Page 133 of Mia

“You know this could have been us,” Senior said, winking at her.

“You invaded my womb once, and your son was enough.”

“You know I’m a good baby daddy. We could have one more. My parts still work.”

“Your very friendly parts. I’m married, Senior. Happily.”

He kissed his teeth. “So you’re still gonna let your husband come between you and the man you really wanna be with?”

“Daddy, leave Mama Steph alone,” Jaeda fussed.

Ms. Stephanie thumped his forehead as she went to greet Jaeda with a hug and kiss before copping a seat. Ms. Tavia went over and tried to take Lil’ Stanley, but his grandfather popped her hand.

“It’s not your turn yet.”

“How are you just gonna hog my grandbaby?”

“Like I’m doing. It ain’t like you don’t have recent experience with a baby, woman.”

Ms. Tavia scoffed. “I can’t stand you.”

“Then sit down.”

She bucked at him before finally greeting us. Her attention went to Jaeda as she approached her, kissing all over her face.

“How is my baby?”

“I’m good, Mommy. A little sore, but good.”

“You getting enough rest?”

“Yes. My amazing husband has no problem getting up with him during the night and lets me sleep as much as I need to during the day.”

Ms. Tavia cupped Quaid’s chin. “That’s why I love you.”

He blushed. “I love you too, Ma.”

“I can’t believe my Jaeda had a baby,” Ms. Stephanie said, pinching her cheek. “It wasn’t too long ago you were curled up in my arms with me rocking you to sleep. Now you’re a whole mommy.”

“She used to be so sickening about you as a child,” Ms. Tavia said, laughing. “She couldn’t get out the house fast enough on days you kept the kids.”

Jaeda smiled. “Mama Steph’s house was fun. How she used to manage five of us by herself was beyond me, especially with the boys.”

“Because y’all know I didn’t play that shit,” Ms. Stephanie said. “That’s why those babies don’t act up with me either. Ms. Juri is an angel with me.”

“Ha!” I said. “That’s laughable. She just told me my hair was stink at the hospital and finessed me for twenty dollars.”

Ms. Stephanie shook her head. “Because y’all are suckers for those little faces, just like their granddaddy.”

Senior blew her a kiss. “I’m a sucker for you too, baby.”

“Daddy, please!” Mia said. “Leave this woman alone. You’re acting like a love-struck teenager.”

“He can’t help himself,” Ms. Stephanie said. “His sons have it honest with their aggravating asses.”

“You love my kids. All of y’all do.”

“We really didn’t have a choice,” Ms. Tavia said. “Between the three of us, we had them back to back. Whew! That was such a ghetto time in my life.”