Page 53 of Counting His heartbeats

Zurmani's laughter hits my retreating form, making me pause to look over my shoulder.

"It's all fun and games until your honeypot is shaking like a salt shaker from the withdrawals that he'll have both of usenduring at this rate. Come on, Cleo, Daddy needs to burn off this energy. Let's go for a run."

Cleo, who is standing guard at Jalil's bassinet, looks at me before giving me a 'nigga, please' look without moving from her spot.

"Damn. Now, I lost man's best friend to a pint-size screamer," I say, shaking my head before continuing out of the room with a smile.

Several DaysLater

"Thank you for agreeing to meet us for brunch. Masani's weird schedule doesn't allow for too much advance notice," Ashari expresses when I slide into the booth across from her and Masani.

Ashari, Masani, and I had exchanged numbers the day the family came to welcome Jalil home from the hospital. Getting a random text from Ashari in a group message for the three of us had me hiking my brows. Adding them to my friend circle isn't far-fetched due to the men in our lives being brothers. In fact, it made sense to add them to my folds, but with my life moving and shaking, there hadn't been time for me to reach out.

"No problem. I hope you don't mind me bringing the baby," I mention, adjusting the blanket on Jalil's legs.

My baby boy is oblivious to everything around him, thanks to the bottle he had shortly after I parked in the restaurant's lot. It was comical to see how fast he fell asleep since he was awake when I started toward the entrance.

"Girl, please. The only reason the twins aren't with me is because Mama wants to enjoy her food without sharing," Masani admits, smiling.

"I hear you. I'm hoping he'll sleep long enough for me to eat and converse with you guys," I say, nodding toward Jalil.

"If not, Auntie Shari will happily hold and give him some loving," Ashari offers.

"Welcome to Nightingales. Can I start you all off with something to drink?" a fair-skinned woman walks up to the table, asking.

"I'll take an apple juice light ice, please," Ashari requests.

"Um, is your peach mango lemonade any good?" I ask.

"If you like super sweet lemonade, sure. I'm not a fan of it myself because it's too much," the server provides with her mouth twisting to the left.

"Ooh, then, no thanks. I'll take a regular lemonade, please," I say.

"I'll have the same," Masani adds.

The server nods and walks away without uttering another word, allowing us to resume our conversation.

"So, what made you guys want to get together? Not that I mind or anything. I'm just curious," I quiz.

"I wanted to share something with you and uh... welcome you into the fold," Masani says, biting her bottom lip, instantly wrinkling my brows.

If this woman tells me anything other than Jawaan's loctician is a married woman with seven kids and one on the way, we're gonna have a problem. Please don't have me changing my opinion of you, Mrs. Masani.

"It's nothing bad, girl." Ashari giggles, although I don't match her humor, especially given that there is no context yet.

"It's not. In fact, it's a great thing and something that I'm extremely excited about," Masani reassures with a bright smile before filling me in on what she's referring to for the next ten minutes.

Hearing Masani speak about how she prayed for Ashari and me before God allowed her to see us has my mouth open. I know Pastor Reese said that I had been destined to be Jawaan's helpmate but hearing this backstory has my ears ringing and a knot forming in my stomach. Being the woman to push Jawaan to his healthy and healed place makes me feel inadequate for the task laid out for me.

For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord... I'm bringing you to your expected end.

"I see the dull look in your eyes, and trust me, I know how you're feeling. Being in the position to execute God's plan can be weighty. Yet, I'm here to tell you that it has been the most rewarding experience of my life," Ashari says.

"To piggyback, I'll also say that adding Kyce to my life meant adding another layer of God's goodness. I never understood what it meant to intercede on behalf of someone else until I had to lay on the floor of my prayer closet for the man I love. God is sovereign," Masani confidently declares.

For several minutes, I sit still, taking in Ashari and Masani's words while analyzing my experience since being with Jawaan. Jawaan can be moody or a jokester to the world and his family, but to me... Jawaan is the one my heart palpitates for at the end of every night. Jawaan is the man who fills my life with purpose, love, and hope for what our future holds. Simply put... Jawaan is God's first blessing to show me that my trials made way for triumph.

"It's good to know I'll have you two to pray me through when life gets heavy. It's not every day that you inherit women who know how to reach Heaven," I admit.

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