Page 1 of Crossing the Lines for Love

“Niko,I can’t help but think your ultimate goal is to give me and your father a heart attack,” my mother, Nikolette, said.

“Baby, leave the boy alone. I learned a long time ago to expect the unexpected from him. Nothing he tells me is a surprise anymore,” my father, Anthony, told her.

I’d arrived at my childhood home less than an hour ago with my one-year-old son, who was my junior, but I called him Deuce. My parents knew nothing about him, so my mother’s reaction was justified.

“I’ve learned that as well, but I’ve been a grandmother for over a year, and he chose to tell me by showing up at my door with my grandchild in his arms. Son, you’ve got to do better.”

I had a history of doing the unexpected. Growing up, everyone expected me to play football, basketball, or even run track. However, someone introduced me to lacrosse in elementary school, and from there, it was all I knew.

“I’m sorry, Ma. I didn’t know how to tell y’all.”

“A simple phone call would’ve sufficed.”

My parents weren’t happy with me, but they’d already fallen in love with my namesake. He had taken a liking to them too, and he didn’t like many people.

“Let’s not dwell on what he should’ve or could’ve done,” Pops reasoned. “He’s here now, and we have an adorable little grandson to spoil. How long are you home?”

“For good. I’m not going back.”

We were sitting in the family room, and my parents were on the couch with Deuce. They were focused on him while we spoke. However, my announcement caused them to give me their attention.

“Not going back?” Ma questioned.

“Son, what do you mean?” Pops asked.

“I mean, I’m not going back. I gave the Navy four years of my life, and that’s plenty.”

“When did you make that decision?” Pops inquired.

“I’ve always known I would only serve for four years. Sometimes, I contemplated staying longer, but when Deuce was conceived, my plans were solidified.”

“Speaking of my grandson’s conception…where is his mother? You’d better not have her waiting outside.”

I was surprised it had taken my mother so long to ask that question.

“I wouldn’t leave her outside, Ma. I’m not that bad. She’s serving our country and wants to focus on that right now.”

“Right now? How long is right now? What kind of woman would choose being in the military over being a mother?” she continued.

“You’re sounding very judgmental, baby,” my father said.

“It’s a question that needs answers.”

“She had her whole life planned out, and having children wasn’t part of her plans. It wasn’t necessarily in my plans just yeteither, but when she told me she was pregnant, I didn’t want her to abort my baby.”

“You two should’ve been more careful if you didn’t want to make a child,” Ma preached.

“We used protection, but it’s not a hundred percent. Deuce was clearly meant to be here.”

“Well, I’m glad she decided to have him because now that I’ve seen him, I can’t imagine my life without him.” She kissed his cheek and wrapped him in her arms.

“It’s barely been an hour, Kolette,” my father teased.

“Oh, I was in love as soon as I saw these big bright eyes that mirrored my son’s.”

“Great! I guess I should prepare for him to be spoiled rotten,” I said, shaking my head.

“There’s no such thing, but he will be loved endlessly,” she countered.

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