Jey leaned back against the worn-out seat at the bowling alley, arms crossed as he watched Malakai line up his shot. The kid had been laser-focused all night, and Jey couldn't help but be impressed. Malakai might've only been five, but he had skills.

"Alright, little man, let's see what you got," Jimmy teased, standing beside him with his hands on his hips.

Malakai barely spared him a glance, adjusting his stance before rolling the ball down the lane. It curved just right, knocking down every pin with a loud crash.

"Let's gooo!" Malakai cheered, jumping up with his arms raised.

Jey smirked, shaking his head. "That's my boy."

Jimmy groaned dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "You serious right now? You just gonna embarrass me like that?"

Malakai giggled, looking up at him. "Maybe you just need more practice."

Solo, who had been quietly watching, let out a rare chuckle. "He got you there, Uce."

Joelle clapped her hands. "That was so good, Malakai! You should go again."

Malakai beamed. Jey couldn't stop the pride swelling in his chest. It was still surreal-having a son, seeing him bond with his family.

Jimmy finally shook off his 'defeat' and slung an arm around Jey. "Man, I gotta admit, you got yourself a cool kid. He's us through and through."

Jey smiled, glancing over at Malakai, who was now deep in conversation with Joelle about their next game. His heart felt full in a way he hadn't expected.

"Yeah," he murmured. "I really do."

Jimmy nudged him. "You ready for all this? The wedding, bein' a full-time dad... it's a lot, Uce."

Jey exhaled, rubbing his jaw. "I won't lie, it's a lot to take in. But it don't scare me. Not anymore."

Solo nodded. "Good. 'Cause once you in, there's no half-steppin'. You all in or you ain't in at all."

Jey met his brother's gaze and nodded. "I am all in."

He had spent too many years running, avoiding the truth, dodging responsibility. But not anymore.

Now, he had a son. A woman he loved. A future he was actually excited about.

And for the first time in a long time, Jey Uso wasn't looking back.

He was moving forward.