“Whatever you say, mama.” Kong smiled before hanging up.
Emeric couldn’t relate to that. No bitch had ever had him open to be having that kind of caked up conversation in public. Darcy, on the other hand, was impressed by how out loud Kong was with his affection for his woman. After ending the call, Kong slid his phone into his pocket.
“Sorry about that. Here is the paperwork. You can look it over, give it to your lawyer, whatever you want to do. My family is having a barbecue tomorrow. Kind of annual thing my pops does for some clients and the families of those who work for him, where we can all get together, at the same time, and clock out for a few hours. Kids are also welcome.” Kong came around the desk to hand Emeric the papers.
Neo wasn’t letting up in Darcy’s arms. Homie just seemed to be upset for no reason. All that fussing was stressing Kong out, though. So, while Emeric flipped through the papers, Kong reached for Neo in Darcy’s arms. He made a few other selective noises before nuzzling into Kong’s chest as if he were relieved. His breathing calmed, and slowly, he brought his little fist to his mouth. Eyes on Kong, he made the cutest little sucking noises.
“That is crazy. You like the baby whisperer or something?” Darcy jested, watching Neo’s brown eyes linger on Kong’s.
“Nah, I got two of my own, though,” he admitted, reaching out to stroke Neo’s fist. “I think he can sense your tension right now more than anything.”
“Mmm,” Darcy muttered, eyes drifting to the side.
“My kids knew all the time when something was up with me or my wife.”
“I didn’t realize you were married.” Darcy studied him.
Kong smiled at Neo. To be a newborn, he was very alert and observant, like he was taking in all of Kong’s features.
“Widowed. Then divorced,” Kong voiced.
“I’m sorry,” Darcy replied, bowing her head.
Kong lifted his head. She sounded genuine, which was something he wasn’t used to. Darcy was so used to not being seen that she came off timid as hell. Emeric seemed satisfied with what he was reading, but he dialed his attorney to make sure he had time to go over it soon as well.
“It’s all good,” Kong assured her, swaying back and forth with Neo comfortably in his arms.
“So, the girl from the doctor’s office… is that who you were talking to?” Darcy was nosy and curious.
Kong wasn’t like any man she’d ever met, so anything he told her, she would hold in high regard. The smile that came to his lips told her everything she needed to know.
“That’s my heart,” Kong admitted, something he was still getting used to.
He made a promise not to take Ayla for granted if God ever granted him another chance with her, so he was standing on that.
“Lucky girl,” Darcy muttered, although a tinge of envy lingered there as well.
Watching how natural Kong was with her son was something. Emeric rarely spent time with him since the adoption. He hadn’t changed one diaper or contributed to one feeding since he’d been home either. Although Darcy loved the little boy with everything and looked forward to whatever motherhood brought, she couldn’t sit there and lie that it wasn’t hard without the proper support system. It was obvious that Kong was a hands-on type of dad, even if it was something he had to grow into as well. At least he’d taken the time to do so.
“It wasn’t easy,” Kong revealed, rocking and looking into Neo’s eyes as they explored his while he spoke.
Seeing this little baby damn sure tugged at his heart strings. He and Ayla both were trying to remind themselves to live, even though there had been no news about their son out there. Heremained hopeful that someone, somewhere knew something. He’d seen Moose with Tiara, and he couldn’t imagine missing out on Kyro or Kara’s lives, no matter how hard it got. Ayla being home put everything into perspective for him. He was more grateful than ever for all the blessings in his life.
“You want more kids?” Darcy saw how he was watching Neo.
“Not sure yet. We lost a baby not too long ago.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Nah, you didn’t know. We’re pushing through, but it’s a work in progress. Some days are better than others. I think I might want more kids, though, maybe. She’s good to mine, so she deserves her own. I just don’t think she’s ready for that yet.” Sighing, Kong raised his gaze to meet Darcy's, filled with empathy and admiration. She blinked away fresh tears when Emeric came to join them, full of energy.
“Aight, my attorney wants me to bring these by so he can look them over tonight. We’ll have everything signed, sealed, and delivered by end of day tomorrow. Is that cool?” Emeric queried, holding his open hand for Kong to shake.
“Yeah, that’s fine.” Kong nodded, adjusting Neo in his arms.
He had settled down significantly. Now Darcy was hesitant to even take him back; he was so content. Emeric didn’t even hold him, and she did not want to raise him as one of those Velcro babies. She had somewhat of a life that she wanted to get back to as well. She thought having this baby would get her invited to more of the events that the wives and girlfriends of Emeric’s other associates, but they all seemed to shun her for one reason or another.
She wasn’t stupid. She’d heard the rumors about her husband, and given all the late hours he kept, both in the office and in the streets, she assumed a lot of it was true. She’d had multiple STDs during their marriage. Instead of takingaccountability for his infidelity, Emeric would beat her ass and swear she was the one cheating.
