The Love That Grew

Ch. 31 B&E

1 month later

"I'm fiiiiine, Xaviers just being over-protective. I'm pregnant not handicap" Jashae huffed on the phone. Jackson chuckled on the other end she could practically see the smile on his face "That boys just trynna make sure you and my great grand baby are ok. I remember being like that when Patrice was pregnant with your mama. Couldn't nobody get too close not even the pastor"

"Papa please," Jashae laughed, wiping a tear from her eye, knowing just how serious her grandfather was about protecting her and the baby.

"You laughing now, but I'll be on the first plane out if I hear that fool's causing you any more trouble," Jackson warned, his voice softening with the love only a grandfather could have. "That boy's doing right by you, Shae. Let him."

"I know, Papa Jax," she sighed, feeling her heart warm at the thought of how much Xavier had been doing for her. Even if his overprotectiveness was a bit much at times, she understood it came from a place of love and worry. Ever since the incident with Tahiri, he'd been more vigilant, almost on edge.

She could hear Jackson grumble something about how "crazy women never know when to quit" before clearing his throat. "You don't know what someone's capable of until they're desperate. You be smart, Shae. Don't let your pride get in the way of keeping that baby safe. You hear me?"

"Yes, I hear you" she reassured him, nodding even though he couldn't see it. She knew he was right. Xavier was doing his best to protect them, and after what happened at the baby shower, she couldn't deny that a little extra caution wouldn't hurt. But a restraining order? It just felt... too final, too serious. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that step, not unless Tahiri took things further.

As she hung up with her grandfather, Jashae leaned back against the pillows and thought about how much had changed. With the baby on the way and the anxiety surrounding Tahiri's next move, her world was in a constant state of change. But if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that Xavier, his family, and even her grandfather, all had her back. She just needed to let them help her the way they wanted to.

As Jashae lay there, her thoughts swirled. She knew she had to let people in, to lean on the ones who loved her. This wasn't the time to be stubborn or prideful. With Tahiri still lurking in the background, anything could happen, and she needed all the support she could get.

She reached for her phone and sent a quick text to Xavier, telling him she was thinking about him. He responded almost instantly, checking in on her and reminding her he'd be home soon. His constant reassurance had become her anchor in these uncertain times, and she smiled softly at his protective nature.

Just as she was about to put her phone down, it buzzed again. This time, it was Raynell, sending a funny meme followed by a message about some baby clothes she found online. Jashae chuckled, grateful for the people in her life who made everything just a little bit easier.

Her stomach growled it was way past lunch time and the cup of ice she'd been snacking on wasn't cutting it. Skimming through the Uber Eats app nothing stood out remembering the good soul food she had with Peezy she shot him a text asking if he wanted to grab food.

Jashae frowned reading his text he wouldn't be free till later. Slowly climbing off the bed and waddling towards the bathroom to get ready she rubbed her belly to relax the baby. Xavier, Ray, and Lo were all at work while P was 'handling business' she was on her own today.

Hungry and alone she got dressed throwing on a grey jumpsuit, sneakers, and a baseball cap before heading out the door. Dr. Carlisle advised her not to drive so close to her due date but the restaurant was less than an hour away she'd even called in her order so all she had to do was pick it up and be back home before anyone ever noticed.