by Leaona Luxx
“His face was priceless, I can’t wait to see the pictures.”
“Your mom has outdone herself, this was perfect.” She sighs.
“She loves you and Silas.” I kiss the top of her head.
“Chord, it’s time for the cake,” Mom calls from the house.
I pat Sarah’s ass. “Not that kinda cake, Chord.” Thayer giggles.
“I’d take a bite.” I cheese at her, as I walk away.
I step through the door as Mom puts the candles on the cake. “He’s gonna love this, Mom. Thank you.” I put my arm around her, kissing the top of her head.
“You’re welcome. Are you doing anything for your birthday?” She eyes me as I light the candles.
“I haven’t mentioned it, we’ve had a lot going on.”
“She’ll feel terrible if she misses it.” Mom holds the door open when I pick up the cake.
“They come first, Mom. The best I could ever receive is having them here.” She pats my face as I scoot past her.
“You’re the sweetest.”
Sarah calls Silas over as we begin to sing. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Silas, happy birthday to you.”
His eyes sparkle as he stares at his cake. “Blow them out, buddy.”
He takes a big, deep breath and blows. We all cheer as Sarah hugs him. He turns to me, throwing his arms around me. I tremble, holding my son for the first time on the day of his birth.
Silas eats his cake, playing with Andi as he does. Sarah encourages him to open his presents but he doesn’t come until Andi sits with him. He tears through each gift, smiling and laughing.
“This is from us, baby boy.” Sarah hands him the wrapped box.
Paper flies in the air. “Oh, wow. I can rwecorwd with this. This is awesome!”
“I think that’s a win.” Sarah giggles. He inspects the Vtech Kidizoom, turning the box all the way around.
“Thank you, Momma.” He grabs on to Sarah, and she bends to hug him back.
He glances at me and sets the box down. Running toward me as fast as he can, he jumps into my arms, knocking me off balance. I hold him tight, tears welling in my eyes.
“Thank you. I love it all, Daddy,” he says with a kiss on my cheek. I lose it, tears falling like rain. This little boy owns me, just like his momma.
“You’re welcome.” I sniffle.
“I have a million toys,” Silas announces, going over to go through his stash. Between the Legos, basketball goal, race tracks, swing set and clothes, I think he might have a million.
Sarah slides into my lap, kissing my face as she settles in for the evening. The evening goes by fast. I sit out next to the ocean, taking it all in. If anyone had told me a month ago this would be happening, I’d laughed in their face.
“How you doin’?” One hands me a beer.
“Thanks.” I toss the top and take a drink. “Good.”
“They look happy.” We watch our family as they laugh and talk. “So why are you out here?”
“Sarah.” I sigh heavily. “She’s been through a lot of shit, I’m worried about her.”
He cuts his eyes at me. “Worried about what?”
“I can’t point my finger on it.” I chew on my lip.
“She’s working harder than you might think.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I know she’s doing a great job but she’s still holding back. You know what I mean?” I take another drag from my drink.
“I think I do. You know Lea and I have been through a lot of shit.” One turns to me. “Chord, you once told me, ‘you wanted a love worth deserving’, knowing full well you already had one, but it had been taken from you. You never lost sight of it, don’t now.”
“I’m not, she just worries me more than she’ll ever know.” I run my hand over my face.
“How the fuck did you get Walker to come dressed as a superhero?”
“I asked. He’s got a killer soft spot for kids.” We chuckle as we plod the path through the sand.
Silas and I pace the parking lot, his hand shoved in pockets, just like mine. Sarah’s inside, taking her driver’s exam.
“She’s been in there a while, should we go check on her?” I peer down at him.
“She said not to come in, cause it would make her nervous.” He stretches his neck to look up at me.
“We’ll give her a few more minutes, then we’ll go in.” He points toward the building as his mom walks across the lot. “So how’d you do?”
She smashes her lips into a thin line, my stomach drops. She holds up a paper, waving it. “Passed.”
We run to meet her, embracing her between us in our arms. “Congratulations, I knew you could do it.”
“Yay, Momma. You can drive!” Silas yells.
“I missed one, can you believe that, one?” she fumes.
“Oh, yeah. What question?”
“When can you pass a vehicle on the right?” She curls her lip.
“I have no clue.”
“Exactly.” We laugh as we walk to the SUV, hand in hand.
On our way to the office, we stop by the school Silas will be attending. We fill out his papers, and he has a look around. His teacher went to school with Thayer; she’s sweet, her husband’s a teacher also.
We drive on over to the office so Sarah can get a jumpstart on how things work. She’s nervous, even though she’s been told to not be. I let Silas go in my office to color and watch television.
“To answer the phone, pick it up. If a second call comes in, push this button, puts it on hold and here are the office buttons. Initials are beside them, hit that button. And it’s ‘Woods Development’.”
“Can we practice?” She scrunches her face up.
I grab her phone, pulling mine out. “You haven’t even set this up.”
“I’m waiting for you to help me.” She pouts, absolutely adorable. I lean in to kiss her plump lip.
“Practice the phone not kissing.” One chuckles.
“Here goes.” I dial the number, and she answers on the second ring.
“Thank you for calling Woods Development, this is Sarah.” I smile, hitting call from her phone. “Thank you for calling Woods Development, please hold.” She pushes a button.
“You transferred it successfully,” One calls from his office.
Sarah beams, so little praise but it means so much to her. “There ya go, baby.”
“Can we practice a couple more times?” she asks.
“We can, but first, let’s get your paperwork filled out.” I walk around the desk, opening the files.
I give her the tax papers and insurance information to let her work on them. I take time to check on Silas as she works on her personnel file. I glance at her when she puts her finger in her mouth. She’s worried.
“What’s up?”
“I didn’t graduate,” she whispers.
A pang in my stomach tightens. “Why did you not finish?”
She closes her eyes, shaking her head. “Mom wouldn’t let me. It was basically house arrest until she dumped me.”
The mere mention of her mom and how she was treated infuriates me. My face heats, turning my cheeks red. “Don’t worry about it, it’s not important. Until I’m on his birth certificate, he’ll be on your insurance. Or, until we get married.”
“Thank you.” Her mouth quirks up on one side.
“No need to thank me, love me.”
“I love you. Most.” She leans in, kissing me.
“Hey, can you grab the snacks for Silas from the fridge? There’s a bag on the counter to put it in.”
Chord walks into the closet, leaning against the door. “I sure will, he’s brushing his teeth right now and then we’ll go down.”
“Ughh, I’ve tried on three different outfits, nothing looks right.” I put my hands on my hips as I scan the hangers of clothes. I cut my eyes at him. “What?”
“Not a damn thing.” His heated perusal of my body sends a delicious wave of desire ov
er me.
“Should I wear this? Is this office apparel?” I spin, modeling my black lace bra and panties for him.
His eyes lock with mine, and he fists his cock through his pants. “You better fuckin’ find some clothes, now.”
“Or? I feel like there’s another choice.” I bite my lip, drawing his eyes to my mouth.
“We’re gonna fuck in this damn closet.” He steps toward me.
“Scat! I need to find some clothes, not lose what I already have on.” I giggle when he adjusts himself.
“Such a tease.”
“Baby, I can tease you.” I wink, leaning in as I rub down his zipper.
He lays his hand over mine, putting pressure on it. “You have no shame in what you do to me, do you?”
“Nope.” I back away, grinning. “Go help Silas, I’m coming.”
“I was about to.” He shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Poor baby, maybe sex on the desk this afternoon?” I waggle my brows.
He rolls his eyes with a shake of his head. “You’re killin’ me.” He walks out, only to stick his head back in. “I’ll put you on my schedule.”
“Chord!” He runs away, leaving me laughing. “Perv.”
I put on a blue patterned Boho dress with sandals, hurrying down to the boys. I shove a few things in a backpack for Silas, stopping long enough to gather myself.
“Here ya go.” Chord tosses me the keys to the SUV.
I toss them back. “Nope, not happening.”
“Yes, it is. You’ve got to practice because you need to know how to drive in case Silas needs you and no one’s around.” He tosses them back. “You look amazing, let’s go.”
“Oh, don’t I know.” He smirks.
“Fine but if I wreck it, it’s on you.” I shrug, throwing my purse over my shoulder.
“If you wreck it, I’ll go buy a new one and you can pick yours out while we’re there.” He holds the door open for me, carrying Silas’ bags and holding his hand.
I pause, stretching to press a kiss on his lips. “You’re too good to me, Chord.”
“I do it all for those lips.” I kiss him again, smiling as we leave.
We make it to the office in one piece, although it took us a little longer. I settle in, taking calls like a pro. Now, to master this computer. I fire it up, watching it come to life. I can do this, I can.
The scheduling screen pops up, everything this office does is on here. Who’s going to what site, what supplies are coming in and when, and who’s in office and available. I can’t do this. Shit.
I chew on my nail, studying the layout. “What’s the use, like I’ve used one of these in years.” I bury my head into my hands.
“You’ll get it.” Chord’s arms encase me.
“I was in high school the last time I used one of these.” I place my finger back in my mouth, to have Chord lower it again.
“We can access this from the house, I can also duplicate it so you can practice.” My eyes widen.
“Seriously? That would be amazing, thank you.” I kiss his cheek.
He turns his face to me. “You missed.”
“Oh, sorry.” I press my lips to his.
“Sarah, I get so caught up in us being together again, that I forget what an adjustment you’ve been through. Never underestimate yourself, you’re kicking ass.” This time, he kisses me.
The first week at work passes quickly and after a little help from Chord, I’ve mastered the computer. I drive to work everyday and today, Silas starts school. I’m a nervous wreck but he’s ecstatic.
“Momma, I see Andi.” He tugs on my hand, pointing across the hall.
I wave at Torrie, she and Andi walk over. “Hi, Silas.” Andi waves.
“Hey, Andi. Where’s your class?” Silas asks.
“Two doors down.” Andi smiles. She’s a little older, but I don’t think that matters to my little man. “We’ll have recess together.”
“He’ll be fine, Andi loves it here. There’s your mom, Andi.” Torrie waves at Ava; they share custody and are best friends. Parenting done right.
“Silas, we have to go.” I kneel in front of him when I see Chord walking toward us.
“You’re good to go, buddy.” Chord paid for his lunch.
“I love you. Be sure to smile, people like that. And don’t worry if you don’t make many new friends. Sometimes, one is more important than five.” Chord rubs my shoulders. I pull Silas into a hug, tears welling.
“Daddy said it’s better to make one friend forever than five for now.” He nods.
Chord squats beside us. “Your momma and I were best friends at your age, and I’ve loved her ever since. Be brave, be strong, and do work. Fist bump.” Silas hits Chord’s hand and then wraps his arms around him.
“I love you, Dad.”
Chord’s breath hitches. “I love you most.”
“Love you, Momma.” He hugs me again, leaving us weeping fools in the hallway.
Chord sighs, holding his hand out as he stands. “Come on, babe. He’s made his move.”
“I think you may need to carry me out.” I giggle, drying my face. I grab his hand, allowing him to pull me up.
“My chest feels like One’s sitting on it. Shew, I can’t breathe.” Chord rubs his chest.
I sniffle. “I can’t breathe outta my nose.” He wrinkles his.
“Because you’re snotty.” He gigs my side, making me giggle as we walk out the door.
I sniffle again. “Kiss me, baby.”
His face scrunches. “Eww.”
“I did kiss you, snot and all.”
“That’s gross, but I would too.” He kisses me, opening the car door.
Driving to work, my mind is with Silas. Last year, I was afraid of leaving him. This year, I can’t stand to part with him. I fight the urge to turn around and get him, I can homeschool him.
“I miss him too.” Chord takes my hand as we walk into work.
“Good, I thought I was being unreasonable.”
I sit down at my desk, getting to work on my memos. Around noon, I’m elbow deep into scheduling when the date pops up. I’m working on Chord’s appointments for the twenty-ninth.
Today’s the twenty-sixth of August. Chord’s birthday, fuck. What am I going to do? I don’t have the money to buy him anything, I can’t even let Silas get him something. I glare at the screen, hating myself for forgetting.
“You okay?” Lea asks.
I cover my face. “Chord’s birthday, I forgot about it. How in the hell could I do that, it’s six days after Silas’?”
“He doesn’t care, he’s happy if y’all are.” She shrugs.
“I have to do something, what can I do?” I stare at her, it’s like a light over her head. Her face lights up.
“Didn’t you dance?” She waggles her brows.
My face flames as I close my eyes. “I was a stripper.”
“Oh, girl. Don’t be ashamed of that, you were taking care of your son.” She leans on the counter.
“Still, not my proudest moment.”
“Why the hell not? I was a single mom, that’s hard shit. You supported and raised a child on your own, damn right you should be proud.” She takes my hand. “And what’s better than a gift from the heart.”
“Chord wasn’t thrilled with me doing it.”
“No, Chord was upset that you had to do it for his child. And if he’s like his brother, he didn’t want other men to look at what’s his. Trust me, that man will fall at your feet if you strip for him.” She snickers.
“I can bake him a cake and then give him the pie.”
She smirks. “We’re gonna be such good friends.” We giggle until it turns into laughter.
“I need to get to the store for cake mix and icing without him knowing.”
“I’m two doors down, sneak down and I’ll hook you up.” She smiles as Chord turns the corner.
“What are y’all up to?” He cocks his brow.
“Nothing, honey.” We gig
gle again.
I hurry through the door with my bounty from Lea, hoping Chord’s still working with Silas. I sneak around the corner, checking to see where they’re at, Chord has other plans. He grabs me from behind, scaring the shit out of me.
“Ahhhh! Chord, damn it all to hell!”
He holds his hands up, his cheeks blown up. “I’m sorry.” He says through his laughter.
“Paybacks are a bitch.” I throw a dish towel at him.
“What’s this?” He picks up the bag, looking inside. His eyes snap to mine.
“Did you forget to mention something?” I lean against the sink.
He shifts his position. “We’ve been busy.”
“I call bullshit.”
“Huh?” His brows draw together.
“You wouldn’t allow me to give that excuse.” I fold my arms.
“You’re right, so what are we doing?” He comes over to stand beside me.
I lay my head on his shoulder. “I’m baking you a cake, and we’re meeting everyone for dinner. I have nothing to give you, Silas doesn’t either.”
“You’ve given me everything.” He puts his arm around me.
“I’ve got an idea, I’ll be right back.” I jump from his embrace. “Then I’m gonna bake you a cake.”
“I heard something about pie earlier.” He flashes me his mischievous grin.
“Cake first, pie later.” I wink, rushing up the stairs to Silas.
We have several tables at The Grillin’ Crab as the entire family joins us for Chord’s birthday. As the check arrives, Cal hands Chord his birthday present. Silas pulls on my arm.
“After Grandpa Cal, okay?” He sits back down.
“Happy birthday, Chord.” Cal gives him a manly hug with a pat on the back. Followed by Elise.
“We love you, baby.” She pats his face.
He opens the envelope, removing the card. He smiles, lifting the card to them. “Thank you.” No one says a word about the check tucked inside.
“Can I, Momma?” I nod. “Daddy, I made you something.” Silas crawls under the table, springing back up with his backpack. Chord watches impatiently as Silas reaches him a handcrafted card. “Here, I made this for you.”
He leans over, reading it as Chord does. “Thank you, Silas. It’s the best I’ve been given.” He hauls him into a hug.
