Only for You

46: I Do

The morning before the wedding, the villa buzzed with energy. Everyone was gathered for breakfast—Zac's mother, Tionne, his little sister, Kiara, his groomsmen, Darius, Joe, and Kenny, Joe's girlfriend Layla, and Fatima's bridesmaids, Nyla, Brandy, and Toni. Toni's husband and their one-year-old daughter, Stormi, were there too. The table was loud, filled with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of silverware.

But Fatima's mind was elsewhere.

Fiona still hadn't arrived.

Zac's father was on a flight, and deep down, Fatima hoped—prayed—her mother was on that flight too.

She picked at the croissant on her plate, her stomach in knots.

Then—

"Daddy!"

Fatima shot up from her chair as Marlon stepped onto the patio, a wide grin on his face.

"Hey, my favorite girl!" Marlon said, pulling her into a tight hug.

Zac and Tionne stood, out of respect. This was the first time Marlon was meeting Zac's mother.

"And hi to my favorite grandson—" Marlon said, rubbing Fatima's stomach.

Fatima's eyes went wide. Oh, shit.

"Daddy!" she hissed through gritted teeth, swatting his hand.

The table went silent.

"What did he just say?" Tionne asked.

Zac sighed. "Shit."

"Did I hear correctly?" Tionne's eyes bounced between them.

"Wait!" Kiara pushed her chair back. "Did he just say grandson?"

Fatima groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "This was supposed to be a surprise."

Marlon shrugged. "My bad, baby girl. But you can't expect a granddaddy to keep something like that to himself."

Tionne gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oh my God. You're pregnant?"

Fatima nodded.

"With a boy?" Kiara added, eyes wide.

Fatima sighed again. "Yes."

Before she could process it, Tionne pulled her into a tight hug. "Oh, baby! This is the best news! How are you feeling? Are you eating enough?"

Fatima laughed. "I'm okay, I promise."

Tionne let her go, then turned to Zac and smacked his arm. "Boy! You got my grandbaby in there, and you didn't tell me?!"

Zac groaned, rubbing his arm. "Ma, we had a whole plan to surprise you."

Brandy shook her head. "Well, that plan is ruined."

Stormi clapped her little hands together and babbled something, making everyone laugh.

Kiara crossed her arms. "And I was just gonna get a text or what?"

Fatima chuckled. "No, you had a gift box too."

Kiara's face softened, and she pulled Fatima into a hug. "Congrats, girl. You and Zac are really doing this."

Fatima nodded, her heart swelling—until her eyes landed on the empty chair at the table. The one Fiona should've been sitting in.

Marlon noticed. He squeezed her shoulder before turning to Zac. He reached out, shaking his hand firmly before pulling him into a quick, respectful hug. "Guess we're officially family now, huh?"