Thursday, March 19th, 2020

Graeme's POV

I tried my best to avoid bumps in the road but failed miserably. If it wasn't a bump, it was a pothole. Janiyah cut me some of the dirtiest looks ever. I didn't do it on purpose.

We saw a pink 'Welcome Home' banner on the door as I parked in our driveway. My father came outside and went to get Jacee out of my SUV.

I got out and walked over to the passenger side to help Janiyah. "Take your time, Mr. Harrison."

"You want a step ladder or for me to lift you?"

"Lift me."

"Wrap your arms around me." After Janiyah did that, I lifted her out of the seat. Where do you want to go?"

"Let's go to the living room, slowly. I'm hungry."

Janiyah and I took our time, walking in the house. It took us close to twenty minutes to make it inside. Niko, Tatianna, Griffin, Sophia, and Shane were inside.

"Little Janiyah is adorable. Congratulations, Janiyah, and Graeme."

"Thank you, Tatianna."

"Griffin and I fixed lunch for everyone. Have a seat."

"Thanks, Niko."

"Janiyah and Graeme, Niko and I are staying in Cali through next week. So, whatever you want us to help with, just let us know."

"Tatianna, are you sure about that? Jacee will be all yours through the night," Janiyah says.

"We don't mind. That's what we are here for, to help out."

"And, it will be practice for when your little one is born."

"Until that time comes, we'll enjoy being an aunt and uncle to Jacee."

"And don't forget - Jacee will have her choice of babysitters, from Cali to New York." Everyone laughed while Janiyah and I high-fived each other. Good times are ahead.

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Saturday, April 17th, 2021

Janiyah's POV

So much has happened in the past year. Bliss and Shane, for instance, are back together. I am happy for them. Graeme and I were a groomsmen and bridesmaid at their wedding two Saturdays ago. It was amazing!

Janelle and Hunter are now engaged. They have set a date for September 18th of this year. I'm excited about that. Damion is currently dating.

And, little Ms. Jacee is walking, and she can hold her sippy cup by herself. Jacee loves to dance and giggle. It is so cute when she tries to carry my bags on her shoulder. Her first word was 'dada.' I lost the bet that Graeme and I had.

Speaking of Graeme and Jacee, they just entered the back yard.

"Where have you two been? How is mama's pretty girl?" Jacee walked over to where I was sitting, so I picked her up and planted kisses on her cheeks. She started giggling.

"Jacee and I had a father/daughter lunch and went shopping." Graeme pulled out several cute, small bags that Jacee can carry.

"Now you and Jacee can be twins. And, guess what Jacee said today?" Graeme sat in the lounger next to me. "Jacee, babe, what did we get for Mama?"

"Ma. Ma."

"Yay! Jacee said Ma. I'll take it."

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Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

Janiyah's POV

"I can't believe we will be having our fifth wedding anniversary in two months. And, in June, our baby boy will be born," Graeme says while rubbing my belly.

"Time flies when you spend it with the one you love." That's right, you heard it here. Graeme and I are expecting child #2 in June. Jacee will have a little brother, and we named him Graeme Christian Harrison Junior.

"My crew are all coming too - Shane, Bliss, Cris, Kam, Marco, Noel, Layla, Ryan, Niko, Tati, Griffin, and Sophia. I am so excited about the party."

And, Ms. Jacee just turned four this past Sunday. Jacee likes to pretend she is working at my desk. So, Graeme bought a desk and phone for Jacee and put it in my office. She is my twin. Layla even designed several matching outfits for us. I thought that was so sweet.

"I'm drawing a picture, mama."

"You sure are, Jacee. Who is in the picture?"

"We are, mama. I couldn't draw my baby brother."

I kissed Jacee on her forehead. "When your baby brother is born, I will make sure he sees your picture. See how you drew daddy? Just make baby Graeme smaller."

"Okay, mama."

"Jacee, babe, want to talk to your brother? He is kicking mommy now."

She got out of her chair and came over to where I was sitting. As she started touching my belly, she said, "Gaeme, stop kicking, mama."

Graeme and I chuckled. "Jacee, guess what? He stopped kicking."

"He did? Good boy, Gaeme."

My kids are bonding already. It's just too cute, and I love it.

"Mama, I'm hungry."

"Let's go watch television while daddy fixes us lunch." Graeme just grinned while we exited my office.

While heading to the living room, Jacee and I heard a knock on the door. So, we walked to the door to see who was knocking. After peeking through the peephole, I saw Liam, Marsha, and Megan. So, I opened the door.

"Jacee, look who came to see us. It's Mama, grandpa, and Aunt Megan."

"Mama," she says to Marsha. Jacee calls every female in the family Mama except Megan and Janelle.

Liam scooped Jacee in his arms as she started giggling.

"Come on in, everyone. Graeme is fixing us lunch."

"I draw a picture, papa," Jacee says to Liam.

"You did? Let's go see it." Liam and Jacee walked to my office. Marsha, Megan, and I walked to the kitchen.

"Hi, Graeme. Need some help?" Marsha asked him.

"Hi, mom and Megan," Graeme says as he hugs them. "Have a seat with Janiyah. Where is dad?"

"Jacee wanted to show her papa the picture she drew."

Jacee and Liam entered the kitchen. "Mama and Meg, look at my picture," Jacee says Meg for her auntie because she is not able to say Megan yet. For Janelle, Jacee says Jan.

Marsha and Megan looked at Jacee's picture. "It's an adorable picture, sweetie."

"Tank you, Mama."

"You're welcome, Cuddles."

Jacee loves to cuddle, so Graeme nicknamed her Cuddles.

"How are you feeling, Janiyah?"

"Marsha, I'm tired. So, I have been resting a lot. I'm trying to save up my energy for our anniversary weekend. And, thank you, Megan, for watching Jacee on the Friday before the big party."

"You're welcome, Janiyah. Jacee and I are going to have so much fun."

I remember when Megan and I had issues, but look at us now - we are the best of friends. We even get together and have lunch dates with Jacee.

Wait until Hunter and Janelle get married. Their wedding was supposed to happen in September of 2021, but they had so many things happening at the same time, plus delay after delay. But, they are finally on track to have the wedding this year. Janelle will be moving to California before they get married.

The Harrison boys are in trouble. Megan, Janelle, and I are planning some tricks for Graeme and Hunter. 2024 will be a busy and exciting year.

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Friday, May 24th, 2024

Graeme's POV

Today, Janiyah and I are having a quiet dinner at home to celebrate our anniversary. Jacee is with Aunt Megan tonight. She didn't even cry when she left the house with Megan.

I fixed a healthy meal for Janiyah tonight - honey-glazed grilled salmon, grilled sweet potato, and strawberry salad with a vinaigrette dressing. To drink, I made decaf iced green tea and put it in wine glasses.

I heard footsteps from the hallway, so Janiyah must be walking towards the dining room.

"It smells delightful down here."

"Since tomorrow is the big day, I made a smaller meal for tonight. We are having salmon, sweet potatoes, and strawberry salad. There is plenty more salmon in the kitchen. For dessert, I bought your favorite - red velvet cake."

"Thank you, Papito.

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"Dinner and dessert was delicious, Mr. Harrison."

"Thank you, Mrs. Harrison. We should enter a couples' cooking contest."

"Is there a such thing?"

"I'll try to see if it is. It's card time now. Here is my card."

I handed Janiyah her card.

"I love the card. Thank you, Graeme. Here is my card for you. I couldn't find a more masculine card, so I picked a light purple one."

"No worries. The thought counts more. I love it."

Both of our cellphones suddenly went off. Janiyah and I grabbed our phones. Hopefully, nothing happened to Jacee.

I opened the text to see an anniversary card from Jacee.

"Aww, this is so adorable. This had to be Megan's idea. I love it."

"I agree. I'm going to send Megan a text."

After sending Megan a text, I played 'Diamonds' by Rihanna.

"Mrs. Harrison, my main diamond, may I have this dance?"

"Yes, you may, Mr. Harrison, my Papito."

Janiyah put her hand in mine, stood up out of her chair, and we danced to the song.

"Let me guess? Jacee and Graeme Junior are your other diamonds."

"100% correct. Happy anniversary, Janiyah Alexia Harrison."

"Happy anniversary, Graeme Christian Harrison, Sr."

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Picture portrayal of Jacee is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / Gelpi

Picture of four-year-old Jacee is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / Gelpi