Page 62 of So I Know it's Real

Before I Met You

The boys raced to Durk’s truck while he and I walked hand in hand behind them. Fear of starting over with a new baby had me in a funk for months, but today was a good day. My little one stopped hiding their face after multiple ultrasounds, and my sons got the chance to experience another milestone in our family. As soon as we got in the car, Durk faced Tatum, wearing a silly grin.

“What did I tell you? I knew we were having a girl. Now, you got to pay up, kid!”

“Man, didn’t you already get in trouble for betting?”

Durk sucked his teeth. “Don’t turn into a snitch because you lost. You owe me fifty pushups when we get home.”

Home.

We didn’t live together, but we built a sanctuary wherever we lay our heads once the sun went down. Even though I was seven months pregnant, I was on the fence about moving into Durk’s house. Anytime I thought about making the move, the thought of my kids’ stability made me doubt myself. Durk had become an important part of their lives, but we were still getting to knoweach other. My friends swore it was too late to slow down since I was a couple of months away from having his baby, yet I didn’t care how it sounded. The unconventional dynamic worked for us.

“You guys are happy about the gender, and I’m happy she showed her face. The doctor refused to do another ultrasound.” I giggled. “At least we know she isn’t a ham like her daddy.”

“Wow. You’re calling me conceited, but you’re the one with a viral maternity shoot everywhere. I ain’t mad. I stay in the comment sections letting niggas know your man is crazy.”

My eyes did a lap around my head, but Durk’s protective nature was one of my favorite things about him.

A few months ago, Stony took beautiful pictures of me that ended up going viral. Thanks to her skills, I received contracts from companies like Fenty, who sent me exclusive pieces from the maternity line they were launching in a few months. Sometimes, I couldn’t believe how much my platform had grown in such a short time, but I didn’t take it for granted. I also loved how Durk supported and encouraged me to go harder. If he had it his way, I would quit my job and become a full-time content creator.

“Buttah, have you thought about what I asked you last night?”

“Yeah. We’re headed to the cemetery right now.”

“Not that.” I groaned. “The other thing.”

He smacked his lips and gripped the steering wheel. “I thought about it. I still don’t know how I feel about it. Godparents step up when the birth parents aren’t around. I don’t like planning for the worst.”

I pushed air from my nostrils to keep from saying things to dismiss his feelings. “Baby, I understand. I just—”

“I would say Shiloh and Stevie, but they have enough kids,” he interjected.

“Okay. What about Essen? She would make a great godmom.”

“Yeah,” he muttered as if in deep thought. “Her and Ishmael would do well together.”

I snickered at something he said often. A blind man could see Ishmael and Essen were close, but their connection seemed platonic. Maybe Durk knew something I didn’t.

“Let me think about the godparents, Lucky. Once we pick them, I’ll have to plan the christening. After our baby shower, I need a minute.”

I cut my eyes at the party planner. “Goodness, can I plan anything? You’ve been taking over my entire pregnancy.”

“Don’t do that, mama. You love that shit.”

My pouty lips spread into a goofy smile. “You know I do. I love the way you take care of me.”

“In that case, call the school and tell them you aren’t returning after maternity leave.”

“You must be crazy. I’m a mother. It’s my responsibility to keep income coming into the house. It’s also my job to keep something in motion in case you need me to take the lead. You aren’t the only one that can run shit.”

Durk cracked up at my comeback. “Oh, shit. Baby Lucky is almost here, and Mama talking heavy.”

“Baby Lucky,” I repeated. “I’m still not over the way you give this little girl my name.”

“I mean, we can always name her Destiny or Durkisha.”

Tatum popped his head toward the front of the car from the backseat. “No the hell we can’t.”

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