Page 50 of Crown: Phase 4

“He better appreciate it. Because any other nigga would already be d—” Crown quickly stopped himself. But Nivéa caught on to what he was about to say and brushed it off as she smiled.

“You love him.”

“He my brother, ma. Of course I do.”

“Yeah. Like I said, I’m proud of you. Hardest man I ever met, but you real. Your heart is so good. You love and protect your people. You’ll do anything for us.”

Crown looked back at her.

“I’ll do anything for you. Them niggas got limits. Straight up.”

Nivéa snickered. “I hear you, big man with the big bike and big guns.”

Crown smirked. “Move your hands.” His tone was firm, but there was no irritation behind it as he caught one of her wrists, kissed the center of her palm, and pulled her around until she was sitting on his lap. His hands moved over her thighs through the soft material of her leggings.

“How your back feel?” He asked.

“It’s been much better since the massage. I’m good.”

“Aight,” He wrapped both arms around her and rested his hands underneath her shirt…over her stomach. “You and my babies gon’ always be good.”

Nivéa placed her hands over his as his thumb brushed over the scar from her Cesarean incision.

“I’m worried about you.”

“I know. I can feel it. I’m going to be fine, baby. I ain’t the first woman that gave birth back-to-back, and I won’t be the last.”

Crown nodded, hoping she was right. The possibility of them having to cut her open again weighed heavily on his mind. Dr. Harris had explained that while it wasn’t a certainty, it all hinged on the circumstances surrounding the delivery. That uncertainty left Crown feeling uneasy.

Nivéa slightly turned her head to face him, and they shared a deep kiss. They were lost in the moment until the sound of the doorbell shattered the intimacy.

“That’s them.” She said.

Crown kissed her neck one last time before releasing her to check on the food. As she moved toward the kitchen, he made his way to the front door and opened it. Tanya greeted him with her usual warmth, arms wide open, but Smoky stood awkwardly on the porch, clutching a bottle of wine and a BUILD-A-BEAR gift bag for Nyla. There was a moment of hesitation in his expression, as if he had spent the drive over contemplating how Crown would treat him now that the truth was out.

After greeting Tanya, Crown stepped aside to let her in. He then glanced at Smoky. “You coming in or staying out there, nigga?”

Smoky’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Coming in, nigga.”

“Aight then, hurry yo’ ass up, lettin’ all my AC out.” Crown replied as they slapped hands.

“Where the baby?” Tanya asked.

“Sleep. Just got her down.” Crown told her.

“Where mama at? Thought you said she’s staying here?” Smoky asked.

“She is. She sleep, too.”

Nivéa entered the living room, and Tanya walked over to hug her.

“You look so pretty, Niv.”

“Girl, what? Not as pretty as you. I love that dress.”

“Thank you.” Tanya smiled, spinning around slightly. “I try.”

Smoky placed the bottle of wine on the counter, then handed Nivéa the gift bag, which held a pink Teddy Bear Tanya had built for Nyla. She’d spent an hour at Build-A-Bear personalizing it.