Page 18 of Forever

My eyes closed. This has been the biggest thorn in my side since the divorce. “Kenna is doing well here under your care. I have obligations now to my husband, which I plan to make him my legal husband here on Earth, by the way. Put yourself in my shoes, Jefferson. You may work here on Earth, but you were rarely present during our marriage or in Kenna’s life. And tell me, have you hired a nanny?”

He chuckled. “You know me so well. Yes, I have. Her name is Huang. She’s here from Asia, her husband died when her daughter was a baby. Her daughter is Pho and close to Kenna’sage. She’s my employee and she is trying to gain citizenship in the USA. I’m helping her.”

I laughed, knowing full well he’s probably into her way more than just a hired servant. “I’m sure you are, Jefferson. Hey, I’m truly happy for you. Enjoy it. I sincerely mean that. Maybe she’ll accept your hectic work schedule better than me and make you a good partner.”

“She’s my employee, that’s all. I don’t have time for a relationship.” His words were dry.

“Okay. I’ll stop harassing you. For what it’s worth, I value our friendship. I hope it will carry through the rest of our lives. If not for anything, do it for Kenna.”

“Of course, Moxy. I wish you the best life has to offer. And I’m happy you’ve found your soulmate. I’m also grateful you gave me a daughter, when I probably wouldn’t have had one otherwise.”

“We both are thankful for Kenna. We’re on our way. The wedding will be in a couple of weeks. I want Kenna to help with the planning and implementation. It will be small. You’re welcome to come.”

“Yeah, thank you. I’m not sure how appropriate that would be. I trust you will return Kenna to me before you take off again.”

“Of course.”

Do’Thortn and I head to Jefferson’s home where Kenna was playing with her new friend Pho. I knocked lightly on the door and peeked into the side windows watching. She looked up sharply and Huang nodded for her to answer the door.

“Momma!” Kenna threw herself into my arms, her happy little body trembling with excitement.

“Surprise baby! We’ve come back just to see you.” We followed her into the house.

“Jefferson told me you were coming over. Come, Pho. We leave them to visit.” Huang gave us a curt nod and held out her hand to her daughter who looked back worriedly at Kenna.

“Why is he here?” Kenna made it clear of her displeasure at Do’Thortn’s presence.

“I’ll excuse myself and let you two visit.” Do’Thortn stood and I grabbed his hand and shook my head.

“You’ll do no such thing. Kenna, baby, Do’Thortn and I got married on Zorlox. We’ll be having a wedding here on Earth too in a couple of weeks. Which brings me to why I’m here. Will you help me plan the wedding?”

Kenna’s eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. “No. You’re supposed to be married to Daddy, no this blue man.” Her chin quivered.

I flashed Do’Thortn a quick apologetic look and pulled Kenna into my arms.

“I’ll head to the apartment. Kenna, I just want you to know I hope we can be good friends. And I love your momma very much.”

“So does my daddy. Go away!”

“Kenna! Do’Thortn, I’m so sorry.”

He chuckled. “It’s okay, really. It’s a lot for a child to take in. I’ll be at the apartment. Maybe she’ll come over later and we can have dinner.”

“No.”

“Kenna, that’s not nice. Okay, honey. I will see you at the apartment.” I mouthed I’m sorry again as he walked out the door.

“Baby, why are you being so rude. We raised you better than that.”

“Oh, momma. He took you away from me. I don’t like him. You and daddy should be together.”

I sat her beside me on the sofa and put my arm around her and launched into why her dad and I divorced and why I was marrying Do’Thortn.

CHAPTER 18

Do’Thortn

It took three hours of talking to convince Kenna I wasn’t that bad of a being. Her insistence that if I weren’t in the picture her parents would be together got to me.

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