The week flew by. We were days away from baby girls birthday party. Zo, Julia and I were at Nobu waiting for Nelsons arrival. We came thirty minutes early for prep purposes; to make sure Ju was positive, she wanted to go through with this.

Over the phone Charlotte felt the need to ask the obvious. "Nervous?"

I was in the bathroom stall totally freaking out. My nerves were shot to hell. The last thing I want to do is expose my daughter to somethings she's not ready for.

Julia was minutes away from meeting her birth father.

"You know I am." I exited the stall. "This was a door I was comfortable with keeping close." I pouted as I turned on the faucet.

"Just remember you guys control the narrative. He doesn't get any say. Keep it light, you'll be fine."

I breathed out roughly. "You're right. I gotta go. I'm sure he's about to walk in at any moment."

"Ok, I love you girl. Call if you need me."

"I love you too, don't know what I would do without you. You've been there through thick and thin." I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. "You're the best, best friend in the world."

"Awwwww," she squealed. "Well minus the whole introducing you to Nelson thing. Other than that, I can say I agree." She laughed it off.

"Stop. I told you to let that go. We wouldn't have Ju Ju Bean if you didn't" I adjusted the phone holding it up with my shoulder to wash my hands.

"Okayyyy. Call me girl." I agreed before she ended the call.

With my wet hands I placed my phone in my coat pocket almost dropping in the water. "Ok. Just breathe." I took deep breaths as I splashed some water on my face. "I can do this."

Gaining my confident I quickly dried off and made my way out of the bathroom, finding Zo and Ju laughing.

"We ordered you the brick oven-roasted baby vegetables with truffle butter to start, should be here shortly." Zo stood to pull out my seat. "You ok?"

I nodded reassuring him before sitting. "I'm ok."

His lips met mine before he regained his seat.

"Mommy I want the fish and chips, like last time." Julia squirmed. As I was about to speak I heard a server say right this way Mr. Carter. "Did you hear me mommy?"

"Sure Ju, fish and chips." Zo and I glanced at each other as Nelson gained closer.

"Hey," My child's biological fathers awkwardly waved as he approached the table. For a second, I forgot to breathe. I was praying this wouldn't end in disaster like it often would in the past.

Julia peered up from her seat facing Nelson. "You're him?" She asked while studying his features. We tried showing her the pictures but she didn't want to see them. She said she wanted to see him in person first before she hear any stories about him.

"Yes baby girl that's him." Zo answered gesturing for Nelson to take the vacant seat directly across from us. At the secluded round table Zo kept Julia close to him in between us.

Nelson smoothed down his black tie before unbuttoning his black blazer, then sat. "To save some of the awkwardness, I'll introduce myself." He brought his attention to Julia. "Hi, my name is Nelson Santana Carter II. Named after my father. It's really good to see you Julia."

Julia's smile grew wider as Nelson extended his hand out for hers to shake. She shook it. "Nice to meet you Mr. Nelson Santana Carter II. I'm Julia Ada Martin. Named after my mommy, my daddy, uncle Ju and grandpa Ju Sr. Also, my grandma Audrey." She said altogether because she talks so fast.

"Wow, sounds like you're pretty special to carry a name like that." He held on to her hand a second longer before letting go. We sat back quietly taking in their interactions. I'm sure Zo told him not to acknowledge me, probably why he hasn't even glanced in my direction. Which I have no problem with because this is about Julia and her request to see him.

"I'm about to turn six. So I am special because my mommy said my birthday is golden." She grinned from ear to ear.

"I think you mean this is your golden birthday. June, six turning six, but you yes you are special." He lightly chuckled "and adorable."

She giggled cover her face, then stared at him almost mumbling. "Thank you."

"What grade are you in Julia?"

"Just passed first grade but I'm in an advanced learning private school." She fidgeted in her seat. "You're really tall."

They laughed. Zo and I continued taking it all in allowing them their time.

"I guess I am compared to you." He smiled gazing in her eyes. "Thank you for allowing me to see you."

Julia smiled at him before awkwardly looking away not knowing what to say.

I guess he wanted to keep the mood light by asking, "what's your favorite thing to do?"

He didn't know that was a can of worms he openned by asking that. Julia can go on and on all day about her fashion —and that she did. She went on for what felt like hours about her photo shoots, her aunt Mai and Jade with all of their ideas for her. Then she went on talking about her dolls, naming and describing each one. That lead to her bringing up her birthday party and all of what we had planned.

In the middle of their conversation we ordered the rest of our food and were now eating. —Yes the conversation went on for that long.

"Sounds like the party of the year. All of your friends will be talking about this for the next two years or so." Nelson placed his fork down grabbing his napkin from his lap.

"My uncle Julias won't tell me about my grand entrance. He's keeping it a secret. Only my cousin Garret knows." She pretended to whisper as if it was top secret.

The conversation grew comfortable, allowing us to loosen up a smidge. Julia has always been a people person and could work any room. So it wasn't a difficult task for him to keep up with the flow.

"You should come to my party. Everyone's coming." Julia casually asked while drinking her lemonade.

That unexpected question had Zo and I choking.

"Uh sweet girl, I'm sure he has things to do. This is last minute." Zo gave Nelson a tight smile signaling for him to comply.

"Your fathers right Julia." Nelson quickly, nodded.

Julia's cheeks lowered as did her shoulders. "Then why are we here with you? All of my family and friends will be at my party. I only wanted to see you so you could come." She then folded her arms frowning her face further.

"Julia watch your mouth." I finally spoke.

"I didn't say anything." She further pouted, talking out of turn.

"I don't want a new daddy. I hope you know." She blew out with her brows together and lips tooted up.

Nelson scooted closer interjecting. "Julia please know that I'm not here to take your dad's spot. —Maybe some day we can be friends?"

The table fell silent before her face softened. "Do you have a family? Maybe they can come to my party since you can't make it."

"Ju." I gave her the mom, cut it out look.

Zo then placed his hand on top of mine, trying to have a eye conversation. I knew exactly what he was trying to say.

He was having a change of heart. Ju has that effect on him.

I eyed Zo again before nodding understanding. "Not to put you on the spot Nelson but if you and your family would like to come to her party, you're more than welcome."

"Yes!" Julia shouted as if she'd just won a relay. "My party starts at five but you have to be there early for my grand entrance."

"Only if it's ok, we would be honored to attend." He smiled warmly.

Zo nodded with a little smile of his own. "We'll get you an invitation and add your names to the guest list."

"Appreciate it."

I smiled to myself. I felt like I was now seeing something I thought would never be possibly. An opening for Nelson to get to know his daughter, in a way I was comfortable with allowing. No pressure, no drama, and no expectations.

"What are their names? Could you write it down?" Julia asked while pulling out her glittered handy dandy notebook.

We all laughed in unison as she pulled out her matching glitter pen placing it in from of him. He picked it up and started writing.

"I have brothers and sisters? I always wanted some. I get bored being the only kid in the family. My cousin Garret is too old."

Nelson looked to Zo once again, he warmly nodded welcoming the topic.

"Yes, you have twin sisters, a brother, and one brother on the way."

Julia bounced in her seat. "Twins? My mommy's a twin. Can I dress them up? How old are they?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "They're two. I'm sure they would love that."

"I can do their hair and nails. Ooo and I can show them how to pose. Oh, and I can shoot too. I can teach them how to play. Maybe I can play basketball with my brothers. I know how. I hope you know that." She rambled while gathering her handy dandy notebook putting it in her little Chanel purse. Compliments from her glam-ma, my mother n law.

"I can't wait to meet them at my party. This is going to be so great." She added.

They continued their conversation. She wanted to know more about his family, and he wanted to know more about her little life and all of her soon to be six-year-old problems.

We stayed until Julia was exhausted. She didn't want the night to end, but she could barely keep her eyes open.

"Again thanks for reaching out. This was everything." Nelson scooted his chair back to get up. He pulled out his wallet. Zo reached for the bill but Nelson insisted. "It's the least I can do."

"Thanks. Text me your address I'll have my driver send over your

invitation." Zo replied.

He nodded as he placed money in the slot holding the receipts, handing it over to our server.

"It was a pleasure getting to know you Ms. Julia Ada Martin." He grinned holding his hand out to shake hers.

That made Ju laugh. "It was a pleasure meeting you too Mr. Nelson Santana Carter II." She replied slowly trying to make sure she said it right as she shook his hand.

We were impressed she remembered, but this was Julia we're talking about here.

"Don't forget to come early. You have to see my entrance."

"I wouldn't miss it." He gleamed.

After leaving a tip and gathering our things we waited at the door for Ben and Bo. They were minutes out.

Julia was in Zo's arms sleeping.

"This went better than I expected." Nelson stood waiting with us.

"We were nervous too." Zo chuckled. "I should've known not to worry though. Julia has a way of lighting up the room."

"She's amazing, you guys did a wonderful job raising her. It shows." He nodded, genuinely.

"It's very easy. I couldn't imagine not being in her life." Zo countered, not realizing his venom.

Nelson eyes peered down to his shoes.

"I didn't say that to throw it in your face. I just couldn't imagine it." Zo shifted his hold, placing Julia over his right shoulder.

Nelson brought his attention back to us. "Not to get into the past, but I'm grateful to you for taking on that role. My behavior and actions cost me my chance to be a father to her. I'm thankful she didn't have to go without."

"Now you have a chance to get to know her. She's wanting to know you and your family." I spoke while holding on to Zo's arm.

"I won't blow it. Both of you have my word." He nodded, then we noticed Bo walking in the front door.

"Alright that's my cue. I'll see you guys at the party." Nelson placed his hands in his pocket.

"All the kids are walking in the show including yours, so have your cameras ready." Zo added.

"Got it." He laughed before walking off, waving to Bo before exiting.

Bo nodded impressed, noticing we still had a cool head. "Wow, I feel like a proud uncle."

We laughed.

"I'll do you one better. —He's coming to the party and bringing his family." Zo replied smiling. "Julia, requested."

"Wow. I never would've imagined this six years ago." He chuckled getting the door for us to leave.

"I guess with time anything could happen." Zo winked at me walking out. Bo laughed again.

Hmmm, they were up to something.

We greeted Benjamin and got in the Escalade. All three of them were acting suspicious.

"What's going on here?" I fastened my seat belt.

"We're taking a little detour." Zo followed suit fastening his.

"It's getting late. I have to work in the morning."

"I know, sit back and relax. Besides I didn't plan for dinner to go on that long." He leaned me back in the seat next to him. Ju was in the middle row of seats, ahead of us in her booster, sleeping.

"You know your daughter can hold a conversation forever." I giggled.

"Facts." Bo laughed from his seat next to Julia.

We filled them in on the run down of dinner for the rest of the ride.

We pulled in to a vacant construction site located next door to my job, the hospital. As we parked Zo turned to me with a ring of keys in his hands. He placed them in my hands. "Char told me about this lot. Me, Jr and your dad checked it out."

"What?" My eyes bulged down at the keys in utter shock.

"By the time you finish your residency we can have this plaza open and your office building ready. You, your dad and I own a percentage of the hospital. So now we're contracted in."

"I can't believe this. Wow Zo." I squealed out. I didn't expect this at all. I had no clue.

He chuckled pulling close to him kissing me. "We gotta' have something for when I retire."

"Thank youuu." I kissed all over his face. "My dream to be a cosmetic surgeon is feeling so real."

I pulled away from him to gaze out the window. "This whole plaza is ours?"

"Yep."

My wheels began spinning already, thinking about all the possibilities I wanted to do with the space. "We can have a conference area here, where I meet with the other doctors. A place we can debate and come up with ideas and ways to approach patients and their needs. I want to bring back morality. Have talks about plastic surgery and limitations. Shifting the narrative in today's society."

"I want to have a space for counseling, specifically for patients and doctors. I want to vet everyone working on this property. —We can add a gym, with training and meal plans." I allowed my mind to wonder about. "I would love to bring Stacy from work on, she specializes in burn victims."

We gazed out the window looking at the open cleared off blank canvas. My lips found his.

"This will be good. It'll maybe even stop a few people from going overboard with surgeries." Zo stated.

"I can't wait. Now I'm excited." I kissed him again. "I get to drive by this plaza every day pulling in for work."

Bo and Ben looked on smiling at us.

"You two were holding this from me as well." I giggled.

Ben held his hands up. "It wasn't easy to do either, but it was worth it. We're proud of both of you."

Bo nodded, agreeing. "So proud, but make sure we get the family rate when you open. That's all I ask."

We laughed. "You know I got you."

"Now, we can go home." Zo kissed me one last time.

I couldn't believe it. All the hard work, hours and tears. I finally made it through.

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