize our last pictures were from me visiting him in jail. No one could ever deny how good me and this man looked together, G. I love him so much.

“Are you going to be okay tonight?” K3 asked, stroking my cheek.

He and the rest of the guys are leaving to go smoke and watch the game at Duke’s shop. Apparently two of his employees had a small tattoo party to do but one cancelled, so Duke’s going to help. Kelisha is leaving to go get Doodas from Poncho. The girls are staying the night here while K3 stays with Duke.

“I think so...I’m so used to being put to sleep now...” I smirked.

He chuckled, kissing my lips. “Shorty, quit playing. I’ll wait till your lil friends are asleep and come down the chimney with a gift.”

“That’s your problem!” My head shook side to side as I laughed. “Be careful, okay? Call me before you go to bed.”

“Of course. Bye Crybaby.”

“Bye Papa.”

Trent walked up to Kenzo, getting his attention before they walked away. I gave Duke a hug while Dean kissed all over Tati’s face. Kenzo glanced at me one more time before the boys disappeared with Kelisha. I had extra pieces of cake cut for us so we could eat and walk through the house. This would be their first official tour.

“This house just screams that man loves you!” Kenzie shook her head.

“Literally all I’ve ever wanted since I was a child, on my deddy.”