Page 159 of Falling Into Gravity

Malik shook his head. “This ain’t no fairytale. But I’ll give her peace, love…a place to land when the world gets too heavy. That’s what I got to offer.”

French nodded slowly.

“You got a long road ahead of you,” he said.

“I know.”

“You gon’ make mistakes.”

“I already did.”

“You ready to lead a family?”

Malik nodded. “I was born with that weight.”

French looked away, the corner of his mouth twitching just enough to show a little respect. Maybe even pride. “That’s my baby and I’ll burn the world down for her.”

“That’s the love of my life and I’ll burn the world down to make it better for her…for my child too.”

The door slid open behind them, quieting everything else that lingered between them.

Aku stepped out in a soft sundress, her hair wild from the breeze, skin glowing from the late sun. She hadn’t said a word yet, but Malik’s eyes softened the second they landed on her.

Her belly was showing now—just enough to round the front of her dress. She stopped at the doorway for a second, her hand pressed to the side of her stomach like she wasn’t sure if it was safe to interrupt.

But Malik was already reaching for her with his eyes.

She walked over slowly, then faster, until she was in front of him. She smiled, moving out the way where his smile grew.

Myesa, Anthony, Gran Betty, and Pharaoh were there. French had sent for them knowing Malik needed his people.

The private nurse stood nearby, out of the way, but alert just in case he needed help. She agreed with him getting out the house, but wanted to stay close because his road to recovery would be long.

Aku knelt in front of him, resting her hands on his thighs like she needed to feel he was solid. Plus, physical touch was her love language. “I love you.”

“I love you too baby…so fuckin’ much.” He gently squeezed her hand, the strength in his fingers coming back more each day. “I ain’t never leaving you again.”

She nodded, but her chin trembled. It wasn’t just the pregnancy hormones that made her emotional. It was almost losing the love of her life that kept her in a constant state of heightened emotions.

Gran Betty sniffled behind them. “Whew…that baby gon’ be something powerful with all this love surrounding it.”

Myesa smiled and rubbed her shoulder. “A whole army out here for just one little soul.”

French agreed. “Hell yea.”

Anthony stood in the back, eyes misty but focused on Malik. Pharaoh sat next to him, nodding, his fingers tapping the armrest, waiting for his turn.

Malik looked around at all of them. “Thank you…for real…all of y’all.”

He was so appreciative for everyone. They loved on him, showed up for him, and he was sure they prayed for him. He knew he was still Earthside because he had a strong praying family.

“You ain’t gotta thank us,” Myesa said, “just keep waking up.”

“You real quiet,” Gran Betty added, “ain’t cussed at nobody yet. I’m lowkey offended.”

Malik chuckled softly. “Y’all done enough cussin’ for me.”

Pharaoh grinned. “You… good, cuh?”

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