Page 49 of Crown: Phase 3
Smirking, Danger glanced in her direction. “Yeah, I think so.”
Not too far away, Kerri had had enough. As soon as the photographer moved on through the venue, she pried Nyla out of Nivéa’s arms, kissing her cheek and showering her with affection. Nyla looked utterly adorable to her in her mauve-colored onesie, complete with a matching ruffled tutu and a large bow headband.
“Aw, just look at my girls. You both look beautiful.” She complimented.
“Thank you. So do you. You look absolutely stunning.” Nivéa smiled, studying her. “Yet you about to let her butt mess that dress up, spitting up all over it. You couldn’t wait to hold her.”
They shared a laugh.
“Well, you know I’ve been waiting for y’all to show up.” Kerri replied, still gazing down at Nyla. “Her, just a little more.”
“Don’t I know it. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. I adore how you love on her.”
Kerri nodded, her emotions heavy as she glanced at Crown, who was nodding and smiling at something Danger had said. Then she reached out and took Nivéa’s hand, finally speaking what had been on her heart.
“Thank you for coming into my son’s life and being his light.” She said.
Nivéa’s heart swelled in her chest. Overcome with emotion herself, she couldn’t find the words to reply, so she simply listened.
“Ahmad has been hard for a very long time, Nivéa. After his father passed, it’s like it got worse. He carries the family and legacy on his back. Even as his mother, I couldn’t always reach him anymore.
But then you came along, and you brought life into that man. I can see the happiness all over him. He smiles more. He finally looks like he’s breathing, girl.”
A true Cancer, emotion climbed into Nivéa’s throat instantly. It didn’t help that she was pregnant, either.
“Thank you so much, mama.” The word slipped out effortlessly. There was no more “Mrs. Knight” on her end; she felt completely comfortable.
“And I want you to know he’s my light as well. I love your son so much. I’m so grateful for the man you raised him to be. Hell, I’m so grateful for all of you. How you all took me and my baby in. I needed it more than I realized. You and your son make my days easier…brighter. I love you.”
“Shit, not you messing up my gotdamn makeup,” Kerri fussed, batting the tears away as they laughed.
“Of course. You got us forever. So, whatever you and that son of mine go through, figure that shit out. Because this is it.Welcome to death row. I love you too, girl.” She added with a grin, trying to sound hip.
“Aht aht, Ms. Kerri. Not you threatening my girl.” Caresha chimed in, and all three cracked up.
“And you too, miss girl. Don’t think I don’t know about you and Hassan.”
“Wait, what?” Caresha played clueless.
“Yep, I know and I’m happy about it. My boys tell me everything.”
They smiled as they all glanced over at the men.
A little while later, dinner was served, and the energy shifted naturally throughout the venue as Smoky clicked his glass and stood to make a toast.
“Aight, listen. I’m happy to be here and to witness my bro transition in life. With that being said, I just wanna get a few things off my chest. First of all,” he started, pointing toward Crown,
“Thank God this nigga found Nivéa because before her, he was grumpy as fuck. And he still is. But I’m talkin’ 365 days and nights.”
The room burst into laughter immediately.
“Nigga, shut the fuck up.” Crown spat, not feeling being put on the spot.
“See what I’m saying? This muthafucka wakes up irritated.” Smoky continued, and everyone laughed harder.
“Uh uh, y’all gon’ leave my husband the hell alone.” Nivéa spoke up for him, kissing his beard, and the guests' laughs turned into smiles and awes.
Smoky grinned before glancing around the room.
