Page 85 of Fever: Love In Scrubs
“Ms. Wynter,why do you always have to make me cry!” she whined, wiping her eyes. “You’re going to be the best Mommy to my future siblings.”
I giggled. She was adamant that her father and I would get married one day and she would finally be a big sister. She put the card down and pulled the ribbon to release the wrapping paper from around the basket. An audible gasp left her lips. Inside, the basket was filled with all sorts of things. I’d gotten her a designer crossbody bag with a matching card case, a pink pair of Air Pod headphones, and gift cards to her favorite stores.
She’d been raving about my perfume, so I got her a bottle of that, some Fenty body cream and lip gloss, a few books she asked for, a new watch band, and a personalized name plate. When Jaxson helped me put it all together last night, he told me how much he appreciated that I listened and paid attention to his daughter when she spoke. That made me feel good because I wanted to love Jamari like she was my own.
“Thank you, Ms. Wynter!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around my neck.
“You are so welcome, baby.”
“I guess I can give you my gift now,” Jaxson said.
He stood and walked over to his bag in the living room, returning a few seconds later with an envelope that he handed to her. Eagerly, she took it from him and opened it. The scream that left her lips pierced my ears.
“You got me tickets to Siana J!”
Siana J was one of her favorite singers and as popular as she was, I knew those tickets cost a pretty penny.
“Floor seats and backstage passes.”
She screamed again, jumping to her feet and into his arms. “Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have to go call Tyanna!”
She kissed us both, before grabbing her basket and taking off upstairs.
“I think she burst my damn ear drum,” Jaxson said, chuckling.
“Now imagine all those screaming fans in that arena. You set yourself up.”
“That I did. Anything to see her smile.”
“You think Amandela is coming to the party?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I want her to stay away, but I also want her to show up for our daughter. I really hate this shit, Wynter.”
“I know, baby.” I stood and kissed his lips. “Let’s just hope that if she shows up, she’s on her best behavior.”
“She better be.”
For the sake of Jamari, I prayed her mother would act right.
Jamari’s party was underway and she was already having the best time. All her friends had shown up along with our family. Aunts, uncles, and cousins from both my mom and dad’s side rolled in deep to celebrate with her. Even though it was mostly my immediate family the majority of the time, when it came time to celebrate a holiday or birthday, we all came together.
This was the first time Wynter would be around my entire family and she was noticeably nervous. I had a surprise for her, though, and it was five minutes out. Currently, she was at the dessert table, making sure everything was perfect. Last night, she’d been up ‘til the wee hours of the morning making the treats Jamari requested.
I told her I didn’t have a problem outsourcing, but she loved to bake and she wanted them to be special for her girl. I walked over and kissed her temple.
“Baby, I promise it’s perfect,” I said.
“Don’t patronize me, sir.”
I chuckled. “I’m not. You’ve arranged and rearranged this three times, love.”
“I promise, I’m done this time.”
“No, you’re over her trying to keep yourself busy because you’re nervous.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.” I pulled her into my arms and pecked her lips. “Take a deep breath and relax. My parents already love you and I know the rest of the family will too. My Aunt Geraldine already told me she thought you were sweet, and you had that cornbread, collard green, and neckbone fed ass.”
