Page 104 of Meraux Mafia: No Ordinary Love

I grieved my relationship with Kyerra, and I made peace with it. I was happy with Hailo, not because I had to be with her. I was genuinely happy awaiting the birth of my daughter. Kyerra didn’t owe me anything. She was hurt and still angry, but Tyson was my blood. I expected more from him. The fact that he wanted to walk around like he did nothing wrong was typically Tyson's behavior. That’s what had me pissed off and ready to fuck him up. Loyalty was important to me, and tonight, I wondered if Tyson had any for anyone but himself.

“The way you were pouting says otherwise.”

“Nobody is pouting, girl. My beef is with Tyson. It doesn’t have shit to do with Kyerra. I love you, Hailo.”

“Gianni,” her head fell to her lap, avoiding eye contact again.

“I’m a big boy. Don’t feel like you have to say it back if that isn’t how you feel. We know what this is and what it’s not, remember.”

Tears glistened on her face, and I didn’t know if that was good or bad. Hailo finally yielded to the compulsive sobs that took over. “It’s time.”

“Time for what?”

“My water. It broke.” Hailo struggled to get the words out between sucking in all the air her lungs would allow.

“Are you serious?”

“Why the fuck would I joke about that? It’s time. Oh my God, this baby is coming!” Her voice transitioned from raspy and deep to soft and broken so quickly that I didn’t know what to do first.

“Sky!” I yelled because she was the only one experienced in this situation. Hailo spent the first half of the night at the bar with her laughing like two old friends.

“I-I-I’m scared.”

I lifted her chin, forcing her to look at me. “I got you. Both of you.”

“Why are you screaming at me? I don’t work for you,” Sky huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

“It’s time. I need you to sit with her while I get the car.”

“It’s time,” she chuckled until it registered what I was saying. “Oh, it’s time!” she rushed to Hailo’s side and grabbed her hand.

Hailo was in good hands as I jogged toward the door to pull my car around. Mack sobered up enough to meet me outside, wondering what was going on when I told him the news in between calling Sadie. All I had to say was that it’s time, and she replied I’m on my way.

“I can’t do this. I’m not going to make it!” Hailo complained as I walked back over with Tyson and Mack trailing behind me.

“You can and you will. You were created to do this, Lo, but you must calm down.” Skylar coached her, demonstrating a breathing technique that she encouraged Hailo to join. “See. You’re doing great.”

Sky instructed Mack and me on how to help Hailo get her to the car while Tyson held open every door.

“Nigga you look like you’re about to go off to war,” Mack pointed out.

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.” The tenderness in my expression caused Sky to smile.

“You know how to drive, don’t you?” Skylar added. I loved sarcasm as much as the next, but this damn sure felt like the equivalent of war.

“Sky.”

“You’re here, Gianni. That’s the most important part. Be calm. Support her. Whatever she needs, that’s your job while she does the hard part. Remind her she’s doing great even when she’s not.”

“Can we go? I’m in labor here!” Hailo yelled from the car.

“Don’t take anything she says personally. Good luck.” Sky patted my shoulder as I hopped in the car to prepare to meet my daughter.

“Looks like you’ll have to share your birthday from now on,” I stated, watching Gianni’s car speed out of the parking lot. I forgot to tell him every bump was intensified when you’re in labor and would feel ten times worse, but he’d figure it out when Hailo cursed him.

“Good. My family won’t care about my birthday anymore. It’ll be all about her, and I’ll be able to spend my birthday peacefully. I’m cool with that.”

“Are you going to the hospital?” I asked, trying to ignore Mack’s lustful eyes roaming my body.

---