𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐆𝐨 (𝐮𝐡 𝐨𝐡)

16. Ties

Kimoni's POV

I woke up to the sound of the everyday patter of the raid on the window , the soft comforter warming my body from the cold air. The early morning gloom darkened the room, casting a soft dim on the room. For a moment, i felt like I could lay here all day and shut out the world. But then, reality hit me like a brick.

Ray's family was coming over today. Ugh, fuck!

I shifted in bed, trying to get comfortable, but that nagging feeling of dread wouldn't let me. It's not like I don't love his family—I do, well, most of them. His sisters are like the girls I never had growing up, always showing me love and support. His brother and dad cool too, always cracking jokes and making me feel at home. But his mom? That woman stays throwing shade like it's her damn job.

I slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My skin was glowing—thank you, pregnancy hormones—but I could see the anxiety in my eyes. Today was going to be a test of patience, that's for sure.

As I made my way to the kitchen, I could already smell the coffee brewing. Ray had beat me to it. I found him at the stove, scrambling eggs and flipping pancakes like he was auditioning for a cooking show. He looked up and smiled when he saw me, his messy hair and basketball shorts giving him that rugged, I-just-woke-up-but-still-fine-as-hell vibe.

"Morning, babe," he greeted, setting a plate down in front of me. "I made your favorite."

I took a seat at the kitchen island, eyeing the stack of pancakes he placed in front of me. "You trying to fatten me up before your mom gets here or something?" I teased, but there was an edge to my voice that I couldn't quite hide.

Ray rolled his eyes and groaned, but I could see the understanding in his eyes. "You know she doesn't mean half the shit she says, right?"

I shrugged, picking at the pancakes. "Maybe, but that doesn't mean it don't sting. Your sisters and dad are cool, though. I'm just not trying to catch any strays today, you feel me?"

He reached over, squeezing my hand. "I got you. If she steps out of line, I'll handle it."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Ray always had my back, but it didn't make the situation any easier. "What time they coming?"

"In a couple of hours," he said, glancing at the clock. "We've got some time to relax before the chaos starts."

I groaned. "Relax? Nah, babe, we gotta clean up. Your mom's got eyes like a hawk. She'll find the tiniest speck of dust and act like it's the end of the world."

"Our hose is always clean, we're almost never here." He protested. "You still need to throw out those moving boxes in the corner and we still have some trash in the back yard from the gender reveal." I shrugged.

Ray laughed, but he knew I wasn't playing. We spent the next hour straightening up the house, with Ray doing most of the heavy lifting. I handled the light stuff—fluffing pillows, wiping down counters, and making sure everything looked just right.

By the time we finished, I was exhausted, but the house was spotless. Just in time, too, because I heard the doorbell ring. My heart skipped a beat, and I shot Ray a look. "They're early."

"Showtime," he muttered, heading to the door.

I followed him, plastering on my best smile as Ray opened the door to his family. His sisters, Alana, Renee, and Jasmine, were the first to rush in, showering me with hugs and excitement.

"Oh my God, look at you!" Alana squealed, her hands immediately going to my belly. "You're glowing, sis!"

"You're getting so close!" Renee added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.