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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
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This book also includes depictions o...
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Onika Maraj Manhattan Park
December 6, 2025
"I'm going to play," Kam said to his mommy, and Lauren nodded as he ran off.
Lauren and I had brought the kids out with us after lunch, and even though my boys couldn't play yet, they needed a little sun. Lauren was holding Brennox, while Onyx was still asleep in the stroller.
"Did you enjoy your birthday yesterday?" I asked. Her birthday had been the day before, and we had a cute little dinner to celebrate last night.
I remembered how, when we were younger, she used to get mad that our birthdays were so close and that our parents would sometimes combine our parties. I got it back then, but now as adults, we didn't care much about that anymore.
"I did. I had a good time with you all. The older I get, the less I care about doing anything big. As long as I have you, I'm okay," she said.
"Oh, hush before you make me cry," I joked.
"You're so damn dramatic," she said.
I looked down at Brenny and saw how alert he was, watching everyone play, his little hands moving. I smiled at him, and Lauren caught me staring. "I can't believe you're a mom."
"I can't believe it either. It feels like it happened so fast," I said, grabbing Brennox's hand. He started to whine, so I picked him up from her, and he immediately relaxed.
"Do you feel like it was rushed?" she asked.
"I wouldn't say that, but, you know, I've been healing, and we talked about how my relationship with Beyoncé was built on trauma. I don't want to think of it that way. My babies were made from love, for sure, but I should've gotten to know her better before we had children together," I admitted. "I wish we had waited, but I'm grateful. I can't imagine life without my kids-all three of them."
"I love that you're a mother. I know how much you wanted this for yourself, and honestly, I'm happy it's with Beyoncé... She really cares about you," she said.
"I care about her too," I admitted.
"What's going on between you two? Do you think you're ready to get back with her?"
"I don't know. I'm loving the way we are right now. I don't want to rush it this time. I want us to be friends for now, but I understand if she gets tired of waiting," I said. Even though it would hurt if she moved on, I couldn't blame her.
"That woman was single for years. Trust me, I don't think she wants anyone else but you," she said.
I was about to respond when Kameron ran over to his mom and laid his head in her lap, smiling. What on earth was he smiling at? Lauren and I exchanged curious looks as a little girl ran up and tapped him on the shoulder.
