Page 99 of Mia

“I’m fine. I just needed a little time with Eden before this meeting. I saw her last night.”

Daddy smiled. “She good?”

I nodded. “Grandpa is taking care of her. It’s so weird seeing her with actual features. She’s different every time she comes to me in a dream. Every bit of her daddy.”

He chuckled. “I mean, I’ve met Titan’s dad. He could be his twin. Them genes are strong as hell.”

“She told me I’m gonna have a son, Daddy.”

His head snapped in my direction. “You pregnant again?”

“No. She said not right now, but he’s coming.”

“How are you feeling about that?”

“You think she’s right?”

He smiled. “It’s been my experience that when the dead talk to you, you listen. They see more than we do. If baby girl said she’s gonna have a little brother, start picking baby boy names. Did she happen to tell you a name?”

“No, but I already know what I’d name him.”

“What?”

I smiled. “TJ. After his daddy. I hope my boy works his uncle's nerves just like my husband.”

Daddy laughed. “I see it already. He’s gonna cling to them. Especially to Deuce. That nigga is probably gonna tell that baby about the time he almost shot his daddy.”

“Right. Gonna start their beef all over again. I already know Jaeda’s son is gonna give Smoke hell for always coming for his daddy.”

“I hope he runs his ass crazy. He stays fucking with Quaid and can’t handle when Quaid gives it back. The lil’ nigga be so quick and nonchalant with his shit, too.” He shook his head. “I like him. Didn’t think I would, but that’s my boy. I went from four boys to six. From six kids to twelve. I gotta run away at some point, man.”

“Daddy!” I exclaimed. “Why would you wanna run away from us?”

“Why wouldn’t I? Y’all won’t let me retire in peace. I’m trying to sit back, enjoy my grandbabies and my weed, and y’all ain’t giving me a break. It’s cool. Cause once this is over, I’m taking a nice solo vacation. Shit, might find me a woman wherever I go.”

I rolled my eyes. “Daddy, please. We all know the only woman you want is married. Don’t be a homewrecker.”

He chuckled. “I won’t. I’ve had to learn to let the women in my life be happy without me. I see your mama got herself a lil’ boyfriend.”

“His name is Bronx, and he’s nice.”

“She happy?”

“Very happy.”

“Good. It’s still up about her too, though. Nobody can say I don’t love my baby mama.”

“So much so, you went and got four of them.”

He playfully mushed my head. We sat in silence for a little while, and my thoughts began to drift. This upcoming meeting was to talk strategy. Jaeda and Quaid had been working overtime to get all the information they could on what JacQues had been up to while we’d been away. There was only so much they could find from here. The rest would have to be done when we got to Paris.

“We’re really getting ready to head back over there,” I said quietly.

“We are. We’re gonna end this shit once and for all.”

“I want blood, Daddy. The whole fucking bloodline and anybody tied to it. Friends, family, even the fucking dog. I want him to suffer.”

“Then that’s what we’re gonna make happen. We got you.” He reached out and touched Eden’s nameplate. “We’re getting justice for you, baby girl.”