Page 6 of His Baby Her Gift

“We won. That’s all that matters.” Nate said, laughing as he used a towel to dry the sweat from his face. “I’m glad you called me up. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to hang out.”

“I know. The past few months have been a little crazy. I’m sorry I haven’t been by the house more often. How are Melody and my little dude?” Carter asked.

“Mel's good and Nate Jr. is growing up way too fast. Next week is his birthday.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget his birthday. That was a wild night.”

“Yeah. It was. We’re having a little get-together for him on Saturday. I’ll understand if you can’t make it.” Nate said as he threw his towel over his shoulder and picked up his water bottle.

“Of course I’ll be there. I’m one of his Godfathers. I’m actually looking forward to it. It will be nice to see everybody.”

Nate almost choked. “You? Looking forward to a kid’s birthday party?”

Carter took a pull from his water bottle. “Yeah. Why are you so surprised?”

Nate lifted the side of his mouth in a smirk. “Because you don’t do kids’ parties or anything related to kids.”

“A lot can happen to change your perspective.”

Nate nodded in understanding. “True. That is exactly how Melody and I felt after our car accident a few years ago. When that happened, we were determined not to take life for granted. Damian’s death hit us pretty hard too.”

“It hit all of us hard.” Carter’s eyes had a flash of sadness. “It definitely made me take stock of my life.”

“Speaking of taking stock? How is Harlem? We haven’t seen much of her lately either.”

“All in all, she’s doing okay. Her pregnancy is going pretty well. She’s out of that morning sickness phase.”

“You two are growing pretty close, huh?”

Carter tilted his head slightly. “Something like that.” He was guarded in his response. He wasn’t sure how Nate would handle him wanting to pursue a romantic relationship with Harlem.

Nate wasn’t really that surprised. “Man, I remember when you two couldn’t stand to be in the same room. I guess I could understand . . .” Nate was having diarrhea of the mouth and decided to shut up.

“Guess you could understand what?” Carter was interested in what he had to say. “Don’t stop now. Say what you were going to say.”

“I don’t know. Don’t punch me in the face for saying this, but Harlem just always seemed more like your speed than Damian’s.”

“Why would you say that?” Carter was curious.

“I was at that frat party with you and Damian when the two of you met her. If I remember correctly, you saw Harlem first. She had your tongue hanging out of your mouth.” Nate kindly reminded him. “Never seen you react to a woman like that before or since.”

“You’re over exaggerating. My tongue wasn’t hanging out of my mouth.”

“Yes, it was.” Nate laughed. “Dame was supposed to go talk to her for you. He ended up getting her number.”

Carter remember that night very well. “I was young but definitely learned a valuable lesson.”

“What?”

“Don’t ever send another man after something you want. Do that shit yourself.” Carter laughed.

“Definitely.” Nate agreed. “So you did want her?”

Carter responded. “As did most of the men in the room at that party.”

“True, except for me. That’s the night I met Melody. Harlem’s a sweet girl, but I just didn’t see it working out with Damian.”

“Again, why would you say that?”

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