Page 31 of Royce
She released a soft chuckle and shook her head. “Royce, if you weren’t already a grown man, I would’ve beat yo’ a-s-s by now. You think you so darn slick. And to you baby boy, I will have your room ready by the time you come to the house, okay?” She pecked his cheek, and he blushed throwing his face into my chest. That ain’t stop her from glaring at me before she softened up for Essence.
“You got to be a good big brother, CJ. Yo’ sister gon’ need you to look after her and love her when nobody else can, aight?” His wild nods were back.
We stood there watching Iris handle baby girl like the fragile being she was. With every gentle stroke of her hair, Essence flexed her fingers. She was protected a hunnid times over and didn’t even know it. Hell, she was born a millionaire and didn’thave a clue about that either. I had her, her mama, and her brother for life. I was sure I had more convincing to do with Klarity, but she’d fall in line before she did anything else. I could bet my last on that.
The nurse came in like Klarity stated with a cart full of baby necessities. The milk was handed over and I sat on the side of the bed with my daughter secured in my embrace. Serinity had no words for me. She was doing my job checking on Klarity and making sure she was comfortable. When she came for Essence, it was a silent switch off.
“My mama ‘bout to head out. You need her to do anything else?” I questioned.
“No. We’re good. Tell her I said thank you. You didn’t introduce me to your father. You take after him, too, by the way, not just Iris.”
“Tuh! Don’t let that nigga hear that shit. Pops, come here and meet Klarity. You can’t just accept the kids without meeting they mama.”
“I’m a grown ass man. You don’t tell me what I can and can’t accept, Junior. I’m well aware of you needing to take yo’ ass back to jail and find the sense me and yo’ mama gave you. You playing with that girl life and you need to watch yourself before she breaks yo’ ass down like a fraction.” His response caused Klarity to smirk. She must’ve liked how Pops tried to check me.
“My Baby, this is my Pops, Royce Senior. His mouth a lil’ reckless but ain’t no greater provider or protector than him. He gon’ love our kids unconditionally,” I assured her.
“Klarity, if he holding you hostage, tell me, and I’ll get you out safely,” he said squeezing her hand gently.
“If Royce is anything like you, then we’re good. Thank you for backing him in supporting me. Like I told your son, we’re appreciative.” Klarity was still speaking in a hushed tone. You could hear the exhaustion in her voice.
“Aight, aight, she needs to rest. I’ll see y’all in a few days. Ma, please do that for me.”
“I will. CJ, you want to come with me or your auntie Serinity?” Iris asked CJ as she picked him up.
“I’ll take him. He goes to my mama’s daycare during the day. I’d rather him be in her care so you can get things done.” Serinity got up from the recliner and handed baby girl back to me. She gave Klarity a kiss on her forehead, whispered she’d see her later, and was gone with lil’ man in her arms. I had to hand it to her; she was a tough one fa sho’.
“We’re gone as well. I’ll call you once it’s done, Junior. Congratulations, Klarity, and tell Royce if you need anything,” Iris voiced intertwining her hand with Pops.
They were gone within the next few minutes. Pops had to pull Iris away from Essence. I understood the hesitation. Baby girl was too adorable to just leave. That fever must’ve hit her ass quick.
I was back next to my woman with Essence finally eating. The bottle that was given was more than enough. It put her lil’ ass back to sleep. I admired how tiny she was as she slept comfortable in my arms. I ain’t never experienced this shit but the outcome was one I could do all over again. Klarity was definitely having another one just so I could walk this journey from beginning to end. I knew for a fact I missed out on precious times, and I needed them unforgettable moments.
Three days had gone by, and Klarity had gained some of her energy back. She was up longer and could speak with more volume. Exhaustion was still present, but it wasn’t the first noticeable thing anymore. Her eyes held more life in them aswell. She was recovering well from what the nurses and doctor claimed.
Holding Essence was easier for her now so all she wanted was her. Every time baby girl squirmed, she was reaching for her like I couldn’t handle her. I let her have her moments with her though. After all, that attachment was something I couldn’t interfere with.
“You gon’ tell me what claiming me and my babies are all about or are you going to leave me in the dark with that bullshit you fed me days ago?”
“My Baby, why can’t you just accept that a nigga trying to change your life?”
“Royce, my hormones are still unbalanced, and my emotions aren’t quite back to normal, but I’ve never been slow. There’s a reason and it’s not because you wanted me.”
“Why can’t that be the reason, My Baby? Have I done anything to show otherwise?” I questioned taking Essence from her to change her diaper.
“It’s been a few days, Royce, and the only place we’ve been is here. What is there to show me?” She was argumentative as hell, but I fucked with it. Whatever I said before, she agreed with, now I was facing a rebuttal after every damn answer.
Once baby girl was cleaned up, I handed her back to Klarity. However, I didn’t back out of her face. If anything, I got closer than I’d ever been before. Hovering over her body, I realized how at peace I was with her presence. She didn’t irritate me the way other bitches did, and I actually saw this being our future.
“Have I not shown you more respect than that fuck ass nigga has? Have I not made sure you were a priority in this bitch? Have I not shown that I’ve had your back since I stepped foot in yo’ life? I mean, have I not shown you that I stand on business behind you? Let me know if I’m trippin’ or not.”
I patiently waited for her to answer me. One thing I took pride in was being a man. I didn’t slack in any area, and I damn sure wasn’t ‘bout to start now. When the word wife rolled off my tongue effortlessly, I knew I was locked the hell in. Something about this woman had me obsessed and all I did was see her smiling in another nigga face. She was too pretty to be fuckin’ with a nigga that didn’t have shit. That wasn’t where she belonged no way.
Staring up into my eyes, she caused this tingling sensation to course through a nigga body. I was giddy for her ass and wasn’t understanding why. All she did was have my daughter and I was ready to bring her the sun, moon, and the stars. This shit was weird, but I liked it.
My gaze tended to linger on her lips. They were full, coated in a layer of Vaseline, and calling out to me. I couldn’t lie. I wanted everything about this woman to be branded with my name. Even after giving birth, she was still the most beautiful woman I’d laid eyes on.
“Answer me, My Baby,” I whispered still focused on her lips.
