“Eww, boyfriend, nobody wants to look like that.” Aria frowned, turning to the mirror in the big Cinderella gown.

“You don’t like it?” Mo asked. “It’s amazing.”

“It’s one of the most expensive in the store,” the bridal associate added. “One of a kind.”

“It’s so big,” Aria said, fluffing the side of it with one hand. “And heavy. I feel like I’m drowning in fabric. I’m not the girl that wants to look like a princess. I want Isa to see me and want to fuck.”

“Aria!” Morgan shouted as she stood and took Messari from her best friend’s arms.

“My bad,” Aria snickered.

“So sexy. So perhaps maybe mermaid style?” the woman asked.

“I don’t know, just not this,” Aria said, frowning.

“I’ll pull some options,” the woman answered before heading to the front of the store.

Aria sat down on the floor, causing the dress to pool around her, and Yara rushed over to play in the folds. Aria laughed as she grabbed Yara’s small body up, tickling her and then hugging her tightly. Yara got comfortable in Aria’s lap.

“So he made you bring them so he could make sure you wasn’t going to fuck with a nigga?” Aria asked.

“Basically,” Morgan answered.

“He does know that both Messiah and Meek will fuck you with these kids present, don’t he?” Aria asked.

Morgan couldn’t help but laugh.

“Why haven’t you told that man yet, Mo? They’re his. He deserves to know that,” Aria said. “It’s safe to say he’s not going to hurt you or them, so what are you waiting for?”

“I’m just not ready yet, Aria. Sharing them with him is letting him back in. I can’t handle him barging into my life. I’m already in over my head with Bash. I don’t need more problems right now,” Morgan reasoned.

“You don’t get to decide that, Mo. You’re being selfish as fuck,” Aria said. “These are his kids.” She lowered her voice on the last part so Messari wouldn’t overhear. He was the king of repeating what he heard, and Aria didn’t want to get Morgan caught up. She stood. “When Messiah busts your ass, don’t cry victim, because he’s going to fuck you up when he finds out.”

Morgan sighed as Aria disappeared behind the curtain to change.

“We’re going to head out. I told Bash I wouldn’t be gone long,” Morgan called out.

“Yeah, whatever, girl. You just don’t want to hear what I’m saying because you know I’m right,” Aria said. She pulled back the curtain, only wearing panties and a bra. She hugged Morgan. “I’ll call you later.”

Morgan gathered her twins and headed out into the mall.

“Mommy, Mommy, me want ice cream!” Messari squealed from the double stroller he was seated in.