Page 47 of Counting His heartbeats

"Whoa. While I ain't a soft nigga or anything, it ain't that deep unless Zurmani calls me crying," Zion states.

"You gotta chill a little, son. This man is only trying to learn about the man his daughter sprung on him," Papa D says before I can respond.

The thought of someone trying to convince Zurmani not to be with me causes an inferno to flood my bloodstream.

"To piggyback on that, I'm not the type of father who interferes in his children's lives. You should also know I could recognize your love and commitment to my daughter when I entered your living room. I'm just trying to establish a relationship with the man who will be accompanying my daughter to family events. Enemies, we'll never be," Mr. Coates assures me, instantly taking the wind from my sails and allowing me to breathe easier, knowing I'm not gonna face any opposition from him.

"You have to forgive little bro, Mr. Coates. He can be really moody and territorial over the people he loves. He's wired?—"

"To punch you in your mouth if you don't find some business," I say, cutting Kayshon off.

"See what I mean... moody and emotional for no reason. Just wait until you meet Cleo. He's got her ass the same way," Kayshon says, smiling.

"Wait... please tell me you don't have my daughter in one of those polygraphic relationships," Mr. Coates says, frowning and laughter sounds around our group.

"It's polyamory, Dad," Zion corrects him, laughing.

"The only person who will be in the relationship between Zurmani and me is the person responsible for us coming together," I say, pointing up before providing the missinginformation to put Mr. Coates' mind at ease. "Cleo is my Doberman."

"I'm glad you cleared that up because I was about to test your gangster and theory on being willing to throw hands with me," Mr. Coates admits deadpan.

"Trust me, old man, sending you home with a busted knee isn't how I plan to end my night. Imagine me wiping your daughter's tears while she wonders if the Epsom salt Mrs. Coates will have you soaking in is helping or not," I say, shaking my head before Kayshon doubles over laughing.

"Wow. You're hell, little bro. How are you sneak dissing this man while trying to softly threaten his health?" Kayshon laughs.

"On top of that, how did you know Dad has a bum knee?" Zion interjects, laughing.

"Young man, I feel like I need to show you that I ain't no punk." Mr. Coates's tight eyes peer into mine, causing a lazy grin to slip into place.

"I don't want no smoke with you, gramps. Save your strength." I smirk before turning toward the door when Zurmani's beautiful face appears.

"I think someone needs you, Jawaan. He is giving everyone, including me, the blues," Zurmani says sheepishly.

"Give me a few minutes to change out of this shirt and rid myself of the smoke residue. I got you," I reply, and my chest expands instantly at the reminder of the little boy I get to call mine.

Undetermined Hours Later

"Oh gosh, did you really threaten to fight my brother and dad?" Zurmani asks, leaning against my chest.

Zurmani and the women had gotten things for Jalil organized in the spare room beside mine. Mama Lo, Mrs. Coates, and Ms. Aretha clean the kitchen before blessing the room where Jalil's belongings are. Collectively, our families had Zurmani, Jalil, and I step into the middle of the living room before encircling us and each one of them saying a word of prayer for our family. Jamaica was the only person missing, but according to Zurmani, she had a prior engagement and had to leave. Ironically, her absence didn't cause Zurmani or me any ill feelings. At the insistence of Mrs. Coates, Zurmani and I were able to shower to prepare for our first night with our son.

"Yep. I was throwing down the gauntlet and ready to bust those niggas down like a fraction, Tigress."

My face shifts and a low chuckle escapes my mouth when Zurmani lifts up and looks at me with an unsure gaze.

"What? I was ready to duke it out to prove my love," I defend, smirking.

"Be for real, Jawaan. What would that have accomplished, and how do you think I would have felt if you did?" Zurmani rolls her eyes with a cute pout on her lips.

"It would have been bragging rights at the family reunion and something to tell Jalil about when he needs something to tease his grandpa and uncle about. I'm sure you would be sad, but my dick is a stress reliever, so you'd be straight."

"This is not how you need to start our co-parenting endeavors, Jawaan Young."

"Tuh, imagine you believing that lie. We stopped being co-parents when you let me French kiss your honeypot. I licked it, so everything attached to it is mine. You better act like you know, Tigress."

Zurmani's face flushes, and a red hue creeps into her cheeks before her eyes fill with a suggestive expression that has my dickhardening. Zurmani's teeth playfully drag at her bottom lip, and my body becomes feverish.

"I might need you to remind me."

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