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Dave turned the engine off looking to the side. Naala was fast asleep in the passenger seat with a blanket up to her neck. This baby was on her ass so she slept the entire way home.

Their trip to Vegas was nice, perfect one might say. It gave them a chance to talk out their problems, love one another and also learn to be a couple again. It's funny how much can change in 5 days. However, they had to come home.

Naala was anxious to get home to her babies, her anxiety was through the roof. Her hallucinations and bad dreams were back but she managed to hide them from Dave. There was something that was bothering her but she couldn't seem to shake it.

Dave softly kissed her cheek multiple times, in order to wake her up from her slumber. Naala stirred and moved her head, "We're not having sex," She grumbled half asleep. Dave laughed,

"We're home Love," He spoke helping her sit up. Naala opened her eyes and adjusted to the brightness,

"Damn I missed the whole drive?" She questioned. Dave had carried her off the jet into the car without her even realising.

"Yeah, you're really tired huh?" Dave spoke taking his seatbelt off. "You're getting old," He teased. He knew it was the baby that was making her sleepy.

"Funny," Naala fake laughed that ended with a yawn. "I miss my bed," She huffed.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about actually," Dave said turning the radio down. They were sat outside Maniya's apartment complex, so he thought now was the best time to get her alone. "I bought us a new place,"

"Why?" Naala said softly. She loved her home, she brought it with her own money so it was a massive achievement to her.

"We need change baby. Every time we give us a go, we're stuck in the past. But I want a fresh start this time, this would be our forever home," Dave explained.

Naala nodded, he had a point but that was a decision they should have made together.

"I get it but you've already bought it," Naala responded. "What if I don't like it?"

"Then we won't keep it," Dave shrugged. Naala leaned back and crossed her arms.

"Where is it?" She asked him. Dave tugged at his beard.

"Right by your mom's," He admitted. That made Naala feel better, with a new baby she was gonna need all the help she could get.

"Those houses are expensive," Naala retorted. She always wondered how her mother afforded such a home, the cheapest house on that street was 20 million dollars.

"It was nothing, I wanted us to take the kids to see if after we tell them about you know," He pointed at her stomach.

"How'd you think they're gonna react?" Naala fretted. They had never really spoken to the kids about having another baby.

"Saint will be fine it's Phat I'm worried about," Dave admitted. Naala nodded and bit her lip, turning to face the window. They didn't worry about Sinai or Maniya as they were the two oldest and were used to younger siblings.

"Maybe it's better if we do it here, with Maniya too," Naala suggested. Dave took her hand and squeezed, immediately relaxing her.

"We a team Naala, relax," He spoke before kissing her hand.

"Promise me this time is going to be different," Naala said looking him in the eye. "I won't do this again Amir, this is our last chance,"

"This is the last time Naala. I messed up before, I took you for granted and I didn't recognise what a beautiful and wonderful wife I had. I learnt the hard way because you left me but I'm not gonna let that happen again," Dave spoke. He had actually changed, but all he had to do was prove to Naala that he had.

"I'ma show you," Dave said bringing her face closer. "I love you aight?" He whispered close to her lips.

"I love you too," Naala pouted pecking his lips. "Can you get me that car I wanted now?" Naala fluttered her lashes.

"Mmm, I'ma take you to the dealership tomorrow," Dave said kissing her again.

"Thank you daddy," Naala cheesed rubbing his beard. Dave smirked and looked her up and down.

"How did you come off a plane looking this good?" Dave spoke lowly. Naala smiled, he always made her feel good, even on her shitty days.

"I look like a hot mess," Naala laughed checking her hair in the mirror. Dave shook his head and looked at the entrance of the building, he saw Maniya hug a man who looked twice her age and then kiss him.

"Your kids are gonna be the death of me, I swear," Dave cursed making Naala follow his eyes.

"Lord," She groaned rubbing her head. "That's her boyfriend,"

"Ion know who it is but he's about to get his hands of my daughter," Dave mumbled opening the car door. Naala pulled his arm back,

"Calmly," She warned. Dave wanted to blow up bad but Naala was right. He got out of the car and helped Naala out. He grabbed her hand and they strolled over to the building entrance.

Maniya cursed when she saw her parents walking over to her. She raised a brow at them holding hands but didn't have a chance to respond before Damon spoke.

"I'm gonna head out cuz I know you said your folks were coming back," He said with his arm around her shoulder.

"They're here," Maniya tried to whisper poorly but it was too late, her parents were right in front of them.

"Hey mama, hey daddy," Maniya said sweetly. Damon felt awkward, this is not how he wanted to meet her parents at all.

"Are you going to introduce us to your friend?" Naala spoke softly staring Damon down.

"Mama, daddy this is Damon," Maniya said getting out of his grip.

"Nice to meet you." He said lowly, he reached out for a handshake but Dave didn't react to the hand and Naala stared at it awkwardly, taking a step back.

"My mama doesn't like to be touched," Maniya said quietly to him. She didn't need to explain to him why her dad wouldn't shake his hand.

"Oh sorry," He said putting his hand down. Naala shook her head and smiled lightly. Her anxiety was playing up too much for her to shake hands with someone.

"It's okay, you didn't know," She responded leaning into Dave a bit more for comfort.

"I'll see you later," He said to Maniya before kissing her cheek.

Dave watched him intensely, he had some nerve to kiss his daughter right in front of him.

"Heyyy," Maniya dragged awkwardly, Naala crossed her arms.

"I thought we shared everything," Naala started. "You have a boyfriend?"

"You had a lot going on mommy." Maniya defended quickly. "Plus what's this?" She asked gesturing to their intertwined hands.

"Mind your business," Dave mumbled as they walked into the building.

"I knew you wouldn't last," Maniya smirked at her mom.

"Wait —" Naala paused, her stomach bubbling. Dave knew exactly what is was about to happen so he stepped away from her.

Naala emptied her stomach in the nearest trash can, holding onto it tightly.

"Damn," Dave cringed hearing her retching. He rubbed her back soothingly trying not to gag from the sound.

"Move," Naala spat pushing him away from her. "This is literally all your fault," She said fishing through her purse for her mini mouthwash.

"I knew it!" Maniya squealed jumping up and down. "You're pregnant," She pointed at them.

"Shh," Naala said with a small smile, "It's too soon to start shouting about it,"

"I told you daddy, 50 dollars now," Maniya said holding her hand out. Dave mushed her head and took Naala's purse for her.

"You still feel sick?" Dave asked walking beside her. Naala cut her eyes at him,

"I need water," She said lowly, she really didn't feel good and this was worse than all her other pregnancies.

They stepped onto the elevator and Maniya pressed the 'p' button for the penthouse. Naala leaned against Dave, trying to settle her stomach. He rubbed her back and whispered soothing words in her ear.

Maniya looked at them and cooed, they were so in love and you could tell. She hadn't seen her parents like this for so long so it was refreshing.

"I'm glad you two are back together," Maniya spoke smiling at them.

"You are?" Naala asked opening her eyes and standing up a bit straighter.

"I am, I like it. You both look happier too," Maniya pointed out. Which was true, their happiness was radiating off them.

"Aw," Naala pouted. "Amir, you can't hear her?" She nudged Dave.

He nodded and tightened his hold on her, "I'm never letting go again,"

Maniya grinned happily and Naala blushed looking down. "And you've got the ring back on!" Maniya cooed.

"Aight you doing too much now," Dave said as the lift stopped.

"Don't be mean," Naala laughed stepping off the lift. "How have they been?" Naala asked Maniya.

"Better. Me and C took them to fair yesterday," Maniya replied.

"I gotta talk to Saint bout that other night," Dave said playing with his watch in his wrist.

"I don't want you to shout at him," Naala muttered, Dave ignored her waiting for Maniya to unlock the door.

"Guess who I found," Maniya announced entering the apartment. Sinai was the first to spot them, giving them a warm smile.

"Finally mama, I missed you," She said hugging Naala's waist tightly. "So did Phat even though she won't admit it," Sinai whispered making Naala laugh.

"I missed you too Bug," Naala replied hugging her back. Dave stood back and went to find Malia. He walked into the room and saw her laid down, asleep.

"Wake up Phat," He said nudging her.

"Malia is asleep," Malia mumbled turning over. Dave smirked,

"So you don't want to say hi to daddy?" He asked. As soon as she heard his voice properly she shot up.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed reaching out for him to pick her up. "Missed you lots" She added hugging his neck.

"Ugh why are you back?" Saint complained coming out of the bathroom with his hands in his pants.

"We ain't cool," Dave spoke to him. Naala came in and dropped her purse on the bed.

"Hey my Phat girllll," She dragged tickling Malia's stomach.

"No tickles," Malia squirmed giggling. "Tell her daddy, no tickles,"

Naala fake gasped, "You love my tickles though," She said kissing her cheek.

"Mama are you taking me home?" Saint asked flopping on the bed. Naala looked at him and sighed,

"Yeah actually, everyone in the kitchen. Me and your dad have to talk to you," Naala said firmly, her soft voice making it hard to take her seriously.

This was a conversation she was dreading to have with Saint, he was her only son - she didn't want to upset him.

The family filed into the spacious kitchen and Dave instructed all of them including Maniya to sit at the breakfast island.

"Why did your sister call us and tell us you were wilding out?" Dave started straight away directing his question at Saint.

"I wasn't," Saint replied quickly. You could tell he already had an attitude. He was slouched in his seat with his his shoulders slumped.

"Sit up!" Dave shouted making Naala jump, even though she wasn't the one being shouted at she still hated it.

"I am up," Saint mugged. Dave chuckled and nodded,

"Ion know why you have this attitude but I'm telling you now Saint I ain't your mama, I will whoop your ass," Dave spoke stepping forward.

"You can't whoop me," Saint responded with a mug. He looked for his mom for support but she avoided his eyes.

"Saint please stop," Naala finally spoke. "I know you get angry sometimes but you can't keep doing this. You could hurt someone again and —"

"Again?" Dave questioned. Naala bit her tongue, she'd said too much. "Who did he hurt?"

Naala stayed quiet, wishing she never even spoke. Dave looked around the room and everyone was quiet.

"I hate to do this but y'all give me no choice," Dave said leaning forward towards Malia.

"Phat did Bubba hurt anyone?" He asked Malia who was obviously going to say who.

"Amir —" Naala tried to intervene but Dave gave her a look making her shut up.

"Daddy he didn't mean to do it," Sinai said first before Malia could speak.

"I suggest someone starts speaking now," Dave shouted.

"He threw a chair," Naala mumbled. "I was in the way and it cut me. It wasn't a big cut or anything," She started to ramble on.

"Naala please stop talking," Dave huffed, leaning against the counter. "Things are about to change round here, I've not been around as much as I should but that's not happening anymore," Dave lectured his kids.

"And you," He pointed to Saint. "You are gonna learn how to respect your mom because that will be last time that happens, you here me?"

Saint didn't respond, he crossed his arms and sat back in the chair.

"Nasir," Naala warned. "Your dad is talking to you," Saint sucked his teeth and nodded.

"Yes sir," He mumbled. Naala was surprised that he didn't lose his temper again.

"When you say things are changing what does that mean?" Sinai questioned with her hand under her chin.

"Daddy's moving back in," Naala said with a smile. Malia's eyes lit up at the news. Even Sinai was glad, she hadn't lived with both of her parents for at least 5 years.

"Yay," Malia spoke quietly. Dave laughed and put his hand round Naala's waist,

"And we've got more good news," He said proudly. Naala didn't want to say anything about the baby but she knew how excited he was so she left him to it.

"You're gonna have a new baby sister or brother," Dave announced. Malia's smile fell immediately. Saint scoffed and got up leaving the kitchen.

"Well then," Maniya said awkwardly. Naala looked up at Dave and sighed,

"I told you it was too soon," She said lowly so Malia wouldn't hear.

"Phat doesn't like the new baby," Malia frowned folding her arms.

"Malia that's not nice," Maniya said sitting beside her. "Don't you want someone to play with?"

"I play with Bubba," Malia responded. She put her arms out for Maniya to pick her up and she put her head down.

"I'll go get her ready to leave," Maniya said to her mom and dad.

"They're just being kids," Dave spoke once they were alone. "They'll get over it," He added, running his hands up and down Naala's arm.

"I hope so," She nodded leaning on him. "I feel like shit," Naala sniffed as Dave engulfed her in a hug.

"When we get home you can lie down," Dave said rubbing her stomach. "Why didn't you tell me about Saint?" He asked her quietly.

"He scares me sometimes Amir," Naala admitted. She hated to say it but it was true.

"I hate that I've not been around," Dave was beating himself up about it, he couldn't even be mad at Naala because if he was home stuff like that wouldn't happen.

"It's not your fault," Naala argued. "He needs help, I don't think I'll be good enough anymore,"

"We'll sort something out," Dave huffed. He soaked in Naala's scent, not wanting to move.

"I'm ready," Saint sulked in the corner. His backpack hanging off his back and he was carrying his gaming station.

Naala breathed out, standing up straight and ignoring the sick feeling she had.

"Let's go home," Dave said taking her hand and holding it tight. They were going back to his home because it was closer and the way Naala was feeling, she needed as much support as she could get.

Dave had enough staff to work on the house while she rested.

~~

"Does your mom need to be here?" Naala whispered as Dave moved around the room putting his clothes on.

"Naala I thought you were over all of that," Dave paused looking back at her. She was laid in their bed with Malia right next to her. After the news of the baby, she became really clingy and didn't want to leave Naala's side.

Naala's stomach had grown and she was visibly pregnant when she wasn't wearing baggy clothes. Malia was staring into space, drawing shapes on her stomach.

"I don't feel comfortable with her in the house when you're not here," Naala expressed. She had nothing against Sonia she just didn't like her.

"But I'm going to close on the house, why don't you come with me," He suggested going into the closet.

"Mommy stay with Phat," Malia spoke quickly tightening her hold around her.

"That's why," Naala replied. "Your mom is always picking at what I do. If I cook, it's too salty for her. If I clean, the products make her sneeze, I can't win," Naala complained.

"Baby I'll be 2 hours tops, stay up here," Dave said walking closer to the bed.

"So she can call me lazy?" Naala responded. "No thank you," Naala said releasing Malia and sitting up.

"She knows your pregnant, she'll be easy on you," Dave answered. Naala fought the urge to roll her eyes, Dave never saw the faults in his mother and it irritated her. Sonia was an insufferable person and Naala couldn't bare to be in the same room with her.

"Come on Phat," Naala reached out for her. "Do you wanna make some brownies?"

Malia nodded, letting her mom lift her out of the bed. Dave stood behind them, kissing Malia's cheek then Naala's lips.

"I told you about carrying her," Dave said taking Malia out of Naala's arms.

"Sorry," Naala apologised lowly. She stepped into her fluffy slippers and put on her silk robe, wrapping it above her stomach.

Dave walked out in front of her carrying Malia. He forgot his phone on the dresser and it buzzed making Naala pick it up before walking out.

The message was from an unsaved number so Naala clicked, it was her mans phone - she had every right to do that.

"Who the hell is Tommie?" Naala mumbled to herself. She swiped off the message and took the phone, walking out of the bedroom.

Naala went down the steps and saw Dave standing in the kitchen, talking to his mother who seemed to be cooking something.

"Oh she's awake," Sonia said watching Naala enter the kitchen.

"Mama don't start," Dave warned. Naala didn't even have time to respond to Sonia, she wanted to know who Tommie was.

"You left your phone upstairs," Naala said softly handing him the phone. Dave took it and leaned down trying to kiss her. She moved her face and he caught her cheek,

"Phat wait right here, mommy will be one second," Naala said to Malia who was waiting patiently for her mom to finish up.

Dave followed Naala cluelessly into the hallway. "Who's Tommie?" Naala asked as soon as they were alone.

"Tommie?" Dave repeated. Tommie wasn't memorable to him so he didn't even think of her.

"She texted your phone don't act stupid," Naala said pointing at his phone. With a confused face, Dave unlocked his phone and went to the message. His confusion only got stronger as he read the message.

"Naala I honestly don't know who this is," Dave said truthfully.

"But it's a New York number so you must know who it is," Naala pressed. She was not going to be made a fool of again.