The Love That Grew

Ch. 37 Collect Call

Two weeks later...

"She ate about 3 hours ago so whenever she wakes up she should be hungry, I put two pre-made bottles in the fridge, her binky is in the baby bag, if she gets cranky you can ca-

"Girl, if you don't get the hell on we got this" Peezy cut Jashae off "You worried like three adults can't handle one baby my niece good trust me"

Jashae let out a nervous laugh, rubbing her hands together as Peezy continued reassuring her. She knew Amara was in good hands, but the thought of leaving her baby for the first time had her on edge. Meanwhile, Xavier was cool and collected, exchanging a quick dap with Peezy before walking over to her.

Tonight was the annual music awards ceremony and the first time the new parents would be out without baby girl on their hip. She knew the event was a big deal for Xavier since he'd been nominated for multiple awards.

"Baby, she's in the best hands possible. We're gonna be gone for a few hours, that's it. Plus, I'm tryna see you shine tonight, not stress," Xavier said, gently lifting her chin to meet his eyes. "You look incredible."

She smiled at the compliment feeling a bit more at ease, but it was still hard to let go. "I know, I just... I've never been away from her this long."

Xavier wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "She'll be asleep most of the time, and if anything happens, they'll call. Now come on, let's go enjoy our baby free night"

Jashae nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay, you're right." She gave one last look at Peezy, who was now cradling Amara in his arms and confidently grinning. With that, she followed Xavier out the door, ready to enjoy a night out together.

As expected cameras flashed from every angle once the couple arrived gripping her hand tighter Xavier guided them towards the red carpet making sure to never leave Jashaes side. A few people stopped to ask Xavier a few music related questions some even congratulated them on the baby.

Finally making it to their seats they sat back still holding hands waiting for the show to begin. Two hours into the night Xaviers name was called for recording engineer of the year Jashae clapped with the rest of the attendees stopping in surprise once he led her up on stage with him.

"I'd like to start off thanking God for blessing me with my craft and to everyone at home that voted for me. No one knows better than the beautiful woman standing next to me just how crazy this year has been. So thank you for being patient with me through it all, for blessing me with your love, honesty, compassion, and the beautiful daughter we created."

Standing alongside him on the mainstage her eyes glistened listening to his heartfelt speech. This night was about him but in Xavier fashion he found a way to include not only her but Amara too.

As Xavier spoke, his deep voice carrying through the venue, the spotlight shone brightly on both him and Jashae. She blinked away tears, her heart bursting with pride and love. The crowd erupted into applause, but in that moment, it felt like it was just the two of them on stage.

Xavier turned to face her fully, giving her a soft, proud smile. "You've made me a better man, Shae. And I'm grateful every day to have you by my side, raising our daughter. This award is for us—our family." He held up the trophy, dedicating it to her and Amara.

Jashae, caught in the flood of emotions, could only nod and smile as the room continued to cheer. She knew he loved her, but hearing him express it so openly, in front of so many people, made it all the more real.

As they made their way back to their seats, Jashae leaned into him, whispering, "You didn't have to do that. But thank you."

Xavier kissed her temple softly his silent way of saying "don't mention it"

They settled back into their seats, Jashae resting her head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of peace. It was moments like these that reassured her they were stronger together, despite all the obstacles they faced.

Making their way through the sea of people Xavier opened the passenger side door and rushed towards the drivers side in hopes of beating the oncoming traffic jam. Taking off her heels Jashae sighed in relief the night had gone better than she anticipated a part of her wasn't ready for it to end.

"Why you looking at me like that?" Xavier asked glancing between her and the road.

"Like what?"

He chuckled speeding through lanes while gripping her thigh. Jashae looked at him startled when they pulled into what looked like an abandoned lot.

"Why'd you turn the AC on it's cold" she whined rubbing her hands together.

"Mhmm, it won't be too cold for long" before she could respond his lips had already claimed her neck his hands quickly pushed her seat back as far as it could go. A quickie wasn't on her to-do list for the night but she'd be lying if she said the adrenaline rush wasn't exciting.

Removing his jacket and dress shirt he smirked as Jashae eyed him hungrily despite having a newborn they'd both prioritized their physical health and the results were showing tonight. Just as her hands reached the zipper of his pants Xaviers phone rang the loud blue tooth startling them both.

Sucking his teeth Xavier answered ready to curse whoever interrupted their moment out if it wasn't an emergency "You have a call from an inmate-" pressing the number without waiting for the full message his mouth went a mile a minute "P, what the hell happened!? We just seen you. Is Ray with you? Is Amara with Lo?"

The few seconds of silence on the other end didn't make it any better. The anticipation was killing him he wasted no time punching his foot on the gas heading in the direction of his best friends house.

A few moments later the last voice he expected to hear blared through the car "Xavier, It's me Tahiri you-you have to get me out of here. You have to tell them I didn't do anything wrong p-please" she begged her voice strained it was obvious she'd been crying.

Xavier and Jashae exchanged shocked expressions upon hearing the womans voice "Tahiri, I don't know what the hell you got yourself into now but I won't be helping you."

Xavier's voice was sharp, leaving no room for negotiation. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles white as he sped through the streets. Jashae sat in stunned silence beside him, the adrenaline of their moment replaced by an uneasy tension. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Tahiri, of all people, had somehow managed to insert herself into their lives once again, even from behind bars.

"X, please, I don't have anyone else. You know I wouldn't hurt her!" Tahiri's voice cracked through the speaker, but Xavier wasn't convinced.

"Tahiri," he began, his tone low and controlled, "I gave you so many chances. You crossed every line, and now you expect me to bail you out? After everything?" His jaw clenched as he took a deep breath, visibly trying to remain calm.

"I swear it wasn't my fault!" Tahiri sobbed on the other end, desperation laced in her voice. "They think I had something to do with the accident, but I didn't! You have to believe me. Please, Xavier, I know you still care about me. You can talk to the cops, tell them—"

"I don't care what they think!" Xavier cut her off coldly. "You need to deal with the mess you've made. You're not my problem anymore." His words were final, and he ended the call with a hard press of the button, the silence in the car deafening afterward.

Jashae finally exhaled, her hand gripping the edge of her seat. "What the hell was that about?"

Xavier shook his head, running a hand over his face. "I don't know. Sounds like she's in trouble again, but I'm done. I'm done with all of it. She's not dragging me into her bullshit anymore." He looked over at Jashae, his eyes softening. "We're done with Tahiri"

Jashae nodded, feeling a sense of relief. Tahiri was unpredictable, and they both knew that whatever landed her a slap on the wrist was well deserved. In this moment, she was glad Xavier had made it clear where he stood.

"Let's just go get Amara," she whispered, and Xavier nodded in agreement, pressing the gas a little harder as they sped towards their daughter.

A/N: A somewhat short chapter I'll try to have this story wrapped up soon we're almost at 40 chapters

Tahiri is finally behind bars y'all think Alexis will survive the accident?