Page 104 of Til Death
“Yosiah, you know I would love nothing more than to become a grandmother and watch you be a father, but having a kid isn’t something you take lightly with just anyone.” Zoya glowered at me while turning her nose up.
“Good thing this isn’t just anyone and it’s my wife.”
“A wife you never wanted to marry and you don’t love. Do you think it’s smart to bring a baby into a relationship like that?”
“Zoya, you need to calm down,” Alonzo told her.
“No I will not! Because of your actions, our son was already forced to give up five years of his life and now he has to do even more. That’s not fair to him. I know you wouldn’t agree to this, so that leaves you. You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” She narrowed her eyes at me.
My stomach churned but I sat up straight. Yosiah spoke up before I could. “You’re overstepping, Mom.”
His mom looked as if she’d been slapped. “What? Am I not allowed to be worried about my son being unhappy?”
“Who said I was unhappy? I never told you that.”
“Okay, but just a couple months ago, you didn’t see her as a good mother. So tell me what changed.”
“What changed is me and your son are getting to know each other and he understands I’m not the selfish bitch you claim me to be.” She looked taken back by my words. I tried to be respectful, but there was only so much I would allow. “Your son is thirty-five and old enough to make his own decisions when it comes to his life. He wants this baby and so do I and that’s all that matters. If you have a problem with it then you don’t have to be around my kid!”
“My son would never permit you to keep my grandbaby from me. Yosiah, get your wife. She’s out of line.”
I was accustomed to Yosiah taking his mom’s side and agreeing with her, so color me shocked when he shut her down.
“You know I love you, Mama. I’d go to war for you with anyone, but I can’t go against my wife here. Youareout of line and I told you at my birthday dinner what happens in my marriage is between me and my wife. As my child’s mother, Ican’t go against her if she makes the choice to not let you be around our baby.”
I could tell Zoya wasn’t expecting her son’s response and she looked hurt while Alonzo sat at her side looking proud.
Alonzo turned to face his wife with a serious expression. “Zoya, Yosiah is a smart man. He’s not a boy that needs you to fight his battles or speak up for him. I’ve told you multiple times. Look at the two of them. They look happy and now they’re about to bring a child into the world. Instead of criticizing, you should be happy for our son and his wife. Whatever happened in the past, it’s clear that the two have worked it out and that’s all that matters.”
Zoya shook her head. “I need some time.” She stood and stormed off.
And I thought I was dramatic,I thought while watching Zoya leave the room.
Yosiah sighed. “That went better than I thought it would.”
“Just give your mom some time. You know she’s always been overprotective of you. She just doesn’t like the fact that you’re starting your own family and now have a new head lady in your life,” Alonzo started, then faced me. “Xylina, I trust my son’s judgement. He’s always had a good head on his shoulders and never acted off emotions. As a father, all I want is for him to be happy. A child is a big responsibility. The two of you need to make sure you’re on the same page and have your shit together before you give birth. Regardless of how you two got here, don’t let my wife discourage you. If my son trusts you, then that’s all that matters.”
“Thank you, Alonzo. I don’t have the best example of parents, but with Yosiah at my side, I think I could be a good mother.”
Yosiah flashed me a crooked grin and lifted my hand to his mouth, pressing his lips on the back.
“We’re gonna figure it out together.”
Warmth spread through my chest cavity. My stomach fluttered like a million cocoons had broken free, releasing butterflies inside. It made me happy knowing I wasn’t the only one invested in this relationship now. Being on neutral ground with Yosiah was all I’d wanted for a long time and I refused to allow anyone to come between us.
CHAPTER 24
Yosiah
“Make sure you don’t forget my strawberry lemonade with extra strawberries!” Xylina emphasized over the phone.
“I won’t forget,” I assured her.
“Oh and make sure they don’t forget my extra sauce!”
I chuckled once again, assuring her I’d check before I left. On my way home from the office, Xylina called and asked if I could pick up her order from this wing spot halfway between my building and the house. According to her, the baby was craving honey garlic parmesan wings and their famous strawberry lemonade. I was sure it was her wanting the wings more than the baby but I didn’t complain.
Things between us had been going well since we’d talked last week and worked things out. The house felt lighter and it was more enjoyable being home too. Since we talked, Xylina had started being more excited about her pregnancy. So far it hadn’t been too hard on her either. While she was waiting to make a general announcement to her social media, she didn’t avoid the topic either. Things were still up in the air with us, but we’d fallen into the dating stage of our relationship easily.
