On a deep sigh, Jack headed in the garage and pushed the button to bring down the door. He walked in the house where the sounds of Thee Sacred Souls, “Will I See You Again?” were playing throughout the house. Kim was doing her little dance moves, swaying her hips, by the stove, stirring the chili, Diesel at her side licking his chops. Begging. Waiting for a morsel or two to drop to the floor for his greedy pleasure.
His family.
Jack crept up behind her, and she giggled in that sexy way of hers.
“Who was that outside?” she asked as she grabbed the pepper and sprinkled it in the pot.
“Friend of Chad’s. He’s moving. Wanted to say goodbye.”
She nodded in that all-knowing way and kissed his cheek.
“I’ll be right back. Going to freshen up.”
“Okay, baby.”
He petted Diesel, made his way up the steps, and washed his hands and face.
I’ll finish fixing the fence later.
Down the hall, he opened a door and was greeted by the sight of his ten-month-old baby boy, sound asleep. He approached the crib, leaned over, and kissed the top of his head as the sun streamed in his window, on its way down. His caramel-colored face was framed by black waves and loose curls, and he was in a green sleeper, with little matching green socks on his pudgy feet.
“Look at you. Daddy’s precious prince… my baby boy.” He gently stroked his cheek, careful to not wake him from his nap. He was a miracle. A big surprise. When he and Kim got married, neither thought they’d be having children, but then, he found himself telling her, “How about we just let fate decide? Whatever happens?” She agreed to that, decided not to get her IUD replaced, and within a year, baby Avery came crashing into their world…
He kissed him one more time, then slowly crept out of his room, quietly closing the door behind him. When he returned downstairs, the table was set. Diesel was chomping something in his bowl, and Kim sat at the end of the table, looking sexy in her low cut, form-fitting white shirt that displayed a teasing bit of cleavage. Chaka Khan’s, ‘Through the Fire’ was the perfect song to play right then. One of Kim’s favorite singers. He loved how she appreciated the classics, and he was in the mood to hear those tunes.
He sat down across from her, all smiles and his stomach rumbling.
“You gave Diesel some chili, didn’t you?”
All she did was smirk, then burst out laughing.
“You spoil him so bad, Kim.” He draped a napkin across his lap. “When he gets the shits, I’ll be the one cleaning it up. Not you.” He chuckled.
“He’ll be fine.” She waved him off. “I didn’t put a lot of jalapeno peppers in it this time. Taste it. I added more steak and a bit of gravy.”
He dipped his spoon in the chili, brought it to his mouth, and tasted it. Absolutely delicious.
“Oh yeah… that’s good.”
She smiled proudly.
“Oh, let me check on Avery before I get into this. You know he has a radar.” She laughed. “As soon as Mommy sits down, he starts getting fussy.”
“I already took care of it. He’s fast asleep, baby. Diaper still dry, too.”
“Oh, well, thank you.” Her cheeks plumped as she settled back down.
“Of course.”
They enjoyed the meal amid banter and laughter.
Kim passed the crackers, and he poured them some wine. It was a flawless evening, spent with a picture-perfect wife in an impeccable life.
It’s amazing… I go to a restaurant, meet a waitress, and my life changed forever. From that one interaction, I met my future wife and the mother of my new baby. My best friend, lover, and confidante.
He popped a cracker in his mouth, then glanced into the living room. On the ledge sat a beautifully framed photo of Chad.
I love you so much, son. I know you see your little brother. I can feel you around me sometimes, but not in the same way. The energy is different. I don’t smell your cigarettes anymore. You’re not worried and restless. You’re at peace…
Blinking back his emotions, he listened to his lovely wife describe a new dance routine she was working on. He was engrossed in the conversation, but more so in the fact that this woman sitting before him, was his other half, the best part of him. When dinner was over, he went out back with Diesel. Acres of land stretched before him.
He pulled out Chad’s cigarettes—only one left. He was saving it for a special occasion, perhaps Chad’s birthday, or Christmas. However, today felt right. Something about the visit from Mickey, Chad’s old classmate, urged him to do it. He placed the cigarette in his mouth and lit it. Diesel raced about, barking and howling, chasing small prey, terrorizing flying insects and having a great time.