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“But seriously, I feel really blessed to have all of you.” She continued. “Miracle, Anke, Claudia, Barbie—thanks for all the girls’ nights and language help, and hugs…”
The women lifted their glasses toward Bailey.
“But Rei and I have some good news.” Bailey grinned proudly. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“What?” Justice called. “I’m going to be an uncle?”
“Stop planning presents!” Bailey called to him.
“I will not!” Justice rushed over to hug her, give me a high five, then hunched down to speak to Bailey’s stomach. “Uncle Prime is your favorite!”
The others cheered and the next few minutes were nothing but happiness and congratulations. The ladies came to take Bailey and I kissed her before they whisked her off. My mother stopped long enough to hug me tightly.
“I’ll make you proud, Haha.” I whispered as her happy tears soaked through my throat. “I hope you’re happy with this news.”
“I’mveryhappy.” She leaned back to look up at me. “And you’ve already made me very proud. “Kanojo no sewa o suru.”
Tears streamed down her face.
“I’ll never leave her side.” I promised. “You’re going to be a grandmother, Haha.”
She smiled through her tears and hugged me again. “I have a few months to decide if I want the child to call me Sobo or Nana or Nan—this is awesome!”
I laughed.
Once the excitement died down, Justice and I sat together inside. While the music became a dull hum outside, I set a beer in front of him and leaned back in my seat.
“You’re worried,” I said.
“Should I be?”
“I would say no.” I replied. “But you’re her brother. You’ll worry either way. But I think there’s something I need to say to you. I know what bad relationships feel like. I know what it feels like to have someone you love reach into your chest and rip your heart out.”
Justice winced.
“I never want to feel that again.” I pushed. “You understand? I may be a stupid man, but I’m not that dumb that I don’t see the good Bailey is for me.” I rubbed my eyes. “I’m not dumb enough to not see she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“And this baby?”
“Will not want for nothing—be it material or love.” I promised him. “Do you see the army I have outside those doors? I’ll make sure you get time with him or her. You do know you’re always welcomed here, right?”
Justice smiled.
“You didn’t think I’d…Come on, Prime.”
He hugged me then sat back. “My sister means everything. I visited half expecting her to be sad and wanting to come home. A part of me was wishing she’d say she wanted to come home. And I get here, and she’s surrounded by this amazing love, and she’s smiling and happy.”
“Well, aside from the fact I love her.” I laughed. “My mother would kick my ass if I made her cry.”
“Your mother is awesome.”
I nodded. “Listen, once the baby comes and they’re both settled in, I want to ask Bailey to marry me. My mother gave me her family ring. When the time is coming up, I’m going to need you to help. I will bring her and the baby down for a visit once the baby can fly.”
“My man!” Justice shook my hand. “I’ll be there.”
Satisfied with our talk, Justice and I went back to the party to find Bailey dancing around with the others. I stood back, watching her shake her booty to Luke Bryan. When she saw me, she shimmied over and took my hand. I wasn’t much of a dancer, but for her, I’d move Kilimanjaro.
We went through the rest of the evening, snacking, dancing, and having a good time. Barbie and Crash were the first to say their goodbyes. It had gotten late, and Anya had fallen asleep with her head in Pitbull’s lap. Eden was fighting sleep, cuddled up in Beast’s arms.
