Page 103 of Jaeda

Ms. Tavia spoke up. “To be fair, there is a very healthy co-parenting relationship among us and the rest of the kids’ mothers. People think it’s weird, but we’re family. We all love each other’s children like our own. Luckily, we have spouses that are very secure in their marriages; otherwise, this wouldn’t be a thing.” She smiled at Mr. Dillinger. “We didn’t work out, but he’s always been a great father and a great friend, . . . even if he works my last nerve at times.”

Mr. Dillinger smirked. “Again, it’s all love. It takes a village to raise kids. I’m forever grateful for the mothers of my children. They could have hated me and each other, but they never folded on the kids having a healthy relationship with each other. I’ll always credit them with being the reason my children ride for each other so hard.”

“That’s beautiful,” my mother said. “The world needs more of this maturity.”

We all nodded in agreement. I was glad my parents were getting to see a different side of the man they had reservations about. Stanley Dillinger wasn’t perfect, but from being around him, I knew he was a good man and a great father.

Dinner continued as our parents got to know each other. I could see my mother and Ms. Tavia becoming fast friends. They had a lot in common, including embarrassing their kids. When the conversation switched to mine and Jaeda’s childhood, out came the stories. I would’ve thought my mom had run out of them at this point, but sadly, she hadn’t.

At one point, we excused ourselves to go outside and get away from the madness. Hand in hand, we walked through my mother’s flower garden out back. We took a seat by the small fountain she had installed not too long ago, and she grabbed my hands.

“This is going well, aside from the embarrassment,” Jaeda noted.

“I told you.” I kissed her knuckles. “Worried for nothing.”

“This is my first time doing anything like this, sir. Cut me some slack.”

I grinned as I leaned in to peck her lips. “I got you.” My face turned serious as I looked at her. “I have something for you.”

“Really?”

Reaching in my pocket, I pulled out the three-carat diamond ring I’d been carrying around for a while now. She gasped as she realized what it was.

“Quaid!”

I laughed. “Hold on, hold on. This isn’t a proposal. It’s a promise. I know it might be corny. Shit, I don’t even know if people give promise rings anymore, but I need you to know how serious I am about you, Jaeda Dillinger. This ring is just a placeholder until the time is right to ask you to be my wife, but it comes with a promise. A promise to love and cherish you. A promise to always hear and see you for exactly who you are.

“You are peace, happiness, and the manifestation of a love I never knew was possible for myself. I’ve wanted you since I laid eyes on you. I’ve cherished every moment I’ve spent with you.You’ve given me so much of yourself, parts that no other man has yet to experience, and I don’t take that lightly. This right here . . .”

I placed a hand over her heart, pausing briefly to look deep into her eyes.

“This is something I carry with the utmost care. I’ll never bruise it, never break it, or mishandle your heart for any reason. I love you, Jaeda. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. That’s my promise to you.”

Tears were streaming down her pretty face at this point. I reached out and swiped them away before kissing her lips.

“Will you wear this?” I asked, hopefully.

She nodded. “Yes.”

She held out a trembling hand, and I slipped the ring on her finger. She wrapped her arms around my neck and cried softly against my shoulder. Unbeknownst to her, when I bought this ring, I bought a four-carat engagement ring. It was currently being custom designed and would be ready in a few weeks.

I had a few things to get in order before I asked her to be my wife, but it was coming. I knew this shit was crazy. We hadn’t been together as long as other couples, but I knew. I felt it in every bone in my body . . . Jaeda Dillinger was the one.

My one.

Emelie Corrine Jenkins.

My baby sister had finally made her entrance into the world. My mother called me at four this morning to let me know her water broke. I was dead to the world after a role-playing session with Quaid and didn’t even hear the call. He had to wake me up, and the news had me jumping out of bed. I almost busted my ass trying to put on clothes.

“Did you just fall?” my mother asked, laughing.

“I’m good! I’m getting dressed now!”

“Please take your time, baby. We aren’t going anywhere, and neither is she. We’ll be here when you get here.”

“Okay. I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, baby.”

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