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She's so excited right now, I think Jackson could have went with a full on bloody zombie apocalypse theme and it wouldn't make a world of difference to her.
She peers down inside the crib and gasps. “There's a goblin blanket in here. When did you get that, Jackson?”
Jackson digs his hands into his pockets. “I didn't.” He gestures to Ricardo. “That was Uncle Godfather over here.”
Ricardo smacks the back of his head. “Uncle Ricardo will be just fine.”
Alyssa looks at him. “You...you got my baby a goblin blanket?”
There's a tone in her voice that isn't exactly pleasant and Ricardo looks uneasy.
I'm about ready to step in and defend him but then he says, “I wanted—I want your baby to have something from his grandfather. He was an amazing man and deserves to be remembered. I'm sorry I didn't ask you first, I probably should have. I just saw it and needed to get it. I can take it back and get you something else if you want.”
“No.” Alyssa shakes her head furiously. “Don't you dare. It's perfect. I think it's my favorite thing in this whole entire room. The baby's going to love it.”
He lifts a shoulder in a shrug. “It was nothing.”
Alyssa stares at him, holding his gaze. “Not to me it wasn't. Thank you, Ricardo.”
He gives her a small nod and looks away. “Welcome.”
Alyssa looks at me and something crosses in our gaze. I think she finally sees some of what I do. That even though Ricardo is dangerous, can be scary at times, and he often does things that are questionable at best...there's a certain part of him he saves for the people he loves.
He has a heart of a soldier and would go to battle for the people he loves. He would protect us all, no matter the cost.
Tyrone looks around the room and whistles. “Little man is lucky. Lots of fond memories in this room. It's good to know I'll be passing some of my ladies man luck onto him.”
Shelby's face contorts into an angry expression and quite honestly I can't blame her.
Even though I'm positive Tyrone didn't really think his statement through before he said it. Something he's clearly regretting when Momma whacks him upside the head.
He reaches for Shelby but she steps to the side. “Sugar plum,” he drawls. “That did not come out right at all.” He looks at Ricardo and Jackson. “A little help here, guys.”
Ricardo and Jackson exchange a glance.
“You're on you own, brother,” Jackson says, tugging Alyssa to his side.
“Well if it's any consolation,” I whisper to the floor. “The women he brought home usually had shaved heads and tattoos on their face.”
Ricardo's lips quirk up. “Don't forget about the riding crop.”
I snort. “Yeah, Shelby, I don't think you have to beat him too bad, I'm pretty sure it's already been done.”
Shelby laughs so hard I think she's going to fall over. “Is that what those women did to you, Tyrone? They hit you with objects?”
He straightens himself in his chair and puts on a serious face. “Yes, I was so devastated over losing you, I felt I needed to be beaten for it...weekly.”
He steals a glance at Ricardo and Jackson again. “Right?”
They both nod emphatically. “Right,” they say at the same time. “That's Shelby's dick.”
They both burst into hysterical laughter, I can only assume it must be some kind of inside joke between the three of them.
Shelby raises an eyebrow. “I don't buy it for a second...but luckily you have an entire lifetime to make it up to me.”
She points around the room. “And you can start by ordering takeout and buying everyone di
“Takeout?” Momma shrieks, looking appalled.
I rub Momma's shoulders as we all start walking out of the room.
“Yes, takeout, Momma. It's not go
She sniffs and tuts. “Bet I can make pizza better.”
I kiss her cheek. “I bet you can, but take the night off and relax for once.”
“Fine, but I'm making some side dishes to go with this pizza.” She says the word like it leaves a bad taste in her mouth and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
Ricardo looks like he wants to say something but I stop him. “Don't bother, Ricardo. Let the woman make some food.”
He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses the top of my head. “You have fun today?”
Alyssa looks at me and I smile. “Not exactly, but I think today was necessary.”
Before Ricardo can question me further, Alyssa grabs my hand and leads me to the living room. “I'll give her back later, godfather,” she says and Ricardo's eyebrows shoot up.
Tyrone pouts. “Hey, I thought I was the godfather?”
“You're the godmother,” Alyssa says deadpan and Tyrone looks horrified.
“Jackson,” Tyrone barks, turning his chair around to face him. “Brother, we need to have a serious conversation about this. Ain't nothing godly about making me this baby's godmother.”
The room erupts in laughter and I can honestly say, it's one of the best nights I've ever had.
We settle in on the couch again and Alyssa squeaks. Jackson's across the room talking to Ricardo about something, but I don't miss the way he pauses mid sentence and stares at her, ready to come over.
She throws up a hand. “I'm fine, Jackson. The baby just wanted me to know he was awake.” She looks uncomfortable. “By kicking me in the damn bladder.” She grips the side of the couch and looks down. “Thank you.”
“Can I?” The words are out of my mouth before I even have a chance to process them.
Alyssa chews on her bottom lip and I feel like a fool for even asking. Maybe this one day didn't fix all our issues. Maybe she thinks I'll end up harming her baby, I couldn't blame her if she did.
“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked, of course you don't want me touching your belly. I completely understand—”
“No,” she says quickly. “Are you kidding? It's just that our baby is um—” She frowns. “Our baby is really picky. He hasn't kicked or moved for anyone but me and Jackson. Not the Doctor, Not even Momma or Shelby.” She places a hand over her mouth but it does nothing to hide her laughter. “Heck, not even Tyrone. No matter how many times he talks to him about the Hulk.”
Tyrone sulks. “It's true.” He points to her belly. “That baby's got a serious attitude problem, Lou-Lou. Consider yourself warned.”
Jackson grunts and I see the faintest hint of a smile on Ricardo's face.
Alyssa pegs me with her eyes and adjusts in her seat before she takes my hand and places it on her belly. “You can try, I just don't want you to be disappointed. It has nothing to do with—”
Her sentence is cut off when I feel the tiniest, cutest little jab.
“Oh my god.” I go to cover my mouth with my hand, but stop and place it back on her belly, wanting to feel those adorable little kicks again.
When I feel the tap once more and so does Alyssa, we both gasp. Everyone stops and stares at us, looking shocked.
“This is amazing.” There's another little kick. “Are you sure it's not gas or something?”
Alyssa rolls her eyes. “I'm positive, the baby clearly likes you.”
Tyrone tuts and makes a face and I can't help but laugh as I lean down. “I'm go
Jackson snorts and I look up. Only it's not Jackson's eyes that are burning into me, it's Ricardo's.