😂😂

The next morning I woke up to the smell of bacon. It's rare for us to eat certain things, so today was a treat.

I rolled to my side to get out of bed.

I'm beyond huge. It was like I grew overnight. I wobbled my way to the bathroom to shower. I was still a little sore from my wax.

I got myself dressed, then headed out of the room.

"Good morning," I spoke out of breath taking those few steps from the room to the kitchen.

He laughed. "Hey birthday girl, twenty-six is looking amazing on you."

He handed me two small black boxes. One was on top of the other wrapped in pink ribbon. "Happy birthday."

"Awe you didn't have to." I opened it revealing two matching bracelets, one for me and one for my little one. "This is beautiful."

The gold bracelets were filled with shining white diamonds with a straight bar on the clasp. It was, indeed, beautiful.

He kissed me first, then bent down to kiss baby girl. I smiled at him as my stomach started making noises. "Thank you."

He chuckled. "Go over to the couch and have a seat. I'll bring your plate."

"Ok." I strolled over and sat down.

We sat and ate breakfast together. After he cleaned everything, I made my way back to the bedroom for a little nap.

Later that afternoon, Ben and Bo drove me over to the main hall for graduation.

It's a massive ceremony. I was able to get plenty of tickets. I was hoping it didn't turn in to anything crazy with Kenzo here and people knowing who I am now.

Bo's guarding me close. Kenzo wouldn't have it any other way.

We went through the rehearsals then everyone found their places.

It's a simple commencement ceremony. I was trying to stay as calm as possible. I didn't want baby girl to come on my graduation and birthday.

I looked down at my bracelet, moving it around on my wrist as I found my seat, waiting for the graduation to start.

My phone buzzed, it was Zo.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey baby, we're taking our seats now. Just wanted to say that I'm proud of you. All the stress and studying paid off. I can't wait to see Dr. Thompson walk across that stage."

That made me smile.

"It's been hard, but I'm so happy I met you along the way. I can't thank you enough Zo."

"Ok stop it, stop it." He joked.

I laughed. "Is my dad and everyone else here yet?

"Yep, everybody's here."

"Ok, I have to go its starting," I spoke low, he said ok, and we quickly hung up.

Jade found the perfect dress for me today. It's a white sleeveless dress that stops mid-thigh. The dress has a little bit of a cover-up on the bottom that flows in the back passed my knees. I paired it with some leopard print closed-toe heels. Jade had a few other options for later during the party as well.

Graduation went on.

The closer they got to calling my name, the more excited I became. It still hadn't settled in that I was graduating.

I finally stood behind four people waiting to be called. I stared into the audience, spotting my family. I spotted Zo's big smile immediately, looking stunning in his all-black suit. I smiled at them; they waved. They had their phones out recording me.

I adjusted my honor cords in the front to get ready to hear my name.

"Dr. Adira Belle Thompson," The announcer called out.

A wave of emotion came over me instantly. I walked proudly with my head held high holding on to my full nine months pregnant stomach.

I was fighting back the tears, but as soon as I felt my degree placer in my hands, I could no longer fight it.

I looked down at me placer while hugging the Dean. The tears flowed.

"Congratulations you should be very proud today." He said to me as we posed for a photo.

"Thank you." I smiled, shaking his hand before I walked off to go back to my seat.

On my way, I looked over again to where all my people were seated and waved my degree in front of me, smiling.

They wanted to shout and scream, but they couldn't. That didn't stop them from waving their hands everywhere and silently dancing.

As I took my seat, I exhaled profoundly and rubbed on my stomach. "Thank you, little girl, for waiting to come out," I whispered.

My Braxton Hicks had been getting a little stronger, but they're far apart and bearable. She could definitely come at any time.

They went through the rest of the names quickly. There were only a few after me. They did the songs and the rest of the recognitions.

We were in the final parts of the ceremony, and I couldn't be happier. I was getting antsy sitting, even after three restroom breaks I took throughout the service.

I pulled out my phone.

Babe I'm ready to go now. I'm so uncomfortable.

Ok we can leave in a sec', I'll get Bo. How are you feeling? Are you having contractions?

Still a little mild, not the real thing yet.

I hate that I'm leaving tonight. I can't miss the birth.

You won't.

Bo is on his way over to you.

Thank you.

The ceremony ended, and everyone waited on their section to leave. Bo was able to maze through the crowd easily to get to me.

We met up with the families. They were waiting for me out in the hall.

"Congratulations princess." My dad met me halfway to hug me. He was the first to spot me. Kenzo was being shielded by Tyson, keeping people away from him.

"Thank you, daddy." I embraced him. We pulled away sharing a look. A laughing spirit came over both of us.

"God's working through you. You're a vessel sweetie. I can see it clear, your story alone will impact so many. Now you have this huge platform with Kenzo. The entire world will get to see your journey. Both of you will inspire so many. —I pray all minds and hearts be open, willing, and ready to receive your gift." He whispered to me, leaning his head against mine.

"Amen, —amen." We said almost together. My tears were finding their home again streaming down my face.

I was finally able to look around. I saw my people staring off, giving us this time.

"Come on." My dad grabbed my hand. We went over to join the others.

Everyone bombarded me with love, showered me with flowers, kisses, and hugs.

This was a journey not only for me but for them too. The stress of watching me push through school was not easy. Medical school alone is not easy, and to add a baby only makes it harder.

So I thank God for his coverage.

"You're amazing. You know that?" Kenzo smiled. He pulled me to him, planting kisses all over my face.

Cameras flashed, and people were yelling trying to get his attention, but none of that mattered.

We shared a proud laugh.

His hands wandered to my stomach. "Mommy did it baby girl. With all the backaches, being on her feet all day and everything else, she did it. "

He leaned down again, connecting our lips, this time deeper. This time his hands guided their way to my back caressing it.

"Ok easy man, your audience is growing." My brother pointed out to us right before Kenzos frisky hands slid down a little further.

He laughed into my lips as we broke apart. "Aight lets go."

We formed a beeline making our way out of the building only to be met by more flashing cameras. Bo, Tyson and all the men went straight to work to block us from any crazy photos. Kenzo pulled me close to him.

"Back up man she's pregnant," Kenzo yelled to one of the men with a camera. He was trying his best to get in my face.

"Is it your baby Kenzo?" The cameraman asked.

"He said back up," Bo spoke loudly with his deep voice. This is something I still have to get used to, the paparazzi.

Bo and Tyson quickly got us in the Escalade. Tyson went back to make sure all of our family arrived in their cars safely.

"Good evening, Dr. Thompson." The driver, Ben, greeted me grinning from ear to ear.

I smiled even harder at him as I shifted, getting comfortable fastening my seat belt. "Good evening," I said all proper.

We all laughed.

"Good evening." Bo mocked me, joining in on the laughter. I leaned up to push him on the shoulder, seated in front of me.

"Be quiet." I giggled.

"I'm just happy we went through the whole ceremony without you going into labor," Bo added.

"Agreed," Zo stated, and Ben nodded.

"That would've been something. She can come at any time now. I'm not so stressed about when as much anymore." I stated.

"As long as she waits on her Zo Zo. —I hope she'll hold out until I get back in a few days." He began rubbing my stomach.

"Me too." I agreed.

A smile crept on Kenzos face. His face appeared as if he had just come to a realization. "Baby you graduated today."

"I know, right! And it doesn't seem real to me either babe." I squealed. "Its finally over."

Tyson came back in getting in the front seat, giving us the all-clear. We made our way through the crowded parking lot.

Kenzo pulled his phone out and started texting. I tried to lean over his way being nosey.

He noticed me, so he turned his brightness down in night mode.

"What are you up to?" I looked him up and down.

"Nothing, go ahead and take a little nap. I'll wake you up." He leaned over to kiss me with a sneaky grin, leaving me to rest my head on his shoulder.

"Ok, I'll leave it alone."

I was tired. I'm always tired now. Sleep was something I could do. Which is what I did for the rest of the ride.

Kenzo and I went to his house so we could shower and change. We were headed over to my parents' house for my graduation party.

We moved around quickly. I changed into one of my other options Jade picked for me. Which was not what she planned for me to wear next. I didn't feel like wearing a dress.

I threw on the dark blue ripped jeans and loose sleeved Tully style purple shirt. My shoes were some low top purple and white sequined Vans.

Kenzo, of course with his trendy self, went with a black shirt with lady liberty printed on the front. A red plaid button-up as a second layer, unbuttoned. Some Balmain light blue jeans with embellished zippers everywhere. He tied it all together with his new white leather designer shoes. I didn't know the name of them.

"Mmm, mm, mm." He smiled as I walked out of the room, ready to go. I looked down at myself, smiling.

"You look amazing baby."

"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."

He licked his lips out of habit. "You ready?"

"Yup lets hit it." I breathed slowly. My stomach was tightening up a little.

* * * *

Arriving at the party, I notice a lot of cars were parked in the driveway and down the street. I noticed there were two cars in the front parked on the grass with bowtied red ribbons on them.

"What is going on?" I mumbled slowly to myself.

Once Kenzo parked the car in the spot that was reserved for him, we got out. As soon as he helped me out of the vehicle, everyone made their way out to the front yard to greet me.

"What is this?"

"Happy birthday." Everyone started singing to me.

Ben even brought his wife and daughter out here as well as Bo and Tyson. They had their families here. Some of the team was here, my family. Kenzos family came out, everyone except for his sister Mai of course.

"Thank you, guys." I grinned, tears were forming in my eyes.

"We didn't want to yell surprise, and then you go into labor or something." Char put her camera away then came up hugging me.

After releasing from Char's embrace, Kenzo tapped my shoulder. I turned around to face him. I had a puzzled look because he was holding up some keys in his hand.

"Happy birthday baby." He spoke, smiling at me.

"Kenzo what is this?" I asked, reasonably confused. I held in my hands two sets of keyless entry remotes, and I was staring in the direction of two vehicles.

An all-black Maserati Levante, the SUV.

The other was a new white Mercedes EQC, that's not even out yet. Both fully loaded.

"Since we're here celebrating your birthday and graduation, I figured two cars." He threw his hands up, trying to play innocent. Everyone looked on smiling and recording.

"Kenzo that Mercedes isn't even out yet." I stared at him with wide eyes, and tears were falling.

"I know, only the best for my lady. I already have the car seats installed in both. Go check em' out."

"I can't believe you did all of this." I closed the space between us and brought his lips down to join mine. "Thank you so much, I want to jump around and scream, but I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Right, as a matter of fact, we can check out the cars later, let's get you seated." He gestured for me to follow him. I groaned a little. I wanted to see my news cars.

Everyone else started making their way into the house as well.

"You sit, I'll grab you something to eat. What do you want to drink?" He asked I took a seat next to my baby sister. She had my pillows ready so that I could prop my feet up on the footrest.

"I'll take some lemonade please, can you add some mint leaves and ex—"

"I know, extra ice." He finished knowingly. We shared a smiled.

"You know me so well."

"I don't even know why I asked."

I caught a glimpse of my mans behind as he walked away to the kitchen.

Everyone was either seated or standing around talking. I smiled content admiring everybody.

"Girl you're at the finish line. I can see it all in your face now. Baby girl is coming real soon. I'm talking within the next few days." Bria, Marcel's wife, came over to me and hugged me.

"Have you felt any contractions yet?"

"Not anything too alarming, they're still mild and far apart. I did lose my mucus plug a few days ago, though."

She smiled. "Yep, she's gearing up to make her debut."

"I know and Kenzos leaving tonight. I hope he doesn't miss it. That would be hard on him. He's so attached to her, that would break him." I stated to her.

"Yeah, hopefully after the game he can fly back in time if you do."

"Right, I wish I was cleared to fly. I'd go to him and have my baby there —but nah my doctors and nurses are all here. Plus I want to be at my fathers' hospital anyway. So things will go smoothly. Especially now that I'm in the media." I rambled to her.

"Awe," she squealed, seeing me get riled up. "And I can't wait to meet her."

"Who are you telling, but I think Kenzo has all of us beat."

We laughed. Some of the other ladies, including the moms, came over joining in on the conversation; talking about the length of the ceremony and some of the chosen attire.

We were laughing and having a good time.

"What are you ladies over here gossiping about?" Kenzo walked over, carrying my plate and lemonade.

"None of your business." His mom smiled, playfully poking at Zos arm.

"Whatever, probably not talking about anything worth hearing anyway."

"Salty?" I asked while receiving my plate from him.

Our mothers laughed, walking off to the kitchen. Zo waited until they were out of range. "No, but I'm going to need some alone time with you in a little bit —before I leave."

"Oooh, you want some alone time, baby?" I flirted, biting down on my lip.

"Mmhmm." He copied biting down his. "So don't keep me waiting too long."

Now he knows how turned on I get. I don't understand why he's toying with me.

"You two are something else. Can you stop humping her leg long enough for us to have a full conversation with her, you horny dog?" Jade exaggerated while popping her eyes up at Zo then rolled them playfully.

"I can't help it. Shes bodying these jeans. —Baby girl got her thick, thick." He spoke clearly, I was smiling from ear to ear.

My smile sort of diminished when I saw my dad walking up behind him. My mouth slowly formed an oh.

"Thank you," I spoke cautiously, hoping he wouldn't say anything else.

Ok, Zo stop the flirting now, my dad is literally standing right behind you.