Page 45 of Counting His heartbeats

Without another thought, I reach into the crib, picking Jalil up and placing him against my chest, instantly feeling calm.

"He's the only thing that matters right now. I'm gonna make a call because we aren't without support," Jawaan says, removing his phone from his pocket before dialing and placing the call on speaker.

"Hey, Jawaan," an older feminine voice greets a minute later.

"Hey, Ms. Aretha. Can you rally the troops? The baby is being discharged, and we aren't prepared for what he's gonna need," Jawaan explains.

"No worries. I'll get on it now. Send me the code to get into your house. Give me about two hours, and then you can come home." With that, the call disconnects, which only increases my blood pressure because I'm still struggling with my new reality.

"I guess you two will be spending the first night at my crib," Jawaan says, winking.

Nodding, I caress Jalil's back, comforting my soul while soothing him. My life is about to change drastically, and I'munsure how to prepare for any of it. I haven't even had a chance to inform my job of my situation, so I'll be springing my request for maternity leave on them while praying for their understanding, not to mention how my family and friends are going to react to this sudden news.

Oh God! What will my parents say about becoming grandparents to a child they didn't know was coming? I'm a mother. Wow.

"I see your mind working overtime, Tigress," Jawaan points out.

"This is a lot. We just learned that we would become parents to this adorable little boy, and we've only recently settled on his name. Now, we're on the brink of leaving this hospital with him, not to mention that he's been monitored twenty-four hours a day in this room since his early entry into this world. How are we gonna know if something is wrong with him? How can we trust that he's well enough to be with us? Ho?—"

"With God, all things are possible. Therefore, all is well. He is well. We're going to be fine," Jawaan reassures me, instantly halting the overwhelming thoughts spilling from my lips while settling my spirit. A portion of Pastor Reese's words from Sunday pops into my mind, further reassuring me.

Remember this when you leave this sacred place and hold on to it... whatever my lot God has taught me to say, it is well. It is well. It is well... with my soul.

I will liftup mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Freaking out isn't something I could afford to do, especially when Zurmani had been spiraling from the moment the nurse let us know Jalil could come home. Seconds after hearing the news, God spoke His word to me, providing me with the assurance necessary to be what Zurmani needs. Right now, I'm feeling butterflies swarming in my stomach and thickness in my throat because my new life is fast approaching.

Thank you, God, because I believe you are confirming Your word concerning me. I'm unworthy but oh so grateful.

"I just want to know how this little nigga not only found a woman to be interested in him but also got us over here welcoming a baby into his home," Kayshon says, snapping me out of my thoughts, and a goofy smile forms on my lips.

"Don't be jealous because God chose me to shower His goodness on. I understand that you have been attending church longer and think you have a leg up, but uh—He loves me best," I declare before dodging Kayshon's fist.

"You better stop playing with me, little nigga," Kayshon warns, frowning.

"I'm just saying, big bro... the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Look around. He's showing how richly blessed I am," I say, pointing around the room.

"Whaa. Whaa."

"See, even my nephew is objecting to this foolery spewing from your mouth," Kayshon says when Jalil's little cries pierce the air.

My heart smiles when my eyes connect with Zurmani bouncing Jalil in her arms, attempting to calm him. Love, as I've never seen or felt, surges through my body the longer my gaze intently watches my woman and son.

Wow, I have a woman and a son. Great God... great blessings.

Zurmani, Jalil, and I have been home for less than an hour, but at this moment, my life feels complete. On top of that, my family, without grumbling or wavering, came to ensure that Zurmani and I had an abundance of necessities for Jalil. Entering my house, not only seeing my family swarming but also smelling food in the air filled me with joy. In my bedroom were a bassinet, diapers, wipes, burp cloths, onesies, clothes, sleepers, bottles, milk, and other items that had tears falling from my eyes.

"Whaa. Whaa."

My feet unconsciously move toward Zurmani when Jalil's cries return, causing my protective instincts to kick in.

"Did your mama pinch you or something, man? What's wrong?" I say, standing in front of Zurmani and looking down at Jalil.

His smooth cinnamon skin has a red hue, and his dark, watery eyes cause warmth to flow through my body despite his current displeasure. Running my hand over the tiny curls on Jalil's head, I lean in and lightly kiss his cheek.

"Wow. I never saw the day where the loose tongue and witty jokester would show his capability to be soft with another," Kyce says.

Jalil's tears hit my face, stirring my spirit, and I lift my head, connecting my eyes with the woman God sent to rescue me from the pit of destruction I was drowning in.

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