Epiloge
Our Reign
Kamara
Two and a half years later…
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Toby asks, with his brows knit.
“Yes, it is what’s best for everyone,” I reply.
“I hope you’re not doing this because of me. I told you, wherever you are, I am. If that means moving to Nigeria, then that’s where I’ll be,” he says, with such concern.
“It is what’s best for our family,” I smile at my husband.
“But I promised you that when you finished school and the twins turned six we could go. Why the change of heart?” Toby asks.
“Look around us. We have so much family and love here. I could never take that away from Lulu and TJ. Kwäzē has been managing well enough,” I reply.
“But the people are ready to accept you. They are expecting you,” Toby insists.
“It has taken them three years to want me and my family. Some still have mixed feelings about our mixed family. I’m not saying that we are not going to go and visit.
“I have every intention to go and see my people and to allow them to see me, just as we have been doing. I just think it would be unfair to this baby if they didn’t get to have the love and care, TJ and Lulu have grown to know,” I say with a smile.
Toby sighs. “You seem to have made…Wait, what? What did you just say?” He hops up from his seat next to me, dropping to his knees before me.
Toby places his body between my legs. Resting his hand on my still flat stomach. I can see the love and awe in his eyes. He’s been hoping for more babies. It just seems like the perfect time to have another.
“I said, I don’t want to rip this baby from our family and our home. We can go to Nigeria twice a year, spend a few weeks or months, but this is our home,” I reply.
“You’re pregnant,” Toby whispers.
“Yes,” I nod.
“If there has ever been a day, where I forgot to tell you I love you, I’m so sorry. There aren’t enough hours, days, or years for me to express how much I truly do,” Toby croons, pulling me to his lips to give me one of the most cherished feeling kisses of my life.
“You have never gone a single day,” I purr, when he breaks the kiss. “I love you too, Toby. Thank you for everything. I just prefer our lives right here. I think it was always supposed to be just Kwäzē. He is doing very well.”
Toby looks at me and frowns. “I wish you wouldn’t do that. You have done more for our kingdom, in the last four years, than anyone expected.
“You have practically run a country from the other side of the world. All without taking credit for it. Kwäzē doesn’t do it alone, Baby,” Toby says, and presses his lips.
“I just want what’s best for everyone. If my brother can continue to travel back and forth, so can I. Just not as much as he does,” I laugh.
“Mommy, we’re going to be late,” Lulu yells, as she comes running into the living room. “We cannot be late for the party.”
“Uncle Felix has a new game for me,” TJ comes, following his sister. “Are we ready?”
“Since when do they run the house?” I ask Toby.
He twists his mouth and laughs. “Since the day, they were born.”
~B~
Toby
“I hear you’re having another one,” Noah says, as he passes me a bottle of water.
“Yup,” I say with a shit eating grin.
“You guys going to Nigeria at the end of the year,” Brax asks, with sad eyes.
“Nope, not for more than a visit. She doesn’t want to take the kids away from the family,” I shrug.
“Thank fuck,” my Dad and Wyatt say in unison.
We all burst into laughter. The relief on their faces is priceless. I have to admit, I would have gone for my wife and for our responsibilities, but I would’ve missed my family like crazy.
“Your mother was going to drive me nuts if you left. Shit, she’s been planning to move the entire family if she has to,” Dad sighs.
“Nora and Nellie have been driving me nuts about Lulu leaving. I think Evan would have taken you leaving hard as well,” Wyatt runs a hand down his face.
I love that little guy. All my nephews are a trip, but I love each of them. I would’ve really missed watching them grow up.
“So, you guys would only be missing my kids,” I tease.
“No, I would miss your ass too. You make a great babysitter,” Noah chuckles.
“Right,” Wyatt agrees with a smug grin.
I point to Jordan’s dad. “Nope, you shut up. I’m not watching that little girl again. I loved it when she was just cute and didn’t talk,” I shake my head.
My brother just gives me the finger. Yeah, this will work. We’ve been keeping the peace and balance in our lives for this long. I think Kamara’s plan will be just fine.