"I won't make you be involved if he or she is not yours, but if the baby is, I'm glad I chose to have one with you. I'll be fine. No." Braelyn lifted one finger. "We'll be fine. Me and my baby."
"Rest your mind, Brae, and stop stressing. Damn baby feels everything you feel."
"I want to feel happy," she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Then be happy. I won't let you do this alone."
"What about Starlah?"
He sighed, dragging his hand over his head. Deep down inside, he knew that the ship had sailed. She just hadn't put the nail in the coffin yet, but with Swift around, he knew it was coming.
"I'll worry about Starlah. You worry about you and the baby." He pushed the pad of his thumb across her cheek and pecked it. "Think you can do that?"
"I'll try," she murmured, smiling.
"Don't try. Do, Brae." He winked. "I got you… both of you."
"CanI take off this blindfold now?"
Starlah couldn't believe she had agreed to go with him, not only withholding where they were going but also that she had to do it with her eyes covered. She sniffed the air, then grinned when his truck stopped, and he placed it in park.
"Smells good… like food but also animals." She giggled when he kissed his teeth.
"That's cheating."
"My goodness, Swift. It was just a sniff." Her button nose crinkled, and he reached over and tugged on it. "And you've held me hostage while blind. I should be able to cheat, right?"
"Whatever," Swift grumbled, gazing at her. He couldn't believe the "like" bug had bitten him and that it had happened while in a small ass town like Pellum.
Star stretched and rubbed her eyes after falling asleep. She hadn't eaten that much since Endea had prepared a huge dinner, which was when she and Lucky decided to make it official. While Creed thought it was corny, she had high hopes for them. Star immediately felt awful since they hadn't spoken or seen each other since the funeral. She made a mental note to swing by Endea's place to see her.
When she went to open the door, Swift caught her wrist, halting her.
"Don't." He smiled, his dimpled grin appearing. "Sit tight."
He slid out of the truck, then jogged around to the passenger side. The day he'd purchased Chevy and Papa those doghouses, he saw a sign and knew just what Starlah needed — a day at the annual carnival. It was just outside Pellum, in the town of Quiet Waters. Quiet Waters was known for its artistic vibe, from plays and museums to its winery, but each year, people came out in droves for its annual carnival, filled with rides, games, entertainment, and food.
"Swift," she whined, feeling the warm air seep in when he opened the door.
"I actually like to hear you whine," he admitted. "Hold tight. You're worse than damn Papa. That little nigga knows he's sensitive." He pulled off the blindfold, and when she rubbed her eyes and focused, she squealed.
"Quiet Waters Annual Carnival! Swift, how did you know?" He shrugged, his dimpled cheeks hiked. "Move."
Star shoved him back quickly and exited the truck. When she patted her pockets, she pushed out a frustrated breath. She'd always heard about the annual carnival, but Lucky had never made the time to take them. They knew when it was becausehe'd shipped loads of corn, potatoes, and milk for the vendors. They made everything from Mexican corn in a cup to shoestring French Fries, and an assortment of milkshakes in thirty flavors.
"I don't have my wallet."
Swift kissed his teeth, lightly tugged her by her wrist, and closed his door. He wasn't sure what kind of nigga Starlah thought he was, but he'd never allow a woman to spend time with him and foot the bill… not that he'd ever been on a real date. Still, if he hung out in his dorm room with a girl or two, he paid for it all, from the pizza to the beer. He'd also learned a thing or two from his father over the years, which was why he knew simple worked as long as it was thoughtful.
"Hold my hand. It's crowded out here."
Star didn't rebel. Instead, she smiled when Swift laced his huge fingers through hers. The coarseness made her skin pebbled with goosebumps as he led with confidence. She noticed how he bobbed and weaved through the crowd, careful to extend his arm so no one would pass close to her.
"You're a rider or a watcher?" he asked as they approached the front entrance. He figured she was a rider, but he didn't want to assume.
"A little of both," Star admitted. "I hate heights, but I love rollercoasters, if that makes sense."
"It does." Swift glanced at the ride in the sky that went around the entire carnival. Feet swung as couples, even girlfriends, giggled when pointing at the sights. "So you wouldn't be game for that?"
