Page 127 of Curveball

“Of course. I loved Jade when we met her.”

When the car stops, Quincy reaches for Kaya, but I grab his wrist. “Go thank Collin. I’ve got her.” I was only cleared to start lifting things a few days ago. I’m happy to finally be able to do everything for Kaya.

He nods as he walks over and shakes Collin’s hand. Mom and I get Kaya out of the car. Collin’s face lights up as we approach. “She’s beautiful. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. You did an amazing job on this house, Collin.”

“You haven’t even seen it yet. Come inside. I hope you like the furniture. That’s not really my area of expertise. Gemma met with the interior decorator a million times until she was satisfied with everything.”

Quincy looks at me. “Considering the fact that I wasn’t here, and Gemma has such great taste, I asked her to pick everything. And they had a baby last year, so she knows what’s needed for a nursery and other childproofing.”

I pinch my eyebrows. “You put in a nursery?”

He looks at me like I’m insane. “Of course I put in a nursery. I told you that.”

He mentioned a crib, not a full nursery.

Collin hands Quincy a bunch of keys and instructs, “These are just backups. Everything is run through fingerprint or code mechanisms. The temporary code is both of your jersey numbers together, three-four-two-seven. We can set up the fingerprints before I leave, but the audio-visual guy will be out in the morning to walk you through the smart house. Everything, and I meaneverything, is smart in this house.”

We walk in, and all our chins drop. It’s modern, huge, and open. Gemma hit it out of the park with the furnishings. It’s a true work of art. There’s no other way to describe it. A beautiful, perfect work of art that looks like it belongs in a magazine.

The décor and small touches are like nothing I’ve ever seen. “Oh, Quincy, wow.”

I see Quincy struggling with his emotions. He looks completely overwhelmed. I hand Kaya to Mom. GrabbingQuincy’s face in my hands, I pull his forehead to mine. “It’s all because of your hard work. You made this happen. This was your dream, and now it’s complete. You deserve this. You’ve earned it. Enjoy it.”

He softly rubs my face with his hand. “Dreams change. Mine’s not complete yet.”

“Because you don’t have a dog like Diamond?”

He simply shakes his head as he looks me in the eyes. “Because I don’t have you.”

I swallow hard before pulling away. After taking a moment to compose myself, I turn to Collin. “Please, show us around.”

For the next twenty minutes, Collin gives us the full tour. I didn’t know houses could be this incredible, but it’s not until we walk into the nursery that tears truly fill my eyes. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined a nursery this spectacular for my daughter.

It’s filled with colors. The crib is magical. There are tons of toys and stuffed animals everywhere. When I look into the crib, I have to bite my lip to hold back a sob. There’s a big Strawberry Shortcake doll sitting there. As I look around, I see a lot of strawberry touches. Hanging artwork, stuffed strawberries, and even more of them painted on the walls. It’s the whole theme of the room.

I manage to whisper, “Thank you.”

I’m not sure if it’s to Quincy, Collin, or the universe, but I say it. Quincy nods. “I’ll always take care of my family.”

My room isnext to Quincy’s, and my mother’s is at the other end of the house. He had a bassinet set up next to my bedso the baby can sleep with me for as long as she needs it. This is my first night alone with her. I’m nervous as hell.

Mom heads to bed early and tells me to wake her if she’s needed. I feed and rock Kaya in her room until she’s asleep. When she is, I gently place her in the bassinet in my room.

Quincy pokes his head in. “I’m headed to bed. I’m happy to feed her during the night. Just let me know what you need.”

“Thanks, Quincy.”

He nods.

“I mean for everything. I’m glad we came back with you.”

He gives me his small, crooked smile. “Me too, Shortcake.”

I have no idea what time it is when I’m awakened by blood-curdling screams, but I physically jump out of bed and pick up Kaya, whose face is red and eyes are watering. “What’s the matter, baby girl?”

She screams again.

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