“I won,” he said.
I didn’t speak, just stared at that chiseled face and those beautiful eyes. I finally came to my senses, backed away from him, and looked to the children. Brenton, Brendan, and Sahira smiled at us while the others called out who would go next.
“It’s getting late, guys. We have to finish packing since we have to leave early tomorrow,” I told them.
“Yeah, and I have to get y’all home. I have to go pack as well.”
“You’re going with them, Uncle Baye?” Siori asked.
“It’s part of my job, princess.”
“How long will you be gone? You promised to take us to Virtual World before we go back to school.” Siori pouted.
He dropped down to his haunches in front of her, taking her by the hands. “And I’m still going to do that. Don’t I always keep my promises?”
She nodded. “You do.”
“A’ight then. Give it to me.” He lifted his hand, and she lifted hers. I watched as they slapped the backs of their hands twice, grabbed each other’s hands, locking them in place, then placing a kiss to the back of them. It was the cutest thing ever.
“You’re so spoiled, SiSi,” Sahira said, rolling her eyes.
“Sure is!” Brenton agreed.
“Leave me alone!” Siori yelled.
“Hey, hey. What did I tell y’all about that? None of y’all have room to talk about nobody being spoiled. Apologize to her,” Basil told them. They both apologized, and Basil made them hug it out. It didn’t take long for them to start being playful with each other again while they put on their jackets and shoes. I saw how they were with their uncle, and it was beautiful to see. It was what I always wanted for my kids—to have a big family and for them to love them the way I did.
My parents, brother, and cousin loved my kids down, but I couldn’t say the same for Leo and his mom. I knew they loved them, but they rarely, if ever, spent time with them. I couldn’t stand it, but there was nothing I could do to change it.
Having Basil andhis soldiers, as he called them, hang out with us today was probably the best time my children ever had. Hell, it was the best time I’d ever had.
Being a prosecutor with heavy caseloads didn’t allow me to go on playdates with the kids’ classmates, and they always asked. Ms. Shelly would take them sometimes, but it wasn’t the sameas having your mom or dad there. It was why I made sure to send emails to my boss and clients to tell them I was going on vacation for a week. I needed this time to reconnect with my babies and check up on my dad. I was excited, and I knew the kids were too.
“Don’t worry, guys. I promise to have your uncle back before you all go back to school.”
“Can we come back over when you guys come back?” Brendan asked.
I smiled at him. “If it’s okay with your uncle, absolutely. I enjoyed you all.”
“Thanks, Ms. Alicia. We enjoyed y’all too,” Brenton said, smiling at me.
I looked at Basil, who was already staring at me, before he grabbed his hoodie and put it on.
“I’ll see y’all in the morning,” he said, handing me the iPad to sign the timesheet. He walked over to my babies, doing some secret handshake with them as well, then picked Carlee up and tickled her sides.
“See you in the morning, Lee Bear.”
“No bye,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck, holding on to him.
My stomach sank a little, not from nervousness or being afraid, but out of guilt—guilty that my baby had never clung to her father this way, and for her to cling on to a total stranger like that brought out a different kind of hurt inside of me. I didn’t mind her warming up to Basil, but not wanting him to leave had me wondering if this was wrong. I didn’t want them to get too attached, but it seemed as if I had lost that battle over the past week. They loved Basil. I could see it in their eyes, feel it in their energy and body language.
Maybe he shouldn’t go on this trip with us.
“I’m coming right back, Lee Bear.”
“Promi?” she asked, trying to saypromise.
He chuckled. “I promise.” He kissed her temple, then handed her to me. We walked them to the door and waved goodbye. Today had been a ride, but as always, Basil made things feel easy like a Sunday morning.
