The Love That Grew

Ch. 34 Let's Talk

A month later....

Eying herself in the mirror Jashae frowned at the excess weight she'd gained, she couldn't wait till her doctor cleared her to start working out. A hard slap on her bottom forced her to roll her eyes at a smirking Xavier.

"You looking good mama, where you going?" he asked using one hand to rub the sore spot while the other cradled Amara. She was truly a daddies girl and the apple of Xaviers eye.

"Nowhere special, just looking for something to throw on for brunch with the girls," Jashae sighed, adjusting the waistband of her leggings that now pinched in all the wrong places. "It's like my body isn't even mine right now. I'm ready to start feeling like myself again."

Xavier chuckled, playfully tugging her closer with his free arm. "You just made a whole human, Shae. You're fine as hell, and trust me, I'm not complaining about a damn thing." He gave her a sly grin, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "But for real, take your time. You're perfect as you are, and you'll get there when you're ready."

Jashae couldn't help but smile, even if she didn't fully believe him. Xavier had a way of making her feel beautiful, even when she didn't see it herself. "Thanks, baby. It's just... hard, you know? I thought once Amara was here, everything would go back to normal, but nothing feels normal anymore."

Xavier nodded, gently rocking Amara who was already dozing off in his arms. "I get it. But you're doing an amazing job. Look at our little girl; she's happy and healthy because of you. You're doing more than enough."

She glanced at Amara, her tiny features so peaceful in sleep. It was true; every sleepless night, every moment of doubt, every new stretch mark none of it mattered when she looked at her daughter. "I just want to be the best mom for her, you know?"

"You already are," Xavier reassured, his tone soft but firm. "And when you're ready to start working out, I'll be right there with you. We'll do it together, like everything else."

Jashae nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. She didn't know how she would've made it through the past few months without Xavier's never ending support. "Okay, bet. But you're not allowed to outshine me at the gym." She said knowing how serious Xavier took his gym routine she was in no rush to start running three miles on the treadmill or lifting heavy weights.

Xavier laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "Never, baby. This is your show, I'm just the backup."

She chuckled, leaning in to kiss Amara's forehead, then Xavier's. For all the uncertainty and changes, moments like this reminded her that they were a team, and together, they could handle anything.

After settling on a simple two piece set she headed towards the door Xavier stopped her with a frown. "What?"

"You know what" he stalked over to her Jashae instantly became nervous under his gaze until he pulled her in for a deep passionate kiss. "What was that for?"she asked breathlessly.

"Because I love you and I don't want you leaving the house without knowing it. Let me know when y'all make it to brunch tell thing one and thing two I said hi"

Exchanging a few more kisses she hurried out the house her six weeks wasn't up and with the way Xavier kept flirting they'd have two kids under two in no time.

Sending a quick text to the group chat Jashae made her way to the real destination and hoped everything went well. The smell of pastries were the first thing she noticed upon entering the French bakery a disheveled Tahiri arguing with one of the staff members was the second.

"Miss, I'm sorry but there's no loitering these seats are for paying customers only" the young boy expressed Tahiri shot him a nasty glare before cursing him out and threatening to sue the establishment for discrimination.