Page 117 of Dope Boys: Most Wanted
“I never had a real holiday surrounded by family. And even though we’re missing Aunt Lucille, I’ve been looking forward to this,” Reign gushed. “Wait ‘til Christmas.”
“Y’all, she’s serious, the shop has exploded autumn. And she already has the Christmas decorations staged for tomorrow,” Nia added. “I walked into my shop and thought it was a sick prank. Nope, just Reign plugging in pumpkin and chai wall scents.”
Aunt G and Ms. Ophelia shared a look. Soft, joyous, heartwarming.
“Nia, did you ever think you’d get a sister?” Aunt G asked.
Nia looked at Reign and smiled. “No. Markus finally did something right. We’re just getting started.”
“We are, it’s only up from here,” Reign hummed. “Wait until your baby shower. I already have it planned in my mind.”
Nia laughed, knowing that Reign wasn’t lying. “So hurry up and get pregnant so I can plan yours.”
Reign’s smile dropped just a bit. Unrecognizable to anyone else but Nia, caught it. While the elders filled pie crust and cake pans, Nia pulled Reign over by the top of her skirt.
“What was that look about?”
Reign tried to shake it off. “What look?”
“That one you gave me after I mentioned you getting pregnant. If you’re not ready, I’m sorry.”
“It’s not that,” Reign spoke softly. “And it’s not like we aren’t practicing. This is new. And I might be broken. What if I can’t?”
Nia stood up and pulled Reign out of the kitchen and down the hall. “I knew something was wrong. You can’t think like that.”
“He’s asking for it. Requesting it, and I do not want his hopes up. I get part of it is his grief, but when the fog clears, what if I just can’t give him what he wants?” Reign questioned.
“If you think you’re broken, you don’t know yourself,” Nia started, swiping a tear from Reign’s cheek. “From when I met you until now, you have defied every single odd. It’ll happen in its time. It’ll be beautiful. And let’s not mention you’ve given that man life. If you can give life, you can create it and hold it too. You just closed the door to a very traumatic chapter. Let your body settle into what being loved for real is all about. You hear me, sis?”
“I hear you. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. You gave me life, too. We locked in, baby. Welcome to Locked in Records. Call me Brown Suge,” Nia joked as she hugged her.
Reign laughed and hugged her back. “I love you.”
“I love you too. You got some snacks in there for me?”
They shared a laugh and headed back down the hall.
“You know I do, baby mama.”
The house that was full of sorrow a month ago was filled to the brim with joy and love. Aunt Lucille wouldn’t have had it any other way. Her table was surrounded by people who loved her and loved each other. There were no more rotten spirits or ill intent. Bellies were full, naps were taken, and Markus was helping himself to dessert.
“Not in your aunt’s kitchen,” Reign whispered in a giggle. “You said you wanted cake. Not my cake.”
“I changed my mind,” he muttered, kissing her face.
The heavy baritone of Uncle G stopped Markus mid-kiss. “Not by my damn coconut cake, boy.”
“I told you,” Reign quipped, smacking his arm. “Here, take your cake and go sit down. Uncle G, you want a slice?”
Uncle G rubbed his belly. “Please.”
Markus took his plate and threw his head down the hall. “You know where to find me, Speechless.”
“Yeah, in that bed passed out,” Reign teased, watching him walk away. “Big or small slice.”
“The slice where you tell me what to do about an ADA who thinks you, my wife, and my niece are trying to rig an election.”
