***Three weeks before Mikes wedding...***

I've been runnning around all over the place trying to get everything finished for the wedding. Mainly for our bachelor week coming up. I have a lot in store for us. I already booked the penthouse suite. I booked a few VIPs and made sure everything was a go in Miami upon our arrival. Me being the best man and all, I have to send my bro off properly.

Raina's been in DC since my birthday week, back in September. That was two months ago. To add to my busy schedule I've been visiting her almost every weekend. —Yeah I know, that's a lot of money. I don't mind it. However I do have a lot of work to catch up on.

Things have taking a turn with my parents, which is good. My mom recently got back from her hiatus. Her 'Eat Pray Love' trips around the world with my aunts. The last trip was in Jerusalem, she took that one solo. It was necessary but even with all of the traveling and her new found energy, all she could seem to want was her husband. She tried to convince herself otherwise but failed. She missed him.

She called my pops and told him to meet her there. He dropped everything and hopped on the first flight possible. Which was not easy because all they had left were connecting flights. Before he left he was in the middle of getting everything squared with baby Arian. Of course that's a battle. So yeah he really dropped everything and went straight to my mama.

They spent about two weeks there touring all the temples, praying and talking. While there they also went to a three day healing program, joining a few other couples.

They spent the first few nights with her yelling and crying. She then finally came to a conclusion. She wanted to take divorce off the table. Now they're taking things very slow and are able to talk about the real issues. Like my grandfather for instance and how much of a part that played in their marriage, as well as my new little sister.

I'm here with my parents and lawyer at a family counselors office. Melanie was ordered by the court to be here today with baby Arian. She's six months now.

My dad was able to get full custody. Melanie decided she didn't want to physically stay in Atlanta anymore. He wasn't ok with her taking Arian out of the state. So she agreed to signing over her rights as long as she could still see her for holidays.

Yeah, that shocked they hell out of me too.

She got a new man now and he has her so far gone, it's ridiculous. I don't think she fully realize what she's giving up. She think she's going to run off with him and have a new life. That shit is gon' hit her hard when this blow up in her face. What man is ok with his woman runnning off with him and leaving her kid behind? Anyway that's not my problem. Once those papers are signed today, there will be no taking it back. This is final.

"You nervous?" My mom asked me, she was seated beside my dad. I was across from them at an oval shaped table. He held her hand, keeping her close.

"You two look like the nervous ones." I nervously smiled at them.

"It's been years since I've cared for a little baby." She smiled. "Of course I'm nervous."

"I'm just happy we finally get to meet her." I rubbed my hands down the seam of my black dress slacks. My pops sat back in his seat quietly. I know he was on the verge of shitting bricks. This is the first time my mom will be meeting Melanie as well. So we're all on edge.

"She need to come on. She's ten minutes late." I impatiently mumbled to myself looking at the time on my Submariner Rolex Munch gave me.

"Let me give Ms. Wells and her lawyer a call to check her ETA." The mediator stated. My dads lawyer nodded his head as well.

As soon as she made the call the door opened. Melanie, her lawyer and my baby sister Arian made their entry.

"Sorry we're late. I got held up at my parents house. They had her favorite binky there." She walked in pushing Arian in her stroller. She didn't really look at anyone in particular, perhaps she couldn't. The energy in the room shifted from anticipation, to this is really happening right now. We were all nervous, that was clear. I could tell Melanie was trying to be confident but that quickly changed.

"Let's go ahead and get started, shall we?" My dads lawyer spoke. He stood in front of the long oval table bringing his attention to Melanie. "FYI for future purposes make sure you're punctual, or you risk voiding your chances of any visitation."

She nodded her head taking a deep shaky breath. She still couldn't bringing herself to look at anyone. I could tell her nerves were all over the place. She pushed the stroller in further and took a seat at the far end of the table. Before she sat down she glanced at my mother. She looked like a little girl in trouble. That guilt was eating at her. This is definitely about to be interesting.

My mama stared back at her for a few seconds. She wasn't angry, she just seemed like she needed to see her. She needed to finally look in her eyes. Probably trying to figure out how Melanie was able to put herself in this situation, knowing he was married. I don't blame her, that's a question anyone would want to know in her position.

My dad stood up and kissed my mama on her forehead. She genuinely smiled at him. The lawyers finally took their seats around the table we were all seated at. They began gathering up the paperwork.

My dad walked around the table to Arians stroller, beside Melanie. She was seated facing the table.

"Heather could you come here baby?" My dad gestured for my mom. She stood up tucking her hair behind her ears and took a deep breath. She walked over standing behind him. This whole situation is awkward and uncomfortable. I kept my eyes on Melanie, trying to read her.

"Can I just say something first before we move forward please?" Melanie cleared her throat looking at the lawyers, they nodded their heads. Her face turned beet red as tears filled her eyes.

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry. I apologize for all the chaos and my careless immature behavior. —I wanted to specifically apologize to you." She turned to my mother, grabbing her attention. My mother had no expression, she didn't know what to take from this. She just stared at her.

"I'm so sorry for ruining your union. For pursuing your husband and also coming on to your son. I'm trying to better myself. I want my daughter to be proud of my decisions from here on out. Giving up my rights is not easy, trust me. It's killing me. But I know she will be in good hands." She cried out. I don't know if I'm cold or numb to her bullshit but I really don't give damn about her apologies. I want to hurry this along so I could bond with my baby sister.

"Let me be clear," my mama raised a hand and took a breath. She still didn't show any emotion. "You didn't ruin anything, only my husband and I are capable of doing that. 'But I hear your apology."

Melanie nodded in agreeance. "Thank you and I received that."

"Let's go ahead get this done." My dad spoke signaling the lawyers. I think he feels the same way I do.

Melanie wiped her eyes then stood up and turned to Arian in the stroller. She unstrapped her then slowly took her out. She was sleeping.

"Come on Arian, wake up for mommy." She swayed her a little in her arms. She then held her out in front of her waking her up. I was finally able to see her face. Arian Marie Adams, so precious and innocent. I chuckled to myself seeing how beautiful she is. It doesn't even matter at this point, how she was created. That's my baby sister and from now on I will always be there for her.

Melanie walked off in a corner humming and rocking. She held Arian close to her chest.

My pops walked over and took a seat with the lawyers and the mediator. They were all seated at the other far end. He got started with the paperwork, signing all of the documents needed. All they needed now was Melanie's signatures and recorded statement. Everything will be notarized and final as of today.

I stared at mother then went over to give her a hug, remaining by her side. She gave me little smile reassuring me.

Melanie walked back over with tears streaming down her face. She was shaking and panting.

She stood in front of my mom looking her in her eyes motioning to give Arian to her.

My mama stared back at her then turned her attention to baby Arian. She took another deep breath then held her hands out. My mama could no longer hide her emotions. Tears began to slowly roll down her face as well. I took a step back giving them some room. Everyone including my pops looked on from where they were.

Melanie placed my baby sister in my mothers arms then planted small kisses on Arians little forehead.

"Please take care of my baby." She screeched creating a loud painfull deafening sob. She shook and panted trying to catch her breath. —Now this I felt, a mothers cry.

"With all of my heart, I will love her. I will care for her as if she were my own." My mom spoke softly through her tears.

"I wrote everything down, I have a binder in her bag. Her coolers right here. I would like for her to finish the breast milk I saved. If you have any further questions, my contact info is listed as well. She can get fussy sometimes right before a nap. She loves being sung to. I make sure she goes outside daily. She also can crawl now, but can you make sure she has her knee covers on. So she won't damage her knees. She's a good happy baby, so she shouldn't be much trouble." She went on nervously rambling. She leaned in and kissed Arian again as the tears continued to stream down her face.

I grabbed a few tissues from the near by box of Kleenex and handed some to both my mom and her.

"Ok." My mom took a deep breath and exhaled, holding baby Arian securely in her arms.

My dad walked over standing behind my mom. He grabbed the tissues out of her hands and wiped away her tears.

"You ok?" He spoke softly wrapping his arm around her leaning in staring at Arian. I smiled at them.

Melanie wiped her face then went over to sign her portion of the paperwork. She left shortly after without saying another word. She wasn't able to gain control of her emotions.

The lawyers and the mediator left the room giving us privacy. The room was silent. My dad and I waited for my mama to speak first.

A smile slowly crept on her face as her gaze met Arians squirming around in her arms. "So this is it, huh? We're raising another little one."

My pops took a deep breath. He spoke calmly while still holding on to her, with his arms around her. They both stared at down Arian. "Yeah, —and this won't interfere with us and our progress baby. I want to stay at this pace we're at and earn your trust. I hurt you and again I'm deeply sorry."

"Thank you for taking on this mothering role for my daughter. You're a strong and resilient woman, Heather." He added.

"Thank you for trusting me with her. —I'm confident that this won't affect our progress. We're in this together." She leaned back into my pops chest. "Also, let me be clear. She has a mother already, anything beyond that is a bonus or an addition. —I couldn't imagine someone taking that title away from me. So I could never take that away from her."

He nodded understanding. I stood back watching.

"You want to hold her Dri?" She asked while smiling at me.

"No rush, I'll wait until after you."

"No come and see your sister, I know you've been dying to meet her." My pops added.

I slowly walked over to them. This was my first time holding a baby. "Maybe I should sit first then you give her to me."

She laughed. "Ok."

I sat down at the table and held my arms out. I looked like I was ready to catch a football.

"She's not a newborn Dri, you don't have to be so timid." My mama giggled breaking away from my dad. She walked over and stood in front of me.

"Ma you know I've never done this before."

"Keep booking those flights to DC, you just might get your chance, real soon." She stated loud and clear.

"What are you talking about?" I scrunched my face.

"You know what I'm talking about. I'm not ready to be a grandma yet. Let us enjoy baby Arian first—"

"Whoa whoa ma. You're trippin', Raina and I are not trying to be parents right now."

"Humph, then I suggest you two better start FaceTiming instead. Get creative on the webcam." She giggled placing Arian in my arms. "Now, that will guarantee my request."

I playfully sucked my teeth smiling down at my baby sister, cooing at her. "Our late night FaceTime sessions are already lit. Isn't that right Arian? Yes it is."

"You just better be careful." She pointed to me. "And stop talking like a baby to her. Kids pick up on everything."

"Aight ma dang, you're already in mommy mode." I chuckled.

She blushingly smiled and my pops noticed it. That smile warmed his heart making his eyes gloss over. He needed that reassurance from her. I needed that as well. It gave me confidence that this could all actually work out. We have to accept blessing however they come. She's bringing joy to a situation we all thought was broken. My mother prayed and prayed for a daughter. God had his own plans for her, but her prayers were indeed answered. Life is funny that way.

"She's so beautiful, she has my nose." I studied her little tiny face, she stared back at me. Melanie was right, she is a happy baby.

"We'll give you a moment with her. We're over here if you need us." My dad smiled proudly. They went back over to sit at the far end of the long oval shaped table.

I continued staring at her. I'm not gon' lie, looking at Arian got me really thinking hard about having children of my own someday. Marrying Rai and having a house full of little rugrats running around would be nice. I think seven is a good number.

Speaking of Rai, let me try FaceTiming her real quick. She should be out of her class by now. She usually go out and grab a bite around this time.

First I need to figure out how to get my phone out of my back pocket while holding Arian. I'm literally holding her with both hands.

"Aight A3, you got this." I mumbled to myself. I closed my legs together and laid her on my lap longways. So I could pick her up with a better grip to lay her on my shoulder.

She started squirming like she was uncomfortable. "It's ok, just work with me a little bit baby sis."

I pulled her up further on my shoulder. She quieted. "See, that's better."

I leaned back in the chairs and lifted my lower half up. I was finally able to use one hand to get my phone. My parents looked at me snickering. "'Y'all could've helped me out."

"Nope, spend time with your sister. You got this." My dad continued snickering.

I turned my attention to my phone and FaceTimed Rai, she answered immediately.

"Damn, you must've had the phone in your hand. Let it ring first."

"Shut up, I had it close. I was waiting on you to call. How did it go today?" She kissed into the camera. I stuck my tongue out flicking it back at her. She smiled giggling. She couldn't see Arian from this angle.

We laughed. "You're so goofy Punkin'."

"Everything was good today. I finished everything with your brother. He's excited and ready to go to Miami. —Oh and I have a surprise for you." I turned the phone a little facing Arian.

"Aww look at her. She's so beautiful. I can't wait to hold her. Look at those cute cheeks." Her face lit up cheesing into the phone. "She's so perfect babe."

"I take it everything went smoothly today with Melanie?" She added.

"Yep, she signed over her rights. Mama held her and everything."

"That's good."

"I didn't realize how hard this could actually be. Taking care of a child. I was having trouble getting my phone out from my back pocket just to call you."

"Why didn't you just stand up and take it out of your pocket?" She furrowed her brows.

"This is my first time holding a baby, I'm not about to stand up with her. I'm blaming you if I drop her. This is not easy."

"I told you it wasn't easy, but you're saying you want a whole football team." She reminded me.

"I think I change my mind. Maybe three or four at the most."

"In about five years, maybe." She nodded.

"Maybe?" I turned the camera back on me. "Five years is fine, but I'm definitely shooting your club up."

"Stop talking like that around the baby, you do know babies pick up on everything." She lectured.

My parents peered over at me laughing. I leaned up mugging them.

"I already see how you're going to be as parent. —Mama just said that same thing to me."

"Great minds think alike. —Anyway tell ma Heather and pops I said hi. I have rehearsal in a few, so I gotta' go. I'll call you tonight and text when I get there."

"Aight, I miss you." l pouted a little.