Instead of jogging back down those steps and going back to my car, I braced myself for whatever was about to happen. I couldn’t leave. Plus, that punk ass Casper dude was out there cutting his grass when I pulled up. I didn’t hear the lawnmower anymore, but something told me he was still out there. I didn’t want his corny ass to see me running away from Faith’s door like a little bitch.
“Knock on the door, crazy,” I mumbled under my breath.
Clutching the life-sized teddy bear to my chest, I raised my hand and knocked on the door.
“What the hell, Reed?” I heard Faith’s voice, but I didn’t see her. It only took a second for me to spot the camera near the corner of her porch.
“Don’t talk to me on that thing. Come to the door.”
“First, what in the world is in all those bags?”
“Open the door so you can find out.”
“Uh-uh, you are not about to start spoiling this damn girl.”
“I’myourdaddy, not the other way around. You don’t tell me how to treat my queen and our princess. Now, open the door. It’s hot out here.”
By the time I finished my statement, Faith was tearing the door open and staring me down like I was about to be on punishment.
“When I texted you, I expected a simple response, not a pop-up.” She objected.
“Oh damn, I thought I responded to your message,” I said, patting my pockets for my phone.
It only took a couple of seconds for me to give up my search, knowing that she was probably right. As soon as Faith messagedme saying that Jada was ready to meet me, I ended my shopping spree and headed straight to her house. Damn, I really wasn’t thinking straight. I should have asked if they were hungry. All I knew was I was ready to meet my baby girl, nerves and all.
“You didn’t. Come on in since you’re here now,” she said, opening the door wider for me to step inside. “For the record, you arenotmy father. Your child is in the living room watching TV.”
Your child. Two simple words make me anxious and excited all at the same time. My heart slammed against my rib cage as I reached down and grabbed the bags I brought with me. I followed Faith into the house as she led the way to the living room. I saw my baby’s big curly afro waving above the back of the couch before she popped up, standing on her feet.
“Mommy, isn’t this your friend that you had the sleepover with?” she asked, squinting as she studied me.
“Uh, yeah, actually, it is,” Faith answered.
“Are you my daddy?” she asked before I could figure out what I would say to her.
“Yes, I am,” I replied quietly.
“Ooo, he got eyes like me, Mama. Auntie Grace told me that too.”She beamed proudly, and I swear my heart melted right out of my chest. I was absolutely in love.
I watched Faith’s chest rise and fall before she responded with a nod. “I know, baby.
“You have eyes like me, actually. I’m way older than you,” I corrected.
“Hm, how old are you?” she quizzed.
“I’m thirty-two. How old are you?”
“I’m six,” she said, holding up six fingers. “I used to be little, but now I’m big. I’m going to first grade.”
“Oh wow, youarea big girl.” I couldn’t help but smile at my twin.
“Yep, I’m big now. Why did you wait until I was a big girl to come see me? My mama said you were really busy.”
“I’m sorry, baby. There is really no excuse for that, but I promise I’m never going to leave you again.”
“Don’t be mad with your dad, Jada. It’s all my fault that he didn’t come see you until you were a big girl.” Faith chimed in unexpectedly. The moisture pooling in her eyes made me want to step in, but something told me that it wasn’t necessary.
“Why? I thought you said he was busy.”
