Jaylan has been such a good, happy boy.

He has almost three hundred tickets until his next reward but it's not going to be easy and there is integrity behind it.

He showed me this little slither of ripped paper of the stars. Somehow it was stuck in his duffle bag. We found it last night and he chased me around his house, trying to spank my conga drum until Max broke it up and told us to go to bed.

Oh, Novio.

I smile, looking over at how hot he looks. Concentrating on the road with one hand on the steering wheel, his bigger bicep and forearm muscles tense. His gold chain reminds me of how it floats back and forth when we're intimate, making heated pulses take home in my honeypot.

"You okay?" He draws my attention by tracing the creases of my hand, which clasp together with his.

"I'm okay." The aching sensations growing between my thighs makes me press them together.

He takes our clasped hands and brings them to his lips. I feel myself shrinking down into my seat at how warm his lips are on my skin.

Gosh, I love when he does that anywhere on my body....

My eyes stretch wide and I turn to the window, covering my mouth trying to hide my smile. I can't believe I just thought that.

But the feeling feels so good.

I like Candyland.

Pulling down my hand from my mouth, my eyes observe the beautiful surroundings. The sun shines brightly as we are driving into Baltimore seeing the early morning sunrise reflecting off the skyscrapers downtown. The water glistens on the buildings, making sparkles reflect in the car.

We are back.

Together again.

It feels so good to just be together like this. Almost like how we left it before he went for his championship game, but different. Better.

The atmosphere is absent of  the uncertainty present when we were separated. It's light, calming, and hopeful.

Jaylan traces my finger, the gentle touch warming my whole body. He was doing that on the bus ride back home. We almost didn't get to ride together because I found out Jaylan had bought a ticket! Luckily, Jordy took it because, surprisingly, the pretty sports agent was on the same flight. He has been smitten about her, according to Jaylan.

Jordy deserves a good woman in his life.

"What are you smiling about?" Jaylan teases, pulling my pinky.

Okay, he has his rotten streak from time to time.

"I'm smiling because this donut is really good." I pop a munchkin in my mouth, letting the sugary sweet dough fill my mouth.

Jaylan sucks his teeth and I giggle.

It's good to be back.

A lot of unknown but good things are coming, like my birthday... graduation, becoming a nurse. These are all great things but I won't be seeing Lexi or Max much and the thought of aches my tummy.

I won't be alone because Big Bird would never let me out of his sight but the lingering weariness of the unknown frightens me.

We have a lot going on for the both of us and I think this is going to be a good and challenging thing as we do it together. For instance, I have to make a schedule for Jaylan to get him back into a routine, plus he can't really slack off since he has to get ready for the Terps' White House visit, NBA camp, training with Coach T, and the draft. 

But before then, I'm going to take the rest of April with my head up high, knowing I'm not alone and I have Big Bird right by my side.

Leaning my head down on Jaylan's arm, I stick a chocolate munchkin in my mouth. Thinking about the remaining time we had on Wednesday in Indianapolis makes me smile.

We had so much fun, from going to the PB&J factory to swimming at the hotel the guys were at. Jaylan looked so dreamy in his swim trunks, as I expected, and he couldn't take his eyes or hands off me... Literally, only because he was worried about his teammates in what he called, 'handsie.'

I didn't think Xavier was being handsie to me. He was just tossing me into the water, which was so fun. Jaylan was just being a yelping puppy.

I sink my teeth in my lower lip, getting a glimpse of him as he holds our hands to his lips. With one hand on the wheel. 

He is so lovey.

I love it.

Every moment spent with Jaylan in Indianapolis felt like the day stood still from us making love in the morning... which was the most incredible feeling I have ever felt, taking photos, or him giving me a piggyback ride through the city. I was taller than Big Dinosaur.

The best was watching the sunset, then going back to our Airbnb and making love again.

Again.

And again.

Again.

My body warms up thinking about how we threw each other's clothes in the Airbnb, something you see in a telenovela.

My body tingles as the butterflies shoot off fireworks, remembering how Jaylan swipes my lips with his thumb and grazes his hand on my neck softly. His love calls are so beautiful and I just love hearing them come out of him.

Okay, this is what got us in trouble this morning. We were actually behind schedule because Jaylan wanted to have some lovey dovey time this morning.

I wish I could wake up like that, to him all the time.

Just thinking about how he grabs my conga drum when I'm on top of him dries up my throat, making me grab my mocha ice coffee. Sipping down more, a bitter taste pulls my lips back and my face scrunches up.

Jaylan cackles and yanks his cup. "Hey, that's mine!"

Combining my tongue with my fingers. "How can you drink something like that! Where is the sugar!" I squeak.

"Right here." Jaylan playfully touches underneath my chin. I dip it down and he laughs softly.

"Jaylan, I wonder about you sometimes." I shake my head, trying to gulp down my drink to get rid of the bitter black coffee taste ruining my tastebuds.

"You love me," he throws back, with his devil horns on full display, as his lips brush on my knuckles.

Relaxing my furrowing brows, I couldn't help but smile as the warmth in my chest spreads through my body. It's so weird to say I love you. As much practice I had with Conor and Roger, it was nothing compared to telling Jaylan in person. Loving someone like him, for who he is, is an honor and humbling not because of his past but who he has become in the present and where he is going in the future. His past shaped his future to be this great man I would love to marry.

My eyes stretch wide at the most shocking revelation my brain has said these last couple of days.

Marry Jaylan?

Mi esposo.

Looking over at him, Jaylan's bobbing his head to the radio to the Migos.

He is so hot.

Inwardly growling, I blame Isabela for putting the thought in my head because she told me about this cool Elote bar from someone we knew back at home who got married. Then Lexi texted me about us watching Say Yes to the Dress, eating Vietnamese food, and drinking wine for Girls' Night on Sunday because it's supposed to rain all day. Max banned Jaylan and Marcus for stepping on the premises.

I don't think it would scare them though because Marcus smiled at every poke to the ches-

A thud draws my thoughts jumping out of my seat. Jaylan laughs, patting our hands as I swallow my heart. A black squeegee runs across Jaylan's windshield, and some spritz of window cleaner.

"It's all good babe, it's a hustle," Jaylan assures, watching a young preteen boy work hard scrubbing the window.

Jaylan digs out of his wallet and pulls out a crisp twenty. The light turns green and people begin to honk, even go around Jaylan, making him grumble.

Jaylan rolls down his window and hands the twenty to the teen. "Keep hustlin, stay out of trouble," he says tenderly, like a father.

Woah Lizzie, stop jumping the gun here.

"Thanks," he says and jogs to the median again.

Jaylan nods, pulling off finally through a yellow light and laughs because he knows I'm staring at him.

"Jaylannnn."

"I know, I know." He slyly smiles, wagging his devil tail.

Looking back at the side mirror, the preteen sits on the curb, counting a little bit of cash with slumping shoulders. My heart tugs at what could be his story. "Jaylan, is that normal?"

"What's normal?" he said, turning the wheel.

"That little kid out in the street like that." I frown at the idea the preteen has no other options.

Jaylan sighs deeply. "It's more normal than you think. I used to do it actually, back in the day," he admits, with a shoulder shrug.

Even though it may not seem like a big deal to him, or maybe it does, but both Jaylan and that kid deserve to be jumping on a trampoline or playing at the park.

Tracing his ring finger, he glances over at me for a second with a smile. Giggling, he arches his brow at me and looks back at the road with a warm smile.

Silence takes over the car, making me snuggle up to him again. "I'm sorry, Jaylan."

He sighs deeply and bends down, kissing my head. "It's okay, Lizzie."

As we approach Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve's house, Jaylan bounces a bit in his seat. I giggle at him but my heart is full at how big his smile is as we pull right up next the curb.

"Look, Jaylan!" I point at the big championship sign saying, 'Congratulations Jaylan!' on their lawn.

Uncle Steve's old broken chair is sitting by their dark green trash can. How did he snap it in half like that?

Jaylan shakes his head and turns down the radio. "Wow, that's weird to see." He chuckles.

Jaylan puts his car in park and unbuckles his seatbelt playfully. I hold my hand on the handle, about to open it, when his pirate hook finger tugs my belt loop of my jeans, making me squeak. "What do you think you are doing?"

Sheepishly smiling Jaylan presses his lips and gets out of the car with a loud, old man grunt. Giggling, I watch him playfully jog around his car, giving me a full few of his outfit. His black, vintage Tupac shirt clings to his muscles, his jeans fit nicely on his conga drum. The gold chain and backwards hat are an added bonus.

"My lady." Jaylan opens my door and takes my hand.

The butterflies in my tummy sigh dreamily at the gesture.

Oh novio.

Shutting the door, I go to the back and grab uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa's presents when Jaylan's hand connects on my right cheek, making a soft sound.

I about jump out of my crocs. "Jaylannn."

"Don't open the door again," he warns.

I grunt softly, rubbing my conga drum, and he arches his brow at me. I'll get him back, just wait.

Hand and hand, we walk up to the stairs and Jaylan doesn't bother knocking on the door. He opens it and I gasp at his naughtiness.

"Yooooooooo, is anybody here?" Jaylan yells.

I hear something drop, echoing from the kitchen and feet running towards the front.

"My Lizzie better be here!" Aunt Lisa calls, coming into the front hallway wearing a flower assorted apron.

Jaylan sucks his teeth as I grin big up at him. Aunt Lisa pulls me into a hug, rocking me back and forth. "Aww, my sweet girl."

I hear Jaylan grumble under his breath but Aunt Lisa only hugs me tighter "Oh stop, Jay."

She pulls away from me and smiles, cupping my face. "It's good to see you."

Her warm welcome makes me feel right at home, warming my heart. "It's good to see you too."

"Alright, bring it in, Champion," Aunt Lisa teases, motioning her arms inward.

Jaylan happily embraces Aunt Lisa, wrapping those giant bear paws around her. She stands on her tippy toes and kisses his head. It is the cutest thing because Jaylan's cheeks flush, turning an apple red.

I softly giggle at the halo on Jaylan, even though his devil tail is snapping loudly. Tiny feet come scurrying out of the kitchen. It's Malachi with a blue toy truck in his hand.

"Hi!" he says, waving to me.

Jaylan lifts him up, tossing him in the air. Malachi squeals through his belly and his truck plonks right on Jaylan's head. Bouncing my shoulders, my eyes sparkle at how Jaylan handles him so-

Lizzie, just drop it.

"Jaylan, careful. He just ate," Aunt Lisa warns. "He's going to puke on you."

"I'm used to it," Jaylan smiles, shifting his gaze at me.

Furrowing my brows at his smart mouth, Aunt Lisa arches her brow. "Jaylan," she stresses as Jaylan tickles malachi.

"Lisa, have you seen my scr- Oh, Hi Lizzie!" Uncle Steve beams, coming around the corner and holding a few tools.

Jaylan immediately snickers at him because Uncle Steve currently has a flannel and a white shirt, both stained with chocolate like me.

"Hi, Uncle Steve." I beam.

His eyes focus on the bags I'm holding, then at me. "Jaylan didn't take my shirt, did he?"

Jaylan grins big and slaps his arm around Uncle Steve's neck, tugging him in roughly because he is taller. Aunt Lisa and I react at the same time. She smacks her lips softly and my cheeks heat up when Aunt Lisa coos at me. We all walk around the corner together as Uncle Steve and Jaylan playfully hit each other.

It's really good to see them both so well connected. I know Jaylan was telling me on the bus ride home how difficult it was for him to experience homesickness for the past month. He said it felt stronger than it has been before, especially missing his mom, and it made him think of me when I felt for four years.

Interestingly, when I was 'home,' I didn't feel it. Being anywhere with Jaylan, he feels more like home.

"Down." Malachi points to the ground.

I don't blame him, Jaylan is about to touch the ceiling. It's pretty high up there.

"Nooooo!" Jaylan holds him close, rocking him.

The butterflies in my tummy race down to my ovaries, leaving a warming sensation all over my body.

Jaylan gives Malachi a sloppy kiss, which makes him push his face. "Awww look at you two," Aunt Lisa admires the two buddies. Jaylan puts Malachi down and he scurries off with his tiny feet echoing the hallway.

"Uncle Steve!" Jaylan shouts, making uncle Steve drop a handful of screws.They scatter and curl away.

Shaking my head as Jaylan teases Uncle Steve at his disassembled Lazy Boy chair, with all these tools, nuts, and boltz scattered around.

"Jay, leave your uncle alone," Aunt Lisa softly scolds.

Jaylan laughs with his mouth gaping open. He isn't going to get any tickets. "Jaylan, tickets," I remind him and Jaylan closes his mouth quickly.

Aunt Lisa arches her brow but smiles at how straightened up Jaylan gets.

"You ready for your presents?" Jaylan smiles big as he takes the gift bag from me gently.

Uncle Steve rubs his hands together and Aunt Lisa shakes her head with a smile.

The dynamic between Jaylan and Uncle Steve warms my heart because he is the only father in Jaylan's life. It makes me wonder if I'll ever encounter Jaylan's dad...and what would I say or do. He has hurt Jaylan so much, I don't know how I would react to him being around.

I wonder if he texted him congratulations.

Jaylan holds up his phone at Uncle Steve smiling big, holding up his shirt to his chest. Aunt Lisa shakes her head and coos softly as she holds her hand over her heart space.

The love in this room for this humpback whale is significant and couldn't look any more perfect, with the patio door's sunlight beaming in.

It's definitely Miss Evelyn.

"Wow, it fits better than the old one." Uncle Steve smiles big at Jaylan as he models for us all his championship gear. You would think he played instead of Jaylan.

Jaylan flashes a big grin, watching Uncle Steve in his nice fitting shirt that doesn't strain over his tummy. Aunt Lisa shakes her head with a smile, looking at Uncle Steve and Jaylan in pride.

"Lizzie" Aunt Lisa motions me to the kitchen while Jaylan goes over to help Uncle Steve assemble his new Lazy Boy chair.

Following Aunt Lisa, awarm, baking smell of something sweet engulfs my nose, pressing my lips together. "What are you making?" I lick my lips as the smell lingers.

"Oh, banana bread. Have you had that before?" Aunt Lisa opens the oven, filling the kitchen with the smell of nutmeg and vanilla.

Licking the air, I stop as she catches me. My cheeks warms up and she smiles. "No."

"I'll cut you a slice" She winks at me, pulling it out the oven with her matching flower assorted oven mitts. "So, how was your trip, Lizzie? How is your dad doing?" Aunt Lisa puts the bread pan on the square wooden warmer.

I sigh softly and shrug. "He is doing better."

I actually got to talk to Papá on my way home with Jaylan on the bus because Isabela went to go see him and finally decorate his room. Papá has been turning down physical therapy again because he is in pain but I told him that he has to get up and move so he can be good for graduation.

Frowning at the screen, Papá lets out a soft smile. "Mija, estaré bien (My daughter, I will be okay)," he says in a raspy voice, coughing.

Jaylan rubs my hand softly and my vision blurs up as Papá  props up against his pillow. The left side of his face hasn't regained its normal position because he hasn't done anything. Seeing him with no progress hurts my heart because I worry he is giving up each and every day. I know I can't expect him to recover overnight but I wish he would try more.

"¡Pero Papá! (But Papa.)"

"Mija," he says firmly.

Clenching my fist into my lap, Jaylan opens it and holds it and I squeeze so tight as my reflection of the camera my eyes are filled with tears.  "Papá, al menos mueve los dedos de los pies mientras estás en la cama, ayudará con la perfusión. (Papá, you have to wiggle your toes in bed to get some perfusion.)"

"Yo sé eso (I know that)," Papá says sternly.

I shrink back in the bus seat and Papá lets out a sign. Jaylan holds me close and I sniffle. "Lo siento, solo te quiero aquí para la graduación. (I'm sorry, I just want you here for graduation.)"

"Por favor, confía en mí mija.(I will please trust me, my daughter.)"

Trust him...

Just trust him.

I want him here and not to miss this special day.

"You don't sound so sure about that," Aunt Lisa's motherly voice pulls me out of my thoughts. She spreads a beige, creamy frosting on top of the banana bread.

Dipping my chin down, I twist my beige pointed loafer flats on the floor. "He can be difficult sometimes."

"Oh, trust me, I know... Uncle Steve is the Junk Food King but he knows better because I'm trying to help him get his LDL's down," Aunt Lisa assures, as she puts the knife down to the side on a napkin. 

Silence fills between us while Jaylan is cackling at Uncle Steve in the background. Turning around Jaylan is barely helping Uncle Steve, holding a set of instructions upside-down as Uncle Steve scratches his bald head, looking at the disassembled chair. Jaylan catches a glance at me and he sheepishly grins because I'm giving him his look to help.

He holds the paper up at Uncle Steve's eye-level and Uncle Steve begins to work on his chair.

"Lizzie, I can only imagine how you feel but honey, just know he loves you so much. Give him time, what happened to your dad is life-changing," Aunt Lisa tenderly says, drawing my attention back to her cutting a slice of banana bread for me.

Nodding, she hands me a plate and motions her head to the living room and we sit. I sit by the window at the other side of the table so Jaylan doesn't see me. His head is going to bop off in another dimension when he sees me eating something of fruit but it looks so yummy.

"Don't lose hope, okay? Just trust the acceptance process," Aunt Lisa breaks my thoughts.

"It's been a long process," I admit softly, poking my fork to get my first bite.

"How was your mom? Did you get to spend time with her?" Aunt Lisa eats her piece.

"I did... it wasn't what I expected but I did... I actually told her and Papá about Jaylan," I quietly say at the end.

Aunt Lisa's lips shape into an O as she sticks her fork in her mouth. "What did they say?"

"I'm honestly not sure what their thoughts are but I know Papá is happy with Jaylan. Mamá... she'll come around," I admit, taking my first bite of the most sweet, moist combination of bread I have.

Mamá actually texted me this morning, asking how I was doing and even Jaylan. I sent a photo of Jaylan and I in the confetti and she just put a heart on the photo. I know Mamá will come around eventually.

"Why do you think that?"

Swallowing the sweet goodness of bread, I clear my throat. "They didn't want me to date anyone, just focus on school."

"I respect that." Her eyes beam at me. "I wish Jaylan would have listened during the whole time but you know how hard his head is."

Bouncing my shoulders, I know novio can be quite strong willed about things. "He sure is a handful," I admit, looking out at Jaylan being a good boy and talking lowly with Uncle Steve.

"You know he loves you," Aunt Lisa notes, and I turn back to her with warm cheeks, dipping my chin but I look back up at her eyes locking on my gaze.

"I love him too," I whisper.

Aunt Lisa's eyes soften at me, glossing over and she lets out a ragged breath. I guess loving Jaylan is more than just between us but it does affect her and Uncle Steve too. Aunt Lisa and I laugh and have small talk about Jaylan's party this Saturday and how all his friends, even some of Uncle Steve's family, are coming to support him.

Listening to mini stories about each of them warms my heart. I'm looking forward to finally meet Jaylan's childhood friends and even Nathan.

As we are talking, Jaylan interrupts with a rude gasp, making Aunt Lisa and I shoot a gaze at him smiling mischievously. He comes over to me and gives me a sloppy wet kiss on my cheek, making me furrow my brows at how his tongue actually touches my cheek.

"Jaylann."

"What- Did you eat Banana Bread?" His mouth gapes open "You know Aunt Lisa puts real bananas in there?".

"Yes, I ate banana bread. Don't get all Te crees muy muy." I point at him with my fork.

Aunt Lisa smiles at the both of us as Jaylan scoots really close to my space. If he thinks he's getting a bite then he's wrong.

"Oh Jaylan, I forgot," Aunt Lisa's eyes stretch wide.

She quickly gets up and leaves the room, making Jaylan lean closer to meet my lips but I pull away with my face warm like fire.

"We can't kiss here," I tell him.

Jaylan laughs as he puts his arm over my chair. He holds a set of keys with a North Carolina keychain and I arch my brown. "Want to go on a trip?"

"Jaylan, if you are thinking about North Carolina, you are out of your mind."

Jaylan hangs head down low and laughs, looking at me with those brown syrupy eyes. "I want to take you to my grandparents house again and the bird watching area up there," he suggests with puppy dog eyes.

Placing my hand on his cheek at how sweet he just turned, I know his devil tail is tapping on my shoulder.

"Jay... umm, Paul's parents actually sent this in the mail... and I wanted to give this to you." Aunt Lisa hands Jaylan a light blue envelope with pretty cursive writing. 

Jaylan waves it in his hand and sighs softly. The light, happy look in his eyes fades. Aunt Lisa sits back down at the table. "How did they get your address?" he clears his throat.

"Oh, Jaylan, you know they go to church with us. I can't just not talk to them," Aunt Lisa notes.

He nods and hands me the envelope to hold, which feels very thick. It's not just a card in there.

"Well we are going to head up north to Pops' house." Jaylan gets up quietly.

It's almost like his whole mood changes, not in a mean way but I could feel he has something on his mind. The way his shoulders are tensing up makes me stand up. "Thank you for the banana bread, Aunt Lisa."

"Of course. I'll walk you both to the door." Aunt Lisa clears her throat.

Every step feels heavy as Jaylan and I walk to the door. "See you Saturday!" Uncle Steve yells from the living room.

I giggle softly and Jaylan lets out a soft smile. Aunt Lisa gives him a kiss goodbye and leans into the shell of his ear and Jaylan nods with slump shoulders. She also hands him another card and she kisses him on the cheek.

Aunt Lisa comes over to me, hugs me tight, and then whispers, "He is going to need you to hold his hand."

I nod and she kisses me on my cheek. We wave goodbye and, as we approach the car, Jaylan sighs deeply.

"Hey, would you like to drive?" he suggests, tossing me the keys.

"I can," I offer, catching them.

After he quietly thanks me, we drive to the address he puts into his phone in silence. Driving safely, I don't have much chance to look away from the road and traffic but whenever we wait at a light, I sneak side looks. He keeps a flat smile on his lips but every once and awhile turns into a frown. His hand holds mine, his thumb gently tracing back and forth over the back of mine. His eyes look a million miles away as they look at nothing out the window.

"Arrive," Google breaks the silence finally.

Jaylan's hand trembles with the envelopes grasp in his other hand.

My eyes scan the beautiful modern brick home with a tree right in front of it. To say this is my Pinterest home... is an understatement.

It is the perfect size, not too big and not too small... a family home. The first thing I noticed the first time here was the cul de sac style where the houses were equally spaced apart, quiet, and secluded. The maple trees surrounding our houses are going to be so beautiful in the fall. I giggle because there's enough to bury Jaylan under a pile.

The marigolds and poms I planted with Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa in the front flower beds are blooming so pretty. Turning off the engine, I look over at Jaylan gazing out the window.

I tap his hand softly and he gives me a half-grin. "Are you okay, Jaylan?"

He looks down at the envelopes, waving them and shrugging. "Not really but I'm glad you are with me."

"Who is Paul again?" I say uneasily, unbuckling my seatbelt.

Jaylan adjusts his hat and rubs the top of his head. "It's PJ and his parents. They both sent me cards." He clears his throat.

The birds chirping takes over the silence between us and I lean into the side of his face, planting a gentle kiss. "Let's go inside and read them."

His eyes soften and nod as he opens the car door. Watching him walk around the car, he looks up for a second to the sky. My heart tugs because I know he hates talking about his dad and I honestly can't imagine how he feels right now.

Getting out, Jaylan wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest and kissing the top of my head. Closing the door, he takes my hand and we walk up the sidewalk to his grandparents' house. It could use some Lizzie loving, with the off-white columns and the faded, light blue window shutters. Another thing I like about this house is that it has a flower box on the windows by the front door.

Jaylan uses the keys and unlocks the door. Coming into the home, the interior is something I've dreamed of too. We're standing in a foyer, and to the right the stairs and the left I guess a sitting room.

We walk forward and we enter the kitchen. A greyish-purple, like a mauve color, is all around the house. Not my cup of tea but if I could I would paint it light grey. The kitchen is small, with dark cabinets and dated appliances that are screaming for Fabuloso, but the space is cozy and warm. It has enough room for -

Woah, Lizzie don't get ahead of yourself.

"This house is seriously outdated." Jaylan chuckles as he goes into the sitting room, kicks off his clown shoes, and hikes his long limbs on the ottoman.

"I think it just needs a lot of love." I admire the living room. Paint, carpet, furniture can be changed but I like the big, bright windows and space between the houses.

"Like me," Jaylan says pridefully, flashing a big smile.

"Like you." My cheeks warm up as his lips meet my cheek.

Jaylan scoops me and holds me close to him. "What would you do in here?" he points his finger, circling around the living room.

I hum at the possibilities and point at one empty wall. "Well, I would put the TV there and a ceiling fan for sure. Oh, and make this room like a grey but like sea salt color. Oh, of course pictures,"  I list, envisioning. "A casual, comfortable spot to chill."

Jaylan rubs my thigh. "I'm sure it would be nice and cozy like yours at your apartment."

"Oh, yes. And lots and lots of pillows. Lexi's number one rule." I hold up a finger.

Jaylan laughs softly and presses a delicate kiss on my cheek.  My eyes meet the envelopes he's still holding and I tap the top one with my finger.

"Always making me brave," Jaylan jokes but a serious look fills his eyes.

"Together, remember?" I remind him.

He clasps my hand. "Together."

With his free hand, he opens the light blue card first and I lay my head on his arm. He pulls out a card that reads 'Congratulations' with pretty roses. Money and photos drop out as Jaylan holds it with his one hand.

I take the photos and my eyes soften while looking at them. It is Jaylan as a baby, not a big one interesting enough. Tiny and wrinkled, he looks like he was just born, being held by a woman and his head gently being touched by a man's hand.

The next photo is Jaylan, his mom and his dad together at what looks like they were at church. They look like a happy family. The next photo is Jaylan with chubby cheeks and icing on his face, making me giggle. He laughs softly as his arm tugs me in closer. 

The last photo is Jaylan and his mom at a baseball game. This is a different one. He has a medal around his neck, holding up a number one sign with his mom. My breath hitches when I realize this is the same outfit she wore in the video where I got the recording from.

My heart tugs at the photo of how so many people were involved with Jaylan and love him so much.

I glance over and Jaylan hasn't read the card yet. He is just starting out the window. "Would you like me to read it?"

His attention draws back to me and nods. Taking the card, I look inside and there was pretty cursive handwriting. Jaylan fingers trace my ring finger and I sigh softly.

"Jaylan, I know we haven't been in touch for a while but we would like you to know how proud we are of you, all your accomplishments with school, and with your future career in basketball. I know we have been out of touch over the years and we would like to restore our relationship with you."

Jaylan's eyes closing makes me pause, so I squeeze his hand and continue when he opens them, " We hope to talk to you soon. Here is a gift between Wes and I. We hope this will bless you in some way. Love, Grandma Valerie," I end.

Looking over at Jaylan, he is still but his chest rises and falls. "I don't know what to say," he baffles.

Rubbing his hand, I snuggle up to him. "You don't have to say anything," I encourage.

"It's just weird to me how they came out of the blue, you know?" he rasps.

"Did you have a relationship with them?"

"I mean, not really because they weren't too happy about Mom being a young mom and PJ not going to college. They blamed her for that a lot. She took things pretty hard and tried to make things right, but by the time they wanted the relationship, Mom... died." Jaylan sighs deeply and shuts his eyes.

Silence takes over the room and the burning question of wanting to know how his mom passed is on the tip of my tongue.

"My life is pretty fucked up." Jaylan chuckles softly and sets his gaze out the window.

"Jaylann," I say softly, scolding him.

He laughs softly. "I'm sorry baby. It's pretty messed up."

Looking up at him, he leans down and pecks me on the lips. "Jaylan, beautiful messes are the greatest pictures."

Rubbing his arm softly, he plants a kiss on top of my head. "I'm so glad you are part of me."

His words tingle me in a way more than I love you. My cheeks warm up as I press one on his arm. I could get used to cuddles on the sofa like this.

Twisting my lips, I look down at my knees and I sigh softly. "Jaylan.... What exactly... Umm, happened to your mom?"

Jaylan clears his throat and I could feel his gaze on me, so I look up to meet his eyes. They're that light, honey, syrupy brown. He clasps our hands together and I know what he is about to reveal is going to be difficult for him.

The same pained look he gave me while sharing about his dad back at the skating rink comes over his face. I feel like we are about to go on a path that's going to strengthen our relationship even more.

And this time I'm ready.

Edited by still_just_me