Ashley POV

"Girl this lemonade is good as hell" Bri says sitting on one of the lawn chairs by the pool. I invited her over because I'm tired of sitting in this house alone. And it's a nice day to use Izzys pool.

"Thank you boo" I say as I hold on to Aiden who is kicking his feet inside of his floaty.

"So what's been going on with you" Bri asks me as she comes and sits on the edge of the pool.

"Nothing at all. I'm tired of being here alone. I know I have Sharon here with me but Izzys gone most of the time and if he does come back it's late at night. We barely get to send time together and he barely even sees Aiden." It's been about 2 weeks since I've basically moved in and Izzy has started "working" again. I knew he would be gone sometimes but not everyday and most of the time.

"It was the same way when I was with Alek. Except Alek wanted that lifestyle and he let it control him. Izzys pretty level headed so I think he will come around. He might just think he is doing what's best at the moment" Bri says trying to give him the benefit of doubt. But I just don't know.

I know he is trying to do what he has to do but I can't help but to feel neglected in this house.

After we wore ourselves out in the pool we went back inside and my poor baby was so tired. I decided to go ahead and bathe him so he could go ahead and sleep. After I got him settled I went back downstairs with Bri.

Me: Look at our son 🥺. He had so much fun today.

I sent Izzy a picture of Aiden in the pool so that he could still know what his son was doing.

"You talked to Izzy?" Bri asks taking a sip of her wine.

"I texted him but he hasn't responded yet". I look down to my phone seeing that he has read my messages.

BabyDaddy🥰: be home soon

That dry ass response. How is he going to ignore the whole message about his son.

"Anyways girl lets watch this episode" I turn on the newest episode of real housewives of Atlanta. I swear these girls is messy but entertaining.

After we sat up and watched tv so hours Bri decided she should get going.

"Be safe mama" I say from the door waiting until she got into her car and pulled off to close the door. I looked down at my phone seeing that it is after 9 and Izzy still isn't here and he told me he would be here soon two hours ago.

I try and take my mind off of it as I straighten up the kitchen and living room. As I am washing the dishes I hear the garage door open signaling that he was back.

"Yeah that should be heading up there tonight... ight" I hear him entering the house before ending the call. I don't say anything to him because I can feel myself getting upset. Then as I am rinsing the dishes I feel his arms wrap around my waist and his warm breath on my neck before he places a small peck.

"Well look who decided to come home" I say sarcastically rolling my eyes

"You ain't missed me" this nigga.

"Back up Israel" i say sucking my teeth

"What's yo problem ma" his stupid ass asks me.

"Nothing don't worry about it" I turn the water off before pushing him off of me and going upstairs. This nigga really gone ask me what my problem is when he has barely been here. I might be overreacting but I don't care right now.

When I walk into the room I head straight for the shower to try and take my mind off of Izzy. That didnt work so I decided to get out and try and get some sleep.

When I walk out in my towel i realize I forgot I sleep in the same bed as this nigga.

I roll my eyes and walk into the closet to get dressed.

"Ashley" I hear from the door way.

"What" I snap not looking back slipping a pair on thongs on not caring if he sees my bare body.

"What's wrong with you" he asks me

"You're what's wrong with me. Your son and I barely seen you in 2 weeks. And you barely call or text." I turn around. "I know you doing whatever you gotta do but don't forget you got a whole ass family" I tell him as I push past him going towards the bed.

"Man I haven't even been out that much" he socks his teeth following behind me

"Oh really? When was the last time you was here atleast 12 hours" I place my hand on my hip tilting my head sideways.

"I was just here last night" he says causing me to roll my eyes

"Yeah to sleep" I say moving the pillows off of the bed. "You ain't even started back doing music and you gone already."

"Well why you ain't say you felt this way. How was I supposed to know" he stops me by grabbing my arms.

"Hell I don't know I thought you would think about us here" I look up to Izzy.

" Ima work sum out ash but you can't just blow up on me like that. If you gotta problem we two grown ass adults we can talk about it." Izzy says to me.

"I hear you but certain shit you should already have straightened out. Time for your son should be #1. He hasn't seen you in literally 2 weeks." I tell him as I calm down. All I want is for my son to have a relationship with his father. I know that Aiden is still so young but if I would've let Izzy continue on the path he was going there's no telling how it would be when Aiden is older.

And of course I want to spend time with him too. I mean even tho we are not technically together yet I've become really accustomed to him being around almost all the time.

"I hear you Ash. Ima work sum out so I can do better" he grabs the back of my neck and lower back pulling me into him kissing me.

"This don't mean everything all fine and dandy" I push back and get into bed before turning on the tv. "And turn off the light." I say sternly.

"You ain't gotta be rude. A please would be nice." He mumbles towards the door. "Ima go check on Aiden I'll be back." I hear him say as I turn on Superfly. I ain't gone lie like Trevor Jackson wasn't fine with his lil perm.

About 10 minutes into the movie Izzy comes back into the room with Aiden in his arms and a bag of puff pop corn.

"Why you woke my bubby up" I say crawling to the edge of this huge ass bed to grab my son.

"He woke up when he saw me" Izzy says making me roll my eyes.

"Yeah..okay" I say sitting back down.

"How many times you gone watch this movie" Izzy asks me smacking his teeth

"As many as I feel. If you don't like it you are free to leave love" I scoot to the middle of the bed closer to Israel.

"How you kick me out my own house.." I look at him " you right you got it" I laugh at him before paying my attention to baby moving in my arms.

"Okay I'm sorry bubby you want some attention" I hold him up as he looks back and forth to Izzy and I smiling.

I swear my son is my world and him having both parents in his life warms my heart. I didn't plan on falling for Israel, I swear I didn't, but I'm not complaining about it. He is one of the realest men I have met and cares for his son.

"What" Izzy looks at me as I'm smiling up at him

"Nothing" I smile again before leaning in to give him a kiss. The kiss is cut short by a baby hand pushing my face away slightly.

"Damn it's like that Santana" Izzy says to the smiling baby before he places his head on my chest.

"Wow" Izzy says as I laugh.

• •

Izzy POV

By the time the movie was over I was the only one up. Ashley was asleep on her back with Santana's stingy ass laying on her chest. I quickly grab my phone off of the night stand as quiet as possible so I could take a picture of them.

After saving the picture to my gallery I slowly get up from the bed trying not to wake the two. But of course when I turn around a pair of eyes identical to mine is looking directly at me. So I go back on the bed and gently take him out of Ashley arms so I don't wake her up too.

I check his diaper and he clean so I figure he hungry. Putting my phone in my pocket I leave the room closing the door behind me. I walk out nodding to smiley and Nick who both are standing at my room door.

I go to the nursery closing the door before going over to the small fridge taking out a already made bottle and warming it up before sitting in the chair and feeding Santana.

I take out my phone and begin looking over something's that I need to have done by tomorrow.

"You think yo moms will like these" I show Santana the purple flowers on my phone. All these shits look the same to me so ion really know.

"$990 dollars for some damn flowers" I say lowly as i check out on the online store. I notice lil man finished eating so I put my phone down and burp him with a burp cloth cause last time he threw up on my dumb ass.

I ended up staying in the room with Santana until about 1 am when he fell asleep but I didn't mind since I had to finish my plans.

I quietly sat my phone on the charger before getting into the bed pulling Ashley closer to me. She snuggled up into my chest as I got comfortable.

Ashley POV

I woke up to a quiet empty room. I look over to my phone seeing that it was a little after 10. I stretched my legs before getting out our bed and heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face.

After about 10 minutes I was finished and made up the bed so I wouldn't have to do it later. I put on my silk robe and walk out of the bed room.

"Good morning smiley" I say to the man who I have gotten used to, but never replys.

I make my way down the grand staircase with the smell of French toast hitting my nostrils. I expected to see Ms. Sharon cooking but I was surprised to see Israel platting some food and Aiden in his bouncer.

"Slept well?" Izzy asks as I kiss the slobbering baby

"Very" i say getting up from my kneeling position. "You cooked?" I asked. I know damn well he ain't cook but I want to see what he was going to

Say.

"Naa but it's the thought that counts right?" He says honestly, deserving a big kiss on the cheek. "Gone sit down in the dining room" I obey and head to the dining room which I've been in.

I gasp as I enter seeing the room filled with beautiful flowers.

From peony's to lilys the room radiated with the fragrant scent they gave off. I walk up to the large vase filled with huge tulips in the middle of the table.

"You like them?" I hear from behind me.

"Yes they are beautiful thank you" I turn around slowly to face Izzy who is holding Aiden while balancing two plates. I then go to take a seat on one end of the table. I see juice and champagne on the table which is decorated nicely.

How did I sleep through this?

He then sits the plate filled of food in front of me and I grab Aiden out of his arms.

"You hungry bubby" I say to my baby as he is opening his mouth over my breast. I pull my robe to the side and begin feeding him. Out of no where I hear a camera go off. I look up to see Israel taking pictures of me.

"Damn I could've got a warning." I say trying to take sure my curly hair wasn't a mess. It was currently in a bun on top on my head so I guess.

Izzy didn't waste anytime going into full photographer mode. I couldn't do much with the feeding child still in my arms but I managed to pose in my chair and standing infront of the large table with my arm leaning along the table and leg out of the slit of my robe.

"Okay I'm starving" I say stopping our photoshoot. He laughs and turns to go back to his seat across from mine. I'm glad my food is still warm when I sit down and begin to dig in the blueberry French toast, eggs, bacon and potatoes. Oh how I long potatoes.

"How'd you pull this off while I was upstairs" I say putting Aiden on my shoulder to burp him while covering myself back up.

"I got my ways ma" he takes a sip from his glass. By the time we are finished it is around 12.

"Ugh I'm full" I say getting up from my chair about to pick up my plate

"Don't worry about that I got it" Izzy says stopping me. He don't have to tell me twice. I grab Aiden before going over to Izzy giving him a slow kiss on his lips. God he lucky this baby is in my arms.

I decide to go chill out in the room for a bit since I have some laundry that needs to be done.

I go into the room turning the tv on Nick jr while placing Aiden on his tummy mat and giving him a few toys.

"Israel!" I yell since the door is open. I doubt he'll here me in this big ass house.

"Wussap" he says getting closer

"You got some laundry need to be washed" I say as I grab my laundry basket from my closet

"Don't worry bout that today" he says

"Why not I don't want to be sitting around doing nothing" I say as I begin sorting them

"Because we got somethings to do" he says

"Like what" I stop

"Don't worry about it just go get ready" Izzy says. I don't know what he has planned but I'm not complaining about any of it.

"Okay let me go get Aiden dressed first" I say going to grab him

"Actually I think he should stay with my mom" he says

"You sure?" With everything going on I don't know if that's the best idea

"Yeah he gone be straight" Izzy says going to my closet

"What you doing" I ask him

"Picking you out something to wear"

"Don't have me out here looking a fool Israel" I say before going into the bathroom and getting ready. I took a nice shower and shaved my legs and lady parts just to be safe. After getting out I decided to rock my natural hair and began moisturizing and defining my tight curls. I left my makeup simple since I didn't know what I would be wearing with simple brows, a little concealer, and lip gloss.

I walk out to a quiet room once more to see a yellow dress along with matching tie up heels laying on the bed. As I get closer I see a pair of diamond earrings and my A necklace along with a small tan bag.

I put the outfit on before adoring how well it looks put together. Atleast he won't have me out here looking like who did it and why.

"You ready" I hear a knock on the door. I turn around to see Israel in a pair of light wash jeans and a thin button up shirt the color of my dress with the first three buttons undone.

"Yes I am" I smile grabbing my phone and heading over to the door.

"You look good ma" Izzy says in my ear as I walk past.

"So do you" I say back to him moving past. If I didn't I don't think I would've had the power to leave this house. As we get to the garage I see him grab a pair of keys I've never seen him have before. As we walk into the garage I here him unlock a car and I look over to see a gorgeous tan Lamborghini.

When I tell you that car was gorgeous. From the 5% tint to the black rims oh that car almost made me moan.

"You coming or you just gone stand there" Izzy breaks me out of my thoughts. I shake out of my head and walk over to the low car allowing him to help me in. After closing my door he goes over to the driver side and gets in starting the car up.

"You ready" he asks me again

"Yes let's go" he presses the button that allows the garage to open. And we are off. As we leave the house I notice one of the Tahoe's follow behind us.

"That's just smiley and some other niggas" Izzy must have realized my suspicion. I enjoy the short ride until we pull up to Phipps plaza. The valet comes around and opens our doors before we get out and they park the car. As we walk in Izzy holds my hand leading me along the premier mall. It almost was if he had a set destination. And of course he did.

We didn't stop until we had reached the Cartier store.

"Good afternoon Mr.James" the worker says "I'll be right back with your order" she says heading to the back before shortly returning

"Open it" he says to me as he hands me two boxes. As I open them I find two bracelets.

"They're beautiful Israel I say picking one up noticing the name in graved on it.

"Let me help you" he begins helping me screw the bracelets on. "This one has Aidens name on it so you can always have something to remind you of him... and this one has mine" he looks up to me checking for conformation.

"I love them... thank you" I plant a kiss onto his lips. Pulling away he looks onto his watch. It's around 6 right now.

"Alright we gotta go" he pulls me out of the store and back through the mall. I'm more than sure with all the people staring they recognized him. As we made it back to the car Izzy pulled off like a demon out of hell. I swear he did all of that to pull up to a restaurant 2 minutes away. Like nigga it wasn't that deep.

Once again the valet comes around and helps me out before taking the car. As I place my arm around Izzys I look to around the crowded unfamiliar restaurant. I didn't realize we were walking past everyone until we had made it to a private room for the two of us.

"Thank you" I replied as he pulled out my chair for me. I picked up the menu realizing it was a Mediterranean restaurant. Good choice I thought in my head.

" I think I want some red wine" I speak out loud.

"Could I start y'all with something to drink" the young man asked

"Could we get a bottle of your finest red wine" izzy says not taking his eyes off of me. I had to break contact because it was too much to handle I would passed out.

After a while we are sitting eating and drinking our wine. I can't tell you how much I needed this. I think I was going insane taking care of that baby all day. Don't get me wrong I love him to death but I need a break sometime. Away from the house.

"Ashley I need to talk to you" Izzy says to me

"Okay go ahead" I wipe my mouth siting up straight

"You know I feel like we have a connection that Ian never had before" I could tell he was a little nervous " and I'm not talking about just because we have a child but for real. The more time I spend with you the more I realize how much of a wonderful woman you are. Not just to me but when you take care of our son. Let me stop rambling... I just wanted to know if you wanted to make it official"

"Damn finally" I jump up and hug him as he is sitting down

"You could've asked me if you was so eager" he says as I'm still hugging him.

"Naa ian wanna hoe myself" I say before I lean in kissing him as he grabs my ass with both of his hands causing me to moan into his mouth.