Page 78 of Smoke

Just to fuck with me, he reduced his speed to a slow creep. I sat there anxiously, wondering what these people were up to. There were cars I didn’t recognize there as well, so I could only imagine who else was here. There was just enough space for his car to pull into my driveway. He got out and came around to retrieve me.

I held on to his arm as he led me up to the front door. As soon as we reached the top step, the door opened, and out stepped Korri with her hands behind her back.

“Hi, Mommy!”

“Hi, baby! I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She smiled as she pulled a scarf from behind her back and held it up to me. “I gotta cover your eyes.”

I giggled. “What are you up to?”

“It’s a surprise!”

“Tell her to stop being nosy, lil’ bit,” Devin said, reaching for her.

She laughed as he lifted her into his arms and turned me around so she could put the scarf on me. Once my eyes were covered, I felt both of them take my hands. I could hear the door opening before they guided me through. The house was quiet, but I could smell something delicious in the air.

I was reluctant to let them lead me because I couldn’t see shit. After a minute or so, we came to a stop. A door opened, and I was led inside.

“Keep your eyes closed, Mommy,” Korri said as the scarf came off.

“Y’all are making me nervous.”

Devin snickered. “You just want to be nosy.”

“And do!”

“Alright, woman. On the count of three, you can open your eyes. Count her down, lil’ bit.”

“One… two… three!”

I opened my eyes, and my hand flew to my mouth. I was standing in Juri’s room, fully finished. The shades of pink, white, and gold came together perfectly. The white canopy crib with matching bedroom furniture was absolutely beautiful. I was in awe of the big, custom wood sign that spelled out Juri Angel. It was painted gold with pink and white flowers.

“Devin…” I whispered, my lips trembling. “Did you do this?”

“It was a collaborative effort. Renay told me you hadn’t gotten a chance to do baby girl’s room. I made a couple of callsand handed my card over to your mama and sister to get the furniture. Me and your dad put everything together while your mom, sister, and my sisters in-law did the decorating.”

“I don’t… I can’t… Thank you.”

I couldn’t fight back my tears any longer as I broke down. Devin pulled me into his arms and held me as I cried. Korri wrapped her arms around me from behind.

“Are these happy tears, Mommy?” she asked.

“Yes, baby. Very happy tears.”

We stayed in the room for a moment so I could take it all in. They had really gone all out for my baby. Once I’d gotten myself together, Devin and Korri led me back out front where I was shocked to see a whole baby shower set up, including a throne. There was food, mountains of gifts, and the smiling faces of both our families.

I was no good.

I started crying again as my mom, sister, Salima, and Shar gathered around me, pushing Devin to the side.

“Well excuse me!” he said, raising his hands.

“Shut up!” Shar and Salima said to him.

He grinned and shook his head as he stepped aside. The ladies loved on me for a minute before letting me go. I looked around at everything and everyone as I dabbed my eyes.

“This is beautiful. Thank you so much.”

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