LUCIOUS & COOKIE: TUG OF WAR (REMASTERED)

THE PRINCESS

Over the moon with excitement and exhilaration are the best words I can use to describe my feelings as Lucious, and I left Dr. Turner's office. Four months in, and despite my persistent objections, he insisted on us riding together as we went to find out the sex of the baby.

I really wanted to ride separately so I could have as little contact with him as possible, but Lucious was hell-bent on having his way. The ride over wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be though, I was surprised that he didn't pester me or get on my nerves nearly as much as expected. Dare I say that he was actually pleasant to be around for the first time in months.

Once we got into the office all the staff were just beside themselves due to his presence, but he was actually very gracious.... signing autographs and even taking a few pictures with some of the patients. Not a grumpy grumble or arrogant brush off in sight, despite being bombarded once we stepped foot in the waiting room.

Of course, our wait wasn't long and as he placed his hand within the small of my back to help me onto the exam table, I saw something I hadn't seen within his eyes since our very first time in this position. Nervousness.

A cool gel along my abdomen and a few minutes spent placing our baby later, Dr. Turner dropped us the news that we're having a girl.

I thought that my heart was gonna explode with happiness...I love me some Lola, but my own daughter is what I've always wanted. All that testosterone floating around in our house in Philly used to drive me crazy at times.

Finally, not another big head ass little boy, thank God.

Lucious seemed awe struck while we examined the 3-D sonogram of our baby girl. You know back when we had our son's ultrasounds weren't this intricate. The grin on his face plastered from ear to ear, his light skinned behind was damn near red by the time we left. He seemed as proud and giddy as his teenage self was when I told him I was pregnant with Andre all those years ago.

Wow, he really is so very handsome, especially when he's smiling. My brain whispered as he helped me back up into our car before sliding into the opposite side.

What the hell are you thinking? Shake off these crazy ass feelings bubbling to the surface, Lucious is still Lucifer on earth, and I have to keep that in mind. My judgement around him can't be clouded, that's how we ended up in this situation to begin with mind you. It has to just be the hormones, right? The little voice in my head faintly buzzed.

Coasting along towards the restaurant we're meeting the boys to give them the news since at this point, I can't hide it any longer and it's time for them to know, I can't help but notice his continued excitement.

He hasn't stopped looking at his copy of the sonogram since he got it. A quick glance onto our bustling metropolitan surroundings, I glanced back towards him, and decided to break the silence between us with small talk.

"So, how do you think the boys are gonna take the news?"

He gawked over at me, his eyes bright and joy filled, "I think they'll be fine with it. None of them are babies anymore, even though Hakeem still acts like one at times. This will probably force him to grow up a bit. I think that those three are probably gonna spoil her worse than we ever could." He chuckled.

I found myself chuckling at the thought too, "Yeah, you're probably right about that. She's gonna be rotten before it's all said and done. But you know what, I don't think the boys are gonna be nearly as bad at spoiling her as you are." I joked. A blush immediately tinted his cheeks, but he was quick to counter.

"Well why not, she's a princess so if I, King Lucious, don't spoil her then she'll go out into the kingdom looking for it in the wrong places, and daddy can't have that babe." He quipped.