Page 60 of Counting His heartbeats

"We know that some of you are still mad about us getting married without including you," I say, looking from Zurmani's parents to Kayshon since the three had similar responses to the news of our marriage.

"Tread lightly, Jawaan," Pop Coates warns, causing laughter around the area.

I thought Zurmani's dad would either burst a vessel in his neck or have a heart attack when Zurmani told them we'd gotten married in Florida. Thankfully, his anger didn't last long and he semi got over it when he told me to call him Pop. Mrs. Coates wasn't as unhappy as her husband because she quickly embraced me and told me to call her Mama. Her welcome had tears falling rapidly from my eyes because it would be the first time I had been able to use the term with someone who is now directly tied to me. While Mama Lo has her title, it doesn't hit quite the same since she's not directly tied to me. I affectionately now call Mrs. Coates... Mama C, which she welcomes.

"Dang, what happened, little bro? Let me find out Mr. Coates got you fearful," Kayshon asks, cutting into my thoughts.

"Fu—"

"Stay focused, little bro," Kyce interjects before I can finish my statement, effectively doing his big brother's duty of keeping Kayshon and me in line.

"You're right. I ain't stalling no more." Moving in front of Zurmani, I snatch the cover from the picture and return to her side to let the announcement play out.

Roses are red. Violets are blue. Guess what, family? We're expecting baby #2!

"Oh my God! We're having another baby!" Mama C gushes before pushing her chair back and running toward Zurmani and me.

Clapping, congratulations and other well wishes echo around the yard when Mama C advances toward us. Kyce shakes his head with a sneaky grin before pulling Masani to her feet.

"Well, I guess it's a good time to let y'all know that we're expecting again, too," Kyce says.

"Unlike my husband, I'm praying that there's only one this time," Masani adds.

The family excitement becomes louder at hearing Kyce and Masani's announcement while everyone processes the expanding of our family. Kayshon helps Ashari out of her seat while holding onto her growing baby bump as they make their way around the space.

"When I look back over my life, I see all the things God's done for me." Another hush falls around the yard when Mama Lo's singing hits everyone's ears.

"Very appropriate choice, Loretta," Ms. Aretha says happily, and Mama Lo continues singing.

"Been through dangers, heartache, and trouble, I thank the Lord, He rescued me," Mama Lo sings.

"All right, cut to the chorus, Loretta. Three-part harmony, everyone," Ms. Aretha interjects.

"Everybody but Ashari. This is a celebration, after all," I tease, and Ashari frowns.

"Don't worry, you can serenade me with the song when we go home," Kayshon tells Ashari, rubbing her arm soothingly.

"I am still here. It's by the grace of God," everyone sings the chorus in three-part harmony like we're a part of the church choir.

"Kyce... Kayshon... Jawaan... you three are still here, and it's by the grace of God," Mama Lo ad-libs, causing my heart rate to race, and I shift my gaze to Kyce and Kayshon as they head toward me.

"Mama Lo is right, and this moment reinforces Pastor Reese's sermon," Kyce says once he and Kayshon are standing before me.

For a second, my attention shifts when Zurmani is pulled away by Masani and Ashari.

"Right. How fitting was it for Pastor Reese to preach from Psalm 28? I felt like he was speaking directly to us," Kayshon adds, returning my focus to them.

"I've learned that God is sovereign, and though it seems like He's left you in the belly of the whale, like Jonah, His timing is perfect. Who knew three rejected, abandoned, sexualized, broken, and traumatized boys from Baxter County would be living proof that though weapons formed, they couldn't prosper?" I ponder, and a warm feeling spreads throughout my body.

"You said it, little bro. Though the blues of Baxter County tried, they couldn't slay us," Kayshon confirms.

"Okay. Though the devil sent an imp named Rema to slay us... God restored us. Look at the blessings He's giving us," Kyce says, pointing behind him as chatter from our family echoes around us.

Kyce and Kayshon stand beside me, and our eyes intently take in the manifestation of God, allowing us to find healing through the power of the women he sent to restore us.

"We are still here, and it's by the grace of God," I sing low enough for only Kyce and Kayshon to hear before they join in.

When my gaze lands on Zurmani, who is now holding Jalil while watching me with keen eyes, I mouth the sentiments of my heart... "Thank you for loving me, Tigress."

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