Page 57 of Love's Instant Replay
“I’m wondering how you balance this life with your personal life when the magnifying glass stayed heavily on you last season?”
“Okay, let me give y’all what you’re searching for so I can quit doing these around-the-way inquiries. Last season knocked me off my square because of the people invading my privacy at a time I was deep in my courting bag. Y’all almost caused me tolose a real one. But I’m glad that God always looks out for your boy. The scandals didn’t break me and only made us stronger. Nevertheless, keep that shit cute this season because I don’t need my shorties to enter this world due to a traumatic event rushing the process.”
A grimace forms at the thought of the negative attention Kyelle and I endured that nearly had her give up on our love. This season, I ain’t about to stand for any bullshit from the paparazzi or anybody that comes for my baby’s peace. Career or no career, everybody is subject to being cussed the fuck out if a single tear falls from Kyelle’s eyes due to a lame ass headline.
“Last question, Kaeden,” Leandra says, shifting my thoughts back to the present as I nod subtly, granting her permission to continue. “Am I hearing correctly . . .? You and your significant other are expecting?” The warm yet cheesy smile that Leandra is giving me has me returning her smile, only mine is one of pride and affection.
“Actually, my wife and I are expecting. Despite the narrative that I wanted someone who didn’t want me or our daughter, my life is blessed because of the one God sent to restore both of us.”
Kyelle and I got married in a private ceremony with family and select members of my team as witnesses. Moving in silence after repeat headlines took time to finesse, but I’m happy I was able to give Kyelle a moment where the spotlight she received was a welcome one.
“Aw, that’s so sweet. Can you give me your wife’s name so I can give her the flowers and respect she deserves when I print my article?” Leandra gushes.
“No doubt, and why you’re at it, y’all check out her business, and yeah, I’m all for shameless plugs since everybody wants to be sipping on my tea. Shoutout to my beautiful wife, Kyelle Evans, owner of Echoes of Kyelle. Where all of your book needscan be found in the echoes. That last part is me, so don’t come for my baby.”
“I saw you on TV, Daddy,” Mica says when I enter the living room later that evening.
“Mhm. Why are you still up, Cupcake? It’s past your bedtime.”
“Uh—Mama Ky said I could wait for you tonight because she was too tired to move from?—”
“Dang, how are you snitching on me, and I’m sitting right here, Cupcake?” Kyelle laughs, and the sound instantly shifts me into a place of peace.
Kyelle is six months pregnant, and her glow is something that I often find myself staring at without uttering a word. Her cheeks are fuller, her stomach is rounder, and her beauty is more captivating as her body expands to accommodate our daughters. The elation I had when our ob-gyn, Tysheika, informed us that Kyelle was carrying twin girls has been life-altering. God gave Kyelle and me double for our trouble, and for that, I’m grateful.
“No worries, my baby. I got you. Sit tight, and I’ll be back for you. Come on, Cupcake. Storytime, then sleepy time. Tell Mama Ky good night.”
“Good night, Mama. I love you.” Mica leans over, giving Kyelle a kiss before bending to kiss her protruding belly. “Night, girls. I love y’all.”
“From the back-to-back kicks, they said they love you too. But I love you more, Cupcake. Good night, and don’t let the bed bugs bite,” Kyelle says as Mica and I head for the staircase so I can read her bedtime story and get back to my wife.
It never gets old seeing the love between Kyelle and Mica, and I couldn’t be more excited about Mica choosing a name to call Kyelle without urging. Call me a machine or robot but it took me no time to get through the fable Mica selected for tonight, allowing me to return to Kyelle within twenty minutes. Taking the steps two at a time, I turn the corner to see Kyelle nodding off, and my lips upturn because my babies are wearing Kyelle out in the best way possible.
“You look more beautiful than the first day we met, my baby,” I whisper in Kyelle’s ear as she startles awake.
“Aw, thank you, babe.”
When her smile makes its entrance on her face and lightens it up, my heart skips several beats, and everything from today fades into the background. I’m sure our names will be in multiple headlines by morning, but I’m sure Kyelle won’t mind seeing her name revered in a positive light.
“Let me help you up the stairs so we can have some one-on-one time before you knock out on me for the night.” Extending both hands toward Kyelle, I assist her in standing as we slowly move toward the staircase.
“I love how you love me, Kaeden Evans.”
“Nah, it’s the way you love me and Cupcake that makes me reciprocate your affections without hesitation. It will always be you for me, Kyelle Evans. I love your beautiful ass so much more than you know.”
In Kyelle’s eyes, I see my forever. In her laughter, I see my future. But in Kyelle’s smile, . . . I discovered that love did its big one with this replay.
The End!
