Page 102 of Jaeda

“Stanley, please don’t start with me.”

“You know it’s all love.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek before rubbing her stomach. “You don’t have much longer. You ready to start over, Hershel?”

Hershel nodded. “As ready as I can be. I’ve been busy building her furniture. Everything is almost done.”

“I might need you when I have my next one.”

“Oh, God no!” Kalia exclaimed. “Not you too!”

“Don’t follow that man up,” Jaeda said. “He better not be having any more babies or any more kids popping out the woodwork.”

“I take care of all my kids, and all my kids are taken care of.”

“Take your ass in this house,” Ms. Tavia said, shoving him toward the steps.

We shared a laugh as we fell in step. No sooner than we reached the door did my mother open it with a smile. My father stood behind her.

“I was wondering what was taking you all so long to come in,” she said.

“Sorry, Mrs. Michaels,” Jaeda said. “My father is a clown and plays all day.”

My mother laughed. “Well, laughter is good for the soul.”

“He’s not that funny.”

Mr. Dillinger playfully mushed her head. “Lies you tell.”

Jaeda rolled her eyes. “Mr. and Mrs. Michaels, this is my father, Stanley Senior, my mother and stepfather, Tavia and Hershel Jenkins, and this is my sister Kalia and my brother Jaiden.”

My parents smiled.

“It’s very nice to meet you all,” my father said. “I’m Linus, and this is Chandra. You’ve raised a wonderful daughter.”

Ms. Tavia blushed. “Thank you. She’s one of our pride and joys.”

“Looks like you are about to have another any day now,” Mom said, her gaze dropping to her prominent belly.

Ms. Tavia gave her stomach a rub. “I can’t wait to get her out of here. I swear this is my last one.”

“Well let’s get you off of your feet. Come on in.”

My parents stepped aside to allow us in. Dad led us into the dining room where the table was already set and the food was spread. Once everyone was settled, my father led us in prayer before everyone piled their plates.

“You have a lovely home,” Ms. Tavia complimented.

My mother smiled. “Thank you. Quaid blessed us with paying it off once his cyber security firm took off. He’s taken such good care of us, even though we told him he doesn’t have to.”

“Sounds like my oldest,” Ms. Tavia said. “We’re more than comfortable, but he insists on putting money in my account. I blame that on his daddy.”

Mr. Dillinger chuckled. “If I taught my boys nothing else it was to always take care of the women in their life.”

“Remind them of that when they complain about giving me money,” Kalia said, shoveling a helping of rice into her mouth. “Your son wants to be stingy with me, Uncle Stanley.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get on them, baby girl.”

My father took a sip of his wine. “This is an interesting dynamic. She calls you uncle?”

Mr. Dillinger nodded. “They’re like bonus kids. I’ve been around them their whole lives.”

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