Page 140 of Deuce

“Somebody better put a ring on my finger before I pop out any more babies. I will not be a baby mama my whole life.”

He grabbed my hand and looked curiously at my fingers before kissing them.

“Bet.”

I wasn’t sure if he was serious, but I sure as hell was. I didn’t want kids with multiple men. I didn’t want to be somebody’s baby mama. I dreamed of being a wife. If I had to be anything else, it would be a widower because I would kill this man if he ever tried to leave me with his bad ass kids.

We were at the office for another twenty minutes with Dr. Ellis answering all my questions. After gathering our ultrasound pictures and scheduling my next appointment, we headed to the parking lot. I stared at the pictures with a smile on my face.

“We’re really having a baby,” I said, in complete awe.

“We are. I don’t know how you got that outta me. I used to be out here fucking, but I always strapped up.”

I giggled as we reached the car. Turning to him, I slid my arms around his waist, and peered up at him.

“I guess you were right,” I said. “This pussy was made for you.”

“I’m glad you know that shit.” He leaned in and pecked my lips. “Come on here. We’re gonna get my baby some real food, then I’m taking you home to practice practicing for a sibling.”

I laughed as he opened my door. What the hell was I going to do with this man?

I hadto admit that a nigga was on a high.

Seeing my baby on that screen had me in a good ass mood. I was walking around smiling and shit for no damn reason. My family noticed the change in my demeanor. I was surprised that my brother hadn’t opened his big ass mouth like he always did.

Today was Sunday, which meant it was time for another family dinner. I told my mama and Mrs. Navarro to come along. To my surprise, both of them agreed. Mrs. Navarro was a little nervous about coming, but once my grams caught wind that she was invited, she insisted I call so she could speak to her herself. Needless to say, Mrs. Navarro conceded.

Salima opted to pick her up, and Shar was coming along, too. I had to laugh at Maceo because he’d been wearing the brunt of the jokes about having a girlfriend. Since he brought her to the charity as his date, the family hadn’t let up on his ass. Theyall witnessed how he handled her that night. For a woman that wasn’t his woman, he sure as hell acting like she was.

“There goes that baby’s pappy!” he jested as I stepped out of my car at the same time as him.

I grinned. “Fuck you.”

“You did enough fucking, man. I can’t believe you are having a baby.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell everybody.”

He waved me off. “That’s big news. I wouldn’t ruin your surprise like that.” We slapped hands, and he pulled me in for a brotherly hug. “I’m happy for you, man.”

“Thanks. This shit still doesn’t feel real.”

“I bet. Mr. Stay Strapped got caught slipping. Don’t work Salima’s nerves too bad. That baby is gonna come out looking like your ugly ass.”

I slapped the side of his head. “You wished you looked this good. Bring your ass inside.”

We shared a laugh as we headed into the house. The front was already lined with cars, so I knew almost everybody was here. As we entered the living space, I saw my father and Maddie in a heated discussion which ended in her slapping the shit out of him before storming off. Me and Mace looked at each other as he rubbed his jaw. When he looked up and saw us, he made his way over.

“How much of that did you see?” he asked.

“Enough,” I answered. “What happened?”

“I told her we shouldn’t see each other anymore.”

“Would that have anything to do with you going over to my mama’s?”

He sighed. “You know I love your mama.”

“Nah, Pops. I watched you bounce between your baby mamas my whole damn life. Before, I was too young to really know what the fuck was going on. Then I said it wasn’t my business if theywanted to be sister wives and shit. But I’ma grown ass man and I can see shit for what it is now. You’re my old man and I love you but stay the hell away from my mama with your shit, Pops. I don’t like that nigga she’s with, but it has nothing to do with him. It’s just me. He’s good to her, and she’s genuinely happy. You and your Donell Jones, “Where I Wanna Be” ass better leave her alone or we are gonna have a problem.”

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