Page 139 of Still Bruised
Mia grinned before she looked at Roan. “I suppose Antonia Judith, it is. As long as her nickname’sToniand not Ant Junior.”
“What’s wrong with Ant Junior?” Roan asked with a wink.
“Please tell me you didn’t suggest that nickname?” Jude asked Roan.
“He did!”Mia whispered hotly before glaring at Roan. “You’reterrible.”
Roan chuckled, quite pleased with himself.
“I like Toni,” Jude murmured, gently tapping the baby’s bottom. He gazed down at her, unable to stop looking at something so precious and perfect. “Do you look like a Toni?”
She let out a loud yelp before quieting down again.
“Yup, you sure do,” Jude said, grinning. “Every girl I know named Toni has a big voice and refuses to be ignored.”
“Who do you know named Toni?” Roan asked.
“ToniBraxton.ToniMorrison,”Jude said. “Then there was that girl in third grade who kicked my ass for stealing her blue crayon. She didn’t take shit from anyone.”
“I thought her name was Terry?” Roan asked.
“Nah,” Jude said, but hesitated. “Damn, now I’m not sure. Thanks, Roan. You just ruined my claim.”
Roan chuckled to himself. “I think the first two are proof enough.”
Anton appeared in the doorway and grinned. “Room for one more in here? If not, I can wait, no pressure.” He craned his neck and looked at the baby in Jude’s arms.
“Come on in,” Roan said, his voice low. “Meet little Antonia Judith.”
Anton lifted his gaze, jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”
“Yep,” Roan replied. “We’re going to call her Toni.”
A broad smile crossed Anton’s face as he leaned over Jude’s shoulder to look at Toni. “Wow. She’s beautiful.” He reached down and caressed her cheek. “Hi, Toni.”
“You want to hold her?” Jude asked Anton.
“I sure do,” Anton said, easily scooping her out of Jude’s arms.
“I guess I need to practice. You guys are making me look bad,” Jude said.
“Five sisters,” Anton whispered. “I’m up to nine nieces and nephews now.”
“Ten,”Mia said, grinning at him.
Anton smiled at Mia. “I stand corrected. I havetennieces and nephews.” He walked closer and pressed a kiss to Mia’s forehead. “How’s momma doing?”
“Exhausted. Exhilarated. Gladshefinally decided to make her appearance.” She turned her focus to Jude. “And glad the gang’s all here.”
Jude reached over and took her hand. “I’m glad, too.”
Roan wrapped an arm around Jude’s shoulders. “About time you two cleared the air.” He looked at Mia. “All is forgiven?”
Both Mia and Jude nodded, smiling at one another.
“I think so,” Mia said.
“It is,” Jude replied.
