Chapter Fifteen

October 29, 2924

Jacob settled into his favorite armchair, a well-worn leather seat that had molded itself to his form over the years. The sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm rays across the room and highlighting the vibrant chaos that was his life with seven kids.

They were gathered around him, a lively mix of laughter, teasing, and boundless energy that filled the air with a unique kind of joy.

"Dad, did you see what they wrote about you and Reeva?" his eldest, Lenai, piped up, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

The others leaned in, their curiosity piqued. Jacob sighed, a mixture of pride and exasperation swelling within him. "I've seen a few things," he admitted, his voice steady despite the wave of attention that had suddenly washed over him and Reeva since their relationship became public.

Articles had exploded on social media, turning them into a topic of conversation among friends, family, and strangers alike.

"You're famous, Dad!" Jamar, the second youngest, chimed in, barely able to contain his giggles. "All the kids are talking about you. They think it's so cool!"

Jacob chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure 'famous' is the right word. I just happen to be dating someone who also happens to be interesting to a lot of people."

"But you're not just dating her; you're practically a celebrity now!" Jinnie, the middle child, added, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can we get autographs or something?"

Jacob laughed at the thought. The kids were clearly reveling in the newfound attention, and he couldn't help but admire how they were embracing it. "Autographs? I don't think I'll be signing anything anytime soon. It's all a bit silly, really."

"Come on, Dad! It's like a fairy tale!" Lenai insisted, her voice rising. "You and Reeva! We saw her in all those photos, and she looked so pretty. You should marry her!"

"Yeah, then she can be our stepmom!" Jalonii jumped in, enthusiasm bubbling over as he nudged his siblings, egging them on. The idea seemed to take root in the group, and soon they were all chiming in with playful suggestions about their future family dynamics.

"Can we have a dog if she becomes our stepmom?" Ennio, the youngest, asked, his big brown eyes shining with hope.

"And a cat!" piped up Danica, another of Jacob's daughters, who had always dreamed of having a furry friend.

Jacob listened, his heart swelling with warmth as they continued to joke. Their laughter echoed in the room, a symphony of youthful exuberance. But beneath the laughter, he felt a twinge of responsibility. How to navigate this new chapter in their lives?

"Okay, everyone, slow down for a minute," he said, raising his hands slightly to gather their attention. "I know this is all exciting, but I want to make sure you understand something important."

The room quieted, and the kids turned their eager faces towards him, all semblance of joking halted for the moment. "Reeva and I are taking things slow," he continued, choosing his words carefully. "We're still getting to know each other, and that's how it should be."

"But we've already met her a little, right? Like, online?" Jinnie pointed out, her brow furrowing in thought.

"Yes, but meeting someone online and meeting them in person is very different," Jacob explained. "I want to make sure that when the time is right, you all get to know her properly. It's important that you all feel comfortable with each other."

"But what if she's as cool as we think she is?" Jamar asked, bouncing slightly in his seat. "Can't we just jump to that part?"

Jacob smiled at his son's eagerness. "I hope she is as cool as you think, but it's still a process. I want to introduce you all to her when we're ready. That way, we can have a proper family meeting instead of a rushed introduction."

"Fine, but you know we'll totally win her over!" Lenai said, her tone confident. "We're a pretty awesome team."

Jacob's heart warmed at the confidence and support they had for him. "You guys are incredible, and I know you will be great with her. But let's not rush it. Relationships take time, and I want to make sure everything feels right for everyone involved."

"Does that mean you like her a lot?" Danica asked, a hint of seriousness creeping into her voice.

Jacob paused, considering how to express his feelings. "Yes, I do like her a lot. She makes me happy, and that's important. But liking someone and being ready for a big step like marriage are two different things."

"Is that why we're not calling her 'stepmom' yet?" Teyana asked, her brows furrowing again.

"Exactly," he replied, appreciating her insight. "It's a big deal to call someone that. If it happens, I want it to be because we've all built a connection together. Not just because it sounds cool or because people on social media are saying it."

Jalonii sighed dramatically, throwing himself back against the couch. "But that's boring! We want to be famous too!"

Jacob laughed, "Fame is overrated, trust me. What matters is family. And if Reeva becomes part of our family, it will be because we all have a bond, not just because of the headlines."

As the discussion turned back to playful banter, Jacob felt a sense of relief. His kids were engaging with him, processing the information in their own ways. They were still young, but their understanding of relationships was growing alongside them. He appreciated their humor, but he also valued their depth. They were a tight-knit group, and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Okay, let's make a deal," Jacob said, leaning forward with a conspiratorial grin. "If you all promise to be patient and supportive, I'll promise to keep you in the loop. If anything changes or if I feel like it's time for you to meet her, you'll be the first to know."

"Deal!" they shouted in unison, their excitement bubbling over once more.

"Now, can we get back to the part where we talk about how awesome we are?" Jamar grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jacob shook his head, unable to suppress his laughter. "Sure, tell me all about it."

As the children began to boast about their recent achievements at school—how they had impressed their teachers, their sports wins, and their projects—Jacob couldn't help but feel grateful. Their resilience, humor, and warmth made the challenges of parenting more than worth it.

He thought about Reeva and how she fit into this picture. There was a delicate balance to strike between his past, his present, and the future he hoped to build. He wanted her to be part of their lives, but it had to be the right way. Jacob realized that the most important thing was the foundation of trust and love he had built with his children.

As the banter continued, Jacob found himself smiling at how seamlessly they navigated the complexities of their lives. He felt optimistic about the future. He believed that if the time came for Reeva to meet them, it would be a joyful occasion, one rooted in mutual respect and understanding. For now, he cherished this moment—his kids, their laughter, and the promise of what lay ahead.

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Reeva adjusted the veil over her head as she and Kayla stepped into the bustling Hollywood Halloween party. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement; colorful lights danced across the room, and the air was thick with laughter and the scent of seasonal cocktails.

Dressed as a glamorous witch, Reeva felt a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. It had been a while since she attended an event like this, especially one that felt so public and alive.

"Look at this place!" Kayla exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the extravagant decorations and costumed guests. "It's like a scene from a movie!"

Reeva smiled, momentarily forgetting her worries. The party was a perfect distraction from her life lately. As the night progressed, she found herself enjoying the fun, chatting with familiar faces, and even taking a few playful selfies with Kayla.

"Let's get a drink!" Kayla suggested, leading the way to the bar. They navigated through the throng of costumed revelers, laughter echoing around them.

As they settled at the bar, sipping on themed cocktails adorned with candy corn and gummy worms, Reeva felt the tension from earlier in the week creep back in. It had been a whirlwind of emotions since she and Jacob started dating, and it was both exhilarating and exhausting.

"Hey, look over there!" Kayla pointed towards a group of partygoers, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let's go see what they're all about!"

Reeva followed Kayla's gaze and spotted a few celebrities mingling nearby. She felt a flutter of anxiety, remembering how the tabloids had recently scrutinized her relationship with Jacob, often portraying it in a less-than-flattering light. But before she could say anything, Kayla was already tugging her towards the crowd.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" Kayla urged, leading Reeva into the throng. They joined the group, exchanging laughs and enjoying the festive atmosphere. However, as they chatted, Reeva caught snippets of conversation that made her stomach twist.

"Can you believe she's dating that ugly wrestler? Seven kids? What was she thinking?" a woman's voice cut through the laughter, dripping with disdain.

Reeva's heart sank. She turned slightly, straining to see who had spoken. The woman, clad in a ridiculously elaborate costume that seemed more concerned with spectacle than substance, was laughing with her friends. The sight ignited a surge of anger in Reeva.

"Did she just say what I think she said?" Reeva muttered to Kayla, her voice low but tense.

Kayla, sensing the shift in Reeva's demeanor, frowned. "Just ignore it. People talk, especially at these parties."

But Reeva couldn't. "No, she's being downright rude! Jacob has worked so hard, and his kids are amazing. Who does she think she is?"

"Reeva, don't—" Kayla began, but the words fell on deaf ears.

Before she knew it, Reeva found herself marching towards the group. Her heart raced, fueled by a protective instinct she hadn't expected to feel so intensely. "Excuse me," she interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended.

The woman turned, surprised. "What? Did you want something?" She smirked, clearly enjoying the attention.

"I just wanted to say that you should watch what you say about people you don't know," Reeva replied, trying to keep her composure.

The woman laughed, her friends joining in. "Oh please, I'm just speaking the truth. It's Hollywood—people love a good scandal!"

Reeva's blood boiled. "And your truth is just ignorance. Jacob is a fantastic guy and an incredible father. You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Protective much?" the woman taunted, raising an eyebrow. "I get it; you're in love. But come on—he's a wrestler with seven kids. How is that a dream?"

At that moment, Kayla sprang into action. Grabbing Reeva's arm, she pulled her back, her expression urgent. "We need to go, now."

"But she—" Reeva protested, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"Look, I know it's infuriating," Kayla said, her grip firm but gentle. "But you can't get into a fight in public like this. It's not worth it, and you have too much to lose."

Reeva took a deep breath, struggling to reign in her emotions. "I just don't like what she was saying about Jacob and his kids. It's so fucking disrespectful."

Kayla rolled her eyes, a hint of humor creeping into her expression. "Look at you, already being protective of your man and his kids. You're in deep."

Reeva smirked, her irritation slowly fading. "And I bet if she had said something about Zilla, you would've knocked her head off."

"I mean, yeah, I would, but I don't have as much as you to lose if I did hit the bitch," Kayla admitted, her tone playful yet serious.

Reeva nodded, understanding the weight of what Kayla was saying. She couldn't let her emotions dictate her actions, especially not in a public space where everything could be blown out of proportion. "I know, I just... it's hard not to defend him."

"I get it, and it's sweet. But don't let some random woman ruin your night, okay? Let's go dance or something!" Kayla said, her infectious energy brightening the mood.

Reeva took a moment to breathe, processing the whirlwind of emotions that had overtaken her. "You're right. I shouldn't let her get to me. It's just... people don't know Jacob, and it frustrates me."

Kayla squeezed Reeva's arm. "Exactly. They see a headline and think they know the whole story. But you know the truth. And honestly, Jacob is lucky to have you in his corner."

Feeling a surge of gratitude, Reeva smiled at her friend. "Thanks, Kayla. I really needed that."

"Now, let's get back out there and show them how fabulous we are!" Kayla said, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Come on, let's find some fun."

As they made their way back to the dance floor, Reeva felt lighter. She might have been upset moments before, but the supportive bond she shared with Kayla reminded her of what truly mattered. The people in her life were her priority, and while she couldn't control what others thought, she could control how she reacted.

They danced and laughed, letting the music wash over them, embracing the spirit of the night. With every beat, Reeva felt her worries dissipate, if only for a little while.

The whispers and judgments faded into the background, overshadowed by the joy of being surrounded by friends and the promise of the life she was building with Jacob.