Page 37 of Hired By My Rich Baby Daddy 3

“And once she gets older, I want to make sure she has the proper education,” I continued. “So, if we have to have tutors, teachers, and whoever else on the tour bus, then I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”

Miss Carolyn laughed.

“What?”

“You really think my daughter is about to let you take her baby on the road without her?”

I smiled and shook my head.

“Well, eventually, she’s going to have to let Oaklynn flap her wings and leave the nest without her. I know it’s going to take a lot of getting used to, but I’m her dad.”

Miss Carolyn’s smile slowly faded as she continued studying me.

“About that,” she said. “You’re planning on getting a DNA test, right? That’s what Noree told me.”

“Yeah.”

She remained quiet, waiting for me to explain.

“I mean, from what I can see, me and Oaklynn look identical. She has my whole face, and she looks just like I did as a baby. But just to be on the safe side, I want to get a DNA test.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “I understand. I can’t fault you for that.”

I nodded too; glad she understood where I was coming from.

“My daughter wouldn’t lie about that, and I’m good at reading people. You and Oaklynn are practically the same person in different fonts. I’m confident she’s yours. But like I said, I need you to understand what you’re stepping into and make sure you’re ready to be all the way in,” she continued. “Being a parent isn’t always a walk in the park. You’re going to feel exhausted, confused, upset, happy, and worried, sometimes all at the same damn time.”

I placed another piece of bacon into my mouth as I listened.

“Kids need a lot of attention,” she said. “They’re constantly growing out of their clothes. Then, once they start school, that’s a whole different ball game. You have to get them to and from school, extracurricular activities, sports, and all that good stuff on time. You’ll be waking up early in the morning and staying up late at night, helping with schoolwork and science projects.”

She paused and gave me another look.

“So, keep all of that in mind when you say you’re ready to be a full-time father.”

I sat there for a moment, taking in everything she had said. None of it scared me away… but now that I knew about her, I planned to be present.

“Trust me, I get it,” I said. “And I understand why you wanted to have this conversation because, for the past year and some change, it’s just been Noree by herself.”

Miss Carolyn nodded slowly.

“But I’m here now,” I continued. “And if y’all let me show you how good of a dad I can be, I promise y’all won’t be disappointed.”

A soft smile appeared on her face.

“I’m sure I won’t be, suga. Now…you’ve told me what you plan to do for Oaklynn, but you still haven’t answered my question about Noree.”

Before I could respond, I heard footsteps approaching the kitchen. I turned around as Noree walked in carrying Oaklynn against her chest.

Both of them looked half asleep.

Noree’s eyes were barely open as she rubbed one of them with her free hand and yawned. Oaklynn’s cheek was pressed against her shoulder, and she was rubbing her little eyes too.

Seeing them together had me smiling before I even realized I was doing it.

Noree looked between her mama and me.

“Ma, are you in here grilling him?”