As I stare down at the three positive pregnancy tests, I cup my hand over my belly and cry. Big, heaping sobs. I’ve wanted nothing more in life than to be a baker and a mother just like my adopted mother, Vanessa Jackson. To show my child from the second it took its first breath I would always want her and do right by her—or him. Unlike my biological parents, I would want to give a child the love and family the Jacksons gave me.
And while the tears fall down my cheeks, I vow to my unborn child I will do exactly that. Regardless of whether or not Silas McKnight wants any part of his child’s life, I’ll be everything our child needs and more.
Positive.
Plus…one.
Three weeks earlier…
Harmony Jack’s is packed to the gills with bodies as I enter and push past a beefy, handsy fellow. Mentally, I chastise myself for my choice of attire, but the sparkly blue, micro-mini dress called to me. So the hem sits just below my ass…big deal. I work hard in the studio to keep my shit tight. Aside from my ba-donk-a-donk. It seems there is nothing I can do about the size of my ass. Squats, leg lifts, and an endless circuit of yoga poses with an emphasis on slimming the glutes does absolutely nothing but make my bum higher and tighter. I’ve since given up on trying to slim it down and now focus on flaunting the hell out of it. If a man doesn’t want tits and ass, they can get to steppin’. Ain’t nobody got time for that noise.
I see my crew at the back of the bar. They look like they are hugging Honor, Nick’s woman, for some reason. As I wiggle my way through the dancers and partygoers, I see Nick and wave. He pulls me into a hug. I turn around and snuggle Dash and his wife, Amber, and then Atlas before Nick hooks his arm with mine and leads me toward where Honor is standing next to a fine-as-fuck black man. His mocha-colored skin positively gleams under the flashing lights of the bar as I give him the once-over. He’s dressed to impress: black slacks, a royal-blue dress shirt tucked in, with a thin leather belt around his trim waist. I can tell by the V shape of his upper body he’s likely packing some seriously tight muscles under those threads. When I make my way up his form and my gaze lands on his face, his bright smile positively blinds me.
“Lordy…” I whisper under my breath as Honor leans into the fine man’s space and says something I can’t hear.
Still, I watch as he nods and does his once-over of my body, from my spiked silver heels up my bare legs to my cleavage-bearing chest, before landing on my face. He licks his lips and bites the bottom one. I’m positive my panties have dampened from one damn perusal.
I lift my hand to push my suddenly heavy locks off my neck so I can get a little air on my overly heated skin.
“Hey, babe, you know Dara Jackson from Lotus House.” Nick lets me go and loops his arm around Honor.
She smiles softly and glances at me. “I do. Good to see you again.”
I glance at Nick and note his rather possessive hold on the blonde and can’t help but offer encouragement. I want to see my friend settled and happy. Honor seems to give him that. And I know for a fact she needs him. Shy, sweet, and naïve. Plus, her aura is starting to shimmer with a glowing pink, meaning these two are about to have some serious fun!
“Glad you scooped up your man. I’m sure there are yogis everywhere crying into their soy chai latte over the resident hottie being off the market.” I laugh and wink at Nick.
“Absolutely off the market,” Nick confirms and then curves his head toward Honor’s and kisses her. “We’re living together now too,” he says with pride and another peck of his woman’s mouth.
I sigh. I love seeing Nick so taken with this woman. It gives me hope the right man is out there for me too. Not that I’ve had a good one yet.
The man standing next to Honor clears his throat, reminding me of his presence. Not that I could forget. He’s ridiculously attractive, and his light eyes have not left me since I arrived. Hell, I could feel those hazel gems running all over me while I greeted my friends a few minutes ago. Now, it’s no different. He’s not even trying to act cool. Confidence. I like that in a man. Almost as much as I like a body that won’t quit and a smile that could melt the panties off any sista in here.
“Righteous.” I grin at Nick before turning my attention lazily to hot stuff. “And who is this tall, dark drink of heaven?” I extend my hand.
He takes hold of my hand. The instant our palms touch, a sizzle of magnetism starts my hand chakras spinning in the opposite direction, my body’s way of trying to pair instantly with his energy. Interesting. More interesting is when he lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. I swoon in my spiked heels, nearly falling over, but his tight grip won’t allow that, and I sway toward him.
“I’m Silas McKnight. I work with Atlas.” He gestures over to our friends behind me.
Right then, Atlas claps Silas on the back. “Don’t let him fool you, Dara. He’s my boss. The dude is rich, available, and a hard worker.” He clocks Silas on the arm. “Don’t say I never did nuthin’ for ya, buddy, but I’ve got to get home. Mila says Aria is awake with a fever and calling for her daddy. My girls
