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to tell you what's been going on. Can I see you today?"
About twenty minutes later, Jessica woke and rolled over to check her phone. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw that Jalen had finally texted her back. She stared at her phone, rereading his message. She had been waiting for a response all night, telling herself she wouldn't be bothered if he didn't reply, but now that he had... she felt her pulse quicken.
"Can I see you today?" Those words seem to hit deeper than they should have.
Jessica hesitated. Not because she didn't want to see him (she definitely did) but because she knew what it would mean. If she agreed to this, she wouldn't be able to hide behind her excuses anymore or pretend she wasn't drawn to him in a way that scared her.
She exhaled and typed back:
Jessica: "Yeah. Come by my place. I'll text you the address."
Less than a minute later, he replied.
Jalen: "I'll be there at 11."
Jessica quickly stood up, running a hand through her long red hair. "Damn it. Why does this feel like a moment I can't come back from?" She thought.
She spent the next ninety minutes getting ready. Once she'd showered and slipped on her silk robe, she moved to the mirror and sat down, checking her reflection. She did her hair and her makeup. She opted for a more minimal look. Just mascara and a hint of gloss. Normally, she'd go all out when she knew she was seeing a man, especially one like Jalen, but something told her he wouldn't care about all that.
Still, she opted for something in between. She chose a simple yet elegant outfit. A form-fitting dark green wrap dress that complemented her hair, paired with black So Kate 12-cm Louboutin high-heeled pumps. She left her makeup natural, just enhancing what was already there. It was effortless, but she still looked stunning.
By the time she heard the knock at the door at 11:02 am, her heart was already racing. Jessica took a deep breath, then opened the door.
Jalen stood there, looking as good as ever in a fitted black button-up and dark jeans. His eyes scanned her, and a slow, appreciative smile spread across his lips.
"Damn," he said softly. "You look amazing."
Jessica smiled back, stepping aside to let him in. "I try."
As soon as the door closed behind him, she felt it again, that pull toward him, and this time, she wasn't sure she had the strength to resist it.
Jalen entered, taking in her penthouse. It was sleek and modern, with a mix of deep emerald and gold accents. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline. Everything about the space screamed Jessica Robinson: elegant, polished, and a little untouchable.
Jessica walked ahead of him, the click-clack of her heels echoing against the marble floors. "Drink?" she asked.
"Water's fine," Jalen said, not wanting to make this feel like anything other than what it was. A conversation they both needed to have.
Jessica grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and handed one to him. They stood there for a moment, neither saying anything, the weight of everything unspoken lingering between them.
"So..." Jessica started, leaning against the counter. "I saw the news."
Jalen nodded. "Figured you did. Chris Westward is finally in jail where he belongs."
Jessica studied him, clearly trying to read between the lines of his calm demeanor. "And you're okay?"
Jalen took a step closer, watching her carefully. "Are you okay?"
Jessica faltered for a second. "Me?"
"Yeah. You." Jalen leaned against the counter next to her. "You saw the news yesterday, and instead of shrugging it off, you reached out to me. Why?"
Jessica scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself."
Jalen smirked. "I'm not. I'm just pointing out that for someone who's trying real hard not to care, you sure did seem to care a lot."
Jessica rolled her eyes, but he saw the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. He wasn't wrong, and she knew it.
"Maybe I just don't like unfinished stories," she muttered.
Jalen chuckled. "That what we are? A story?"
Jessica turned her head to look at him, her green eyes searching his. For a long moment, she didn't say anything. Then, finally, she spoke, her voice quieter this time.
"I don't know what we are, Jalen."
Jalen nodded slowly, then reached out and took her hand. She didn't pull away.
"Then let's figure it out," he said softly.
Jessica stared down at their hands for a moment before sighing. "Jalen, I didn't know that you've been dealing with all this with Chris Westward, the threats, and Megan getting taken. Jesus, and here I was thinking you were just ghosting me."
Jalen squeezed her hand gently. "I would never do that to you."
Jessica scoffed but didn't pull away. "I mean, I guess I have been kind of pushing you away. Can't say I would've blamed you if you did."
Jalen shook his head. "That's not how I operate. You needed space, I gave it to you, but I did think about you, even when I had a million other things going on."
Jessica looked away, taking a deep breath. "You're making this hard."
"Making what hard?"
Jessica turned back to him, her lips pressing together. She looked torn, as if she was struggling against herself. "Letting go."
Jalen's brow furrowed. "Who said you have to let go?"
Jessica let out a breathy chuckle. "Oh, come on, Jalen. You and I both know your life is insane. Seven women, seven pregnancies, and an attempted assassination? Yet somehow, I just keep getting pulled deeper into this, even when I told myself I wouldn't."
Jalen tilted his head. "You really want out?"
Jessica opened her mouth, but no words came out. She hesitated, her fingers lightly gripping his. Then, she exhaled in frustration and looked down.
Jalen smiled knowingly. "That's what I thought."
Jessica rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the way her lips twitched at his cocky tone. "You're infuriating."
"So I've been told," Jalen smirked.
Jessica sighed, then looked up at him again. "So what now?"
Jalen laced his fingers with hers. "Well, I'd like to take you out again. Properly this time. No club or heavy conversations. Just you and me having a good time."
Jessica arched a brow. "Like a real date?"
Jalen nodded. "Yeah. Jennifer Rollins on a real date with Jalen Moss."
Jessica/Jennifer looked at him for a long moment, then finally, she cracked a smile. "Fine, but I'm picking the place."
Jalen grinned. "Deal."
"Let's go." Jennifer said, "I'm driving by the way. I'm not a huge fan of your truck."
"Hey! Don't disrespect Shiela!" Jalen said in mock offense.
Jennifer laughed as she grabbed her purse and led the way to the door. "Sheila? Oh my God, you named your truck?"
Jalen scoffed, following her out. "Damn right I did. Sheila's been with me through thick and thin."
Jennifer rolled her eyes but still smiled. "Yeah, well, today, we're rolling in something with a little more style." She tossed him a playful smile.
They walked out to the parking garage where she clicked the unlock button on her key fob.
Jalen turned his head toward the sound of the beeping car, and his brows lifted in amusement. "A Mercedes AMG?! Damn, alright, big money."
Jennifer shot him a smug glance as she slid into the driver's seat. "Well, I am Jessica Robinson, after all."
Jalen chuckled as he got in on the passenger side. "So where are we going?"
Jennifer smirked. "You'll see."
Jalen relaxed into the seat, watching her as she expertly maneuvered out of the parking garage.
As Jennifer drove, she kept her expression neutral, but inside, her emotions were warring with each other. She wasn't going to let Jalen see how much she had missed him. She wasn't going to let herself fall too deep, but damn it, sitting next to him again, feeling his presence so close, hearing his deep, smooth voice, she felt something.
Jalen, always observant, leaned back in his seat and studied her for a moment. "So, you're just gonna pretend like you didn't miss me at all?"
Jennifer scoffed, keeping her eyes on the road. "I don't pretend anything."
Jalen smiled. "Mhm. So, no thoughts about me the last few weeks? No replays of certain moments in your head?"
Jennifer tightened her grip on the steering wheel. She refused to blush. "I've been busy."
Jalen chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, you've been busy, huh? That's cute."
She exhaled, trying to keep her cool. "Jalen."
"Jennifer."
She glanced at him briefly before returning her focus to the road. "Don't be annoying."
"I'll stop if you admit it."
"Admit what?"
"That you missed me."
Jennifer rolled her eyes. "Jalen—"
"You know what? Never mind." Jalen turned to face the window, his voice dripping with amusement. "I'll just wait for the moment when you slip up and say it yourself."
Jennifer let out a frustrated sigh. "God, you're insufferable."
Jalen smiled again, but he didn't say anything else. He knew the truth, and whether she wanted to admit it or not, the way she kept sneaking glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking told him everything he needed to know.
A few minutes later, she pulled into a quiet, scenic overlook, a hidden gem on the outskirts of the city with a perfect view of the skyline in the distance.
Jalen whistled low. "Damn, this is nice."
Jennifer parked the car and turned off the engine. "I thought you could use a peaceful moment."
Jalen turned to her, something softer in his eyes now. "That's...really thoughtful, Jennifer."
Jennifer shifted in her seat, suddenly feeling exposed. "Well, you've been through a lot. Figured you might need to breathe."
Jalen watched her closely, and for a brief moment, the teasing disappeared. "I appreciate this."
Jennifer nodded, looking out at the view instead of him. She needed a second to compose herself because damn it, she really had missed him.
Jalen stepped out of the car, stretching slightly as he took in the breathtaking view. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over the city skyline. Jennifer followed, standing next to him with her arms crossed. The warm breeze lifted strands of her auburn hair, and Jalen resisted the urge to tuck them behind her ear.
"You know," Jalen started, placing his hands in his pockets. "For someone who's been 'busy' and totally didn't miss me, this is a pretty thoughtful thing to do."
Jennifer exhaled sharply, shaking her head with a smirk. "God, you just can't help yourself, can you?"
"Nope." Jalen grinned. "I like messing with you."
She turned to face him, tilting her head slightly. "You really are something else."
"You like that about me."
Jennifer gave him a long look, lips slightly parted, as if she wanted to argue, but she didn't. Instead, she just looked back at the view, choosing silence over confirmation.
Jalen took a step closer, lowering his voice. "You know, it's okay if you did. Miss me, I mean."
Jennifer kept her eyes on the skyline, but he could see the shift in her expression. The slight tension in her jaw, the way her fingers twitched slightly at her sides.
Finally, she exhaled. "I might have."
Jalen raised an eyebrow. "Might?"
Jennifer turned to look at him fully, finally letting the weight of the moment settle. "Fine. I did. Happy now?"
Jalen's teasing smile softened into something more genuine. "Yeah. I am."
For the first time in the conversation, Jennifer felt vulnerable, and it scared her. She had spent so long keeping her walls up, keeping men at a distance, especially men like Jalen, who had the potential to break through all of her defenses without even trying. So, she deflected.
"Well, don't get too full of yourself," she said, rolling her shoulders as she walked a few feet away, leaning against the railing that overlooked the city. "Just because I missed you doesn't mean I know what to do with you."
Jalen followed, standing beside her. "Then don't think so hard about it."
She let out a short, breathy laugh. "Easier said than done."
He turned, resting his elbow against the railing as he faced her. "You don't have to have it all figured out right now, Jennifer. You don't have to decide anything today. All I care about is this. You being here, us being here."
Jennifer finally met his eyes, and for the first time, she didn't try to guard herself. She just let herself be, and for the first time in weeks, she felt like she wasn't fighting a losing battle. She was just... with Jalen.
"So I've been wondering...," Jalen said looking out at the city skyline, "are you more scared of my crazy situation or trusting me?"
Jennifer exhaled sharply, gripping the railing a little tighter. She knew Jalen was the type to cut straight through the bullshit, but she still wasn't ready for that question. Not when she was barely holding herself together as it was.
"I don't know," she admitted, her voice quieter than she intended.
Jalen turned his head back towards her and leaned in slightly, his presence grounding, steady. "Yeah, you do."
Jennifer turned to look at him, her green eyes flashing with something between frustration and vulnerability. "Why do you always do that?"
"Do what?"
"Make me say the things I don't want to admit."
Jalen shrugged. "Because I don't think you don't want to admit them. I think you just don't know what happens after you do."
Jennifer swallowed hard. He wasn't wrong. Of course, he wasn't.
"I don't know how to trust someone like you," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not because I think you're a liar. Not because I think you're a bad man. But because I don't understand how someone like you exists. A man who loves seven women, who actually loves them. Who takes care of them. Who—" She stopped herself, shaking her head like she was trying to get the thoughts out of her head before they consumed her.
Jalen stayed quiet, letting her process it all in real time.
Jennifer sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's easier to believe you'll disappoint me than to believe you won't."
Jalen nodded slowly, as if he expected that answer. "And if I don't?"
Jennifer let out a dry laugh. "Then that's even scarier."
Jalen watched her carefully. "You're scared to be happy."
Jennifer didn't deny it. Jalen turned fully to her now, his hand reaching up to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "I can't promise that I'll be perfect. I can't promise that this will always be easy, but what I can promise is that I'm here, right now, showing you exactly who I am. And I'll keep showing you, every single time."
Jennifer's chest tightened. She felt something inside her breaking apart, some old, rusted-out piece of armor she had worn for too long.
"I don't know how to let go of that fear," she whispered.
Jalen gave her a soft smile. "Then let me help you."
Jalen gently cupped her face and leaned in for a soft kiss.
Jennifer didn't pull away.
She told herself she should resist this, keep her walls up, and remind herself that this wasn't safe. That getting too close to Jalen Moss was a guaranteed way to lose herself in something she wasn't sure she could handle, but as soon as his lips touched hers, she knew she was already lost. The kiss was slow and deliberate as if Jalen was giving her time to change her mind, but she didn't. She melted into it, her hands gripping the lapels of his jacket, pulling him closer, needing more. Jalen deepened the kiss, his hands sliding down to her waist, then lower, holding her in a way that made her feel like she was something precious, something to be cherished, not just desired. Jennifer let out a soft sigh against his lips, the sound involuntary, and she felt Jalen smile against her mouth.
"See?" he murmured between kisses. "Not so scary."
Jennifer huffed a small laugh, her forehead resting against his. "You're still a smug bastard."
Jalen grinned. "Yeah, but you like that about me."
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she tightened her grip on his jacket and pulled him in for another kiss, this one deeper, hungrier, filled with all the emotions she'd been trying so hard to suppress, and a lot of tongue. Jalen responded in kind, pressing her gently against the railing, his hands gripping her hips as his body molded against hers. The heat between them was undeniable, but more than that, it was real. Not just attraction or lust but something deeper. When they finally pulled apart, Jennifer's lips were swollen, her breath uneven. She searched Jalen's face, trying to read what he was thinking.
His eyes were dark, full of something intense but controlled. He lifted a hand, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "You gonna let me in now?" he asked softly.
Jennifer swallowed hard. The walls weren't down completely. Not yet, but for the first time, she wanted to let them fall.
She exhaled and gave him the smallest nod.
Jalen smiled. "Good. One step at a time, Jennifer."
They were silent for a moment as they basked in each other's aura.
Then Jennifer looked at him and suddenly said, "Backseat."
Jalen smiled a mischievous smile. "Yes, ma'am."
She barely gave him time to react before she grabbed his hand and led him toward her sleek black Mercedes. She unlocked the doors with a quick press of a button and slid the seats forward, allowing access to the backseat. Jennifer slid in first, her green wrap dress hitching slightly as she settled into the plush leather.
Jalen climbed in right after her, shutting the door behind them. The second it clicked closed, Jennifer was on him. She straddled his lap, her black Louboutin heels pressing into the floor as she pulled him into a searing kiss.
Jalen groaned, his hands squeezing her ass before sliding up her back, pulling her even closer. "Damn, Jennifer," he murmured against her lips. "You don't waste time, do you?"
"I've wasted weeks," she breathed, rolling her hips against him. "Not wasting another second."
She kissed him again with even more hunger. Jalen didn't hesitate any longer. His hands slid under her dress, his fingers exploring smooth, warm skin as she rocked against him. Jennifer's breath hitched as he traced slow, deliberate patterns along the inside of her thigh.
"You're playing with fire, Moss," she whispered, her voice laced with anticipation.
Jalen smirked against her neck. "Then let's burn."
Jennifer unbuckled Jalen's belt and unzipped his pants. Jalen lifted himself so he could pull his pants and boxers down revealing his rock hard cock. Jennifer hiked up her dress, positioned herself over him. She moved her panties out of the way, grabbed his cock and placed it at her entrance. Jennifer then slowly sat down.
She let out a gasp and shut her eyes as she slowly sank down onto Jalen, feeling every inch of him stretch and fill her completely as she guided him inside of her. Her red acrylic nails dug into his shoulders as she steadied herself. Jalen exhaled a low groan, his hands gripping her waist firmly, holding her in place so he could relish the way she felt around him.
"Fuck!" Jennifer said, her forehead resting against his for a brief second as she adjusted to him. "You feel even better than I remember."
Jalen smiled, his hands sliding down to grip her ass cheeks again. "Then you better hold on tight, because I plan on making up for lost time."
Jennifer lifted herself slightly before rolling her hips down again, setting a slow but deliberate rhythm. Her body moved with effortless grace, the way she did on stage, except this was for him, not an audience. Jalen watched her, completely mesmerized, as she took control, her movements sensual and precise, her breathy moans music to his ears.
The confined space of the backseat only made everything more intense. Every thrust, every grind, every deep movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through them. Jennifer threw her head back, exposing the elegant curve of her neck, her auburn waves cascading down her back as she moaned his name.
Jalen gritted his teeth, gripping her ass, helping guide her movements as she rode him. "You look so fucking good like this," he muttered, his voice thick with need. "Like you were made for me."
Jennifer's eyes met his, dark with lust. "Maybe I was," she whispered before crushing her lips against his in a deep, heated kiss. Their tongues tangled, their breaths mingled, and their bodies moved in perfect sync.
The windows of the car fogged up as the pace quickened. Jennifer's moans became more urgent, her grip on his shoulders tightening as she neared her climax. Jalen felt her walls tighten around him, her body trembling as pleasure overtook her. He groaned, holding onto her as she rode out her orgasm, her nails dragging down his chest through his shirt as she screamed with pleasure to the heavens.
"That's it, baby," he murmured, thrusting up into her, chasing his own release. "Come for me."
Jennifer rode it out for a few more seconds before she collapsed against him, her breath hot against his neck. She took a few moments to collect herself, as Jalen held her. Then she looked up at Jalen and smiled. Their eyes met, both with a mischievous glint. Jennifer started to roll again, her forehead resting on Jalen's. She gradually increased her pace, eventually making the whole car shake with her movements. Jalen tilted his head back and closed his eyes. He was about to pop.
"Jennifer..., Shit! I'm about to cum..."
Jennifer didn't stop, she was consumed by her pleasure from riding Jalen and another part of her that wanted to see him unravel beneath her. About twenty seconds later, Jalen's grip tightened as he groaned her name, while his body tensed. The head of his cock pulsated and shot streams of milky white semen all inside of her vagina. Jennifer rode him out as he did, allowing him to unload inside of her until he had nothing left. Eventually, Jalen emptied the last of his cum from his cock. A few moments passed in blissful silence, their heavy breathing the only sound in the enclosed space.
Then suddenly, Jennifer's eyes widened in realization as she came to her senses, her breath catching in her throat as she slowly lifted herself off of Jalen. She could feel the undeniable warmth inside of her and the proof of what they had just done.
"Oh... fuck," she whispered, her expression shifting from post-orgasmic bliss to sheer panic.
Jalen, still coming down from his high, furrowed his brows at her sudden change in demeanor.
"What's wrong?" he asked, brushing his hands up and down her thighs soothingly.
Jennifer swallowed hard, adjusting her dress back down as she sat beside him in the cramped backseat. She ran a hand through her tousled hair, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths.
"You... you didn't pull out," she finally said, her voice laced with both shock and disbelief.
Jalen blinked, the weight of her words settling in.
"Jen..." he started, reaching for her hand, but she quickly pulled away, her green eyes flickering with emotion, confusion, fear, frustration, and something else he couldn't quite place.
"No, no, no... this was not supposed to happen," she muttered, shaking her head as if trying to will the situation away. "I told you...I told you I wasn't ready for a baby."
Jalen sighed, running a hand over his face. "I hear you, and I wasn't trying to—" He stopped himself. His thoughts were all over the place. On one hand, he felt bad because he never meant to do anything that Jennifer wasn't prepared for, on the other hand... he remembered that she was the one on top of him, clearly enjoying the unprotected sex they were having. Jalen had said loud and clear that he was close to cumming, and yet Jennifer never got off of him.
Jennifer let out a shaky breath, staring at nothing in particular, her mind clearly racing.
"Okay... it's fine. I just—I'll take a pill. It's not a big deal," she said, more to herself than to him, as if trying to convince herself that everything was still under control.
Jalen frowned, watching her carefully. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?" he asked gently.
Jennifer shot him a sharp look. "What other option is there?"
Jalen held her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I mean... what if you don't?"
Jennifer let out a dry laugh, rubbing her temples. "Jalen... no. I just started accepting you into my life. I am not about to have your baby. I can't."
Jalen nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. He wasn't going to push her, but deep down, a part of him couldn't ignore what this could mean. She was the eighth woman.
"Okay," he said softly, even though it didn't sit right with him. "I'll support whatever you decide."
Jennifer looked at him then, her expression unreadable. For a moment, she didn't say anything. Then, after what felt like an eternity, she sighed and reached for the car door handle.
"Comon, I'll drive you home." She muttered.
Jalen, still a bit dumbfounded in the sudden drastic change in the tone of their day together, pulled his pants and underwear back on before climbing out of the car, and walking around to enter the front passenger seat. He looked back and could see the sweat and semen that had dripped onto the back seat.
Jennifer quickly got into the driver seat, started the car, and pulled out of the lot. She drove very assertively, determined to get Jalen back to his apartment as quickly as possible so she could go to the pharmacy, get the Plan-B bill and try to process how she allowed what just transpired to happen.
As Jennifer drove, her mind was spinning.
"He came inside me." She thought.
She hadn't moved when he told her he was about to cum. Hell she didn't even move right away as she felt the undeniable warmth inside of her, her body tingling from the intensity of it. She had stayed on top of him. It was a choice she made in the moment, and the craziest thing was... she had liked it.
She remembered the feeling of satisfaction and content the moment his dick spilled semen inside of her. She had felt so powerful being able to make him unravel like that, and she also felt close to Jalen emotionally in that moment.
This was all before she came to her senses of course. All before her logic and reason finally regained control.
Jalen watched her, sensing the internal storm raging within her. He reached up, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "Jennifer... talk to me."
"Jen—"
"No." She cut him off, running a hand through her tousled red waves. "Don't say anything right now. I just... I need to think."
She stared straight ahead, her breathing deep and controlled. Jalen didn't push. He knew better than to rush her when she was clearly trying to process her emotions.
After a long pause, she let out a slow, shaky exhale. "I should've made you wear a condom."
Jalen rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean... yeah, that probably would've been the smart move."
Jennifer shot him a look, and for a brief second, Jalen thought she might actually hit him.
"I told you I wasn't ready for this," she said, her voice softer this time.
"I know," Jalen said, nodding. "And I swear, I wasn't trying to—"
"You weren't trying, Jalen?!" she scoffed. "Because it really felt like you meant to stay inside of me."
Jalen sighed. "Jen, look—I got caught up in the moment. We did."
Jennifer pressed her lips together, her long red nails tapping against the steering wheel anxiously as she drove more aggressively through the streets.
A long silence stretched between them.
Jalen hesitated before saying something he felt compelled to say. "If you recall, you didn't move when I told you I was close. You let it happen."
Jennifer's breath hitched, but she quickly masked it with an eye roll. "That doesn't mean I wanted to get pregnant, Jalen."
Jalen nodded. "I get that. But I also think... maybe a part of you wasn't as against it as you thought."
Jennifer shook her head, looking away. "I can't do this right now."
They reached Jalen's apartment complex.
"Jennifer, wait. Can we just talk about this?" Jalen said, turning to her after she pulled up to his building.
"No, Jalen." She said very sternly, keeping her eyes straight ahead. "I just...I need to be alone. I'll text you later."
Jalen sighed. "Okay."
He opened the door and climbed out the car. Right after he shut the door, Jessica pulled out and drove away leaving Jalen feeling sad and confused.
*****************************
Jennifer set her GPS to the nearest drug store and drove there on a mission. She arrived at a Walgreens ten minutes later, where she found a Plan-B pack and purchased it along with a bottle of water. She opened it in her car and quickly swallowed the pill while washing it down with water.
She then leaned back and exhaled.
"That was too close." She thought. "I can't believe Jalen-..."
She stopped her train of thought. It wasn't what Jalen didn't do. It was what she didn't do. She didn't get off him. It had been on her to do so once Jalen made it clear he was close and she didn't. It made her feel like shit. Because she wanted to blame Jalen but deep down she knows it was all her...
Jessica drove back to her condo, parked her car, and went inside. When she got inside, she took off her heels, went to the couch and sat down, hugging her knees. Her mind was an absolute storm of conflicting emotions. The condo around her felt too quiet, too still, amplifying the chaos inside her head.
She had done the logical thing. She took the pill, erased the risk before it could turn into something real. That's what she was supposed to do. That was the plan. So why the hell did she feel like she had just ripped something away from herself?
Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. She hadn't been fair to Jalen. Not at all. She had lashed out at him when she knew damn well that she wanted it..., wanted him, in every sense of the word. It wasn't just sex. It wasn't just desire. She had wanted to be that close to him, to keep him inside her in a way that she couldn't even explain to herself.
But why? Why would she do that when she had never wanted that kind of attachment before? Jennifer squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force the thoughts away.
"It was the moment. The heat. That's all it was." She thought.
But that wasn't all it was because even now, after taking the pill, after trying to shove it all aside, something inside her ached. Did a part of her actually want to have Jalen's baby?
Her heart pounded at the thought, her stomach twisting in a way that had nothing to do with the pill she just took.
No. That was ridiculous. She wasn't one of them. She wasn't Kristen, or Sydney, or Rachel, or any of the other women who had already embraced Jalen and his insane reality. She was Jessica fucking Robinson. She was independent, free, untethered. She had spent her whole adult life making sure no man ever had that kind of hold over her. So why did it feel like she was losing a battle she didn't even know she was fighting?
Jennifer let out a heavy breath, tilting her head back against the couch. She needed to clear her head. Get some distance because if she let this feeling fester, if she let herself really acknowledge what it meant... She wasn't sure if she'd be able to walk away from Jalen Moss at all.
****************************
Jalen sat in the dim light of his apartment, staring blankly at the floor. His body still buzzed with the remnants of what had happened with Jennifer, but his mind was heavy. What the hell was that?
He wasn't stupid. He knew what had happened. She hadn't moved. She hadn't tried to stop him. Hell, she had held him there, and yet, the second it was over, she turned on him like he had done something to her or had somehow tricked her into it.
That shit wasn't fair. He had always been honest with her, as he was with all of them. He had never manipulated her, never pushed her toward anything she didn't want. If she wanted to keep her distance, fine. If she didn't want to be a part of his world, fine. He had given her every opportunity to walk away.
But she didn't. She kept coming back, and now, after this, after throwing all of her emotions onto him and speeding off like he was the problem, Jalen wasn't sure if he wanted to keep coming back.
Prophecy be damned. Was it even worth it anymore?
He exhaled sharply, rubbing his hands down his face. He had already given so much of himself to this insane life. To the seven women who did want him, who chose to be with him even knowing how complicated it was. Was he really about to keep chasing after the one who kept trying to push him away?
Maybe...maybe Jennifer wasn't meant to be a part of this. Maybe she wasn't ready, or maybe she just wasn't the one. Maybe he was wrong about her, about the pull, and had misread what fate wanted.
He wasn't sure. And for the first time in a long time, he wasn't sure if he even cared to figure it out.
Jalen sighed, grabbing his phone. He scrolled past Jennifer's number. He needed to talk to someone who actually wanted to be in his life, and right now Jennifer Rollins didn't feel like she did.
****************************
Jalen sat across from Sydney at their usual booth at their favorite lunch spot, stirring his lemonade absentmindedly. He could tell by the way Sydney was looking at him that she had something on her mind.
"Alright," he said, setting his drink down. "Just say it."
Sydney exhaled, her fingers tracing the rim of her water glass. "Remember before all the craziness with Chris Westward happened that I asked you to meet my mom one-on-one?"
Jalen raised an eyebrow. "Yeah."
Sydney smiled but quickly became serious. "She called me yesterday and asked if we can make that happen soon. She still wants to talk to you and clear the air."
Jalen leaned back in his seat, processing. He wasn't afraid of Pamela, he had handled worse people in his life, but he didn't trust her, either. He remembered how she had looked at him when he and Sydney met her and Sydney's father at their house months back. Like he wasn't exactly worthy of being the man of Sydney's life.
"And you think she's serious about that?" Jalen asked.
Sydney hesitated. "I can't be sure," she admitted. "But I want to believe it, and if she really is serious about this, then... I need to know how she is with you when I'm not in the room. I need to know if she actually wants to make an effort, or if she's just saying what she thinks I want to hear."
Jalen exhaled through his nose. "Alright. I'll do it."
Sydney's lips curled into a smile. "You sure? Because if at any point you feel like she's being fake or trying to manipulate the situation, I trust you to call it out."
Jalen chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. If she tries any slick shit, she's gonna hear about it."
Sydney nodded. "Good. I'll set it up."
Jalen took a sip of his lemonade, shaking his head. "Man, this year just keeps getting crazier."
Sydney gave him a kiss on the cheek and grinned. "Welcome to my world, baby."
*****************************
Jalen arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes early. Pamela had chosen Seasons 52, an upscale yet casual spot, probably thinking the neutral environment would keep things civil. He didn't mind. It was a solid place, and he liked the food well enough. Today wasn't about the food, though. Today was about figuring out if Pamela Swanson was truly serious about changing or if she was just putting on a show.
He sat at the table she had reserved for them, keeping his posture relaxed, but his mind was sharp. He wasn't going to let Pamela intimidate him, nor was he going to walk into this blind. If she had ulterior motives, he'd sniff them out quickly.
At exactly noon, Pamela Swanson walked in.
She was dressed elegantly in a tailored navy blue blazer and cream blouse, her blonde hair styled perfectly. She carried herself with the same confidence Sydney had, but hers was colder, more practiced. The kind of presence that demanded control.
Jalen stood up as she approached, offering a polite nod.
"Mrs. Swanson," he greeted, keeping his tone even.
"Jalen," she responded, her voice measured as she took her seat across from him.
They exchanged small pleasantries as the waiter took their drink orders; water for both. Jalen noted that Pamela was taking a measured approach, observing him just as much as he was observing her.
Then, once the waiter walked away, Pamela folded her hands on the table and got straight to the point.
"I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me," she said. "I'm sure you have reservations about this, given how our last encounter went."
Jalen smiled slightly. "You mean when you looked at me like I was a stain Sydney needed to clean up?"
Pamela's expression didn't shift, but he noticed the way her fingers tensed slightly. "I won't make excuses for that," she said. "I was... caught off guard by the whole situation as well as who you were, and I didn't handle it well."
"That's an understatement," Jalen said bluntly.
Pamela sighed. "Yes, it is." She took a sip of her water before continuing. "I won't pretend that this is easy for me. I was raised with certain expectations, certain values, and Sydney... has chosen a different path than the one I envisioned for her."
Jalen tilted his head. "And do you think that means she made the wrong choice?"
There was a pause. A long one. Pamela's blue eyes met his, and for the first time, Jalen saw something that wasn't just judgment. It wasn't warmth either, but it was something else. Something conflicted.
"I think... it's not my place to decide that anymore," Pamela admitted. "Sydney is an adult. She's strong-willed, independent, and I may not always understand her choices, but I don't want to lose her because of my own stubbornness."
Jalen studied her. He could tell she was being careful with her words, but at least she wasn't outright lying.
"So this is about you keeping your relationship with Sydney," Jalen said. "Not necessarily about making peace with me."
Pamela exhaled. "I won't pretend that I suddenly understand or embrace your... situation, Jalen, but I do recognize that you are in my daughter's life, and from what I can tell, you have been... very attentive and caring, which is more than I can say for a lot of men."
Jalen leaned back in his seat, letting her words settle. "That's a start, I guess."
The waiter returned, taking their orders. The tension between them wasn't aggressive, but it was palpable. There was still an invisible wall between them. One built from years of ingrained beliefs, expectations, and past hostility.
Once their meals were ordered, Pamela looked at him again, her expression softer but still cautious. "I don't expect us to become best friends, Jalen, but for Sydney's sake, and for my future grandchild's sake, I want us to at least be able to coexist."
Jalen nodded slowly. "Fair enough."
A small silence settled between them. Then, Pamela spoke again.
"Sydney loves you," she said. "That much is obvious, and no matter how I feel about this situation, I won't be the thing that pushes her away."
Jalen met her gaze. "Then we understand each other."
Pamela gave a slow nod. "Yes. I believe we do."
The rest of the lunch was still careful, still layered with tension, but by the time they parted ways, Jalen could at least say one thing for certain, Pamela Swanson might not like him, but she was making an effort.
And for Sydney's sake, that would have to be enough... for now.
*********************************************** Jalen stepped into Sydney's apartment just after eight, the familiar scent of vanilla candles and sautéed vegetables greeting him at the door. He kicked off his sneakers, shrugged off his hoodie, and made his way toward the kitchen where Sydney stood barefoot in leggings and a cropped t-shirt, her ever growing belly fully exposed as she stirred a pot on the stove.
She glanced over her shoulder as he entered. "Hey, babe."
"Hey," Jalen said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
She leaned into him instinctively, her body fitting against his like it always did. "You good?" she asked softly.
"I'm good," he said, pressing a kiss to her temple. "We met as planned."
Sydney turned off the burner and set the spoon down before facing him fully. "And?"
Jalen exhaled. "It wasn't sunshine and hand-holding, but... we got through it."
Sydney studied his face, her green eyes narrowing slightly. "What does that mean?"
He walked with her over to the couch, and they sat, Sydney tucking one leg under the other, Jalen spreading out with a familiar stretch and slump.
"She came correct," he started. "Well, as correct as someone like Pamela can. She admitted she fucked up before, didn't try to spin it or sugarcoat it too much."
Sydney raised a brow. "She actually admitted that?"
"Yeah," Jalen nodded. "She said she was raised a certain way. Had a vision of what your life was supposed to look like, and I didn't fit it."
Sydney rolled her eyes. "Of course not."
Jalen smiled faintly. "But then she said it's not her place anymore. That you're grown. That she wants to keep you in her life, and if that means dealing with me, she's willing."
Sydney blinked, clearly surprised. "She said that?"
Jalen nodded. "Verbatim. And she didn't fake the ‘welcoming embrace' bullshit. She made it clear she's not exactly comfortable, but she's trying. For you and the baby."
Sydney leaned back, letting out a long breath. "Wow."
"She's still cold as hell," Jalen added. "But this felt different. She wasn't pretending to like me. She was trying to respect me."
Sydney looked at him for a long moment. "That means more than you know."
Jalen shrugged. "I didn't do it for her. I did it for you."
She reached over, brushing her fingers across his jaw. "I know. That's why I love you."
Jalen smiled mischievously. "It was tempting to piss her off. Really tempting. I almost ordered a ribeye just to see her twitch."
Sydney laughed. "She probably would've judged how you chewed it."
"She was judging how I breathed."
They both laughed, the tension lifting. Then Sydney's expression softened. "Seriously though... thank you. For doing that. I know it wasn't easy."
Jalen looked at her with nothing but affection. "You matter to me, which means your peace matters to me, and if sitting across from your icy-ass mama for an hour helps give you that? Then I'm there."
Sydney leaned in and kissed him, slow and grateful. "I don't deserve you."
He kissed her back, then pulled back just enough to whisper, "Yeah, you do. And this baby of ours is gonna have a mama and daddy that nobody can shake."
They sat there in silence for a moment, foreheads touching.
Then Jalen pulled back and grinned. "Now... what were you cooking? Because it smelled like heaven the second I walked in."
Sydney stood, smiling. "Lemon garlic shrimp pasta. And I made enough for your greedy ass."
He followed her into the kitchen, smacking her ass as she passed. "That's why I'm keeping you."
Sydney glanced back. "You're lucky I love you."
Jalen grinned. "Damn right I am."
***********************************************
Three days later, Sydney stood on the porch of her childhood home in Sandy Springs, staring at the front door like it was a portal to another dimension. She'd been here countless times, but today felt different, like she was walking in as someone new. Stronger, freer, and with a baby growing inside her who would never be raised in shame.
She rang the bell. A moment later, the door opened. Pamela stood there, perfectly put together as always, hair curled, pearl earrings, a soft cashmere cardigan over a crisp blouse. Her eyes lingered on Sydney's belly before moving up to her face.
"Sydney," she said, her tone neutral but calm. "Come in."
Sydney stepped inside and waited until they were seated in the formal living room. Pamela was on her usual armchair while Sydney sat on the velvet couch that still had plastic underneath the cushions after all these years.
There was a pause. Long enough to stretch, but not quite uncomfortable.
"You spoke to Jalen," Sydney said, cutting to the chase.
Pamela nodded. "I did."
"And?"
Pamela inhaled through her nose. "He was... composed. Honest. And not nearly as combative as I expected."
Sydney smirked faintly. "That's because you didn't say anything reckless."
Pamela gave her a look but didn't argue. "He loves you. That much is clear."
Sydney folded her hands in her lap. "He does. And I love him. And nothing's going to change that."
"I'm beginning to see that," Pamela said quietly. "And I'm also beginning to accept that my opinion doesn't carry the weight it used to, nor should it."
Sydney tilted her head. "You know that's all I ever wanted from you? Not approval. Just... the respect to make my own decisions."
Pamela looked at her daughter for a long moment, then softened, just slightly.
"You've grown into a woman I didn't expect," she said. "And in many ways, one I admire, even if I don't always understand your choices."
Sydney's throat tightened for a moment. That... was probably the closest thing to a full-blown compliment she'd ever gotten from her mother.
"I'm having a child, Mom," she said quietly. "Your grandchild. And I want them to grow up knowing all of who they are. That includes where they come from, on both sides. That includes Jalen. That includes me standing on my own two feet. Not hiding, not shrinking."
Pamela nodded slowly. "I see that now."
She leaned forward, voice quiet but firm. "I want to be part of your child's life. I want to do better—by you, by them. I can't erase how I've made you feel in the past, but I can try to meet you where you are now."
Sydney blinked, caught off guard by the rawness in her mother's tone.
"Thank you," she said, voice softer. "That's all I needed to hear."
Pamela gave a small smile. "You're still stubborn."
Sydney grinned. "You wouldn't have raised me any other way."
A long silence stretched again, this time peaceful.
Then Pamela cleared her throat. "So... have you thought about names yet?"
Sydney laughed. "I knew you were gonna ask that."
Pamela reached for her tea and gave a rare, amused smile.
They sipped on their drinks for a moment before Sydney spoke up again.
"So, seeing as I haven't seen him trying to meet Jalen, is it safe to say, Dad is still pouting about this?" Sydney asked her mother.
Pamela let out a slow sigh and set her tea cup down with a delicate clink against the saucer. Her expression shifted, just slightly, but enough for Sydney to see the truth before she even said a word.
"Yes," she admitted. "He's... choosing silence. As usual."
Sydney leaned back, arms crossed. "So, still pretending if he ignores it long enough it'll go away?"
Pamela's jaw tensed, but she didn't deny it. "Your father has always been more comfortable expressing disapproval with distance. He doesn't yell, he doesn't argue, he just retreats, and right now, he's retreated into his office, his golf schedule, and the delusion that this is a phase you'll grow out of."
Sydney scoffed. "I'm pregnant. That's not a phase."
"I told him that," Pamela said, her voice clipped. "I reminded him you're a grown woman, that this is your life, and that burying his head in the sand isn't going to change the fact that he's going to be a grandfather."
Sydney shook her head, bitter amusement dancing in her voice. "And what'd he say to that?"
Pamela hesitated. "Nothing. He just poured another drink and walked into the den."
"Typical," Sydney muttered. "He's a coward."
Pamela didn't argue. For once, she didn't rush to defend him. She just looked tired.
"I'm not making excuses for him," she said. "I'm simply telling you where he is emotionally, and to be honest, I think he's afraid."
Sydney blinked. "Afraid? Of what, exactly?"
"Of being irrelevant," Pamela said softly. "Of losing the illusion of control. Of facing the truth that the daughter he raised to be respectable and safe and traditional... chose a man who challenges all of those things, and makes her happy anyway."
Sydney was quiet for a moment, absorbing that.
"Well," she finally said, "he better get over it because I'm not hiding my happiness, and I'm not keeping Jalen or this baby a secret just to spare his fragile ego."
Pamela gave a subtle nod, her voice low. "I know."
Sydney narrowed her eyes. "So, is he going to come around?"
Pamela looked at her daughter, something unreadable passing behind her eyes. "Eventually? Maybe, but don't wait for him. Live your life. If he catches up, fine. If not..." She trailed off, then added, "Then he'll miss out, and that will be no one's fault but his own."
Sydney exhaled deeply. "Yeah. That's where I'm at too."
They sat in silence for a moment. For once, it was the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled.
Then Pamela picked her tea back up, gave her daughter a sharp little smile and said, "Now... about those baby names..."
Sydney laughed.
***********************************************
Megan Westward's life completely changed over the next few months. Now that Chris' crimes had come to light, as well as his breaches of the prenuptial agreement, a judge didn't hesitate to award her with half of Chris Westward's assets, making her a multi-millionaire overnight. She donated a portion to various charitable causes helping women who have been victims of abuse and domestic violence.
Megan purchased a new house near downtown Decatur, Georgia, a very nice area just east of downtown Atlanta. Jalen helped her move in, buy new furniture, clothes, appliances, and supplies. Jalen, being the ultimate handy man since he was a contractor, made sure all appliances, furniture, and shelving were set up exactly the way she wanted.
Jalen spent the next few days making sure Megan's transition into her new life was as smooth as possible. The house she purchased was gorgeous, modern yet cozy, with an open floor plan, high ceilings, and a spacious backyard. It was a fresh start in every way, far removed from the nightmare of Chris Westward.
Jalen had personally overseen the installation of every piece of furniture, set up the appliances, and even put together the nursery. Megan hadn't asked him to do all of it, but he wanted to. He needed to. He wasn't just doing it for her, he was doing it for them. Megan watched him as he mounted a floating shelf in her bedroom, her arms crossed, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"You really don't have to do all this, you know," she said.
Jalen glanced back at her. "I want to do this. Besides, it's not like you hired a random guy off Craigslist. You've got the best contractor in the city doing this for free."
Megan chuckled. "That I do."
She walked over and gently placed a hand on his back. "Jalen..." Her voice was softer now, more serious. He turned to her, setting down his drill.
"You've done so much for me," she continued. "Not just now, but throughout this whole ordeal. I don't even know how to thank you."
Jalen exhaled, brushing a stray hair from her face. "You don't have to thank me, Megan. I love you, and I meant it when I said I was always going to be here for you."
Megan swallowed hard, emotions welling in her eyes. This was what it felt like to be loved by a man who truly saw her, who chose her, not as a possession, but as a person.
She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. Jalen held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her body against his. For the first time in years, Megan felt safe. Truly safe, and for the first time in his life, Jalen felt like everything he had fought for, the women he had stood by, the chaos he had endured, was worth it.
Megan pulled back slightly and looked up at him, her blue eyes filled with something deep and certain. "Stay with me tonight."
Jalen's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I wasn't planning on leaving."
"Also...," she began as her long maroon-colored acrylic nails trail down, found his belt, and began to unbuckle it, "...you deserve a little treat for all of this work you've been doing to make my house feel like home."
Megan, smiling mischievously, finished unbuckling his belt and then unzipped his pants. Jalen's breath hitched as she pulled out his now familiar guarantuan cock, and began to rub him as she planted soft kisses on his lips. It only took a few seconds for his cock to fully harden. She then knelt before him, her eyes locked onto his as she slowly ran her fingers along his length, feeling the warmth and weight of him in her hands. Jalen exhaled sharply, his muscles tensing as she wrapped her soft, maroon-manicured fingers around him, stroking him more with deliberate slowness.
"You've been working so hard," she murmured, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Let me take care of you for a change."
Jalen's breath hitched harder this time as Megan's lips brushed against his tip, her warm breath sending a shiver up his spine. Then she closed her eyes and she took him into her mouth, her lips sealing around him in a slow, torturous descent. Jalen groaned, his fingers instinctively threading through her long, brown hair as she worked him with a perfect rhythm, slow and sensual at first, then gradually increasing in intensity.
Megan's tongue swirled around him, her movements purposeful and skilled, as if she were savoring every inch of him. Jalen's head tilted back, a deep groan escaping his lips as he fought to keep control. She was relentless, her pace teasing yet demanding, drawing out every ounce of pleasure from him.
"Fuck, Megan..." Jalen breathed, tightening his grip on her hair.
She hummed around him in response, the vibrations sending jolts of pleasure through his core. She loved the power she had in this moment, the power to bring him to the edge with just her mouth and have him completely at her mercy.
She used her left hand to massage his scrotum, sending Jalen's senses wild, as the room filled with the sounds of her wet slurps. Megan's head bobbed faster now and her hands worked in perfect synchronicity as her left hand continued to massage his balls while the other followed the path of her mouth, twisting as it went.
A few minutes later, Jalen felt himself getting dangerously close. He tugged gently at her hair, signaling his impending release, but Megan didn't stop. She doubled down, taking him deeper, her mouth incredible reaching close to the base before pulling back again.
"Megan, I—" His words broke off into a guttural groan as pleasure crashed over him. Megan held him there, as the head of his cock fired streams of his milky fluid into her mouth. She swallowed every drop before slowly pulling back once he'd tapered off, licking her lips with satisfaction.
She looked up at him, her blue eyes gleaming with mischief. "You deserved that," she whispered, wiping the corner of her mouth with her thumb.
Jalen, still catching his breath, gazed down at her, his expression a mixture of awe and adoration. "You're dangerous, you know that?" he said, a grin breaking across his face.
Megan chuckled as she stood up, running her hands up his chest. "Only for you."
Jalen wasted no time, lifting her into his arms effortlessly. "Then let's see just how dangerous you can get."
Megan let out a delighted laugh as Jalen carried her toward the bedroom, where the night was far from over.
***********************************************
Karla's victory against Chris Westward had sent shockwaves through the legal community, solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse attorney for women escaping abusive and controlling relationships. Media outlets had covered the case extensively, and now, high-profile clients, some even wealthier than Chris, were reaching out to retain her services. Megan, forever grateful for Karla's dedication and brilliance, made sure she was generously compensated, transferring a hefty sum into Karla's firm as a personal thank-you. It was more money than Karla had ever seen at once, giving her firm the financial flexibility to expand, hire additional staff, and take on cases that mattered to her without worrying about budget constraints.
Calls were flooding in, wealthy women trapped in oppressive marriages, victims of financial and emotional manipulation, and even corporate-level cases where powerful men were trying to strong-arm their partners out of their fair share. Karla was in high demand, and her schedule was quickly filling up.
Despite all the attention, though, Karla remained grounded. She knew that her success stemmed from her genuine passion for justice, and while she was thriving professionally, she also made sure to carve out time for Jalen and their growing family.
One evening, after an exhausting day full of meetings, Karla sat in her office, rubbing her temples as she stared at her overflowing inbox. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Jalen:
Jalen: "Proud of you, powerhouse. Dinner at my place tonight? You deserve to be spoiled for once."
Karla smiled, her exhaustion melting away. No matter how intense her career got, she knew there was one man who would always remind her of what truly mattered.
***********************************************
The pregnancies were progressing rapidly, and Jalen was starting to feel the full weight of what it meant to have seven women carrying his children simultaneously. Sydney, being the furthest along at nearly eight months, was feeling the brunt of it. Her belly was now unmistakably round, and while she still carried herself with grace and elegance, the discomfort was undeniable.
She was dealing with swollen feet, back pain, and constant exhaustion. She had also completely abandoned her usual heels in favor of flats, something Jalen never thought he'd see. Despite her struggles, she refused to slow down too much, still handling her job like a pro.
Kristen, Megan, and Rachel, who all ranged from about one to two months behind Sydney, were starting to feel the heavier symptoms, too, frequent fatigue, emotional swings, and in Rachel's case, intense cravings. Just the other night, she sent Jalen on a late-night mission to find her chocolate-covered pickles, a combination that had even Jalen questioning her sanity.
Karla, Heidi, and Chrysti, who were a bit behind the others, were finally beginning to show, and the reality of their situation was becoming more and more tangible with each passing day. Heidi, despite having finally escaped her father's control, was dealing with waves of anxiety about balancing law school and impending motherhood. Chrysti was still processing everything, struggling internally between her lingering fears and the undeniable way Jalen made her feel.
Jalen did his best to be there for all of them, but even he had to admit that it was a lot. His time was stretched thin, and he found himself in a constant state of motion, bouncing from one woman to the next, making sure they had what they needed, offering comfort, attending doctor's appointments when he could, and most importantly, reassuring them that they weren't going through this alone.
One evening, he sat on the couch in Megan's new home, rubbing her feet after she complained about how swollen they were.
"I'm gonna be honest with you, baby girl," Jalen said with a tired smile. "I love y'all, and I'm beyond excited for these babies to get here, but I am absolutely exhausted."
Megan chuckled, sipping on the smoothie he had made for her. "Welcome to parenthood, Jalen, and the babies aren't even here yet."
Jalen groaned, leaning back against the couch. "Don't remind me."
Across town, Sydney was lying in bed, propped up on pillows, texting in the group chat they had all finally created to keep everyone in the loop.
Sydney: "How's everyone holding up? I feel like a freaking planet at this point."
Kristen: "Girl, same. I tried to put on one of my old blouses for work today, and the button popped off. Almost hit my coworker in the eye."
Megan: "Lmao. Jalen's over here looking like he fought in a war. I think we're wearing him out."
Rachel: "Good. Now he knows how we feel."
Chrysti: "I still can't believe this is my life."
Heidi: "You and me both."
Karla: "At least we're in it together."
Jalen, seeing the messages roll in on Megan's phone, couldn't help but smile. Yeah, this was crazy and overwhelming, but damn if he didn't love these women and the family they were building together.
***********************************************
The following Saturday, something really wonderful happened. The seven women gathered together on their own accord at Megan's house and they just...hung out.
It happened naturally without Jalen orchestrating it or any forced effort. The seven women had agreed to all gather at Megan's house on their own accord, and for the first time, it wasn't just about Jalen, the pregnancies, or the insane circumstances that had brought them together. They were just... hanging out and actually enjoying each other's company. Even Chrysti looked to be enjoying herself.
Sydney and Kristen sat on the couch, watching an old rom-com while munching on popcorn. Megan was in the kitchen making a smoothie, mixing together a bizarre combination of peanut butter, banana, and kiwi that only she seemed to enjoy. Rachel and Karla were in a corner, deep in conversation about a true crime podcast they were both obsessed with, while Heidi and Chrysti sat on the floor, painting their nails and laughing about something that happened in one of Heidi's law classes. For a moment, there was no tension or drama. It was just these seven women who had all been thrown into this crazy, unconventional situation, finding comfort in each other's company.
At one point, Sydney put her hand on her belly and let out a deep sigh.
"You okay?" Kristen asked, pausing the movie.
Sydney nodded, smiling. "Yeah... Just thinking. This is nice, isn't it? All of us together like this."
The others paused, exchanging glances.
"It is," Karla agreed. "I don't think any of us expected to find sisterhood in this, but... here we are."
Megan smiled, taking a sip of her smoothie. "Yeah, it's wild. We should do this more often. Without Jalen."
Rachel laughed. "Right? That man is running himself into the ground trying to be everywhere at once. I almost feel bad for him."
"Almost," Chrysti added with a teasing smile.
Heidi grinned as she finished painting her nails. "I'm just glad I have you all. I thought I'd be doing this alone, but... I'm not."
The room went quiet for a moment, not awkwardly, but with a shared understanding as they all smiled and nodded in agreement to Heidi's words. They were all in this together. Seven women, seven different personalities, seven different journeys that had somehow intertwined into one extraordinary story, and for the first time, they weren't just Jalen's women. They were each other's women, too.
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