Page 58 of Counting His heartbeats

"Let's do what we came to do before I forget that I'm trying to make Heaven my home," Kyce chimes in with a hard edge.

"Facts," I add as the three of us lift our bags and proceed with what we came here to do.

"Last night, I made love to my wife, knowing that you were choking on Hell's lava. It's too late for you, but I had my wife pray over this for me. Here you go," Kyce says before pouring a full-size bottle of olive oil on Rema's body.

"See, that's why I know Masani is great for you, big bro. That's what's up. Meanwhile, I didn't want to have Ashari worked up in her condition so I acted alone. Maybe you and Satan can find some mutual ground," Kayshon says before placing a bottle of warming lubricant on the right side of Rema's body, showcasing it for all to see.

"I've been thinking long and hard about what to leave with you, so I settled on something the demons can use on you. I mean, you should be well versed and all," I relay before placing an anaconda-sized dildo next to the lubricant. "Oh wait, I forgot something." Tapping my chin, I remove the last thing from my bag while shaking my head. "Damn, I hate to waste a good bottle, but I no longer need this band-aid, so here you go." Unscrewing the cap, I pour a pint of Hennessy over Rema's body and place the empty bottle beside the other items.

"Well, that just canceled the effects of the Holy oil, not that it worked anyway. Let's get out of here," Kyce says.

As cool as a cucumber, the three of us walk away from the pine box toward the exit before I start singing.

"Ding dong, the ho is gone. Ding dong, the ho is gone."

Kayshon and Kyce laugh before harmonizing the jingle like we're auditioning forAmerican Idol.

Bzz. Bzz.

Once outside the funeral home, my phone vibrates, halting my steps to remove it from my pocket. My mouth curves into an unconscious smile upon seeing my wife's name on the top of myscreen. Unlocking the phone, I pull up my text app and smile harder when I read her message.

Zurmani:

Dear Husband... your chest is my pillow. Your shoulder is my comfort. Your smile is my happiness. Your love is my strength. Yet, your dick is my weakness. How can I convince you to ditch your brothers to give me the things I need?

Me:

Say less. I'm heading home now.

"Aye, while I love y'all and enjoy our time?—"

"Don't even worry about it, little bro, we understand," Kyce cuts me off, smiling.

"Definitely, but, big bro, let's grab some food before we take it in. I'm starving," Kayshon says, rubbing his stomach while looking at Kyce.

"You ain't about to have me eating and gaining weight with you throughout Ashari's whole pregnancy, bro." Kyce frowns.

My smile widens in approval of the banter and closeness between my brothers and me. A thought hits me, and I pause, getting in my car to say something.

"Aye, I didn't see Carleen's loyal ass in there. That's weird," I say.

"Oh shit. I forgot to tell y'all... this damn pregnancy brain be fucking with me, but anyway, that ho dead too," Kayshon reveals with wide eyes.

"No shit," I respond, smirking.

"We just saw her," Kyce adds.

"Mhm. While grabbing pickles and Rocky Road ice cream, I saw her daughter, who said ole Carleen bit the dust. It turnsout it was the same day Carleen interrupted our lunch with her informative ass. Carleen choked on something she was eating and died from suffocation. God really ain't one to play with," Kayshon explains with glee.

"Hm, the Bible does say that vengeance is His." Kyce shrugs.

"That part. Dottie Peoples said it best... He's an on-time God," I add.

"Yes, he is," Kyce and Kayshon say simultaneously.

Smiling, I get in my car and pull out of the spot, humming the old-school song by Dottie Peoples because no truer words were written.

Four MonthsLater

---