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During the ride home, Ajoni kept checking his phone, and I knew he was up to something. When we pulled into the driveway, I noticed several familiar vehicles parked outside.

I looked over at him.

“Ajoni, what did you do?” I questioned.

“Nothing, beautiful. Everybody just wanted to see the boys,” he replied, grinning.

I shook my head as he got out to help me.

The moment we walked inside, Leah came running from the living room.

“Mommy!” She screamed before noticing the car seats. “Are those my brothers?” She asked.

“Yes, Princess. Come on and meet them,” Ajoni told her, carrying the boys into the living room.

GiGi, Ma Pat, Rah, Mesha, Tae, and AJ were waiting for us. My mother and stepfather were there too, and everybody was excited to finally have the twins home.

Ajoni placed the car seats near the couch while Leah hurried over.

“Mommy, they’re so little,” she whispered, looking between them.

“I know, baby. That’s Khajoni, and that’s Khori,” I explained, pointing to each one.

“They look just alike!” she exclaimed.

“That’s usually how twins work, niece,” Tae teased.

“I know that, Uncle Tae!” She fussed, making everybody laugh.

GiGi came over and leaned down to admire the boys.

“Look at my Casper and Phantom,” she announced proudly.

“Gee, you really ain’t giving up them damn names?” Ajoni questioned.

“Watch your mouth, boy. And no, I’m not,” she replied, reaching for one of the blankets.

I laughed because there wasn’t any point arguing with her. Those nicknames were permanent.

Before anybody could hold the twins, Ajoni made everybody wash their hands. Tae complained, but he still went straight to the sink.

Once everyone was settled, my mama held Khajoni while I sat on the couch with Khori. Leah stayed beside us, fascinated by her little brothers.

AJ came over and looked down at Khori.

“Man, I can’t wait until these little niggas get big enough to play football,” he announced.

“AJ!” GiGi fussed, turning toward him. “Watch your mouth!”

“What?” he questioned, laughing.

“You better not let me hear you calling them that again,” she warned.

“But Gee, they are little niggas,” Tae instigated.

“And you can shut your mouth too, Jontae!” She snapped.

Ajoni shook his head, laughing as AJ wisely kept his mouth shut. Between those three, I already knew my boys were going to grow up surrounded by a whole lot of foolishness.