“Kyra, listen., I’m not telling you to be in a three-way relationship with him, but I want you to have a safe pregnancy. You love him and he loves you. I think it’s a beautiful thing to be pregnant and in love and with your love. That’s all I have to say.” She turned and walked away.

I was left standing on the back porch watching the kids running around carefree and having the time of their lives. Rick eased up behind me and placed both hands gently on my belly. “I miss you.” He kissed me on the cheek, and then on my neck. I closed my eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Kyra. And every chance I get, I’m going to show you that.”

“Take your hands off my stomach. If you came here to reiterate to me that you plan on being with the both of us, then you shouldn’t have come. You really have me fucked up if you think I am going to go for your shit. I may have lost my memory, but I didn’t lose my damn mind. So, again, let me make sure I have this right. You want me, you, and her to be one big happy family?”

“Ma, can I go spend the night with the twins and Auntie Tasha?” Aisha ran up on the back porch interrupting my rant. Kareem was right behind her. They both were dripping wet from the pool.

“No, Aisha! My mom already told you not tonight because my dad is home.” Kareem ratted her out.

“Shut up, Kareem! I’m not asking you. I’m asking my mom.”

“Aisha, watch your mouth. And Kareem, y’all go back and play. Me and Rick are talking.” Aisha stomped off. Kareem was right behind her talking smack.

“Kyra, stop twisting this around to be something negative. You haven’t even began to consider the situation.”

“And I won’t consider it. Listen to yourself, Rick. Your line of thinking is making me dizzy. I gotta lie down.” I was feeling lightheaded, so I leaned up against the wall in the kitchen and closed my eyes. I felt Rick next to me.

“Kyra, are you all right?” He grabbed my hand.

“I’m fine. I need to lie down. I’m sick of going back and forth with you about your thinking. Every time I think of raising this baby without you it makes my heart sink down to my feet. I love you and I know that I want to be with you. Not you and her. So again, you got me fucked up. It ain’t happening, so I suggest you get the fuck out of my life.” I made my way to the stairs, and left him standing there, like he did me earlier.

MARI