Another Chance

Is It Possible?

Janet POV

I had always known that life could be a whirlwind. Something I experienced and learned as a young kid. As I settled into life in London with Darius and the kids, I felt a sense of calm that eluded me for so long. Peace. Something I had longed for. Something that I prayed for.

It had been a year since we exchanged vows, but in many ways, it felt like we had just begun our journey together. With Eissa recently turning ten, and Isabella only seven months old, our lives were filled with laughter, love, and a bit of chaos-just the way we liked it. Well more Darius than me.

Isabella was taking a nap which gave me time to breathe. Lately she had been getting more clingy to me. I glanced at Darius as he helped Eissa in the living room. The two were engrossed in building a model of a car. Something Eissa had just recently gotten into. Laughter and playful shouts echoed through the house.

"Dad!!! You're not doing it right!" Eissa whined.

"But it looks better this way though." Darius replied. Eissa fussed at him some more.

I smiled at their interaction. Darius was not just my partner and confidant, but the most supportive husband I could have ever wished for. We had weathered the storms of my celebrity life, parenthood, exes reentering our lives. Just about any drama that could happen, always seemed to happen to us. It was sometimes exhausting.

Darius helped a lot more now and was there when I needed him. He still went out, but it wasn't without reason. I knew he needed to get away. To decompress like I did. So we took turns. I would do a spa day with Gil or Preston. He would go to a soccer game with the guys. Then we'd meet back in the middle to do a date night. Take care of the kids. Even do date nights at home.

News was still buzzing that I was 'dating' someone and had a baby. It was out in social media right away that day after we went and got ice cream. Then quickly it was in the background. No one really paid attention to it after a while. Sure there were some whispers, but nothing significant. That just seemed to be my life in general. But we were thriving in our little bubble.

Even with all of the good things happening, a shadow still lingered. Darius' mother had yet to visit us since Isabella's birth. Despite the numerous phone calls, visits, and Facetime with Arthur, it was clear that Gloria was struggling to accept Darius' life choices. Especially his marriage to me. Which I found ironic. I had my stuff together. I wasn't some random chick that he just met or knew. It was annoying.

Darius had tried to talk to her, but Gloria's heart seemed locked tight, leaving him feeling frustrated and helpless even. One evening, as we sat down after finishing dinner it was just the two of us lounging. Darius spoke up, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Babe, I think I need to talk to my mom again. Isabella is growing up fast, and Eissa is becoming such an incredible big brother. I just wish she could see that."

I nodded, understanding the weight of Darius' words. I knew he wanted his mom to experience this part the same way that my mom was. I knew it was something that bothered him deeply even if he didn't voice it all the way. My mom was out in London every couple months, which he took note of. I knew he was disappointed.

"I want her to be a part of our lives, but I can't force her to change her mind. And neither can you," I replied, my voice soft yet firm.

Darius sighed, leaning back in his chair as we lounged in the backyard. His mom's refusal to come visit had created a rift that Darius found increasingly difficult to navigate. At least things were good with his dad. He was absolutely amazing and a wonderful grandpa. Since Joseph passed away and Eissa didn't know him, Arthur stepped up.