In the beginning of their relationship, they were both enthralled with finishing their degrees and landing careers within their field. He understood that Eden didn’t want children before she was married. But they had been married for five years now. Though he had a lot of maturing to do as a man, he was positive that the only woman he wanted to bare his children was Eden Marie Merci Shelton.

Eden sighed.

She had shot this conversation down so many times. But now, she was ready.

“You’re right,” She admitted.

His eyes nearly popped out of his head. Jermaine was stunned. This was the response that he wanted, but he honestly wasn’t expecting it. For years she had shot the kid talk down, but now she was all for it. He didn’t know what to say. Instead of saying anything he sat speechless.

Eden laughed. She knew her response had caught him off guard.

“Your silence says a lot. Look, you’re right. I apologize for making you feel like a boyfriend. In all actuality, I’ve always wanted children. I’m just afraid,” Eden said honestly.

“Afraid of what?”

“I’m afraid of not doing a good job. My parents raised us girls to focus on our brains and disregard our beauty. That’s why when someone compliments my looks instead of accomplishments, it angers me because I’m so much more than a pretty face.

Eve and I are extremely hardworking and giving, but Envy acts like the spawn of Satan. That bothers me. I never understood what happened to make her act the way she does. I don’t want my kid to turn out like her,” Eden admitted.

Jermaine nodded even though Eden couldn’t see him. He now understood her hesitance. Her sister, Envy, was bat shit crazy. She was only concerned with herself. She stole her parents’ identity, Eden’s debit card, and stole Eve’s car and wrecked it.

“Edy, our children will be perfect because we will raise them in a healthy household, filled with love. Throw those pills away. I got something big for you when I get home,”

Eden giggled.

“I’ll throw them in the trash. I’m about to call Eve over here to drink with me. You know how we get. So, if I’m passed out drunk when you get here; Fuck me anyway.”

Jermaine laughed.

“I love you,”

“I love you,”

She wasn’t an ‘I love you, too’ kind of woman. She loved her husband genuinely. Even if he hadn’t said it, she would have.

As soon as she dialed Eve’s number, the phone was instantly answered.

“Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. Hey stranger,” Eve mocked. It had been over a week since she last spoke with Eden. They normally spoke every day.