Yesterday, we got a home together. Tomorrow, we would go to the doctor where I’d be able to see the baby on the ultra sound. Today, well today, had its own surprise that would be memorable us.
While driving, I heard a sweet sigh. “I love the house, Bane. I’ve never been happier. I wish Mom and Dad were here to see it all.”
That was the one thing I couldn’t give her. Her parents. I knew how much she missed them. I’d do everything I could to be what she needed. “I know, baby.”
“I believe they’re with me still. I think loved ones always help guide those they’ve left behind to their right path. I almost didn’t go to New York two years ago until I had a dream with my parents encouraging me to go.”
I squeezed her hand that rested on my knee. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I believed when it came to life and death. “You coming to New York was the best decision. It changed my life.”
“Our life, Bane.”
How right she was. That night at the bar changed me … forever. I wasn’t sure why I’d been chosen to cross paths with Jasmine. Jasmine brought me out of my thoughts. “Hey, were you serious last night when you mentioned me staying home to raise the baby?”
All the bullshit of the Black Division was worth being able to provide for her now. “Baby, I’d love nothing more. Jasmine, whatever you want … it’s yours. We have more than enough to get by. It makes all the work I’ve done worth it, knowing that I can provide us a life.”
Jasmine was an elementary school teacher. The children loved her and I knew she’d be a wonderful mother.
From the lights on the dashboard, I could see the delicate smile that graced her lips. “I want to try staying home for the first year. Take a leave of absence from the school.”
I interlaced our fingers. “I want you home with us.”
“That’s what I want too, Bane. It’s all I want.” Jasmine fidgeted before speaking. “What do you think about the name, Faith?”
“Faith?”
“Yes, for the baby. It’s through my faith that one day I’d find my happily ever after that I was able to open myself up to you for love.”
A lump formed in my throat. I let go of her hand and caressed my child. I was rewarded with a small kick. My little girl was active when I spoke. Even after all the time I’d missed with the pregnancy, we were connected.
The more I thought about it, the more the name for our daughter fit. I cleared my throat. “Faith is perfect.”
Jasmine placed her hand on her stomach. “Did you hear that, Faith? You have a name, my precious baby girl.”
More little kicks pressed against my palm. “I think she likes it.”
“I think she does.” Life was abso-fucking-lutely fantastic. Over the last two days, the demons were lessoning their grip on my soul. It was Jasmine’s presence—my light, my salvation, my everything. They say good things come to those who wait; well, it took twenty-eight years. Better than twenty-nine, if I am going to start taking this positive approach shit.
She snorted. “You know, I’m going to get all fat.”
I couldn’t wait for her stomach to get bigger. Could. Not. Wait. “You’re going to be beautiful, not fat.”
“And this is why I love you.” Her thumb rubbed up and down mine. “Are we there yet? You woke me up at the crack of dawn.”
I chuckled. It was true; I woke her up early to sink inside her before we started on our way to this special place for us. Being inside her kept me from thinking all of this was a dream. “About ten more minutes. I promise it’ll be worth it.”
She gave a playful huff, but then resumed resting her hands on her stomach. Gasping, Jasmine said, “I love feeling her move.”
I reached across and rested my hand on her stomach. There wasn’t any movement. Faith was probably still sleeping. Then, a little kick happened, letting me know she was there.
“She loves your touch.” Her hand came to rest on mine. We were a family. “I think we need a house full of little girls to give their daddy a run for his money.”
The life she mentioned flashed before my eyes as I thought about chasing off every dick that came our daughter’s way. No fucking way was she dating. No fucking way. She was never dating. Period.
A sweet laughter that always chipped away at my blackened soul filtered through the cab. “Bane, stop your thoughts right there. Our daughter will date.”
“How’d you know what I was thinking?”