Page 89 of Jaeda

“Daddy did too,” I confirmed. “I guess it worked in his favor because him and Maddie started messing around again.”

“That was sympathy coochie,” Shar said, laughing. “Damn, that was a wild time in my life. Maceo and I really thought we were Bonnie and Clyde.”

“How is it that every significant other has been snatched up?” Salima asked. She pointed at me. “You Dillingers have a type.”

I couldn’t dispute that, because it seemed to be true. In my case, however, I did the snatching. It was no worse a beginning than Deuce and Salima. He put a gun to her head, and she not only married the man but birthed two of his babies. The only person with a normal ‘How did you two meet?’ story was Maceo and Shar.

We continued eating brunch and enjoying each other’s company. The only thing really missing was Mia. She was spending time with her grandfather, so she’d been away. I would say it was refreshing not to hear her complaining about that damn Titan.

The more I was around Quaid, the more I realized that he wasn’t that bad. It was more than dick that kept her running back to him.

When the bill came, we were surprised to learn that it had already been covered. Upon asking who paid it, the server gave us Quaid’s name. I smiled. I told him I was coming here and might swing by later. It was sweet of him to cover our tab, because this place wasn’t cheap.

“Look at your man taking care of you,” Shar said, poking me.

“Look at her smile!” Salima exclaimed. “Our baby is growing up, Shar.”

“To think, just a few weeks ago, she was a shy little virgin. Now she’s out here cosplaying on the dick, and her man is paying for her lunch. That’s what good pussy gets you.”

I laughed. “Lunch?”

“A generous man. Your brother brought me a private jet as a wedding present, Jaeda.”

“He bought you that because he worships the ground you walk on, girl.”

“Let me be delusional.”

Salima and I shook our heads.

“Have at it, Sharina.”

We shared a laugh as we stood to leave the restaurant. Safely in Salima’s car, I sent Quaid a text.

Me: Thank you, love.

BigQ: No problem, baby. Did you enjoy yourself?

Me: I did, although I always have a good time with my sisters. My brothers gave me my best friends.

BigQ: I guess the headaches they give are worth it.

Me: Lol. They are.

Just as Iwent to type something else, a text came through on the family group chat.

Smoke: Romi’s water broke. Get y’alls asses to the hospital. I’m finna be a pappy!

My excitement piqued. A new Dillinger was one thing, but we were getting two!

Serena and Sidney Dillinger.

My nieces were beautiful, and my brother was overjoyed. To see his big ass dancing around the room with them, with the biggest smile on his face did my heart good. He was smitten, and Smoke was rarely this openly happy.

There were so many of us in the waiting room that we had to take turns going back to visit them. Currently, I was here with Deuce, Mama Allison, and my father.

“Look at this big ass nigga,” Deuce said, chuckling. “Welcome to fatherhood for the fourth time in a year.”

Smoke grinned. “Thank you, man.” He handed one of the babies over to Romi. “We really have four kids.”

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