The Love That Grew

Ch. 16 Secrets

California

December

Jashae stared intensely, hardly breathing, not wanting to miss any of the information her grandfather's oncologist shared while she sat on the FaceTime call. According to the doctor, the chemotherapy seemed to be effective. He explained that there was a slim chance Jackson wouldn't need the surgical procedure, but they'd keep a close eye on his health.

"How you feeling?" she asked her grandfather, who looked exhausted. She could tell the treatments were taking a toll on him.

"Like hell, I can't wait till this is over. Enough about me. How you and Ray doing? She still dating that nappy-headed boy... what's his name, Preston?"

Jashae cracked up at the old man. Ray would be pissed once she found out Linda, her grandmother, was telling her business.

"Pa, I don't know a Preston, and Peezy's hair isn't nappy. He has locs," she corrected with a smile.

Jackson chuckled weakly. "Well, whatever you call it, it's a mess. But if she's happy, I guess that's all that matters."

"Yeah, she's happy," Jashae assured him. "We're both doing alright, just trying to keep busy. You need anything, Pa?"

"Nah, just want this to be over. But I'm proud of you, Shay. Taking care of everyone, even me from a distance. You're stronger than you think."

Tears welled up in Jashae's eyes, but she blinked them away. "I love you, Pa. We're all gonna get through this."

"I love you too, baby. Now, go on and live your life. Don't let this old man hold you back."

Jashae smiled, feeling a mix of relief and lingering worry. "I'll call you tomorrow. Rest up, okay?"

After ending the call, Jashae sat quietly for a moment, absorbing the news. She was grateful for the positive update but couldn't shake the anxiety about her grandfather's health. She knew she needed to stay strong, not just for him, but for herself as well.

The weight of everything—her grandfather's cancer, the surrogacy, her own feelings—pressed down on Jashae. But her grandfather's words stayed with her, giving her a bit of strength to push through another day.

Deciding to take her mind off things, she grabbed her journal and started writing, letting the process of putting her thoughts on paper calm her nerves. As she wiped away tears the load of the day's emotions poured out. 

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"Babe, do you think Jashae would want to be a part of the wedding?" Tahiri questioned while skimming through what she called her wedding binder.

Xavier stared at her curiously, wondering if this was one of those rhetorical questions she liked to ask. "I don't think so...all the people and cameras might overwhelm her. She'd be far along in the pregnancy. Let's focus on actually figuring out a date before we add to the guest list."

Tahiri's head snapped up from the binder, her eyes narrowing at him. "We agreed on the wedding happening once I get back. If you don't want to marry me, just say that."

"We didn't agree on anything. I said the wedding's on pause until after your lil tour. You still can't give me an exact date of when you'll be back, so how could we agree on a wedding date? If you'd rather go to the justice of the peace, then you say that."

He'd thought the two were doing well and were on the same page, but evidently not. Tahiri's sudden urge to rush the wedding was beginning to put a strain on their already rocky relationship.