Page 131 of The Killer Cupcake
“I’m so happy,” Matteo murmured against her skin, holding her tighter, feeling his dick get harder.
“We still got Janey,” she sighed, the worry creeping back in. “I mean, she has to be somewhere in Harlem.”
“My men found her at the bakery having lunch,” he said, leaning back to look up at her. “They gave her the key to Kathy’s old place. She’s there. Got a man watching the door.”
Debbie stepped back, surprised. “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I was too busy getting married!” he said.
She laughed. He smiled.
“Willa’s plane lands in the morning. She’ll help us with Janey. We’re finally gonna get this family together, Debs. For real this time.”
Debbie bit down on her bottom lip, a gesture of submission that still drove him wild after all these years. “I hope so.”
His hands slid down to cup her glorious backside. “Do better than hope. Get undressed and sit on my face. Let me show you how sorry I am with my tongue.”
She giggled, a real, unfiltered sound of joy as he gave her ass an appreciative squeeze. She nodded, a slow, seductive smile spreading across her face as she began to peel off the wedding suit. He stared, mesmerized by the reveal of her body, and wondered for the hundredth time if it was one of her wild premonitions or the God’s-honest truth. Could she really be pregnant after all these years? The thought would absolutely blow his mind.
But if she wasn’t? It didn’t matter. He had her. He had the kids. He had everything José told him he would have if he just got his shit together.
And he finally, finally did.
CHAPTER 49
SOLDIER BOY - BUTTS MISSISSIPPI 1956
"Mama?" Sandy called out.
Kathy paused in her dusting and looked back at her daughter. The little girl had managed to climb up on Ely's wooden chair and was leaning precariously toward the window, her small hands pressed against the glass. Kathy had been so absorbed in her Saturday morning cleaning ritual that she hadn't noticed Sandy's adventure.
"Sandy, get down from that chair," she said firmly.
"Man!" Sandy exclaimed, pointing outside.
Kathy's brow furrowed. "Man?" She crossed the room, absently rubbing her hands on her faded apron, and peered out the window. A dark sedan had pulled up their dirt drive, and a man in a crisp military uniform was stepping out. Through the glass, she could see Ely approaching from around the side of the house, his stride purposeful.
Without hesitation, Kathy scooped Sandy into her arms and hurried to the screen door. Standing just inside, she could hear every word exchanged between the men.
"Ely Brown?" the white soldier inquired, his voice carrying the authority of rank.
"Yes, sir, and you are?" Ely responded cautiously.
"Name is Donovan. Sergeant Patrick Donovan. I'm out on scouts. Heard your name more than once in town. Good things, of course."
"What you looking for?" Ely's tone remained guarded.
"Men. To serve their country. Special forces. We're considering forming a troop for a special Negro unit. Talking about two years of your life and the kind of benefits where you can rebuild anywhere." The sergeant's gaze shifted to the screen door, and he tipped his hat slightly at Kathy. "That your family?"
Ely glanced back, his eyes meeting Kathy's for a brief moment before returning to Donovan. "Yes. And I got no plans to leave them."
"Mind if I ask what your plans are?" Sergeant Donovan pressed, undeterred.
Ely remained silent, his jaw set.
"How about a sign-on bonus?"
"A what?" Ely's confusion was evident.
