The Santiago Cartel

Twenty-Three.Two

"That would be the considerate thing to do babeh." I replied- biting my bottom lip and releasing it.

I noticed her blush a little bit.

"That's why ya walking like that 'na" I chuckled placing a kiss on ha forehead.

An hour later

Rafael

"Lani asked everything she's needed to. Gabrielle you have been a little quiet. Any questions? I asked wondering what was going through her head.

"Why didn't you try harder, why didn't you make her stay?" She questioned while shaking her head.

I sighed because I knew that question was coming.

"I tried all I could to get your mom not to leave. I even told her that the money wasn't necessary. I had you guys-shit I still have you to this day. She was always so headstrong and independent. We always disagreed in that area. She never knew how to relax and just let me take care of her. Let me handle shit that was too far out of her control. Lani ass is just like her in a lot of ways. When she died I just had to get away from here. I never once forgot about you guys though. I couldn't let Matthew know I was alive- and I had to keep it low profile for a while." I stated while looking over at Gab.

"Do you think you can give me a chance to make up for lost time?" I spoke while looking between Lani and Gabrielle.

"I never stopped giving you a chance. I knew that God had a better purpose for me and Cha. I think we turned out to be pretty awesome adults. Don't ya think old man? Lani questioned while chuckling.

I longed, and prayed for this moment

"Yes, you two turned out to be beautiful women. I'm glad to see that you guys are happy. But, I will say this. You two don't need to fight the guys. Let them be the men and take care of things. It's okay to depend on someone else. It doesn't make you weak to admit you need help. Let them love you and you love them. You have some damn good men on your hands. There will be trials, tribulations, hoes, and more irrelevant bullshit along the way-but what God has put together-no man or hoe can tear down. Don't by any means make the same mistakes as your mother and I. Most people aren't lucky to find true love their first time around. Cherish what you have-while you have it." I stated feeling my eyes water.

Gab got up and hugged me. I didn't know how to feel because I knew she would be the toughest to crack because her personality was just like mine. Grudges were hard to get over for us. I held her and in that moment nothing else mattered but me, and my baby girl.

Gabrielle

I was completely in awe. Even after all this time you could tell that my dad still loved my mom to the moon and back. I couldn't completely take his pain away- but I could allow him the opportunity to make up for everything he wanted to. I realized he was near tears- so I took the first step.

Forgiveness and showing him I forgave him. I walked around the table and wrapped my arms around him. I whispered in his ear while I was hugging him.

"I don't hate you dad. I was just confused and hurt. I know you love us, and I'm willing to give this thing a try- I know mom is smiling at this moment, and she's overjoyed that you've found your children again. She know we are all safe now. I sniffed, wiping my tears, and pulling away from him.

"Stop crying old man, you too good looking for tears." I chuckled, while wiping a tear from his face.

"Even OGs shed a tear every now and then baby girl." he replied with a small smirk.

I shook my head. I now know where the smiling with my eyes came from.

"We need a picture of us all together now" Lani spoke while, tapping her home button on her iPhone.

"Lani- baby you don't have to Instagram everything. Let some stuff be memorable." Scar stated, while shaking his head.

"Nigga ain't nobody putting nothing on Instagram. I just want a family picture for myself. Stay in your seat- and worry about you!" she retorted while rolling her eyes.

Me and my dad looked between the two and laughed. Scar just shook his head not even attempting to argue with Lani.

She handed the phone over to Scar. We both took it upon ourselves to kiss his cheeks, and he was smiling so big you would have thought he won the lottery.

"On three... Raf say family" Scar stated, while holding the phone.

"Yellow nigga, just take the damn picture" Raf answered with a small chuckle.

I shook my head at their behavior.

I always wondered what true happiness felt like.... Now that I have it- I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

You all should know by now-happy moments are always followed by intense drama.😂 Next update is already in the works. I just have to edit and find the picture I need. I shall bless you guys with another update this week.😘 Enjoy...and to my new readers....welcome welcome, and I hope you enjoy. Please excuse any mistakes.☺ SN: Do you guys think Aug and Gabrielle look alike?lol...weird.👀 -C.Pacino💜