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“Oh, hey, brother.” I put on my sweet and innocent voice and batted my lashes.

“Naw, get the fuck out of my face with that 'Hey, brother' shit.’ What the hell are y’all over here talking about?”

“Umm,” I paused as my other brother walked up behind him. Rule and his wife lived out of state, but they visited as much as they could. I was happy to see him amongst the familiar faces.

“Rulerrr!” I shrieked as I got up from the table and leaped into his arms.

“What’s up, princess?”

His hugs were always warm and welcoming, and I could smell the familiar Versace scent he loved to wear.

“Yeah, now that bro is here, tell him what you were over here discussing with these freaky frogs,” Messiah grumbled.

“I think you need to be reminded that I am grown, and I do grown people things like the rest of you.” I stuck my tongue out as I hugged my sister-in-law, Nayeli, and removed my newest niece from her arms.

“Hi, Tee-Tee’s baby,” I cooed, sniffing the top of her head. My brother and his wife had recently welcomed their fourth child, and I still couldn’t believe it. They now had two boys and two girls: Reign, Reason, Remedi and Ryght.

“Don’t make me go over there and kick that lil’ nigga in the balls. Enjoy being an auntie because you don’t need to have any of these.” He pointed to baby Ryght.

“Oh, brother. You are so ridiculous. Trust me, you and Rule are having enough children for all of us. I think I’m good on that.

“You better be,” Siah warned, but I paid him no mind. If I were to get pregnant, there was no doubt in my mind he would be the first one to spoil my child.

“Ain’t nothing wrong with having kids, just make sure it’s with someone who wants to be a father and who will respect. I love Solomon like a brother, but I’ll be his ass if he ever plays with your heart.” Rule chimed in.

“The two of you have nothing to worry about. Solomon is an amazing man, and when the time comes, I have no doubt he’ll be a great father. Right now, we’re enjoying life and building the life we want. Kids are the furthest thing from my mind. I do enjoy the practice, though.” I tittered, knowing he was going to freak out.

“You must really want me to fuck you up.” Siah gritted.

“Hey, you started it. I bet you’ll mind your business next time.”

“Naw, you are my business. Speaking of which, I need to talk to you about something later.”

I grew nervous, but I nodded. They still hadn’t found out who attacked me, so everyone had been on my ass more than usual. I could barely use the bathroom in peace without someone trying to figure out where I was. It drove me crazy, but I understood they wanted to make sure I was safe.

I reclaimed my seat as my niece slept peacefully in my arms. We picked up the conversation where we left off and laughed the rest of the night.

“Ooh, let me kiss on this baby,” Granny Lula cooed as she held her arms out for Ryght. She was still asleep, so she barely moved when I handed her over.

“Ooh wee, she sure is beautiful. If nothing else, our family makes some pretty babies.” Granny Lula patted baby girl’s back as she stood next to me.

“Granny, you put your big toe in those greens. I swear you need to open your own restaurant or something,” Charity complimented.

“Oh, no, chile. I enjoy feeding my family, but I don’t want to deal with any customers. I’ll mess around and throw some hot soup in somebody’s face for trying to insult my food. What do the young folks say? I’m sensitive about my shit.”

We all laughed because Granny didn’t have a filter to save her life. I smiled brightly as my cousins, Trin and River, walked in. I enjoyed hanging with my older cousins and siblings, but they were closer in age, so we spent a lot of time together.

“Hey, Gran.”

River puckered her lips to give Granny a kiss on the cheek, but she dodged it.

“Unt Unh. I keep telling y’all to stop kissing on me. I don’t know where y’all lips have been. I love you with all my heart, but I’m not about to be walking around here with a bump on my lip.”

“Tell ‘em, Granny. They probably just finished sucking di-”

My cousin Loyal got ready to comment, but Granny cut him off.

“Don’t you say it! I’ll pop you with my switch. You ain’t that damn grown.”