“You want to talk about it?” Ethic asked. Morgan didn’t know how he knew something was wrong. He had always been a master at all things Morgan Atkins, and he read her effortlessly. He knew at first glance that something was heavy on her heart.

Morgan shook her head. “I want to watch the movie,” Morgan said simply. “Just be here with y’all and watch movies.”

“Well, when you’re ready, you know I’m here. Don’t wait too long, or I’ma force the issue. If you’re bothered, I’m bothered, Mo, and when I’m bothered, I’ma see about you. You got me?”

Morgan nodded. “I promise. It’s nothing. Let’s just watch a movie. All of us. Like we used to when I was little. That’s exactly what I need right now.”

“What about you, Yolly Pop? You want to watch a movie, princess?” Ethic signed.

Yolly’s eyes twinkled in interest, and she nodded.

“I’m making popcorn—and don’t worry, Mo, I got your ranch seasoning for it. Y’all set it up,” Alani said.

Ethic walked toward Alani and placed his free hand to her hip. “I’ll grab the popcorn. Get off your feet. Keep my boy in there for a little longer,” he said.

Morgan swooned. God, how she wanted what they had. Something beautiful and lasting and true. Something so organic the rain from a storm couldn’t destroy it. E&A’s love was like a seed—the deeper it was pushed down into the dirt, the more it strove to bloom. She watched Ethic as he whispered something in Alani’s ear. The way Alani’s brown cheeks deepened to a burgundy and the way her lips pulled in a smile was beautiful. He went from her lips to her belly, and Yara followed suit, planting a kiss on Alani’s swollen belly. Morgan wondered if she truly knew what love was, because she wasn’t sure she looked as exquisite when love reflected off her. Ethic’s love made Alani glow differently, like he shined a light down on her. She was the spotlight of his life. Morgan didn’t have a choice but to respect something so potent. She made her way to the great room.

“Where’s B?” Morgan asked.

“She’s shopping with Nannie. They went to the outlet sale in Birch Run,” Alani said.

“Since when is Bella so thrifty?” Morgan asked, chuckling.

“Since Nannie got her hands on her,” Ethic answered as he walked in. He set Yara on her feet as Eazy walked in with Messari.

“Y’all watching movies without me?” he asked. “That’s cold, Dad.”

“Boy, get your ass in here and be quiet,” Ethic said, smirking as he gripped the back of Eazy’s neck.