We all laughed.
Tyra dropped down beside us, sipping orange juice like it was wine. “So, when we running it back? I need more days like this.”
“You saying you like us?” Kema teased.
“I didn’t say all that,” Tyra shot back. “But I might invite y’all to the cookout. Maybe.” She smirked, then winked at Kema.
Outside, Crew and August had set up the grill while Pops supervised from the porch like a retired king watching over his domain. Black and Blue sat near the back fence, pretending they weren’t listening to the women talk but I saw Crew smirk every time I laughed. He needed this too. He’d been carrying too much for too long. When the sun started dipping low, we gathered outside with plates in our laps, drinks in hand. Crew slid onto the lounge chair beside me and draped an arm across my shoulders.
“You look happy,” he said, voice low.
“I am.”
“Good. That’s all I want.” He said kissing my temple.
“You been thinking about names?” I asked, leaning into him and lacing our fingers.
“For the baby?” He questioned, running his large hand across my belly.
“Yeah.”
“What about…” He glanced at Timberly. “Peace.”
“Why Peace?” I asked, smiling.
“Because that’s what you two brought into my life.”
We sat like that for a while just talking, until the sky turned gold and Timberly passed out on Janelle’s lap mid-story.
“My baby drooled on me.” She whispered trying not to wake her.
“That means she trusts you.” Tyra grinned.
“You know, for being grounded housewives, this ain’t bad.” Anesia said, sipping her wine.
“Who knew trauma bonding came with charcuterie and glitter?” Del smirked.
And just like that… we clicked. The grill smoke had faded long ago leaving behind the nostalgic scent of summer fun. Timberly and Tati were upstairs snoring with glitter still on their eyelids, and Tyra was teaching Cree how to make her signature strawberry Hennessy slushies using Pops’ stolen stash. The house buzzed with low laughter and the occasional slap of Uno cards on the table. I slipped away into the kitchen, barefoot and content, pulling the door to the pantry open just to grab more napkins.
“Lookin’ for me?” Crew’s voice rumbled behind me.
I turned and found him leaning in the doorway like sin incarnate. A soft white tee stretched across his muscular chest. A pair of grey sweats showing off the very reason I was pregnant in the first place. My eyes followed his hands down to his impressive print as he adjusts himself, having obviously caught me eyeing his dick.
“You stalking me now?” I asked, trying to keep it cute.
“You disappeared.”
“I came to get napkins.”
“Funny. You been gone thirty seconds, and I already miss you.” He said stepping inside the pantry with me, closing the door behind him.
“What you doing, Crew?” I asked, leaning back against the shelves.
He didn’t answer, just stepped forward and placed one hand flat against the wall next to my head, boxing me in so the thick dick I was admiring pressed firmly into me. I damn near swoon from his closeness, feeling my pulse speed up.
“You know what I thought about all day?” he murmured.
“What?”
