Caraleigh

 

When Braxton leaves to go get Lily, I pepper my son with kisses and go to give DJ a call. She and Hatchet are finally at her place to get her belongings to move here.

“Yo, bitch, what’s this I hear about the in-laws from hell making an appearance at the hospital?”

“Well, hello to you too.”

“Cut the crap and tell me what happened.” And this is why she’s my best friend. I lay it all out for her, their threats and accusations.

“You're fucking kidding me! I wanted to call as soon as I heard, but Hatch wouldn’t let me. He told me...do you hear me, told me, I had to wait for you to call me when you were ready. What’s up with that shit? You know me, no one tells me when I can and can’t call my bestest. As soon as I told him that he took my phone from me! Are you listening to me? Why are you laughing?”

I hold my stomach as I’m doubled over laughing, tears are running down my cheeks. That’s some funny shit right there, just what I needed right now. “I can’t believe he took your phone!”

“I know, right? What does he think he is, my daddy or something?”

I hear Hatchet in the background saying, “I got your daddy right here...do I need to prove something to you again gorgeous?” Uh-oh, shit, I better get off the phone before I overhear world war three happening.

“I know you did not just…eeekkk, put me down you neanderthal!” I hear as the line suddenly disconnects. I start laughing even harder, so hard in fact I’m having a hard time catching my breath and that’s how Braxton finds me. At the kitchen table, doubled over trying to draw as much oxygen into my lungs as I possibly can.

“What happened? Cara, are you alright? Talk to me sweetheart.” I hear the concern in his voice, and I try to tell him, but I can’t get the words out.

“Is Momma gonnas be okay?” I hear Lily say and that brings my oxygen-deprived brain back on drive.

“I’m...o... okay, Lily, I promise. Your aunt DJ just made me laugh really hard,” I say while drawing in a breath with each word that leaves my mouth.

Ralynn comes over to me, she had been staying with Nan, and wraps her arms around my shoulders and says as seriously as a six-year old can, “What’s shes done now?”

“Nothing drastic, sweetie, your mom is just silly.” With that she nods her head once, gives me a hug, then Lily does the same. Only Lily gives me a kiss on my cheek before they scurry away to sit with Luca. Once they're out of ear-shot, I tell Braxton about my phone call with DJ. By the end he’s laughing as hard as I was.

“Mom made a lasagna and garlic bread and she has made a side salad to go with the meal, she is bringing it over in a few minutes. So, lucky y’all that you don’t have to suffer through my cooking.” I know he’s joking with me, because he’s a wonderful cook.

“I think we would’ve managed just fine,” I tell him with a yawn.

“Why don’t you go rest for awhile? Mom and I can handle the kids while you get a couple of hours of shuteye.”

“I really need to be here for Luca,” I tell him.

“Please, for me—for the baby.” I put my hands over my stomach and his join me as he pulls me in close for a hug. I can’t wait until we can feel the baby move.

“Alright, Braxton,” I yawn again and realize he’s right, I do need to lay down. He follows me upstairs, giving me the excuse that he needs to tuck me in and once we’re in my room, he closes the door.

“We need to talk, sweetheart.” Fuck, I hate those four words ‘we need to talk’!

“About?” I ask even though I know I may dread asking the question.

“I spoke with Law and he’s going to check into Graham’s parents, and he also wants a copy of Graham’s will so he can see exactly what’s what.”

“Oh, I have that in my lockbox stored in the closet!”

“Great, I’ll grab it, get Twisted over here, and hand it off to him so he can deliver it to Law for us today. Did you call your parents and your brother?”

“DJ called them. Mom and Dad are out of the country until next week, but Chandler’s on his way and should be here today. My parents will come as soon as they get back, which knowing Mom, means they could show up today as well.”

I’m about to lay down when he pulls my shirt up. “What are you doing? I thought I was resting?”

“You are sweetheart, but you need to be comfortable,” he says as he unclasps my bra. “Mmmm, like how these look,” he murmurs as his fingers ghost over my overly-sensitive nipples.

“Whose version of comfortable are we talking about here, Braxton?” I tease him with a moan.

“Mine, of course, what else would there be, woman?” he states.

I’m lost in the sensation of his hands on me when I hear Lily yell, “Daddy! Someone’s at the door!”

“Fuck,” he mutters.

“Duty calls,” I tell him.

“Yeah, yeah woman, get some rest. I’ll come back up and get the Will and check on you soon,” he says as he turns to walk out the door after giving me a kiss on my forehead. I watch him go out the door, then turn over, grab my huggy pillow to take his place, and fall into dreamland.