“And those helping hands include me,” Lavender announced as she skipped over. She kissed Aspen’s cheek and stood back,looking between the couple. “Have I told y’all how happy I am to see y’all together?”
“I think you tell me every day.” Aspen snickered.
“Well, I just want you to know it. I don’t care what anyone else says. The two of you were made for each other.”
Peering down at Aspen, Mahari tapped her chin and agreed. “I think so too.”
Savannah, Jaxen, and Mahaley all came over to whisk Aspen away. Mahari stood back and watched as they showered her with love, putting on her sash and crown. His eyes were locked in on Aspen’s every move. To witness others love her warmed his heart. To Mahari, Aspen was more than deserving of it all.
Since Mahari was in a trance, he didn’t hear Denver walk up beside him. The way Mahari jumped when Denver patted his shoulder had them both laughing.
“Mane, I didn’t even hear or feel you walk up beside me,” Mahari admitted, dapping Denver up.
“It’s all good. I peeped the way you were watching my sister.” Denver paused and looked around the venue. “Y’all really went all out for her. She deserves this.”
“This and so much more. I plan to give her all her heart desires.”
“Even if it comes with backlash?”
Mahari nodded without hesitation. “I’m the type of person who doesn’t care about others’ opinions. I’m a man who can own up to my faults. I already addressed it and apologized to Lance for my part in it. That’s all I got in me. Regardless, I’m going to be with Aspen and love her better than he ever could.”
“I can already see you’re on the right track. I never approved of Lance, but I let Aspen live her life. While the two of you came as a shock, I think y’all are good for each other. Just don’t hurt her, and we’ll be good.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”
They went to join everyone else, and the baby shower started. Lavender was the best host. After some games and stories, the food was served before it was time to open the gifts. Mahari was pleased to see that Aspen hadn’t stopped smiling since they walked into the venue. His mission was a success.
“Thank you for this.” Aspen thanked Mahari in between chews. “I’m still surprised you pulled it off.”
“No thanks needed, baby. You and the girls deserved to be showered with love. I wish they were here, but they’ll go home to everything they need.”
“From the looks of the gift table, we won’t need to buy anything for a while.”
“We won’t need to, but I know you’ll want to.”
Aspen playfully swatted at Mahari. He fought the urge to poke her in the side and settled for nudging her chin. The couple gazed at one another before sharing a kiss that was interrupted by the sound of Lavender yelling.
“And what the fuck is he doing here, Justin?”
Immediately, Mahari rose to his feet and made his way over to the entrance where Lavender was standing. Justin stood in front of her with three bags in his hand with Lance standing a few feet behind him. Before Mahari could take a step forward, Justin stepped in front of him.
“Don’t. He came here to apologize,” Justin explained.
“He chose the wrong place and time, Justin. Aspen is trying to heal from what he did. She doesn’t think I realize it, but that shit has fucked with her beyond what she shows,” Mahari spat through gritted teeth. He loved Justin, and as badly as he wanted his cousin to stand with him, Mahari knew he’d stand with his brother, right or wrong.
“And maybe his apology can help Aspen heal. Look, I’ve been on his ass since he did that dumb shit, and so has Mama, so don’tthink I’m taking up for him. I simply want him to do what’s right, and he’s finally in a headspace to do so.”
Mahari’s gaze bypassed Justin to Lance who was grilling him. Deep down, Mahari knew their relationship would never be the same, and he was good with that. They’d both done things to hurt one another. Lance hadn’t apologized for his part in it, and Mahari didn’t expect him to.
“Look,” Mahari started, reverting his attention to Justin, “I’ll ask Aspen if she wants to talk to him, and if she does, just know I’m standing right by her side. I don’t care if you say he’s here on some kumbaya shit. I don’t trust him around her alone.”
“And I’ll be right here at the door for back up,” Lavender added.
Without waiting for Justin to respond, Mahari headed to Aspen who was walking toward him. Her brows were touching in the middle as she looked at Justin. Savannah and Denver came up behind her with concerned expressions.
“What’s going on?” Aspen asked.
“Lance is outside, and he wants to apologize.”
