Page 128 of Curveball

After changing and feeding her, she’s still screaming. I can’t get her to stop. I have no idea what to do. Maybe I should wake my mom. Maybe we need to go to the hospital.

Quincy walks in wearing only boxer briefs. His hair is messy. Is it normal to look that good in the middle of the night?

He grumbles, “Is she okay?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I changed and fed her, but she won’t stop crying.”

He holds out his big hands. “Give her to me.”

I hand my red-faced, screaming daughter to him. The second she nuzzles into his chest, she stops crying and lets out a little coo of contentment. Yep, kiddo, I get the appeal.

He winks at me. “The ladies love my touch.”

I roll my eyes, and he chuckles as he starts swaying with her in his arms. “Go back to sleep. I’ve got her. I’ll put her down when she dozesoff.”

“Are you sure?”

“We’re a team. Get sleep while you can.”

I wake in what must be the early morning hours because the daylight is just breaking through the curtains in my room. I immediately pop up and look into the bassinet. It’s empty. I panic until I turn to the other side of my bed.

Quincy is fast asleep with Kaya equally so on his chest. His hand is holding her entire body protectively. I get choked up with emotion at the vision of them together like this. It’s quite possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life, something I wasn’t sure would ever happen. In fact, I was convinced it wouldn’t.

I grab my phone and take a picture of their moment, immediately setting it as the wallpaper on my phone.

CHAPTER THIRTY

QUINCY

Iwas instructed to get Ripley out of the house so Arizona and crew could set up for the party. I made an appointment with a pediatrician to check on Kaya and attend to whatever was needed.

When we return, we walk out back to a sea of cheers and congratulations. The whole back of the house is open to the pool area, which Arizona has decorated in true Arizona fashion. It’s a nice spring day. I’m excited to see everyone and have them at my new house, which far exceeded any expectations I had.

I see all of our teammates, plus Blanche, the Daultons, Collin, and Jade.

Kam takes one look at me and crosses her arms. “Holy shit, Quincy, you look like Charles Manson.”

Arizona smiles. “I think he looks like a vagina in need of a Brazilian wax.”

Cheetah chuckles and asks, “Q, if you cut your lip, do you prefer a tampon or maxi pad to stop the bleeding?”

Everyone laughs…at my expense. As always. I walked in less than sixty seconds ago, and it’s already begun.

I narrow my eyes at all of them. “I was last to arrive. How about a random fact?”

They all nod.

“Does anyone know where the termbeardcame from?”

They all look around, no one having any idea.

“It’s actually an acronym. B.E.A.R.D. stands for Being Exceptional Among Regular Dudes.”

Cheetah shakes his head. “No fucking way.”

I nod. “Yep. Look it up.”

Kam sighs. “Honestly, Q, it’s kind of hot. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind riding that beard.”

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