Chapter 25

I stoodin the doorway of the bathroom admiring my baby carrying my baby as she applied her makeup. Her bump had finally made an appearance, and I was too happy to show it off tonight.

While I initially thought I wouldn't be able to keep our pregnancy a secret, the bond we built over the last three months was everything I needed it to be. I'd spent countless hours rubbing her stomach and talking to our baby. I played music and read to them. Everything about pending fatherhood was so damn special for me. Watching my wife grow our child inside of her made me fall even more in love with her. She didn't even get mad when I did the most… and I did the most at times. She simply allowed me to love on her in every way that I could.

Even Barkley and Pawly could sense the changes. They were way more affectionate with Kachelle. They loved to lay their heads on her stomach, going as far as bullying me out of the way at times. Right now, they were planted at her feet, watching curiously as she applied her mascara.

She looked back at me through the mirror and smiled.

"I'm almost ready, creep."

"How am I a creep?"

"You're practically stalking me."

"I can't admire what's mine?" I walked up behind her and slid my arms around her, gently rubbing her stomach. "Daddy's baby has you sitting up in the front and the back."

I playfully slapped her ass, causing her to giggle.

"Let's not pretend that I didn't have ass before this baby."

"You did, but we helped."

She was currently eighteen weeks. We'd been able to hide her pregnancy because she wasn't showing much, but tonight, we were finally telling our families. Things with them had been great moving forward. Both of us were building bonds with the other's parents.

Seeing how much we loved each other and how happy we were finally had them respecting our marriage. Kay, Jessa, and my mother had weekly lunches, and her father and I went fishing a few times a month. We alternated Sunday dinners between her parents, my parents, and our home. I could honestly say it felt nice to have the bullshit put behind us.

Kachelle finished putting the last touches of makeup on and turned to face me.

"How do I look?"

"Like if you weren't already my wife, I'd be asking where your man is."

She giggled. "Boy, stop!"

"For real! Once I hit you with that, Aye, shawty, whatcho' name is, it's a wrap."

"That doesn't even sound like you, and if it did, I would ignore the fuck outta you. Approach me with respect. I'm a lady."

I grinned as I leaned in to kiss her. "You look exquisite, Mrs. Mitchell."

Her natural curls were slicked into a puff atop her head, and silver jewelry accented her ears, neck, and wrists. She was wearing a white, off-shoulder dress that flowed elegantly over her growing bump. It was loose enough to be discreet until the big reveal.

"Thank you. I'm ready to go. I'm about to starve."

"Well, let's not keep my babies waiting."

I grabbed Barkly and Pawly to put them in their kennel until we got back. Of course, they hated that, but once we left the room, they quieted down like I knew they would. We made our way downstairs and out to my car, where I helped her in then climbed in myself. The drive to the restaurant only took about fifteen minutes. Our families were under the impression that we were having a simple family outing.

We parked and headed inside to find that we were the first ones there, just how we planned. Kay and I were led to the private room I reserved and seated. My wife acted like she was starving and just had to have them bring out dinner rolls and cinnamon butter for her to snack on. I fed her cravings by lathering the bread with the butter and feeding it to her.

She wore the most elated smile as she chewed and did her happy dance.

"Y'all are adorable," Myra said as she came through the door. She immediately went to Kay and hugged her. "You look cute, pooh!"

"Thank you, girl."

My parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Jessa, Ebony, and her husband trickled in shortly after. The room was buzzing with conversation as we all placed our orders for appetizers, entrees, and drinks. Next to me, Kay tightly gripped my hand. While everything between our family was copacetic, she still had a little nervousness when it came to revealing our big news. We'd been married now for almost eight months. We were still growing and learning so much about each other, but we were solid. We just prayed that they could be as happy as we were about expanding our family.

Once the server left with our orders, Kay looked at me and gave me a head nod, signaling that she was ready. I stood and tapped my glass.

"Can I have everyone's attention?"

The room quieted down, and everyone turned to look at me.

"I just want to say that I am grateful for each of you here. We've come a long way since our first encounter."

"Amen to that," Mr. Lewis said with a grin. "Neither of you talk back as much."

I chuckled. "Make no mistake, I'll forever talk back over my wife."

Jessa and Myra snapped their fingers.

"Period!" Jess chanted.

I continued. "Anyway, I'm happy to see the love grown not only between Kachelle and I, but amongst you all as well. You are a very big part of who we are, and we don't take that for granted." I reached for my wife's hand. "Especially now."

Puzzled looks crossed everyone's faces.

"Kachelle and I have something to share with you all."

Myra's eyes widened, and she grabbed Jessa's hand. I could tell she was about to burst at the seams. Kachelle stood to her feet. Smoothing her hands over her dress, she cupped her baby bump.

"We're having a baby."

The room erupted with cheers. Both of our mothers shot up out of their seats and rushed over to her. My father and Mr. Lewis grinned and hugged each other before coming to join in on the hugs.

"How far along are you!" Mrs. Lewis exclaimed.

"Eighteen weeks," Kay answered.

"You didn't waste any time, Jake!" Jessa said, playfully slapping my arm.

"Santorini caught up with y'all," Myra added.

Kachelle laughed. "It really did. That trip was magical. We know it's soon?—"

My mother waved her hand. "Soon or not, this baby is a blessing." She reached out and touched Kay's belly. "I'm gonna be a grandma!"

It seemed like the realization hit her and Mrs. Lewis simultaneously because both of them started crying. While Jessa and Myra comforted them, our fathers embraced us both.

"I'm so happy for you both," Dad said, draping an arm around me. "My boy is gonna be a father. You'll be great, son."

"I'm just happy I'm still here to witness this," Mr. Lewis said. "That heart attack could have taken me out." He patted my shoulder. "You told me my work here wasn't done. I guess becoming a grandpa was tied in with that."

I smiled. "Of course it was. We need you here, old man. You all have to teach our baby everything we can't. It takes a village to raise a child. We wouldn't pick any other family to bring this baby into."

It was ironic that the same people who were so against this union were the very people who supported us most now. An unconventional love story had brought us together, but it was unconditional love that would keep us together.