Everyone was on the other side of this enormous hospital room except for the father of my child and my man. Zo sat beside me. Nelson stood at the foot of the bed.

I was so relieved when I was able to get up and shower. Babygirl's a day old, and I still haven't named her. —It's not all my fault.

Nelson's attitude came back. He had issues with the names I picked out. Anything he doesn't agree with sets him off.

We're back at square one.

"Ok, I'll leave the papers here with you to give you some time. Take your time." The staff member left the information on the table, then left the room.

"This is the manipulative bull shit I'm talking about with you. —I'm not signing it if I can't name her. I said you could choose the first name but middle and last should be my decision. Hell, she's already going to be staying with you. Why can't I name her?"

"What do you want to name her Nelson?" I asked angrily. Kenzo rubbed my leg, seated beside me. He didn't even get a chance to hold baby girl yet due to Nelson and his pettiness. He's about two seconds away from being escorted out.

His mom stayed a little to see my daughter but didn't stay long. She knew there was no turning back from this.

"I was thinking about naming her after my grandma, Josephine Alberta Carter."

"Uh, no. Not happening, I'm not naming her that." I wasn't budging at all. I didn't care how mad he got.

"Fine, then I'm not signing it." He shrugged as if this wasn't a big decision.

Two can play this game.

"Then don't," I spat back at him. He was a little shocked. He thought I was going to continue to argue with him or compromise even. Nope.

He turned and walked towards the door.

"If you walk out that door before signing this paper, you can just forget signing it."

He chuckled. "You would love that. So you and your little basketball boy toy can claim what's mine."

"He's none of your business. What happened to all those apologies you were giving out yesterday?" I knew it wouldn't last. He's so predictable.

"I meant what I said, but now you're just being a petty bitc—"

"Don't say another word to her." Kenzo stood up, gaining everyone's attention from the other side of the room.

I shook my head, breathing out harshly. I held on to my baby girl, as tears welled up again, clouding my vision. I was livid. This was the drama I was talking about I didn't want, and she's only a day old.

"This doesn't concern you. This is a family matter." Nelson turned back around addressing Zo. Typical Nelson, he does the same thing to me. He said and does things to create arguments. He loves this attention.

My dad stood up and walked over.

"Yeah but it does concern m. I've already had a run-in with you once." He stared into Nelsons eyes. "Don't talk to my daughter like that, you're either going to sign it, or you're not. It's that's simple."

"Wow Dira, some grown-ass woman you are. You can call your hounds off at any time. —I'm not staying here." He scoffed before turning and walking out the door.

I wiped my face sniffling then grabbed my breastfeeding cover. I tried feeding my baby again. Everyone else took back their seats.

"Is she taking it?" Zo asked me while rubbing my thigh.

I nodded then pulled the cover back a little so he could see her. "She's still trying to figure it out, but she'll get it."

"Those things are huge." He whispered to me. I peered down at my breast. We share a laughed.

"I want you to hold her Zo."

"I was waiting for you. I'm ready to hold her." He smiled at me then stood to wash his hands.

I knew it was a lie. I also understood why he told it. He was avoiding an argument with Nelson. I saw those evil stares Nelson gave him every time Zo looked toward the baby.

"What do you want to name her?" He asked, picking her up. I buttoned my shirt back.

He was so comfortable holding her.

"I was thinking Julie or Julia after my brother and father. I've always loved their name, Julian. —then maybe for the middle name the letter A, after my mother and me."

"Julia, Julia, that's perfect." He thought out loudwhile gazing at her.

"Hmm, maybe Adah as the middle name —like in the Bible. She was the second woman mentioned before the flood after Eve. It means adorned or beauty. —I'd spell it without the H." I added.

"That's perfect, Julia Ada (Aye-duh) Thompson." He spoke softly looking down at her in his arms. Everyone was on the other side of the room they couldn't hear us. I went ahead and filled out Julia's information on the sheet.

"Yeah."

Zo finally took a seat in the chair beside me. I watched as he spoke softly to baby Julia.

"Hey baby girl, it's me Zo Zo. The one that's been talking your ears off. We finally get to see each other's faces." He smiled, watching her sleep.

"Thank you for waiting for me. I was losing my mind the entire time I was away from your mommy. —Speaking of mommy, you're going to love her." He then held her close and whispered something to her.

"What did you say?"

"That's between Julia and me." He rubbed on her little back.

"So that's how it is? The two of you ganging up on me?"

"It's always been this way." He stared down at her again, caressing her little chin. "She's so precious.

I laid back for a little while, relaxing.

"Ok I have a name." I announced to everyone. They came over and stood around the bed. Zos family was here too all except his older sister Mai of course. "I wanted to give her a meaningful name. Something that could be apart of us. So I came up with Julia Ada Thompson."

"Awe, hey, Julia. That's a pretty name." My mom came over and touched her little hand. Kenzos mom nodded, smiling.

"Yep, now that's a name. My little niece is named after me." My brother stated proudly. He then smiled at my dad, victoriously.

"Uh, you mean me right, son?" My dad corrected.

"Nah I'm pretty sure I was the reason behind the name. It's a twin thing, you wouldn't understand." He smirked, making everyone laugh.

"Whatever." My dad chuckled bringing his attention to baby Julia. "Zo you're a natural."

"She's a good baby," he leaned in and kissed her forehead. I stared at him holding her, and I don't know why, but it made me emotional.

"What's wrong?" Zo immediately went in to protective mode. Everyone walked back to the other side of the room, giving us privacy.

I shook my head while laying my head on the pillow. "I'm about to take a nap. Let me know when they come back for these papers or in an hour for feeding time."

"You sure nothings bothering you, other than the stuff with Nelson?" He questioned.

"Yeah, I'm just tired and ready to go home."

"You'll be going tomorrow. I have my game tonight, but I'll be here tomorrow to get you and Julia." He stood up and placed Julia in the little bassinet, making sure her swaddle was secure.

"Char can you change her diaper please, I'm pretty sure she's wet." I smiled at her, knowing she would hop at the chance.

"Sure, I'll change my God daughters diaper." She squealed walking over to the sink.

"Uh, oh," Zo uttered, peering over to Jr.

"Don't look at me." He waved his hands up.

"Somebody has baby fever." Zo toyed with him.

Char went over to pick up Julia. She brought her close to her chest. "She smells so good and looks at all of this hair."

"Bro, my best friend, want a baby, make that happen for her." I joked, turning over getting comfortable. Zo pulled blanket over my shoulder.

I caught a little sadness in his eyes. We couldn't possibly be thinking the same thing. I wouldn't even want to say it out loud.

Kenzo stayed by my side in the chair. I only woke up to feed Julia then fell asleep again. Everyone left, my mom was coming back a little later they wanted to give us some privacy.

"You up?"

"Yeah." I turned over looking at him.

"Tell me what you were thinking earlier when I asked you what was wrong?" He looked over at Julia. She was sleeping peacefully.

"I'm fine."

"You want me to tell you what I was thinking, what I've been thinking. What I've been thinking for a while now." He looked at me. He was nervous.

I nodded my head anxiously awaiting. He came and sat on the bed, getting closer to me.

"Adira," he breathed out nervously. "I love you."

He stared at me, and I was stuck. Hearing those words from him felt so powerful like I've been waiting.

"I'm in love with you." He took another breath of relief. I'm sure those heavy bricks were hard to carry.

I could also tell that that wasn't all he wanted to say.

"I love you too, Zo." I smiled a little to him. I then glanced over at my daughter and just broke down crying.

Kenzo laid down in the bed beside me, holding me tight in his arms. I heard him sniffle, so I held on to him.

"I wish things were different. I wish Julia was yo—" I sobbed.

"Shhh, don't talk like that. This is the way things were supposed to be. She wouldn't be who she is if it wasn't for him, and she's perfect." He sighed.

"He's going to give me hell for the next eighteen years. He's not going to change." I shook as the tears flowed.

"If you'll have me I want to be here for you and Julia." He pulled away from me to look me in my eyes.

"What does that mean Zo?"

"I don't know Di, whatever role you want me to play. I'll do it. I want to be there, for everything just like I've been. I don't care about how Nelson feels about it."

"I don't know if he's coming back, but he needs to either sign the paper or be out of her life for good. If he doesn't want to be there, then he doesn't have to be. —Also, if he doesn't come back, then he won't have any rights. I'll be here. I'm not about to play his games. It's game over now. I don't even want him talking to you anymore. To be honest." He spoke softly. I could tell he's been holding this.

"If he does show, I can't keep him from her. That's his daughter." I wiped my eyes. "I'll try calling him and see what his plan is. I have to try —for her."

He sighed and before grabbing my phone off the table. He slowly handed it to me. "I can respect that."

I unlocked my phone, went to his contact name and touched it. I pressed the phone to my ear and took a deep breath. It rang twice before he picked up.

"Hello," I spoke into the phone looking at Kenzo getting up taking a seat back in the chair beside the bed.

"Yeah." He spoke.

"Were you coming back, I'm about to give them the forms. I already have her name written down."

"What is it?"

"Julia Ada Thompson."

He was quiet.

"Hello?" I looked at my phone making sure it didn't disconnect. Then I heard him speak so I placed it back to my ear.

"This is be petty. You're already using my daughter against me." He laughed dryly. "You don't even want me there for her."

"I'm not about to go back and forth with you again. Are you coming to sign for the birth certificate or not?" I spoke louder.

He ended the call on me. I looked at my phone then slammed it on the table, startling Julia. She squirmed a little. Zo went over to pick her.

"Its ok baby girl." He cradled her close in his arms, walking her around the room. I turned over and put my head on the pillow.

Kenzo gave me my space taking care of Julia for me. He only had a couple of hours before he had to leave for his game tonight.

* * *

Arriving home to my condo for the first time with Julia, my anxiety level was at a ten. No more nurses to help me out with her.

She latches on pretty good with breastfeeding now. She gained two pounds since being in the hospital. She has her first doctors appointment tomorrow morning. Kenzo and I will be attending together.

Zo made sure he was there to get me from the hospital this morning.

Leaving out wasn't too bad; the staff helped us go out of a back exit.

As far as Nelson goes, he never came back, and I haven't heard from him at all. I will no longer contact him. My number will remain the same. I'll answer if he calls me.

"Go ahead and shower I got Julia, when you get out it'll be time to feed her," Zo instructed. It was just us here. Ben, Bo, and Tyson got us here safely.

"Ok." I handed him her car seat. She was asleep. "You can bring her sleeper from out of my room if you want."

"Nah I'll be in your room." He smiled.

I giggled at him. "You're trying to get a sneak peek."

"Maybe, maybe not, —here." He handed me a bag with my witch hazel pads in it. "Your breast pads are in there too."

"Thanks, I can't wait to get in my shower." I stood closer to him. He leaned in and kissed me after licking his lips. I pecked him a few more times, making us both giggle.

"Go ahead now. I would smack your butt, but you just pushed out a whole human." He chuckled, putting the bags down.

I smiled, walking away. "You need a fresh line-up."

"You would be the one to the point that out. My cousin Liam will handle that tomorrow since I'm free for the next two weeks. I'm happy we won the game last night. On to the next round of the playoffs."

I smiled at his scruffy face before I continued walking away. He laughed proudly.

I took my time in the shower and getting dressed. It's nothing like being back in your own place. I absolutely hate staying in hospitals but love working in them.

I left out to join Zo in the bedroom. He was talking to Julia while she was laying in her little sleeper beside my bed. I stood to the bathroom door listening.

He pulled the little binky out of her mouth. "Look at that smile. I knew I would get one. —I can't wait until you're older and we can play basketball. Your momma thinks she's good, but I already know you're going to be a beast."

"I love your mommy, and I love you too, baby girl. —You already knew that, though. I was told babies could sense things. I think you knew I fell for your mommy a while ago. When you were moving around in her tummy."

"Oh yeah?" I spoke loud earning his attention.

"Stop eavesdropping. We're bonding." He reached for me to join him. I went over and sat beside him on the bed. "You ready to feed her?"

"Yeah, I want to make sure she stays on the schedule. Let me change her diaper first. That way, we can wipe her down real quick before she eats."

"Ok."

Julia started squirming around. "She's such a quiet baby."

"Great listener, too, she was staring at me like she knew what I was talking about." He picked her up, gave her some kisses then handed her to me.

We got her cleaned up and changed. We even snuck in some pictures of her smiling.

I was now in her nursery seated in the gliding chair. I took off my shirt, leaving me in my nursing bra. Kenzo handed me her again after I got myself situated.

"It's like she knows she's about to eat, as soon as you place her near it she's ready to latch on." He eyed closely amazed.

I nodded, agreeing.

"Does it still hurt?" He noticed my expression. I always hold my breath before she latches.

"Yeah but it's not that bad."

"They're about to explode, you probably need to pump some of it out." He pressed on them seeing how full they were.

I stared down at my breast. They were big and painful in some areas. "I don't want to pump yet. If it gets too bad, I'll get back in the shower and let some of it flow out."

"Women do so much."

"Men do too. We're all special and have these crazy immaculate abilities." I countered, smiling at him. "Especially my man."

"Nice." He grinned impresse, leaning against the changing table. "I could say something behind that, but I don't think those little ears should hear it."

"You're so silly."

"So tomorrow we have Julia's doctors appointment, and her first photoshoot, right? —What do you want for dinner tonight?"

"I'll probably grab something for tonight and cook something tomorrow for dinner." He added while crossing one of feet over the other.

I glided a little in the chair, thinking. "Maybe grab a plate from the health food store."

"You sure?"

I nodded. "If you can put extra grilled chicken on my plate with some of that mushroom gravy."

"Aight, Ima' take a quick shower then head out. I'll text Bo. I know the media's watching my every move now."

"Thank you."

Zo leaned down and kissed my forehead. "No problem."

He moved swiftly as he got ready to head out to grab our food. I finished feeding Julia and burped her. She went back to sleep. I brought her sleeper out to the living room area so I could keep a close eye on her.

I turned the tv on flipping through landing on the home improvement channel. Something Char and I used to watch faithfully. We were obsessed with home decor.

I lounged in that same spot, content watching tv.

Kenzo made his way back in, a little out of breath. "Man people are so inconsiderate."

"Hey, Di." Bo, one of the guards came over to me, peeping at Julia. "She's already growing up."

"I know, I wish she could stay a baby forever." I watched her sleeping.

"You don't even look like you had a baby." He chuckled.

"Same thing I said." Kenzo placed the food on the table then came over to us, admiring Julia. We all simply stared at her, smiling.

"Thank you both."

"Well let me get out of here, next time I'll bring Tyson with me. Folks almost knocked us over." Bo said.

"Be careful out there."

"Oh, they know not to mess with big daddy." He ran a hand down his shirt, being goofy.

"What I told you about that daddy stuff." Zo joked chuckling at him.

"Whatever." He laughed. "I'll see y'all later." He chucked up his deuces then headed toward the door.

"Bo, thank you," I yelled out as he went out the door.