Family Time

We left our laptops in the house, vowing not to work today. Since the families returned home to the States and it’s just us, we wanted to enjoy some down time. It has been bliss.

Dae-Dae couldn’t be happier to have his Lix here with him and I couldn’t be happier to have my Felix. We’ve laughed more than ever and life has been so simple in the last few weeks. We’ll be leaving soon, hopefully, but it’s been great to have Felix here with us.

Dae-Dae’s giggle pulls my attention. I lower my head. My smile stretches impossibly wide. Felix is chasing after him, the two looking like they’re having the time of their lives.

Dae-Dae’s beanie bounces as he runs. He looks so much like Danny. His dimples pop just like his father’s used to.

I feel a ping in my chest as I think of my brother. I miss Danny, but I couldn’t imagine life without Dashawn. I strive to better every day for him.

Felix scoops Dae-Dae up into his arms and tosses him in the air. Dae-Dae’s squeal pierces the air. It’s a sound that warms my heart. I love these two with all of me.

I watch as Felix spins him around. The love Felix is pouring onto Dashawn is so real. It is written all over his face—my man loves my son as much as he loves me.

“Mama, Mama,” Dae-Dae calls out for my help as Felix tickles him.

Felix rushes them both over to flop down on the blanket beside me. Felix leans to kiss my cheek. Dae-Dae dives for my phone.

“Let’s take a selfie,” he sings.

“You have the best ideas,” Felix coos.

“I know,” Dae-Dae says with a sage nod.

Wrapping an arm around me, Felix drags me into his side. He settles Dae-Dae halfway on his lap, halfway on mine. Plucking the phone from my son’s small hand, he holds the phone up and snaps a few pictures.

We all start to make silly faces for the last couple. I take the phone, laughing as I swipe through the pics we’ve just taken. Our happiness shines in our faces.

“Now that’s one gorgeous family,” Felix says.

“Yup! My mommy is so pretty and my daddy is handsome,” Dae-Dae chimes.

I freeze, looking up at Dashawn. I’ve thought of him as mine for so long. He has called me his mama since he started talking. However, hearing him call Felix his daddy brings tears to my eyes.

I’ve never thought about how he sees Felix. I know how much Felix loves him. Hearing Dashawn’s words just make this engagement so much more a reality.

“Not the first time,” Felix chokes out. “Slays me every time. You know I want you both, right? He becomes a Black too.”

I swallow hard. I can’t speak so I nod. I’m so full. What more could I ask for?

Dae-Dae takes off running to play some more. Felix takes the chance to pull me between his legs, my back to his front. I melt into him as his arms wrap around me.

“Have you thought about where you want to get married or when?” He murmurs.

“A little. I want my dad to marry us. I just haven’t decided if I want to do it in his church or somewhere else. Not sure what kind of wedding I want. Your brother’s wedding was amazing,” I muse.

“We can do whatever you want,” he replies.

“I think I want to go for the big wedding. I know it will take a long time to plan, but in the end it’ll be worth it,” I say.

“Yeah, it will be. Let’s make it home and then you can talk with our mothers to see what you want to do. I heard them planning it on their own already. You might want to rein that in,” he chuckles.

I turn my face up to look at him and he pecks my lips. I almost forget what I was about to say. The soft press of his mouth is so intoxicating.

“I love you,” I murmur.

“I love you too,” he smiles. “I can’t wait for you to see the new house.”

I sit up and turn to him. My brows knit in confusion. My eyes widen. He did it again.

“You did not buy another house,” I gasp.

“It’s your engagement gift. I was going to wait until we got back to tell you. I’ve been holding it in for too long,” he says sheepishly.

“Too long? Seriously?” I say incredulously.

“I bought it almost a year ago,” he says, sucking his lip into his mouth.

My mouth falls open. My mind races. He can’t be saying what I think he’s saying.

“You were going to propose before I got the news about the movie, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, that weekend actually,” he replies.

“You’ve waited that long?”

“I’ve waited a lot longer than you know,” he says, his cheeks turning pink.

“What?”

“I was going to ask you to marry me that night your family came to our place for the party.”

“Are you serious? Why didn’t you?”

“Do you not remember being so pissed off at me you didn’t talk to me for weeks?” He snorts.

I tuck my chin into my chest and whisper. “Yes.”

He lifts my head with his hand. His eyes locking on mine. A gentle smile is resting on his lips.

“I’d wait a million years for you. It wasn’t the right time. Now is. We’re not going to dwell on the past. I have you and we have our son. I’d say the world is perfect,” he winks at me.

“I’d say so too,” I reply, leaning in to kiss his lips.

“Daddy, come on,” Dae-Dae calls making my heart squeeze.

I take full notice that there’s so much joy in his voice as he calls Felix by that name. Felix kisses me quickly before getting up to run and join our son.

Wow, Danny. You manage to give me the world. Thanks, big bro.