Page 90 of Jaeda

“We do. And don’t think about getting me pregnant again anytime soon. Three under two is enough for right now.”

“It’s ghetto as hell,” Deuce commented with a chuckle.

Smoke kissed his teeth. “I hear you. Just promise me we can try for my boy at some point.”

Romi rolled her eyes. “Whatever, sir. I can’t wait for Korri and Juri to meet them.”

“Ju is about to be jealous as hell,” Smoke said. “You know she doesn’t like to share her daddy.”

Juri loved Smoke something serious. From birth, they developed a special bond. Even though she wasn’t his biologically, one would never be able to tell. She was stuck to him like glue when he was around. Even Romi couldn’t get any of her time, and she gave birth to her.

“Juri will be alright,” Romi said.

Deuce chuckled. “Lil’ bit is gonna terrorize the twins. She already pops Korri in the face when she gets too close to Smoke. I almost had to square up with her the other day. Me and Smoke were playing around, and she tried to bite me ’cause I hit him.”

Smoke laughed. “That’s my lil savage. Don’t play with her daddy. She mean mugged the hell out of you the rest of the day.”

“That’s what you get,” I chimed in. “She’s a baby and already tired of you. Sis knows my pain.”

Deuce kissed his teeth. “Too bad you have a lifetime to be stuck with me. Until the good Lord calls me home, I’m on yo’ ass.”

I waved him off. “Don’t make me send you to your maker, and I’m not talking about Mama Steph.”

Our father laughed. “Y’all wonder where these kids get it from. Let me hold my grandbabies,” he said, reaching for Serena. Once she was secured, Smoke placed Sydney in his arms as well. He grinned as he looked down at them. “Damn, they look like you as a baby, Smoke.”

Mama Allison walked over to observe. “They really do. Just not as fat as you were.”

Deuce, Romi, and I laughed as Smoke frowned.

“I ain’t ever been fat. A nigga was husky.”

“I’ve seen the pictures, baby,” Romi said. “You were a regular butterball.”

“Nigga looked like the Michelin Man’s baby,” Deuce added. “Neck rolls. Arm rolls. Back rolls. Just a fat ass baby.”

Smoke shot him the middle finger, causing his mom to laugh. She went to him and cupped his face.

“You were cute then, and you’re cute now,” she said, kissing his cheeks. “I’m so proud of you, Devin. Seeing you as a father was something I never expected but blessed to see. I went from no grandchildren to one to five real quick. Keep being the amazing father you are. I love you.”

Smoke’s big ass blushed. “I love you too, Ma.”

It was funny how my brothers, as hard as they were, reverted back to kids when their moms showed them affection. Smoke and Maceo in particular felt some type of way whenever Mama Allison didn’t give them that. I’d literally seen them frown and pout until she gave in.

He wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace. For the longest time, she held him, and I could tell he needed that. When he pulled away, his eyes were wet with tears.

I poked my lip out at the sight but didn’t draw attention to the obvious.

“Stop hogging the babies, Daddy,” I said, going over. “Let me have one.”

He placed Sydney into my arms, and I melted.

“Hi, beautiful,” I cooed. “They are perfect, you guys. I’m so happy for you.”

“You’re next,” Romi teased.

Smoke and Deuce both frowned.

“Like the fuck she is,” they both said.

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