“Handled that shit. “
We pushed through the hospital while everyone else was in a frenzy about a motherfucka’ who wasn’t worth the bag he used to shit in. We made it to the van first, and when Zeek, Kross, and Javi made it a few seconds after us, we pulled off.
This shit was behind me now, and I was ready to get the fuck back to my family.
Chapter Thirty-Six
JAZZLYN
I leaned against the grand,white marble kitchen island that overlooked the massive backyard. The deep blue waters of the pool reminded me of the waters Ahkeem and I dipped in while in Anguilla for my honeymoon. It was crazy to say, but I never imagined my forever home. My life had been so wild for so long, I always thought I would be the girl living in the luxurious corner unit penthouse with a bomb-ass view of the city.
Staten Island was different. Much slower. Much quieter. It didn’t dawn on me until we were touring the five-bedroom home that peace used to scare the living shit out of me. I was so used to chaos that I confused peace and happiness with boredom. I was always on my toes, and whenever I wasn’t, I felt like something was wrong.
I was ready to grow up and accept the fact that my life was no longer what it used to be. I was safe, loved, appreciated, and successful. Life was good, and I couldn’t complain.
“How you like it? Big enough for you?” Ahkeem came up behind me before sneaking a kiss onto my cheek.
My lips curled into a smile. “It’s nice. Better than the other two we looked at.”
“Sis was right. This one was better. I thought she was just gassing it so we could live up the street from her.” He laughed at the thought of Britain.
“I mean, that is an added plus. When you get tired of my tacos and alfredo, you can walk right up the street to their house and get you a decent meal,” I jested.
“I told you already, I don’t get tired of your tacos and alfredo… no matter how many times you remix it.”
“Good ‘cause I’m making alfredo tomorrow night.” We both laughed.
We slipped out of the kitchen and were enveloped into the gorgeous backyard the home had to offer. Off the mini bar was an outdoor kitchenette equipped with a sink and grill. The pool area was to die for with the plush green turf and comfy lounge chairs surrounding it. The backyard made me feel like I was stepping right into a resort to enjoy a relaxing stay. That was what I loved about the home the most, not even the massive closet I would be getting if we closed on it.
“Be honest… you see forever here?” I looked over my shoulder at him.
He nodded his head. “This house nice. Good neighborhood, close to family, and it’s everything we’re looking for.”
“It’s big.”
“Mhm. Imagine Blue, little Jazkeem, and Ahklyn running around it in a couple years.”
I screwed my face up at the names he decided to give our future kids. “Ahkeem, I am not naming our kids that.”
“You tripping. Those names fire. I guess it’s back to the drawing board, huh?”
“Right the fuck back.” We laughed while enjoying the view. “You know if we move here, you’re gonna have to follow the rules of the H.O.A., right?”
“Them motherfuckas better not fuck with me before they end up underneath they house,” he scoffed.
I popped him in the hand. “You can’t say stuff like that. We’re joining the community, and we need to play nice.”
He peered down at me with his brow raised. “Joining the community? That mean yes? You like it?” I could hear the excitement in his voice but could tell he didn’t want to jump the gun.
I laughed as I felt his arms tighten around me. “Yes, I like it.”
He lifted me from the ground, prompting a squeal to air out of me. Ahkeem was always thinking of what was next. I talked to him more times than I could count about how all I wanted was stability and family, so he vowed to give that to me. Most of the time, it felt like pulling teeth to get me to actually agree on anything, but with this house, my decision to follow my husband’s lead came easily.
Who was I to give him a hard time when all he wanted was better for me and his son? Ahkeem was the true definition of a man, and deciding to spend the rest of my life with him was the best decision I ever made.
After spinning me around, he set me down before kissing my lips and all over my face. “This gone be good for us. You trust me?”
“Of course I trust you, baby. This big-ass house is a little intimidating.”
