Chapter 27

The eight women, Sydney, Kristen, Megan, Rachel, Karla, Heidi, Chrysti, and now Jessica, sat together in Jalen’s living room, forming a circle. The energy was surprisingly light, considering the magnitude of what they were discussing. Jalen, sitting in the center of the room, looked around at each of them. “So, now that we are all here,” he said, giving Jessica a small smile, “I think we should revisit how we divide our time together.”

Rachel sighed. “Yeah, because let’s be real, one Jalen and eight of us is ... a challenge.”

Heidi smiled. “Understatement of the year.”

Sydney, ever the level-headed one, took a deep breath while she rubbed her belly. “Well, what we had before worked okay, but now we need to consider the fact that our pregnancies are progressing. Some of us are further along and might need extra support.”

Kristen nodded. “Yeah, I won’t lie, the farther along I get, the more exhausted I feel, and I’m going to need Jalen more for different things.”

Megan, sitting comfortably on the couch, spoke up. “I think we should have a flexible schedule. We keep the set days, but if someone needs Jalen more on a particular day, whether it’s because of pregnancy, an appointment, or even an emotional need, then we adjust.”

Karla tapped her fingers on her knee. “That makes sense, but we also have to make sure we’re fair. We don’t want anyone feeling like they’re being pushed aside.”

Jessica, who had been mostly quiet up until now, finally spoke. “I’m still ... wrapping my head around this, but if we’re being honest, I don’t need a ton of time with Jalen right now. I think some of you need him more at this stage.” She paused, then added, “That doesn’t mean I don’t want time, but I can be patient.”

Chrysti, nodding, chimed in. “I think we should also think about how we support each other. We’re all in this together, whether we like it or not.”

Jalen looked at Chrysti and smiled. Her saying that really showed that she was finally becoming more at peace with this crazy situation after hesitating for so long. He took everything in and leaned forward.

“I want you all to know that I will always make time for each of you. That being said, I think Megan’s right. We need flexibility, but also fairness. Maybe we set a base schedule, but we check in each week to adjust as needed.”

Sydney thought for a moment. “How about this? We keep the schedule we had before—where each of us has a dedicated day—but we add a rotation day where one person gets an extra night per week based on need or who hasn’t had as much time recently.”

Kristen nodded. “That could work.”

Rachel smirked. “So, basically, we get our set day, and the ‘wild card’ day rotates. I like it.”

Heidi laughed. “Okay, but if one of us gets sick and Jalen needs to take care of us, that takes priority, right?”

Jalen nodded. “Of course. Health, both physical and mental, comes first.”

Karla scribbled notes down in her planner. “Alright, so let’s lock in the new schedule. Everyone gets one day, plus a rotating extra night. We meet every Sunday to adjust as needed.”

Jessica finally let out a breath. “I can work with that.”

Chrysti smiled at her. “We all can.”

Jalen, looking around at the incredible women in his life, felt something deep in his chest.

This was ... working. They were figuring it out, together.

“There’s also something else to consider ... what if ... maybe not now but in the future ... we all moved in together. Like into a big enough house for all of us?” Sydney proposed.

The room went completely silent. Jalen blinked, trying to process what Sydney had just said. He wasn’t the only one. All of the other women in the room seemed caught off guard by the suggestion.

“Wait ... what?” Rachel said, raising an eyebrow.

Sydney shrugged, but there was a slight nervousness in her expression. “I mean ... not now. Not while we’re still figuring things out, but eventually. It’s something to consider.” She glanced around the room. “We’re already in each other’s lives. We’re raising our kids together whether we like it or not. Wouldn’t it make sense if we at least thought about finding a house big enough for all of us?”

Kristen folded her arms, looking skeptical. “I don’t know, Sydney. That’s ... a lot.”

Megan, surprisingly, didn’t dismiss it outright. “I mean, logistically, it would make sense. Jalen wouldn’t have to run all over Atlanta every day just to spend time with us.”

Karla tapped her fingers on her knee. “True. But ... do we actually want to live together? We all love Jalen, sure, but would we love living together?”

Chrysti, who had initially been the most reluctant about this entire situation, leaned back against the couch, thinking. “I mean ... I get the logic, but that would be a huge adjustment.”

Heidi smiled slightly. “Honestly? I think it’d be kind of fun.”

Rachel turned to Jalen, arms crossed. “Okay, Big Guy, what do you think? A house full of pregnant women and kids running around in the future? Sounds like a damn reality show.”

Jalen exhaled, running a hand over his face. He had to admit, the thought of having all his women and all his children under one roof was appealing in a way. It would make things easier. It would mean never having to leave one woman just to get to another. It would mean family, all together.

But it would also be insane.

“I think,” Jalen said carefully, “that it’s something we should discuss over time. I’m not saying no, but it has to be something everyone is comfortable with.”

Jessica, who had just started adjusting to this entire situation, finally spoke up. “I’m not against it. But I’d need my own space. Like my own wing of the house or something.”

Rachel scoffed. “Look at you, already making diva demands.”

Jessica shot her a look. “I know what I need to be sane. I need privacy sometimes.”

Kristen sighed. “Okay, well ... we don’t have to figure this out tonight, but Sydney does make a good point. Maybe it’s something we at least keep in mind as our kids get older.”

Sydney nodded. “That’s all I’m saying. Just ... something to think about.”

Jalen chuckled, shaking his head. “You know ... some guys worry about picking between one woman, and here I am, in a room full of eight, talking about moving into one big-ass house together.”

Karla smiled. “Welcome to your life, Jalen.”

Given the publicity surrounding Chris Westward’s arrest, and how Jalen took a bullet and still didn’t back down from Chris, Jalen’s contract services were now in high demand, especially from lawyers and other wealthy people who did not like Chris Westward. Jim Harbor also continued to recommend Jalen in all of his social and professional circles for any home or commercial construction needs. Jalen was now consistently taking on very high paying projects. The huge uptick in revenue allowed him to expand his business and hire more help to have projects completed faster. Moss Elite Construction quickly became a household name.

This also meant that Jalen had more flexibility since he had additional help, meaning he could spend more time with the future mothers of his children.

Jalen stepped into his newly opened renovated office space, a sleek modern setup with a team of dedicated employees managing the logistics of his growing company. The once-small operation that consisted of just him and a handful of workers was now a fully-fledged contracting firm. He was in the process of hiring project managers, office administrators, and additional skilled workers that would allow his business to take on multiple projects at once.

Jalen sat in his office, reviewing several new contracts when his assistant, Marcus, knocked on the door. “Boss, got another potential client on the line. Real estate developer looking to contract you for a luxury townhome project in Buckhead.”

Jalen leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. “That’s the third luxury project in two weeks.”

Marcus chuckled. “What can I say? Word is out. If you want high-end work done, you call Moss Elite.”

Jalen smiled to himself. Damn right.

The following morning, Jalen was again at his office reviewing plans for a major commercial project when his phone rang, and the caller ID flashed: Sydney Swanson.

“Hey, baby, what’s up?” Jalen answered, but instead of Sydney’s voice, he heard Kristen on the other end.

“Jalen, it’s time. Sydney’s water just broke. We’re heading to the hospital now.”

Jalen shot up from his desk, heart racing. “I’m on my way.”

By the time Jalen arrived at the hospital, most of the other women were already there. They were waiting anxiously in the lounge area.

Sydney was in the delivery room, surrounded by nurses and doctors, her blond hair damp with sweat as she fought through the contractions. Kristen and Megan were in the room with her, providing comfort. Jalen rushed in, his heart pounding. Sydney, despite her pain, smiled weakly when she saw him.

“Took you long enough,” she teased through gritted teeth.

Jalen rushed to her side, gripping her hand. “I’m here. I got you.”

She squeezed his hand tight as hell, making Jalen wonder if his bones might actually break.

Kristen laughed. “Yeah, she’s definitely about to push.”

Sydney glared. “No shit, Kristen!”

The nurses then asked Kristen and Megan to leave as Sydney was now fully dilated and it was time to push. Once the doctor arrived, she examined Sydney and then gave the go-ahead.

“Alright, Sydney, on the next contraction, I need you to push.”

Jalen leaned down, kissing Sydney’s forehead. “You got this, babe. I’m right here.”

Sydney nodded, gritting her teeth as she pushed with all her strength.

Ten minutes later after a lot of screaming and grunting, ... a baby’s cry filled the room.

Tears welled in Sydney’s eyes as the doctor lifted up their newborn son.

“Congratulations,” the doctor said, “It’s a healthy baby boy.”

Sydney let out a shaky laugh, completely overwhelmed, as the nurses quickly cleaned the baby up before swaddling him in a soft blue blanket.

When they placed him in Sydney’s arms, she immediately started crying.

“Oh my God ... Julius,” she whispered.

Jalen felt his chest tighten, his emotions crashing over him as he looked at his son for the first time.

His son. Julius Moss.

Jalen swallowed the lump in his throat and reached out, carefully touching the tiny hand of his newborn.

“Hey, little man...” Jalen whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Welcome to the world.”

Sydney looked up at him, tears still in her eyes, but smiling brighter than ever. “We did it.”

Jalen kissed her gently. “You did it. I’m so proud of you.”

Jalen’s heart had never felt fuller. Pamela Swanson arrived sometime later and she nearly cried herself when she got to hold her grandson for the first time. She and Sydney further bonded over the new life that they were holding.

This was just the beginning, but it was the most beautiful start Jalen could have hoped for.

For the next several weeks, Jalen spent all his free time with Sydney and baby Julius.

One night, Jalen was at Sydney’s condo, rocking baby Julius in his arms while Sydney sat nearby, still recovering but glowing with happiness. The past three weeks had been an intense adjustment, learning how to function on minimal sleep, figuring out Julius’ feeding schedule, and soaking in every moment of fatherhood.

Then, his phone rang.

Karla. Jalen answered, already knowing what this was.

“Jalen, Kristen’s in labor. We’re on the way to the hospital now.”

Jalen felt his pulse spike. It was happening again.

By the time Jalen arrived at the hospital, the others were already there gathered in the waiting room. Sydney had to stay home with baby Julius, but she had sent Kristen an encouraging voice message, reminding her she would be just fine.

Jalen rushed through the halls, finally making it to Kristen’s room. She was sitting up in bed, breathing heavily, her dark brown hair damp from exertion, her makeup slightly smudged, but still looking stunning.

Her piercing eyes locked onto Jalen the moment he entered.

“Took your damn time.” She managed to smile between contractions.

Jalen chuckled, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “You ready, babe?”

Kristen rolled her eyes, gripping his hand tightly. “Does it matter if I’m ready? This baby is coming whether I like it or not.”

Megan was at Kristen’s other side, rubbing her back. “You got this, girl. Deep breaths.”

The doctor stepped in. “Alright, Kristen. It’s time to push.”

Jalen stayed close, whispering encouragement as Kristen pushed through the pain. Forty agonizing minutes later, another cry filled the room. Kristen gasped, tears immediately welling in her eyes as she collapsed back against the bed.

“It’s a girl!” the doctor announced.

Kristen let out a watery laugh, her chest rising and falling heavily. A daughter.

Jalen’s throat tightened as he stared at the tiny, wriggling newborn in the nurse’s arms. Kristen wiped away tears as the nurse placed the swaddled baby into her arms. She was tiny, pink, and perfect.

Kristen looked up at Jalen, her expression softer than he had ever seen it.

“Jalen, meet Isabella Moss.”

Jalen exhaled sharply, his heart swelling as he reached out, touching his daughter’s tiny fingers. His baby girl. He felt the emotions rise in his chest.

“Isabella...” he whispered. “She’s beautiful.”

Kristen smiled softly. “We can call her Bella.”

Jalen leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Kristen’s forehead before looking at his daughter. He stroked Bella’s tiny fingers, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Hey, Bella,” he whispered. “I’m your dad.”

Kristen watched him with silent affection, blinking away tears, and Jalen leaned down to kiss both his daughter and Kristen’s forehead again. Another piece of his family had just arrived.

Kristen and Sydney decided that they would live together with their babies for a while so it would be easier for Jalen to be there for both of them and the babies. Kristen had a bigger place, so they stayed there. Jalen was incredibly grateful for Kristen and Sydney’s decision to live together because it made things more manageable for him as he balanced his time between all eight women and their growing families. Kristen’s place was spacious, comfortable, and had plenty of room for both babies to have their own nursery spaces.

For the first couple of weeks, Jalen practically lived there, making sure both Sydney and Kristen had everything they needed. He helped with late-night feedings, changed diapers, and even learned how to swaddle the babies properly. Whenever one of them was exhausted, he’d take over completely, letting them rest.

One evening, as Jalen rocked baby Bella in his arms while Sydney nursed Julius on the couch, Kristen looked over at him and smiled.

“You’re a natural,” she said.

Jalen chuckled. “I don’t know about that. I’m just trying not to screw up.”

Sydney smiled. “Well, you’re doing a great job. We both appreciate you, babe.”

He looked at both women, overwhelmed with emotion. “I appreciate y’all too. More than you know.”

Sydney and Kristen’s bond also strengthened during this time. They leaned on each other for support, sharing the responsibilities of motherhood while adjusting to their new normal. Jalen couldn’t have asked for a better situation. It gave him a little peace of mind knowing that they had each other whenever he wasn’t there. Despite the chaos of newborns, late nights, and endless diaper changes, there was a sense of warmth and unity in Kristen’s home.

A month later, Jalen was running on pure adrenaline at this point, bouncing between hospitals, caring for newborns, and making sure each of the women felt loved and supported.

When Megan went into labor, Jalen rushed to the hospital and was by her side the entire time. It was a long, exhausting labor, but Megan was a fighter, and when baby Noah Moss was finally born, Jalen felt his heart swell with pride and love all over again. Megan, sweaty and exhausted, still managed to smile at Jalen as she held their son for the first time.

“He really is perfect,” she whispered.

Jalen kissed her forehead. “Just like his mama.”

Megan had chosen to recover at home rather than stay longer at the hospital, so Jalen was ready to set up whatever she needed to make sure she was comfortable. But just as he was about to get some much-needed rest, his phone rang.

It was Rachel.

“Jalen,” she said, her voice strained. “I think ... I think it’s happening.”

Jalen felt his heart stop for a second. Rachel wasn’t due for another few weeks.

“I’m on my way,” he said immediately.

Rushing to the hospital yet again, Jalen found Rachel already in the delivery room. Things were progressing fast. Rachel, normally composed and in control, was panicked.

“This isn’t supposed to happen yet,” she said, gripping his hand tightly. “It’s too early.”

Jalen cupped her face. “Hey, look at me. You and the baby are going to be okay. I promise.”

A few hours later, Rachel gave birth to a baby boy, Devin Moss. He was small but healthy, and as soon as Rachel held him, she broke down in tears. Jalen sat on the edge of the hospital bed, wrapping an arm around Rachel as she looked at their tiny son.

“I was so scared,” she admitted. “But he’s here. He’s okay.”

Jalen kissed the top of her head. “Yeah, he is, and so are you.”

At this point, Jalen was now the father of four newborns. He wasn’t sure how he was still functioning, but he wouldn’t trade this for anything.

A few weeks later, Jessica sat in the dimly lit office of the Ice and Flame Club, her long red acrylic nails drumming idly on the armrest of the chair. She had been called in for a private meeting with the club’s owner, Victor Russo, and the two managers, Greg Dulan and Lenny Spatz. She already had an idea of what this was about, and she was trying to maintain her composure, but her agitation was already getting the better of her.

Across from her, Victor leaned forward, folding his hands together on his mahogany desk. He was a middle-aged man with slicked-back dark hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and a tailored suit that screamed “mob-adjacent businessman.” His cold blue eyes studied her like a calculation, like she was a product rather than a person.

Greg, one of the managers, cleared his throat. “Jessica, first off, congratulations on your pregnancy.” His voice was polite, but there was an undertone of unease.

Jessica raised an eyebrow, waiting for the “but.”

“But...” Lenny, the other manager, jumped in, shifting in his seat. “We have some concerns. You’re a huge draw here. One of our biggest attractions. People come to see you, the Jessica Robinson that embodies fantasy, seduction, and mystery. And, well ... your condition kind of ... changes things.”

Jessica crossed her legs, adjusting the sparkling burgundy dress she had worn today, purposely leaning into the “Jessica Robinson” persona they were so concerned about.

“Changes things how?” She asked coolly.

Victor exhaled through his nose, as if trying to frame his words carefully. “Look, Jess. You know we love you here. You bring in serious money, but we can’t ignore the fact that part of your appeal is ... let’s say ... your image. The sultry songstress. The unattainable goddess. The woman every man in this city would give his soul to touch. That’s the fantasy we sell, and it works.”

Jessica remained silent, her jaw tightening.

Greg continued, “The thing is, pregnancy, it’s beautiful, sure, but it shifts how the audience perceives you. You won’t be the same Jessica they fantasize about when you’re visibly pregnant.”

Jessica tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “So, what exactly are you saying?”

Victor leaned back in his chair. “We need to think about what’s best for business. If your presence starts affecting revenue, we may have to consider making some adjustments to your performances ... or pausing them entirely.”

Jessica felt a slow burn of anger creep up her spine. Pausing? Adjustments? She had worked her ass off to become a name at this club. These men had profited off her talent, off the character they had helped mold, but the second she became a real person, a woman embracing motherhood, they saw it as a liability.

She let out a short, humorless laugh. “So let me get this straight. You think people won’t pay to see me anymore just because I’m pregnant?”

Lenny hesitated. “Well ... we’re just trying to be realistic.”

Jessica’s lips curled into a smirk, though there was zero warmth behind it. “Let’s be real, then. You’re not worried about business. You’re worried about men. Men who like to pretend they have a shot with me when they watch me sing. Men who spend money here thinking I belong to them, not realizing that I never belonged to anyone but myself.”

Victor sighed. “Jessica—”

“No, let me finish,” she said, her voice cutting through the room. “You think this pregnancy is gonna ruin my appeal? That people won’t want to see me anymore? Then why don’t we test that theory?”

Greg and Lenny exchanged uneasy glances.

Jessica stood up, adjusting her dress. “I’ll keep performing. If attendance drops, if sales dip, then we can talk about changes, but until that happens, I expect to be treated like the top-billed act I am.” She leaned down slightly, looking Victor directly in the eye. “Because let’s face it, Victor, you and I both know this club needs me more than I need it.”

Victor studied her for a long moment, then let out a slow chuckle. “You’re a tough one, Jess.”

She smiled coolly. “That’s why people pay to see me.”

Victor tapped his fingers on his desk. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. For now.”

Jessica nodded, already knowing she had won. “Glad we understand each other.”

She turned on her red-bottomed heels and walked out, her head held high, but as she stepped out of the office and into the main club, a realization settled in her chest. This place? This wasn’t her forever. Maybe it was time to start thinking bigger.

“Fuck them.” Jalen said to Jessica later that day. His words were firm, his voice laced with frustration as he sat across from Jessica at Kristen’s place. He was holding Julius while feeding him with a bottle of warm pumped milk from Sydney. Sydney was in the bedroom napping. Jessica had come over after leaving the Ice and Flame Club because this was the only way she could see Jalen in person given how tied up he was these days. She had just finished telling him about her meeting with Victor, Greg, and Lenny, and how they had tried to reduce her worth to nothing more than a fantasy, something that could be discarded the moment she no longer fit their mold.

Jessica sat on the couch, her legs tucked underneath her, still in the burgundy wrap dress she had worn to the meeting, while her heels had been placed neatly on the floor nearby. She absentmindedly traced the rim of her water glass with her long red acrylic nails, thinking about the conversation over and over again.

“You don’t need to diminish your magic for anyone,” Jalen continued, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Especially not for some sleazy men just wanting to fuck you.”

Jessica let out a short, bitter laugh. “Tell that to Victor and his little board of misogynists. To them, I’m not an artist. I’m not a woman with actual talent. I’m just a product they’re selling to desperate men.”

Jalen shook his head, his jaw clenching. “Then maybe it’s time to take back your power. You said it yourself—you don’t need that place. They need you. So why the hell are you still letting them control your narrative?”

Jessica looked up at him, her green eyes sharp. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Jalen said, sitting back and folding his arms, “why not start your own thing? Your own venue. Your own stage. Something where you call the shots. No greasy club owners deciding when and how you get to be seen.”

Jessica scoffed. “That sounds great, Jalen, but you do realize that requires a lot of money, right? A venue, staff, licensing, permits ... I don’t exactly have millions lying around.”

Jalen gave her a knowing smirk. “But Megan does.”

Jessica blinked. “What?”

Jalen shrugged. “Megan just won millions from that bastard Chris. And she’s been using a good chunk of it to support women in tough situations. You think she wouldn’t be thrilled to help you start something that empowers women instead of exploiting them?”

Jessica stared at him, her mind racing. The idea had never even crossed her mind, but now that Jalen had said it out loud, she realized how obvious it was. She didn’t have to keep letting other people decide her worth. She could own it. She could be the boss.

“You really think she’d do that?” Jessica asked after a long pause.

Jalen grinned. “I think Megan loves making arrogant men realize they don’t own shit, and I think she’d love to see you make Victor sweat.”

Jessica chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. “Damn. I never even thought about that.”

Jalen reached over, tucking a loose strand of her voluminous auburn hair behind her ear. “Then maybe it’s time to start thinking bigger, Jess. No more letting small men put you in a box.”

Jessica smirked, her confidence rekindling. “You know what? You might be right.”

Jalen winked. “I usually am. Also, if you’re not sure about opening up your own place of business, maybe consider doing an album? You have a story, and I think there are millions out there who would love to hear it. We already know damn well you can sing.”

Jessica’s eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise as she stared at Jalen, her mind struggling to catch up with the wild suggestion he had just thrown at her.

Jalen just shrugged seeing her expression and continued.

“I mean ... yeah. Why not? You already got a fanbase. You already know damn well you can sing. Why limit yourself to one stage when you could be in millions of ears?”

Jessica scoffed, shaking her head with a smirk. “Jalen, do you have any idea what it takes to make an album? It’s not just about walking into a studio and belting out some songs. There’s songwriting, production, marketing—”

“And money?” Jalen interrupted, tilting his head. “Because I know money ain’t the issue.”

Jessica paused. That was true. She had plenty saved up from her years performing, not to mention her ridiculous tips from wealthy men desperate for her attention. Then if Megan was really willing to back her, finances wouldn’t even be a concern.

Jalen leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “Come on, Jessica. I know you. You don’t just love singing, you need it. It’s who you are now, and I know you got a hell of a story to tell.” Jessica bit her lip. She did have a story and a damn good one. A story about a girl named Jennifer Rollins who had to become Jessica Robinson to survive. Who had spent years being the fantasy that men paid to see, all while hiding the real woman underneath. A story about finding herself, finding love, and finally taking control.

For the first time, she actually pictured it. Her voice coming through speakers, telling the world who she really was on her terms.

“ ... You really think people would listen?” she asked softly.

Jalen chuckled. “Jessica, people would worship that album.”

Jessica smirked. “Now you’re just gassing me up.”

Jalen grinned. “That’s my job, baby.”

Jessica leaned back into the couch, exhaling slowly. “Damn. First, you’re telling me to open my own club, now you’re trying to turn me into a global superstar?”

Jalen shrugged. “Why the hell not?”

Jessica laughed, shaking her head. “You’re insane.”

Jalen leaned in, brushing his lips softly against hers. “Nah. I just believe in you.”

Jessica’s heart skipped a beat. Maybe ... It was time she believed in herself too.

“Yes. Let’s do it.” Megan said.

“You didn’t even let me finish!” Jessica responded.

“I already know what you’re about Jessica. And I fucking love it. You told me how you and Jalen fell in love and how you became who you are, and if that’s the story you’re telling, then hell yes I want to hear that album.” Megan responded. “I love supporting bad ass women who have no time for weak men.”

It was one week later, and Jessica was sitting in Megan’s living room having come over to tell her about her idea to do an album. Megan was breastfeeding Noah in her sling while simultaneously listening to Jessica tell her about her potential album.

Jessica blinked at Megan, still caught off guard by her instant enthusiasm. She had barely even processed the idea herself, and here Megan was, already all in.

“You didn’t even hesitate,” Jessica said, still sounding stunned.

Megan grinned. “Why the fuck would I? This is a no-brainer.”