Page 146 of Love's Most Wanted

“Aight.” Deacon slapped hands with Unique, smirking a little bit.

“Maybe you can come to Cemone’s and ball one day. You play?”

“Cemone Compton?” Deacon’s eyes widened.

“Yeah.” Unique laughed. “Our brother.”

“Our brother,” Deacon repeated, a smile lingering in his handsome face. “And Uncut and Shakur too.”

“Yep.” Unique smirked.

“The best one though is right here in the room,” I said.

“Yeah, I think you’re my favorite. I kind of like acting,” Deacon said. “Might need some help.”

“I got you.” Unique half smiled, shaking his head at the boy.

The guys exchanged numbers as I watched with a smile before Unique and I went to the backyard where my aunt had made us food. She rarely cooked full meals like this, so I knew she was only doing it for Unique’s presence.

As Deacon played with his dog that my aunt had complained about him bringing, Unique looked on before saying, “Can’t believe I’m here convincing somebody to give Devante’s ass a chance.” He shook his head, putting his bottle of soda to his sexy lips.

“I know, but that’s what I love about you.” I got up to slide into his lap, kissing his lips before peering down into his eyes.

“I don’t know why I’m bothered that, that nigga is trying to work it out and keep a relationship with his other kids.” He set his bottle down and shook his head at himself. One hand shielded his mouth as he stared off in deep thought while the other held onto my waist. “I ain’t jealous, but I don’t know. I’m blessed and thankful though that I had a man who actually wanted to be there—be there and raise me.”

“Devante’s only trying to work it out with them because their mother stayed,” I said. “If she left him, he would eventually cut ties with those kids as well. I haven’t known him long, but it is quite obvious that he’s out for self.” I leaned into him, turning a bit to look at Deacon and his dog. “I’m happy you got Prime too. No telling how you would’ve turned out.”

We laughed.

“I wouldn’t be turned out, that’s for muthafuckin’ sure.”

After chuckling, I asked, “Has he reached out?”

“Not much but a little. My mama gave up our numbers to his ass.” He shook his head. “He sends random texts or Bible verses but nothing crazy. I was thinking of cutting his ass off, blocking him, but I won’t, just so I can get to know his other kids.”

I nodded, inwardly shaking my head and seeing Devante would never truly change. He cosplayed as a man of God, but he truly wasn’t.

ONE MONTH LATER…

“What isthis we’re going to again?” Kabrina asked as she lounged in the passenger seat of my ride.

“A fucking halfway baby shower for Shakur and Presley. Stupidest shit I’ve ever heard of but I’m gon’ support the bro.” I shook my head.

My family would find any reason to celebrate and party. I couldn’t be too mad because I enjoyed being able to kick it with all my brothers at the same time.

It was a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of the old days before everybody grew up, moved out, went pro, got famous, or went off to college. Life had always been pretty cool, but once Prime and Asif merged into the family and we then got Banks, shit was lit.

“Aww, I can’t wait,” Kabrina cooed.

“You know that shit is stupid. You just like Presley and wanna be with yo’ lil sisters-in-law, so you’ll take it.” I side-eyed Kabrina as she laughed loudly as fuck. The louder her laugh, the more facts I was speaking.

“Whatever. I just think it’s cute like I said.”

I pulled up into the big ass roundabout outside of the St. Thomas residence and parked along with the other several cars already out here. I made sure to leave some room so I could leave when the fuck I wanted to.

I grabbed the gift I had purchased from Gucci, even though I didn’t know what Shakur and Presley were having, then helped my lady out of the car.

Music was playing kind of lowly versus the usual volume, but I figured since it was for a child, they didn’t wanna have hardcore rap music blasting over the area. However, when I stepped back there, I saw no type of decorations, not even a gift table or cake or food.