Priest was still mugging Shooter. He felt like that was disrespectful to even say. Cherish his baby for life, but she's also the mother of his kids. Shooter should've been treading lightly with his words.

"I don't give no fuck about none of that, Truth. I have no problem with him defending her, but worrying about her pussy will have yo' ass in a hospital. Yeah, you bleed like I bleed, my nigga, but don't forget for a second who the fuck I am. The ruthless nigga buried deep will resurface real quick. If you was any other nigga your ass will be eating your fucking words right now. That's some disrespectful shit on your part and you know it." Priest was damn near spitting fire. He never had a problem with them coming to Cherish's defense, but that was out of line. Pussy footing was just another way of saying stop being indecisive, so Shooter should've left it at that. The rest, whether he spoke a fact; shouldn't have come out of his mouth.

"Chill the fuck out." Kincaid's loud voice rumbled. He hadn't moved, but they knew he was serious. Just because Kincaid didn't come from the streets didn't mean he wasn't to be played with. "Now, Shooter that was disrespectful. You shouldn't even be speaking on her that way. Even if they're not together she is still the mother of his kids. Priest, sit your ass down. I know you're not feeling what he said, but you two aren't about to be fighting in my shit." Kincaid spoke, but Priest was still mugging Shooter before sitting back down.

"Look, I meant no disrespect." Shooter lied. He meant every word. He was beginning to see that Priest didn't deserve Cherish. "I'm just saying, you around here fucking other bitches and expecting her not to do her. She is a woman and at the end of the day, she has urges just like you do. The difference is, you make a fool of her with these women, Slim—Cherish be a little too respectful when it comes to you and another nigga she's in front of you with. It's not my business, but when you see another nigga doing shit for her, making her happy, or whatever, which is what you should be doing; it'll be your fault for letting him ease in and take her from you. You don't deserve her, and that's speaking from a place that cares about her. She's far from innocent. She's done some shit, but she doesn't deserve the way you have been treating her. You know that shit foul. That's all I meant. Take it how you want to take it." Shooter added as they looked at him. Priest or Truth never heard Shooter speak like that before. Kincaid was just watching things, as he always does. It really did seemed as if that came from a place of caring for her. Little did they know, it came from another place as well.

"Well." Truth chuckled to break the ice. It got a little chilly as Priest continued mugging Shooter, who wasn't backing down.

"With that being said, Cherish is your rib." Kincaid spoke to get back to what he was originally saying before Shooter's input. "That's why you feel her near you, even when she's not. She's the woman you have been in love with since you were twenty. Now, you're twenty-eight and still very much in love with her. You and Cherish... there's a lot of drama there, a lot of toxicity since she came back, but what you two share is real and that love is strong. No matter how many relationships you get into, none of them will be her. She's pregnant. You treating her wrong isn't right. Either you let her go completely or—" Kincaid's sentence was cut as his phone dinged. Priest was back focused on what his father was saying and wanted him to finish.

Kincaid grabbed his phone after the ringer for a text sounded off. He smirked, then looked at his son before saying, "Your wife is here."

"Hmm. That's probably why I felt Cherish moments ago." Priest looked at his father.

"See what I mean? Didn't bother to ask who or anything." Kincaid joked before standing to walk up the stairs from the basement.

"I can't stand his ass sometimes." Priest said, causing Truth and even Shooter to laugh.

"Say it with your chest next time." Kincaid said from the top of the stairs.

"Aye, we good? I apologize for how that came out. You know I'm not one to be saying shit, but—" Shooter started to say as Priest cut him off.

"We're good. Just as long as you defending her is just that and not worried about the wrong shit. Her pussy ain't nowhere near your business. You don't cross that line again and we'll be good." Priest replied honestly as they dapped each other up before continuing up the stairs.

When Priest made it upstairs, then the kitchen, he instantly licked his lips. Cherish was standing over the stove, peeking into his mother's pots. "This smells so good, ma. Yeah, I'm definitely staying for dinner."

"That's why I called you. My grandbaby needs to taste something other than food from his daddy's restaurant." Patience said knowingly.

"It's so good though, ma. I'm convinced it's crack in that food." Cherish chuckled as Priest smiled.

"How you been doing?" Patience asked.

"This pregnancy has me miserable with all the throwing up. The medication is like a hit or miss for me. I feel like I'm always crying because it's just... well you know, I call you so much about it and you come running. I feel like I'm being punished because I didn't want anymore kids or because how I reacted when I first found out I was pregnant. Malaysia was my smoothest pregnancy. Honesti not so much and now this little boy is giving his mommy a run for her money." Cherish sighed as Priest frowned. He didn't know she was still going through what she is because she lies about it to him.

"Have you talked to my son about it? He got you pregnant, so he better be over there catering to your every need." Patience smiled since Cherish has yet to notice the men.

"It's best I don't. This is your son's fault after all. This is why I'm getting my tubes tied. Like, why am I keep popping out kids? Then a pissy little boy at that. I just know he's going to be a mini Priest." Cherish ranted. Patience glanced at Priest while chuckling. Cherish still hadn't noticed him, which was funny. "I should've just kept my legs closed, but noooo... we are not even about to talk about that. Priest gets on my last nerve, ma. I kind of, sort of, maybe just a little bit love him, but I can't stand him and when I see him—" Cherish's rant was halted when Priest finally spoke.

"When you see me what?" Priest smirked. "What you gon' do to me, mama? You see me now."

Cherish turned around to see Priest, Truth, Shooter and Kincaid standing there. Truth and Kincaid were amused. Shooter was a little jealous, but didn't show it. And Priest was now trying to hide his smile, but she saw it fighting to form. She hoped he didn't hear anything she said about the pregnancy being miserable. She didn't want to need Priest. Therefore she didn't want him around 24/7.

"Thanks a lot, ma. You wrong for that." Cherish playfully rolled her eyes. "And I wasn't talking to you nosey."

"I didn't want to interrupt you." Patience laughed.

"You were just talking about me." Priest spoke knowingly.

"Whatever. Ain't nobody thinking about you." Cherish added.

Cherish did not know Priest was even there. Malaysia is at school and Honesti was asleep, which is one of the reasons she stopped by. Patience said she was in the house cooking, since Patience wanted to relax later, so Cherish told her she was stopping by. Those two had grown closer. It's not because she cut her aunt out of her life. Patience has always been there for her in any way Cherish would allow her to be. Cherish hated how she cut Patience off for years once she left. When Cherish was vomiting up a storm, barely keeping any food down; Patience was right there for her which is what Cherish meant by Patience knowing. She loves Patience and no matter what happens between her and Priest, her love will always remain for both Patience and Kincaid.

Cherish could feel her heart thumping as she looked at Priest. Priest's eyes looked Cherish over while licking his lips again. He just saw her a couple of days ago, but it felt like it's been too long since he laid eyes on her.

She wore her natural hair in a ponytail that was pulled to the back. Rocking a fresh face that had a glow to it. The weather was only 69 degrees and breezy. So, she sported an all-black long sleeve jumpsuit from her line that hugged her figure. A pair of Yeezy 500 'Enflame' sneakers were on her feet and a long jean jacket that matched her Yeezy's which she also designed. A plain Jane Audemars Piguet watch was around one wrist, three diamond tennis bracelets were around the other, just glistening, and diamond halo stud earrings adorned her ears. Her Tom Ford fragrance, which Assad got her when they were in LA invaded his nostrils despite not standing next to her. Something on the simple side, but she was still looking and smelling good.

Priest had a crispy lining and his hair was freshly braided. When they went to the doctor, his hair was crinkly and all over his head. He was rocking an all black sweatsuit from her line. A pair of Yeezy Boost 700 'Enflame Amber' sneakers were on his feet. With a watch glistening on his wrist. It's safe to say they were almost matching. She fought like hell not to smile that he wore clothes from her line. Little does she know, Priest damn near bought out her whole men's collection. He'll always support her, but Cherish definitely deserves props for being a dope designer. She couldn't control biting her lip while her eyes rested on his print that hid behind the Givenchy boxer briefs he was wearing. He was so fine without trying to be. She was admiring every inch of him. It brought her so much pleasure it should have been against the law. Everyone saw them practically eye-fucking each other lovingly. Neither was backing down from checking out the other.

She finally rolled her eyes at Priest before looking at Kincaid with a smile. "Hey pops." She walked over to Kincaid and hugged him.

"I was wondering when I was going to get noticed, but you were a little busy checking out your man." Kincaid chuckled. "How my daughter and grandson doing? Aside from the sickness. Look at you, beautiful as ever." Kincaid pulled back and rubbed her stomach.

"Stop, pops. I was not." She laughed. "And thank you. Your daughter is irritated. Your grandson is irritating your daughter." She pouted. "Ugh! You can't pay me to have any more kids." While what she was saying was the truth about being irritated, it wasn't the full truth. When Cherish woke up, she had this nagging feeling that hadn't gone away which also irritated her. She was sure it's in her head, which is why she didn't speak on it. It was that feeling you get when something was about to happen.

"Yeah right." Shooter chimed in.

"Shut up, Matthias before you get fu—messed up in this kitchen." She rolled her eyes as he smirked.

"Hey brother." She hugged Truth. Truth was another person she had gotten more closer with since they squashed everything. Her mind was so jumbled the day she fainted, she hadn't thought to call him beforehand or after. He and Yazmine's problems were simply that. She didn't cut Truth off and Yazmine didn't cut Priest off.

"What's up, sis." Truth smiled. She hugged Shooter next as he discreetly inhaled her scent and she didn't say anything else to Priest. She only walked then sat on one of the 26" counter stool.

"I guess you're not talking to me anymore because you got caught talking about me. Don't get fucked up with that lil attitude. You saw me texting you to check on my son, too." Priest told Cherish, who rolled her eyes again.

"Sure did. I just didn't feel like replying. You know what? I'm just going to leave." Cherish was already irritated. She didn't need Priest to irritate her even more.

"Don't go, sweetie." Patience told her. "I loved hearing that you were staying. Plus, we still got some gossiping to do." Patience added, causing Cherish to smile briefly. She really didn't have the energy to continue on the way she and Priest have. Even though nothing he said warranted an argument, there was just no telling when it comes to them.

"I'm sorry, but your son irritates my effing soul these days. Had I known he was here, I wouldn't have stopped by until he was gone. Maybe another time, ma. We could meet for lunch tomorrow." Cherish sighed, Patience nodded, but was sad. Cherish stood before turning around to leave when feeling a hand grabbing her wrist. She instantly snatched it away.

"Don't touch me, Soul." Cherish frowned.

"Priest." Priest corrected her. She only continued to look at him with a frown. He smelled so good.

"Stop being stubborn and so mean." Priest wasn't about to add that he didn't want her to leave. "Stay and feed my son. I know you are hungry." Cherish folded her arms underneath her chest, but didn't respond. "I have to beg you to feed my baby?" He looked at her. She once again didn't respond. He laughed because her pregnancy made her even more stubborn and at times mean. It was one of the things he loves about her; her stubbornness, even though it could be just as annoying. His laugh and his smile were always contagious. As much as she tried not to laugh, she ended up cracking a small smile instead.

"Fine. Only because my son and I are hungry. I need to eat something before I start throwing up again. Now get away from me." Cherish took a step back.

"You two are so in love." Patience said aloud.

Why are black parents like this? Cherish thought.

"Don't start that." Cherish took another step back.

"I'm just saying. You two would still be going strong if the events that took place years ago would've happened differently. I strongly believe that, and I know you two do as well." Patience added.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Cherish cleared her throat.

Priest reached out, pulling her closer by the small of her back, then rubbed her stomach, still amazed that twins were growing inside. He was always rubbing her stomach. Times she didn't want him touching her, she ended up melting from his touch anyway. Priest rubbed her stomach as a way to connect with the babies at first, but also because he couldn't help not to touch her. He just always had to touch her in some way.

"Can you not touch me?" Cherish rolled her eyes in irritation. "And why are you in my personal space? This close proximity is making me nauseous, so move."

"You know why you're feeling nauseous, right?" He licked his lips.

"Because the father of my children is touching me, and I hate it as much as I hate him. That's why." Another frown made its way onto her face.

"What I tell you about that? Stop saying shi—things like that. I don't want my son hearing that. We don't need that negativity."

"You are the negativity, and he can't even hear yet. Come on now, Priest. Get away from me." She moved his hand and took a step back.

"Don't be moving my hand while I'm bonding with my son." Priest moved closer, leaving no space between them this time. Patience smiled while continuing to cook, and Kincaid just smirked. His parents, plus Truth and Shooter, knew as much shit as Priest talked. He just can't help himself when it comes to Cherish. It never failed. They always had an audience and Cherish hated that because no one let them forget how they were in the moment. Her pregnancy had her hating Priest, then loving him. Wanting him to be away from her, then wanting him close. Didn't want him touching her, then wanted to feel his touch. It was annoying her so much. No doubt, their sons were going to look just like Priest.

Priest really couldn't help himself. She was carrying his sons, and it was a beautiful, beautiful, thing. He hadn't seen her this far into a pregnancy before, so he was enjoying every moment. He was around her a little more now, as opposed to after being sent that picture of her and Von. Priest never had a problem being affectionate towards Cherish. It didn't matter who he was in front of. He always had to find some type of way to touch her, say something to her, or be close to her. Even if they manage to move on with other people, he believes their souls would always be tied in a way no one could come between.

"Why you didn't tell me about you still throwing up?" Priest rubbed his hand at the bottom of her stomach. She shrugged and hated that he had heard her. Not liking her nonverbal answer, his fingers brushed her sex as she shuddered. No one could see. It wasn't hard to get her started because she was always horny. She bit her lip and moved his hand. His touch gave her butterflies and set her body on fire. And that's not something she needed right now.

"Didn't I say don't touch me? I'm not playing with you. You don't even like me, so why are you right here? Go find Asia and be all in her face. Like, stop playing with me, Priest." Cherish gave him a look that she wasn't playing. He just stared at her, wanting to say that she was wrong.

"Who is Asia?" Patience asked, being nosey.

"Your son has a new woman. Add her with Centipede, then he has two." Cherish shrugged.

"I didn't know you were seeing someone." Patience eyed her son.

"Because I'm not. I'm single, but we're vibing." Priest kept his eyes on Cherish. He finally gave her space and went to lean up against the wall as Cherish shook her head. She sometimes envies Priest. She didn't know if it was because he's a man, and she's a woman, but she envied how he could move on like it was nothing. She couldn't say for certain how things would have turned out with Assad, but she felt as if she would never fully move on from Priest. She knew for sure that she could if she really put forth the effort and Assad was proof of that.

"Hmph." Patience uttered.

"What ma?" Priest sighed.

"A real man would never put the woman he loves in the position to have to fight for his love against another woman. When you truly love someone, no one will be able to come between and challenge that. Remember that, while you got two women dangling in front of the love of your life." Patience added. Cherish looked down, and Truth noticed how uncomfortable Cherish had become with the conversation.

Cherish knew she started it by bringing Asia up, but she didn't expect Patience to say that. Feeling little arms wrap around her leg, Cherish looked down to see Honesti, and she thanked God because she would rather not hear anymore of that conversation. It's no surprise that Honesti got out of bed on her own, or that she didn't make a sound as she walked to the kitchen. She was a sneaky one.

"Hi mommy." Honesti rubbed her eyes while looking up at her mother.

Cherish picked her up, then kissed her cheek. "Hey, my Pooh." Cherish kissed her again, as Honesti leaned her head against Cherish's face and held on to her neck.

"You stay?" Honesti asked.

"Yes. You want me to stay?"

"Me do." Honesti said, while rubbing her eyes again.

Cherish used her nail to try to remove the sleep that was in her eye. "Stop, mommy." Honesti moved her hand.

"Lil girl, you got eye boogers. Now, let me get it."

"No." Honesti shook her head before giving Cherish a kiss.

"You're so full of it. Don't try to kiss me to stop me from cleaning your eyes." Cherish chuckled while smiling. Honesti kissed her again.

"Missed you."