The Love That Grew

Ch. 33 Special Delivery

A week later

The smell of fresh linen mixed with the sounds of the washer and dryer filled the home. Jashae reloaded the dishwasher and continued cleaning the kitchen.

"Hey baby" Xavier spoke covering her face with kisses Jashae rested her weight against his frame letting out a sigh of relief once he gently lifted her stomach.

Before she knew it he was leading them to the bedroom, adjusting her maternity pillow ,and lifting her onto the bed. "I can't take a nap now, I have too much cleaning to do" she fussed but Xavier wasn't hearing it. Already a few days past her due date he wanted nothing more than for her to relax.

Everyone including his parents stressed the importance of rest because once Amara was here they'd have minimal down time. Once he was sure she'd fallen asleep Xavier double-checked the hospital bag, going through the neatly organized list he kept on his phone. Diapers, baby clothes, snacks, toiletries, and a fully charged phone charger—everything was accounted for. He even tucked in an extra set of clothes for himself, just in case they ended up staying longer than expected. Satisfied, he zipped the bag closed and placed it by the door, ready to grab at a moment's notice.

Turning back to the bed, he watched Jashae as she slept. She looked peaceful, despite the heaviness of the last few weeks. He knew how hard it was for her to slow down; she always wanted to be doing something, keeping busy. But with Amara's arrival approaching, he was determined to make sure she took it easy, no matter how stubborn she could be.

He quietly slipped out of the room, not wanting to wake her. The last thing she needed was another reason to get up and start fussing over something. As he walked down the hall, his phone vibrated with a text from Raynell checking in, followed by another from Lourdes. Everyone was on high alert, ready for the baby to come any day now.

"How's Shae doing?" Lourdes's text read.

Xavier replied quickly, "Sleeping finally. Just tryna keep her off her feet."

Raynell's message was more straightforward: "Let me know if you need anything, I'll be over in a heartbeat."

He smiled, appreciating how their circle continuously supported them.

He headed back to the kitchen to finish tidying up where Jashae had left off. The house was already spotless—Jashae's version of nesting had kicked into overdrive, but he knew it was just her way of trying to maintain some control. He put away the last of the dishes and wiped down the counters, the tasks keeping his mind steady.

As he finished, his phone buzzed again, this time a call from his mother, Anita. "Hey, Ma," he answered, keeping his voice low as he walked towards the living room.

"Hey, baby. How's my future granddaughter doing? And more importantly, how's Shae?" Anita's warm voice came through the line.

"She's good, just got her to sleep. Baby girl's taking her sweet time, but I guess she's just like her mama, doing things her own way," Xavier chuckled.

Anita laughed softly. "Well, you just keep taking care of them both. We're all ready when you are. And don't forget, call me the second anything happens."

"Will do, Ma. Love you."

"Love you too, baby. Give Shae a kiss for me."

Xavier hung up and glanced back down the hallway. The house felt calm and still, a quiet before the storm of parenthood. He knew it wouldn't be long now, and in that moment, all he could think about was how much he wanted to see Amara, to hold her in his arms and start this next chapter with Jashae.

He checked on Jashae one last time before settling down on the couch, the hospital bag in sight, and everything in place. Now, all they had to do was wait.