C H A P T E R
T W E N T Y - S I X

     Tears fell from his eyes as he stared down at the picture in his hands. Rubbing over the picture with his thumb, he shook his head. He woke up earlier that morning with mail and immediately opened the letter but he wasn't expecting this inside.

Hey babe, I would've told you this in person but I was honestly scared of what your reaction may be to this news. but anyways, well surprisingly we're expecting a baby, I'm three months pregnant to be exact.. um I'm not sure how you feel about it, but I'm happy .. I know you wanted to wait until we dated to get yourself together but I consider you my man already and plus with the way you don't use condoms it was bound to happen but here's a picture of the ultrasound I had got the day I found out .. when you get this, call me or write me back ASAP .. I'm sorry if you're upset about this btw, I love you

- Cali

After reading over her letter, he had to admit he was overall excited to be a father especially since Cali was the one who was carrying his child. Hopping off his bunk he tapped the bar of his cell catching the attention of the guard outside. He had to call her, he needed to confirm this news.

"What inmate?"

"Can I take my phone call now? It's urgent Gina."

Looking down at his hands she saw the ultasound then sighed. "Fine, but this will be the only time I'll let you go before your actual time and don't be saying my government name all loud and shit. What's wrong with you?"

Laughing, he took a step back as she used her key to unlock it. Grabbing her cuffs she handcuffed him then escorted him to the phone area, since it was so early nobody was out and Ahmad was thankful for that.

Uncuffing him she stood back against the wall as he dialed Cali's number. The phone rung three times before she answered. "Good morning baby, was you sleep?"

Sitting up in her bed, she yawned. "Yeah but I'll never miss one of your calls, everything okay?"

"Everything is better now, I just got your letter .. we really having a baby?" He asked, already feeling himself getting emotional at the thought.

Ahmad loves kids, they were honestly his weakness hence as to why Marquette had such a major effect on him. He always wanted to have kids of his own but he never knew the opportunity to be a father would have came so soon.

"Yeah I'm really pregnant, are you mad?"

Frowning, he shook his head. "Why would I be mad bae? I'm scared yeah, cause ion know shit about being a father but that's just something you and I as a couple can work on .. I wouldn't want any other woman carrying my child. The way you are with Marquette just shows that my baby boy or baby girl will always be in good hands by having you simply as their mama. So our little peanut head baking in your belly is one of the lucky ones."

Wiping her eyes, she sniffled. "It really means a lot to hear that, and I'm honored to be having your baby as well."

"We gon' get through this alright? Are you showing yet?"

Flipping the covers back, she looked down at her small pudge placing her hand on top of it. "Alittle bit but not a lot, I'm only three months right now."

"You gotta come see me forreal, I want to see you."

"Next visitation is Tuesday, me and Marquette will be there .." Sighing, she thought back to the argument her and Reggie had two weeks ago. "He really needs you more than ever now too." She mumbled.

Shifting the phone from his right ear to his left, he cleared his throat. "Why you say that? What's going on with my little man?"

"Reggie and I got into an argument two weeks ago and now he wants nothing to do with my baby, he literally blocked my number and and brought all of Marquette's things to my doorstep.. Marquette hasn't asked about his dad yet but I know eventually he will and how do you explain to your two-year old child that their father doesn't want shit to do with them.." She sniffled getting emotional all over again.

Rubbing his hand down his face, he sighed. "Don't cry over that nigga alright? You know I got you and little man, he wanna be a bitch and run away from his responsibilities then its my job as your man to pick up where he lacks, you gon' be good and so is Marquette so don't even waste yo tears on him, fuck him."

"I know you can step up, but he's really not your responsibility .. Reggie needs to be a man and take care of what he helped create."

"That's the difference between me and him, I'm a man and he's a little ass boy .. and the day I committed to you, Marquette became my responsibility, can't love his creator and not him ma' and you know that."

Nodding her head, she wiped her eyes. "I love you so much,"

"And I love you more, stop stressing alright? Especially with my seed up inside you, better calm yo little ass down,"

Laughing, she got out of bed. "I will,"

"Good, where my boy at anyways?"

"Downstairs with my brother probably,"

Smiling, he pulled at his beard. "You happy he back?"

Nodding her head, she put him on speaker as she slipped on some sweats and a baggie t-shirt to hide her small baby bump. "Yes, I really can't wait until you guys meet .. I feel like y'all would be good friends."

"Can't wait to meet him either.. any news on my shop?"

"Marcus said he knows some people that will fix it up for the low, I meant to tell you that he would be coming to see you Tuesday as well to discuss it."

"Alright cool, so far it looks like they won't be using what Melissa said against me .."

Cali smiled. "Fingers crossed."

"Fingers crossed, but if I get off let me see ha ass in the streets, I don't hit females but I'll slap a bitch quick."

Cali laughed. "Nah, leave that up to me."

"Yeah no, you carrying my world inside yo belly .. sitcho' ass down.. Hazel crazy ass probably already beat her ass since we ain't heard nothing from her since she lied."

"True, but either way I'm catching my round."

"I believe you too, two crazy muthafuckas in love .. willing to take bullets and all for each other." He smiled.

"Damn right, Aubrey and Ahmad fuckin' shit up." She laughed.

"I'm real life finna start calling you that now, still can't believe it took you three months to tell me your real name. Had me thinking Cali was legit your name."

Laughing, she brushed her teeth. "Alot of people don't know my real name, and I like to keep it that way."

"Either way that last name finna change, yo shit finna be Aubrey Calieen Sinclair and you better let them bitches and niggas know yo name then, let em know who you reppin',"

"I'm not finna play with you boy,"

"You can play with somethi-"

"You have one minute left." Ahmad sighed hating that damn operator.

"Saved by the operator nasty ass," Cali joked.

"Shut up, but alright baby girl, stay strong for me its almost over..I'll be home before you know it. We'll discuss more about the baby and whatnot when I see you."

"Okay, love you."

"I love you more," Hanging up the phone, he wiped his face then turned around to see the officer smiling.

"Congrats on having a baby, I can really tell you're a good dude, need more men like you.. hopefully you get off, cause this place sucks." She said honestly as she handcuffed him.

"Preciate,"

"And don't let Officer Langston get to you, if no one here rides for you, I do .. I've been here watching him disrespect and taunt my black men for years, and I try to do the best I can to keep y'all safe."

Ahmad looked over at her and smiled. "Us black men, appreciate black women like you ma',"

Escorting him back to his room, Ahmad got back in his bunk as he held the ultrasound in his hand staring at it before kissing it. "My whole world in one picture." He mumbled.

Tucking it under his pillow, he grabbed the next letter smiling when he saw it was from Chris.

Looking at the address it came from, he frowned knowing exactly who it belong too. Grabbing the envelope that Cali's letter came in he held them side by side looking back and forth matching the addresses.

"What tha fuck?" He mumbled.

Tearing open the envelope, he unfolded the paper as he leaned back against the wall holding it up for him to read what he had to say.

What's good witcha man? I told you once I got out, I was gon' hit you up and let you know how I'm holding up .. I been taking these classes to get my license, my sis of course opened her house with open arms for me until I get back on my feet, she even surprised me with some news about letting me have my own station in her salon so shit looking good for me but I pray and hope soon that a blessing comes your way. But you was right, I had a major culture shock .. a lot of shit has changed, lady almost ran me over too busy into her phone then got mad at me. I'm still getting used to this touch screen phone and this texting shit but my paw paw ass gon' get it down.. but anyways I'll let you go I gotta finish up these videos, write me back and let me know what's all going down, but continue to stay up and strong.. its almost over.

- Chris B.

Sitting the note down, Ahmad pulled at his beard something he does when he's in deep thought. As if the light bulb went off in his head, he connected all the dots. "They brother and sister?" He questioned out loud to himself.

     Cali walked downstairs to see Chris cooking breakfast and Marquette sitting in his high chair eating his fruit. "Good morning," She greeted, kissing Marquette on the forehead.

"Morning sis,"

Walking over to give him a hug, she kissed his cheek. "Good morning, what made you cook breakfast?"

"I been seeing how stressed out you been over Reg, just tryna help out the most I can until I start bringing some money in to be able to do more for you."

"You're gonna make a good husband one day, speaking of that .. when are you getting back into the dating game?"

Flipping a pancake, he shrugged. "I mean females be getting at me but since I'm damn near thirty, I kinda want this girl to be special, I already wasted most of my life behind bars don't want to waste any more time with a female who ain't bout nothing and just looking for a come up."

Cali nodded. "I feel you,"

"Plus, I'm really not in the best position to be tryna find a wife .. I ain't got no money.. can't support her or be the man she needs me to be right now."

Frowning Cali sat her coffee cup down, "Have you checked that shoe box in your room? In the closet on the top shelf?"

Shaking his head no, she shook her head then walked up the stairs to go get it. Twisting the knob to his room, she looked at how neat his room was, everything had a specific place almost made her not want to walk in with the way he had it so kept up.

Stepping inside she went over to the closet flipping the switch, opening the door she stood on her tippy toes grabbing the box and pulling it down. Opening it up, she saw everything she left in there was still there.

Leaving out his room, she jogged down the stairs sitting the box on the bar. "Here,"

Turning the burner down, he wiped his hands walking towards the box. Looking at her she urged him to open it as both her and Marquette watched him.

Flipping the shoe box lid back, he frowned picking up the bundles of money and notes he had when he was sixteen. "You kept this?" He asked.

"Yeah, I found it one day when I was cleaning your bedroom out looking for stuff that I knew you would've liked to keep and when I saw that I knew it would've been helpful for when you got out."

"This was my stash to move us up out of mamas when I turned eighteen .. its probably what five-thousand dollars in this box." He mumbled in disbelief. "This was like my box of hope."

Cali smiled, patting herself on the back for not spending it .. cause it was times when she wanted too. "Thanks for this forreal man," He told her.

Giving him a hug, he kissed her forehead like he always did. "Wouldn't be shit without you .."

"Same here but okay this is getting deep and I just finished crying let's lighten this up."

Walking back over to the stove he shook his head, "What was you crying for?"

Looking at Marquette, she bit her lip. "I was on the phone with the guy I'm seeing and it was just a very emotional conversation."

"Y'all broke up or something? Speaking of this nigga where he at? You talk about him all the time but the nigga never show face."

"Hell nah, I wish he would break up with me over the phone .. but I guess since he knows the news its only right you get to know." Sighing, she lifted her shirt. "You finna be an uncle again, happy birthday." She busted out laughing.

"You deadass?"

Nodding her head, she smiled. "Yes, I'm three months." Turning to Marquette who was eating his grapes, she grabbed his cheeks. "You hear that puddin'? Mommy having baby, you be big brother now."

"Big bruddar?" He asked trying to stick the grape to his forehead.

Nodding her head, he just shrugged not really understanding what's going on since his main focus at the moment was his fruit.

Chris scratched the back of his head, and chuckled. "Well damn, at least I get to see this pregnancy but why you just now saying something?"

"I wanted him to know first before anybody."

"It took him three months to find out? Where tha hell this nigga at? Longest business trip I ever heard of starting to think this nigga ain't real and yo ass lying."

Rolling her eyes, she sat her coffee mug down. "Baby, show Uncle Chris ya bestfriend Mad slash step-daddy."

"Wait Mad isn't a kid?" Chris asked watching Marquette handing the picture to his mama. "Um no, ain't nothing kiddish about my baby either," Giving him the photo, he snatched it smacking his lips, when looked down at the picture his eyes went wide. "Ahmad?"

Looking at him confused, she snatched the picture back holding it up. "You know him?"

     Entering the restuarant Alisha held her purse tightly against her as she made her way through the place in search of her table, being sure not bump into anybody.

When she spotted him a smile stretched across her face. Reaching the table she covered his eyes from behind him causing him to jump but he relaxed once her smelled her scent. "Hey Alisha." He laughed.

Moving her hands, she laughed as she pecked his lips before taking a seat across from him. "I apologize for being late, Anaya had a fashion emergency."

"You good, all that matters is that you here now .. haven't seen yo ass all week, I missed you on the cool."

Blushing, she tucked her hair behind her ear. "I missed you too, whatchu been up too?"

"Work, work, and more work."

"Same here, I have a business trip in a few days tryna get everything ready for this fall fashion show in Paris, this could literally be me and Anaya's big break .. we're walking along side some legends in the fashion industry, this has been my dream for years and I'm finally able to say, I made it."

Grabbing her hand, he kissed the back of it. "Proud and happy for you, if anybody deserves this its you."

"Thanks Damion,"

Feeling her phone vibrate, she reached inside her purse to see it was a message from Shaun.

Shaun💦 to Alisha
Just left Marcus house, you tryna come thru? We need to talk.
- Recieved 8:21 pm

Rolling her eyes she locked her phone not really up for Shaun and his games. Over the past few weeks, Shaun has been wishy washy with his emotions and it was getting old so instead of putting all her time into Shaun she was giving Damion a chance and so far he was winning by his consistency.

Looking back up she watched as his eyes scanned the menu, she had to admit Damion was a very attractive man, but it was something about him that always stopped her from pursuing this further. He seemed perfect, too perfect at that and that along worried her.

It was like he could do no wrong, cause he did everything right and it was crazy to her because this was the type of man she's been wanting years and now that she has one .. she's questioning it.

Maybe because she's been hurt so much in the past that she forgot there are some genuinely good guys out here but its all new to her and she doesn't know how to react to it.

When she looked at Damion, she saw stability and growth .. She knew if they were to get serious and actually make it work by getting married, they'd be set for life and her mom feels she should settle and go for it but Shaun is like Alisha's bestfriend, her go-to and she's more so hooked on that beause her and Damion really don't share the same interest in things he more so buys her happiness and she's appreciative of it all but she wants more than dinners, concerts and gifts, so once again she was still stuck inbetween stability or happiness.

"I think I'm gon' settle for the steak, shrimp dinner .. whatchu getting?"

Looking down at the menu, she bit her lip. "These smothered fried porkchops lookin' pretty tasty so I might get that."

He nodded, calling for the waiter to come over. "Yes, what can I do for you guys?"

"We're ready to order."

"Alrighty, what would like ma'am?"

Sitting the menu down, Alisha cleared her throat. "I want the smothered porkchops platter."

"Anything else?"

"Yes, I want the bake potato fully loaded."

Nodding his head, he wrote it down. "And for you sir?"

"Steak and shrimp plate, and I want my baked potato fully loaded as well."

Writing it down, he tucked it in his apron. "You guys need any refills before I go?"

"No we're fine,"

"Alright, I'll put these orders in for you and bring you guys more rolls .. be right back."

Alisha smiled at his great customer service. "He's getting a tip."

"You could get the tip but somebody playing," Choking on her drink, she covered her mouth laughing. "Not today Satan, not today."

Taking a sip of his drink, he eyed her shaking his head as a small chuckle left his mouth. She liked his laugh, hell she liked his face, his body .. he was literally a walking temption.

Shaking her head to rid the thoughts that popped up in her, Alisha bit her lip, fighting that good ole' temptation, that loved lingering around. She was trying to hold off on sex for awhile until she got her emotions together and knew exactly who she wanted.

And with Shaun going ghost and popping back up when he felt like it, Damion was starting to become way more appealing.

The rest of dinner they talked and joked around a little up until the time the date ended. Saying their good byes and giving each other good bye kisses, Alisha found herself at Shaun's house face down ass up.

She cursed in her head how weak she was, but maybe it was because she liked the attention she got from Shaun but she also didn't just want this to be about sex, she wanted more than that and Damion so far was willing to give that.. she wants the marriage, the kids and the house on the hill and with her pushing thirty she knew that time needed to hurry.

As she laid beside a naked, sleep Shaun she couldn't help but think about what she actually wanted to do.

Her mother's words replayed in her head, "Baby, you ain't getting no younger, stop playing with that Shaun boy and get with a real man like Damion.. if you want to be happy like Anaya, sometimes you gotta settle for whatever and right now you got a good man in your face and you playing.." She knew it was time for her to settledown but she wasn't too sure if she wanted to settle for what she thought was perfect.

-

Application to be Chris love interest in this story :

Name (Can be a fake name too) :
Age :
Birthday :
Where you from :
Personality (Be descriptive) :
Background story (Your struggle, your riches, you life story etc etc) :
Face Claim :

If you want to be his love interest, do that!

The person who gets chose will be revealed when the time comes for her to be around!
But you will be very relevant in Book 2

but okay, thanks for the love & support
- Denise💕