Page 108 of Jaeda

She smiled. “Come on.”

We made our way over, and as we got closer, I noticed that it was a contest with a cash prize of $500.

“Anybody else care to enter the competition? Final call!”

Jaiden handed over his shield and raised his hand. The announcer called him up.

“What’s your name, young man?”

“Jaiden.”

“How old are you, Jaiden?”

“I’m almost nine.”

“All right. What are you gonna do if you win?”

“Save my money for next year!”

The crowd rumbled with chuckles. The announcer motioned for the DJ to play the background music and gave Jaiden the floor. When I say my boy showed out, he did this thing. The mix of martial arts and ninja moves easily made him the best, and I hadn’t even seen the rest of the contestants. Judging by the crowd, I didn’t have to because they clearly agreed.

When he was done, he received a huge round of applause. Jaeda and Korri were screaming his praises.

“That’s my brother!”

“That’s my play cousin!”

I laughed because she was too serious with that one. It didn’t take the judges long to deliberate once the rest of the competitors were done. The voting was unanimous, with Jaiden winning the grand prize. Along with the cash, he got a medal and a set of trading cards. Lil buddy was so excited. At that point, he was ready to go show his mom and dad what he won.

We agreed to grab some food, then head home for the day.

The car ride was filled with him and Korri talking about everything they saw and what they were wearing next year.

“Who said we were taking y’all next year?” Jaeda jested.

Jaiden frowned. “But you always take me. Please, Jaeda. We had so much fun, right, Korri?”

“We did, Auntie Jaeda. And we were good.”

Jaeda laughed. “I’m totally kidding. Of course, we’re going back next year.”

He and Korri slapped each other a high five. “Yes!”

“You’re the best big sister ever,” Jaiden said. He unbuckled his seat belt as we came to a stoplight and leaned into the front to kiss Jaeda’s cheek.

She poked her lip out. “Thank you, bubby. You know I love you.”

“I love you too. You’re the best bonus brother, Mr. Quaid. Just don’t tell KD I said that.”

I smirked because I was absolutely telling him that shit.

“I got you, man,” I said.

Korri took off her seat belt and hugged us both. “Thank you for bringing me, even though Papa Devin teased us.”

“Papa Devin is just a hater,” I said. “You’re welcome, baby. Y’all put those seat belts back on.” We’re gonna grab some ice cream and head home.”

They sat back excitedly, and conversation resumed. By the time we dropped them off, they were knocked out. I carried Jaiden into his house and handed him off to Mr. Hershel, and Smoke was at Jaeda’s to grab Korri.

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