by Deja King
"Happy Birthday, Aaliyah!" we hummed in unison. I couldn't believe that Aaliyah was one year old already. It seemed like yesterday I was in the hospital, knocking on death's door pushing her out, and now she was walking and trying to talk. I felt so blessed that I was able to witness those milestones. After bringing Aaliyah home, the last three months had been such an adjustment. Supreme and I were both guilty of damn near suffocating her with our attention. We still hadn't accepted there was no making up for lost time. "Aaliyah, Mommy loves you, baby," I said, squeezing her tightly. She looked simply delicious in her ruby-red Grace attire. The velvet dress with silk trim and bow detail made her look like a little princess. "Supreme, you stand in the middle so I can take a picture of the three of you," Maya said, holding her digital camera. "One, two, three, say cheese." "Che-e-e-e-se!" Aaliyah had the biggest grin on her face as the camera snapped, loving the attention. Aaliyah snuggled in her daddy's arms, now demanding all of his adoration. "That was perfect. You guys really are the first family of hip hop royalty. Now only if I can find me a man," Maya said as we walked towards the gazebo. "Maya, when the time is right you will find a man. You've been through a lot. You need to focus on you, and everything else will come." "That's easy for you to say. You have Supreme and the most beautiful little girl in the world. What do I have?" "You have us." "Come on, Precious. I can't live under your roof forever. Eventually I have to get out on my own.' "Nobody is rushing you. Now that the police investigation is closed and the prosecution won't be bringing any charges against you, you need some time to fall back and relax." "It's still hard to believe that Clip is gone. I know what he did was fucked up, but I loved him and I never thought he could be capable of anything like that." "You're not the only one. He fooled Supreme too. He won't admit it, but he's hurting over what Clip did. He had a lot love for him. That was his protege. Clip was going to be the next big rap phenomenon, and now he refuses to release his album even though it's completed. Supreme said any profits made off that CD would be blood money. He doesn't even care that he invested millions of dollars, and all that money has now gone to waste. But I recognize where Supreme is coming from." "So do I. Plus, it don't help matters that Mike is out there somewhere." "Who you telling? It's like he's vanished into thin air. Every lead on him comes up cold. The last time we talked to Detective Moore he said that there was a sighting of him in New Mexico, but after that, nada. I won't feel completely safe until he's captured and back behind bars." "I know, but with all the help he had on the outside dead, I have a feeling his time on the run will be coming to an end shortly." "That's what the detective believes too. But enough about Mike's sorry ass. Today is one of celebration and I'm not going to let that sick fuck rain on our parade. I'd rather discuss how much we love having you here with us, and how wonderful you are with Aaliyah." "I love being here too, especially since you guys are the only family I have. I mean I could always go back to New York and live with my mother, but you know what a headache that was. But with you bringing Anna back, you're not going to need me anymore." "First of all, I'm not even sure if Anna will agree to come back. Just because she was willing to attend Aaliyah's birthday party doesn't mean she wants to work for me again, and honestly I couldn't blame her." "Precious, I'm sure Anna understands that you were only reacting to the fucked up events that took place. I mean, your daughter was kidnapped and she was the last person with her. It's only natural you would take your frustrations out on her." "Regardless, whether Anna comes back or not, that doesn't have anything to do with whether you stay or go. Like I said, you're welcome to live here for as long as you want. I actually enjoy your company. You know I don't really like fucking with these uppity Beverly Hills motherfuckas. You're the only friend I got," I laughed. As Maya and I sat down under the gazebo, I watched everyone enjoying the festivities. What started off being a few close friends and family turned into quite an event. But they were mostly all Supreme's people. His parents came and damn near all his industry friends who had kids, and even the ones who didn't. I had never seen so many baby mamas in one vicinity in all my life. This was the life of the "rich and shameless". "Well, girl, these mofos have been at my house long enough. It's time to clear house. The party is officially over. Do you care to join me as I kick these motherfuckas out?" I joked, but was dead serious. "Of course. Lead the way." By the time Maya and I blew the last kiss goodbye to my fellow guests, not only was it way past Aaliyah's bedtime, but I was exhausted. The only thing I wanted to do was crawl into bed with my husband and get some good loving. "Baby, I'ma put Aaliyah to bed," Supreme said, holding our daughter in his arms. Her eyes were closed so I gave her a soft kiss on the cheek so I wouldn't wake her up. I stood in the middle of the living room smiling, watching Supreme carry Aaliyah upstairs, feeling that my life couldn't get any better than this. "Mrs. Mills, which room would you like for me to sleep in tonight?" Anna asked while I stood in the foyer captivated by the bond between Aaliyah and Supreme. It was a connection I never shared with my own father, a man I never even knew. "I'm sorry, Anna what did you say?" I asked, coming out of my daydreaming. "What room should I sleep in?" "Your old room, but only if you agree to stay, Anna." I gave her a pleading look, hoping she would take me up on my offer. "You really want me to come back and work for you, Mrs. Mills?" she asked with complete astonishment in her voice. "Yes. I understand if you have reservations. I mean I treated you pretty badly. I was happy you agreed to come join us for Aaliyah's birthday party, although I figured it was because Supreme asked you." "You know how highly I think of Mr. Mills, but I think highly of you too, Mrs. Mills and I also love baby Aaliyah very much. Nothing would make me happier than to be a part of your family again." "Thank you, Anna," I said as we embraced. "Things are finally getting back to normal." With everybody gone, and with both Anna and Maya tucked away in their rooms, I made a pit stop to the kitchen. I pulled out an ice cold bottle of bubbly for me and my husband. With two champagne glasses, whipped cream and strawberries in my hands I made my way to our bedroom, ready for us to toast the night away. "What is all this?" Supreme asked as I entered our bedroom. "I thought that since the kids played all day, it was time for the grown folks to do a little celebrating." "What did you have in mind?" "Some champagne, and then you rocking me to sleep. How does that sound?" "Sounds tempting, but, umm..." "But umm... what?" "You want me to rock you to sleep, that means I have to do all the work. Shouldn't there be some sort of even exchange?" "Excuse me?" "No need to get hostile, all I'm saying is that can't you show me a little gratitude for all the work I'm about to put T" in. "A little gratitude... I think I can do that." "I appreciate the cooperation, but first, can you take your clothes off? Gratitude is so much more fulfilling when you're naked." Neither of us could hold back our laughter. "You're a mess, but your wish is my command." After placing our goodies on the nightstand beside the bed, I untied my midnight-blue Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. Then off came the laciest black La Perla bra and panty set. By the time I was done, the only thing left on me was my jewel-studded Giuseppe stilettos." "Now that's more like it." "Does that mean you're feeling the gratitude?" I flirted. "You're getting there." "Aren't you a hard one to please? I have a feeling this will do the trick, but first let's have a toast," I said, pouring champagne in our glasses. I put my hand around the necklace Supreme gave me in the hospital after surviving my brush with death. I turned over the pink diamond heart-shaped necklace, "You see that? It says 'S&P Love for Life'. That's you and me, baby. Can't nothing come between that." "Let's toast to S&P Love for Life. You're the only woman for me, and I better be the only man for you," Supreme said, pulling me into a deep kiss. We clinked our glasses and drank up the champagne, solidifying our toast. After tasting Supreme's lips, I continued sprinkling kisses down each crest of his chiseled chest, then stopped, using the tip of my tongue to circle his belly button. As his eyes rolled in delight, I took the whipped cream and polished his manhood, devouring each inch of him until he was ready to explode in my mouth. When he seemed as if he couldn't
hold back any longer, I began to straddle him, and his dick penetrated inside of me. "Damn, baby, my pussy feels so good!" he moaned, and pulled my breasts to his mouth. I closed my eyes, winding my hips like I was a belly dancer. Warmth encompassed my insides as my first orgasm set upon me. "Supreme, don't ever leave me." "I ain't going nowhere, just as long as you don't ever leave me." "I'll never leave you. I promise you that." And as our bodies became interwoven I meant every word I said. Supreme was it for me. There was no greater love than the one we shared together. That night, Supreme and I made love until we fell asleep in each other's arms. We had once again been through the fire, but we came out of it stronger and more bonded than ever. Our love continued to stand against every obstacle thrown our way. I guess it's true what they say: "There's no greater love than Black love."