Page 31 of The Cancer I Chose (BLP Signs of Love #4)

I was in my own world as my producer Tookie replayed the latest track for my album. The beat was already a work of art, but I came on straight killing shit. Niggas were not fucking with my wordplay and flow. I could tell it was a hit by the way the gang started vibing out.

There were only a few songs left to complete on my track list. I was feeling so proud of this project.

I’d put blood, sweat, tears, and my heart into every song.

Even if it flopped, I would walk around with my head held high.

I fought to be here, and the fact that I was even an artist was proof I’d beaten the odds.

So many people tried to tell me who I was and what I would become because of my speech impairment, but I’d proven them all wrong.

All our attention shot to the steps when it sounded like a stampede was on its way down. I waved for Tookie to cut the music. My body relaxed at first when Jiah came into view. Her eyes were wide, and she was breathing hard. Jah, Man Man, Lazer, me, and Burg all got on alert.

“Pooh Bear is in labor!” She didn’t give us any time to process before she spun around and raced back up the stairs.

“Oh shit,” Jah fretted with his hands on his head. He looked devastated. “Our baby is really having a fucking baby.”

I knew exactly how he was feeling, but she would need us now even more than ever before.

With quick strides, I made my way to the stairs and ran up them two at a time.

When I burst through the door, I could hear all the commotion on the ground level.

I followed the voices until I got to the parlor room.

Azani was crying as my mother helped her over to a chaise to sit down.

The room had been transformed since the last time I’d been in here.

It was clear that Nuri was ready for this moment.

Everything looked like it was set up with intention, from the Palo Santo she was cleansing the room with to the huge inflatable birthing pool in the middle of the floor and the mountain of towels nearby.

I walked over to a tray that was filled with various oils, candles, and herbs. When Nuri saw me, she smiled.

“Is there anything you need me to do?”

She nodded. “Yes. Start filling the tub with this blend.”

She picked up a huge jar. There was a large white label on the front that read Birth in black Sharpie. I placed a quick kiss on her cheek, then got busy. Nuri had a task for everyone, and the way we all came together to help welcome the first third-generation baby into the family made me pause.

My mother was whispering encouragement to Azani while Nazje was braiding her hair back.

Jiah was massaging her feet with the oil that Nuri had handed to her.

I was nearly drooling at the mouth seeing my woman at work.

The lights in the room fell, and I glanced in time to see that Jah was the reason.

Nuri had him and the others busy lighting candles.

She waltzed over to the record player and began playing some jazz, creating a relaxing ambiance.

Once everything was set up, there was nothing to do but wait for the baby to come.

For hours, that’s exactly what we did. Azani labored all the way into the next day.

We all took turns consoling her and assuring her that everything was okay.

She swore something was wrong, but Nuri just kept reminding her that it took time.

She said that when her body was ready, the baby would come.

I walked into the parlor room carrying a tray for Nuri and my mother. Everyone else was getting some sleep as night fell. Nuri smiled at me as I set the tea down. She was currently helping Azani with some hip thing that was supposed to help counter the pressure she was feeling.

I became worried when Azani cried out. Mama looked at her timer, then back to Nuri. “That was only three minutes. It’s time.”

They became excited as they hopped up. Nuri turned to me. “Baby, can you help get her into the pool?”

I nodded before getting into action. I held one of Azani’s hands while I used the other to help her into the pool. She was crying again while shaking her head. “I can’t do this, Sekai.”

As she eased into the water, I got on my knees beside the pool, still holding her hand. “Yes, you can, and you will. You’re stronger than you think.”

Nuri pulled her shirt off, and I momentarily became distracted by her beautiful brown skin. She grinned at me as she came closer. “Focus.”

“I’m trying.”

She giggled before coming over for me to help her in the pool. She got Azani into position on her knees. She massaged her back with an oil that smelled heavenly.

“Remember to breathe down, Pooh Bear. Don’t push,” she coached her in a gentle voice. Looking at me, she nodded toward the far wall. “Hubby, go light the red candle over there. The baby is coming.”

I wasn’t sure what the point was, but I did as I was told.

By the time I came back over, my mama was in front of Azani, encouraging her through the pain.

Nuri was focused on her breathing and keeping her calm.

Before I knew it, Nuri was fishing for something from the water.

I lost my breath when she pulled up a beautiful brown baby.

She did a few moves before the sweet sound of cries filled the room.

“Welcome, little one. We’ve been waiting for you,” Nuri declared in the most tender voice. “You did it, Azani. He’s here, and he’s perfect just like you.”

I watched her lay my nephew on his mother’s chest and felt like my body was dumped in a Jacuzzi.

Nuri allowed them mother and baby bonding time, so I helped her out of the pool. She used one of the towels to dry herself off.

“What’s his name, sis?” I asked while watching my sister and mother gush over my nephew.

She looked over at me with wet eyes. “Aziel Kairi Walker.”

I smiled, loving how similar it was to her name, then I realized what she’d said for his middle name. She laughed when she realized I’d caught on.

“Kairi is a mixture of your and Nuri’s names. Y’all have both played a major role in my pregnancy. I’m not sure I would have this healthy baby boy right now if it weren’t for you two.”

My baby came up beside me with a pout and watery eyes. A sensitive little Cancer was what she was. I tossed an arm over her shoulder, pulling her to my side.

“It’s beautiful. I love it,” Nuri cried. “It’s been an honor to walk you through the process and hold your hand, sister.”

Although I wasn’t happy about my sister becoming a teenage mother, I was proud of her strength. Aziel was going to be spoiled rotten. I could already see it. I left the room behind to gather the family. They all poured back into the parlor room as we all admired the new addition to our family.

Azani was snoring lightly on her bed. I was sitting on the couch in her room, holding my nephew on my chest. He was so tiny that I was scared to move even an inch. He already had a head full of curly hair that I kept sniffing and falling deeper in love with him.

For some reason, he kept scrunching his little face up like he smelled something sour. I sniffed my underarms just to be sure the little nigga wasn’t trying to tell me about myself, but I smelled fresh and clean, so I couldn’t be the problem.

I glanced up as Nuri came shuffling into the room.

She’d gone to shower and was now dressed in a cute little lounge set.

I wanted to bury my face between her breasts and made a mental note to do that just as soon as I got her alone.

She went to check on Azani and tucked her in better before she came over to plop down on the couch beside us.

“He is so precious,” she whispered.

I nodded. Glancing over at her, I said, “You were so amazing today. I always hear you talk about your work, but it doesn’t compare to seeing you in action.” She blushed, tucking her head into my armpit. I kissed her forehead before I continued. “I can’t wait to make you a mother one day.”

That caused her to lift her head. Her eyes studied my face as if she were looking for the punchline, but I was dead fucking serious. Seeing her today told me all I needed to know about the woman next to me. No one showed up as gracefully and lovingly as Nuri Symone.

“You mean that?”

I nodded, which seemed to be enough for her.

“Okay, I’ll have your baby.” She smiled happily and then laid her head on my shoulder. As if on perfect timing, my mama appeared in the doorway. I handed Aziel off to her, then stood reaching down for Nuri. She accepted my hand and followed behind me.

We held hands as I walked her down to Lake Symone. She gasped when we stepped into the clearing. There were white roses and candles in tall glasses everywhere. A walkway was created with just the petals leading to a white heart-shaped neon sign that asked the question every woman wanted to hear.

She stood there staring in shock. I kissed her cheek before releasing her. Without a word, I dropped to one knee, pulling a velvet ring box from my pocket.

“Sekai... what are you doing?”

“Will you marry me, Nuri Symone?”

“Kai!” she shrieked. “We’re already married!”

I shook my head. “Nah, I mean for real this time, under better circumstances. Marry me this time because you love me and you want to spend your life with me. I know that’s what I want, and I pray that’s what you want too.”

She held her face in shock as tears streamed down her cheeks. Finally, she nodded. “Yes!” She screamed. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

I felt like the happiest man on Earth as I slid her new ring on her finger. Jumping to my feet, I scooped her up and twirled her around in a circle.

“You are going to be the most beautiful bride this world has ever seen.”