MINEFIELDS • michael b jordan

BABY SHOPPING

CHAPTER SIX
BABY SHOPPING

It was one of those rare, perfect afternoons in Beverly Hills—sunny, not too hot, with a soft breeze rustling the leaves of the palm trees lining the streets.

Robyn, fresh off a flight from Australia, was ready to spend a few days with her sister before heading back to her other life across the world. It had been a few months since their last visit, and in that time, Manoucheca's pregnancy had progressed rapidly.

Now thirteen weeks pregnant, her stomach was beginning to show, though she had cleverly concealed the slight bump with loose, baggy clothes. She wanted to keep the news private for as long as possible.

The two sisters strolled along the sidewalks of Beverly Hills, weaving in and out of designer shops and quirky boutiques as they made their way to Kitson Kids, one of the area's most beloved stores for baby supplies. Robyn, ever the shopaholic, was in her element, and this time, her purchases weren't just for her own son but for Manoucheca's growing family as well.

"I'm only back for a few days before I head back to Australia," Robyn told Manoucheca, tossing a mischievous grin in her direction. "But I'm making these few days count. You know I'm gonna spoil you and your babies rotten, right?"

Manoucheca rolled her eyes, chuckling. "I'm not sure if Michael's gonna be too happy about that. You're probably going to get us both in trouble."

Robyn laughed loudly, completely unfazed. "Well, Michael better get used to it. These babies are my babies, too." She winked as she added, "I'm mommy number two. He'll have to make room."

The statement wasn't an exaggeration. Robyn had always been deeply invested in her niece and nephew, even before they were born. She spoiled Manoucheca in every possible way, and now that the pregnancy was advancing, it was clear she intended to spoil the babies as well.

Inside the store, Robyn's enthusiasm was palpable. She browsed the aisles with reckless abandon, picking out adorable clothes and unique baby toys. She found a set of tiny hand weights—so small that they seemed more like a novelty than something practical. The sight of them made her grin like a child in a candy store, and she turned to show them to Manoucheca.

"Look at these! A personal trainer for the tiniest baby. If they don't grow up strong with this, I don't know what will," Robyn said, laughing as she held up the tiny weights to Manoucheca's stomach.

Manoucheca laughed along with her, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're wild, Ro. But I love it."

Robyn bought not only the baby weights but also a toy piano and a set of newborn footies, stuffed teddy bears, and soft-sole shoes, all of which she insisted were "just perfect" for Manoucheca's babies. "Girl, I'm gonna buy you and them babies so much stuff, Michael's going to need to build a new closet," she teased, piling more items into their shopping cart.

Manoucheca grinned but raised a teasing eyebrow. "Ro, he's going to be sick of you soon."

Robyn shrugged nonchalantly, already grabbing more items off the shelves. "Y'all babies are my babies too. I'll be 'auntie' and 'mommy number two.' He better recognize that."

As they moved on to the next aisle, Robyn's eyes widened as a sudden realization hit her. She turned to Manoucheca, her voice growing more excited. "Wait... does Winston know this? I'm gonna be their godmother, right?"

Manoucheca paused, then gave her sister a knowing look. "Yes, Ro. You're the godmom."

Robyn gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Oh my God, I'm a godmomma!" She rushed over to hug her sister, practically bouncing with joy. "You're sure about this?"