"You sure?" he asked, issuing a lazy grin.
Starlah's skin was instantly covered in a sea of goosebumps under his gaze. She, admittedly, didn't realize how hungry she was until she took her first spoonful of grits, but she'd clearly overdone it.
"Since it's kind of brunch, I guess we can wait for dinner before we fill you up again."
"Uh, baby?" his mother chimed in, then closed her mouth. "I think you both outdid yourselves. How about I clean up, and you two get yourselves some fresh air?"
"No, no." Starlah shook her head. "I can't allow that."
"You can, and you will." London covered Star's hand with hers. "It's okay to accept help. Go."
London looked at Swift. He stood with his brows dipped, wondering if his mother was playing matchmaker. He never needed her help or anyone's help for that matter. It was then that he remembered the sign he had seen the other day when he left the pet store.
"And Swift, go shower… now."
"Yes, ma'am." His dimpled grin appeared while Starlah sat and stole glances at him. "I'll shower, and Starlah, maybe you should go and see Chevy. I'm sure he's missing you like crazy."
"I can do that. You think Papa will like me? I haven't been the most communicative."
"He's like me, his owner. I like you, sooo."
"Oh, okay then," London sang. "I feel like I should be a fly on the wall."
"Please, woman. Now run and go tell Dad or Auntie Misty." He smirked before pressing his lips against her cheek. "Thanks, Mama."
"You're welcome, baby," she whispered, her eyes tearing up.
Her baby was smitten with a girl. This was the best gift she'd ever received, despite all the flowers, jewelry, purses, and trips he or his father could ever give her.
"I hope you enjoy your day, Mrs. Brighton. Let me go and change."
Swift liked what Starlah had on, but since he didn't want to make her feel self-conscious, he decided he'd allow her to surprise him.
"Just dress casual… and bring two blankets."
"Blankets?" Star opened her mouth to ask, and he shook his head, so she quickly closed her mouth and nodded her head. "Two blankets, coming up."
"Alright, you two. Have fun, but not too much," London insisted.
"When, Braelyn?"Colt pleaded, shoving her inside his bedroom and closing the door.
He'd been on pins and needles since she had shown up at Creed's funeral with a round belly, which he wondered whether it carried his child or that of his girlfriend's brother. He wasn't so sure if he and Star were an item, considering she'd been pushing him away, but if she discovered Braelyn's child could possibly be his, he knew his chances of reconciling with her were over.
"I don't have some fancy doctor, Colt. Dr. Louis said he could find a testing center outside of Pellum, but who's taking me, and who's paying for it?" she sassed, roughly shoving a tear from her cheek.
She loved Creed more than she'd loved any man, but she'd stupidly hung out with Colt and a few friends one night while Creed was doing what he usually did — working late hours at the farm. A game of Truth or Dare when they went back to Cassie's place turned into her and Colt not only having sex but having it multiple times and unprotected.
A few days later, and to make it up to Braelyn, Creed showed up at her job with her favorite — smoked turkey legs and Mexican corn. That, with a bottle of his father's hooch, and before she licked her fingers clean, he was balls deep inside of her.
"What does it matter now anyway? Creed's gone."
"It matters because I stand to lose Starlah, Brae. What the fuck do you mean?"
Colt tossed up both hands, plopping on his bed. He rested his face in both hands, disgusted with himself. He was also pissed that Starlah had yet to return any of his calls. He'd left cards, flowers, and even doggy treats for Chevy, only to be told she was sleeping. He felt like he'd already lost her, especially after he saw how comfortable Swift was around her home and even the mechanic shop. He couldn't escape it, and even though he couldn't prove it, it felt intentional.
"Hey?" She took a seat next to him and lightly bumped his shoulder. "It's not the end of the world, you know."
"For you." He scoffed and looked up. "I kind of think you want this damn baby to be mine, and you need to get your car fixed. This was the third time I left the shop to take you on an errand."
