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“Go order whatever y’all want. Make sure you get hamburger pizza for me. I’m about to go get some tokens for the arcade.”

I looked over at Greg, who was still holding his throat and coughing like hell while his date rubbed his back, trying to help him recover. I didn’t feel sorry for him. He deserved to be shut up.

I looked back at Quinton and nodded. “OK.”

“Wait,” he said, stopping me before I could walk away. I could have fainted when he took Trey out of my arms and kissed the top of his head.

“Hey, son. I’m your dad now. This piece of shit is just your sperm donor. I hope we never have to see his ugly mug again.”

“Man, fuck you,” Greg finally hissed.

“I got him, baby. Both of them. Go ahead,” Quinton said, slapping me on my ass.

As I walked away, he mumbled something else to Greg. When I made it to the table, I looked over and was relieved to see Greg and his friend walking through the exit. I didn’t think I had ever been so humiliated in my life. Quinton’s presence lightened the blow, but I considered the night ruined.

The drive home was quiet. All three of the boys were knocked out in the back seat. I felt like it was the perfect opportunity for us to discuss what happened at the golf course. I still had to see Quinton for a few more days at least. I needed to clear the air.

“Thank you,” I muttered.

“For what?” Quinton asked, never taking his eyes off the road.

“For standing up for me. You didn’t have to do that. I know what an asshole I let impregnate me.”

“You don’t have to thank me. We all make mistakes. I wasn’t about to stand there and let him or anyone else disrespect you.”

“Well thank you anyway. I wish I didn’t have to deal with him for eighteen more years.”

He grinned. “Didn’t you hear what I said back there? I’m Trey’s daddy now. We can change his name to Quinton Junior if you want to.”

“Hush.” I smiled.

“I’m serious, Shiloh. You don’t have to beg that fool to be in our son’s life when I’m right here.”

“That’s a sweet thought, but we’re dealing with reality.”

He nodded. “You’re right. Words are just words. I rather let my actions speak for me.”

“What did you say to him after I walked away?”

“If he didn’t want to be put in a child’s place in front of all those kids, he might want to leave.”

All I could do was shake my head and laugh. “Wow.”

“Obviously, he didn’t.”

“Obviously not.”

We made it to my complex, and I turned to the back seat to wake Theo up.

“I got him. I’m sure you want him to stay sleep,” Quinton offered.

“For sure.”

Once we were parked, Quinton climbed out and picked Theo up from the back seat. He carried Theo inside, while I lugged Trey and his car seat into the living room. I showed him to the boy’s room so he could put him in bed while I put Trey in his crib. I hoped the boys would stay down for a minute because I needed to shower and unwind.

“See you tomorrow, beautiful. Let me get back out here before my boy drives off,” Quinton said, kissing my cheek once we were out of the boy’s room.

“See you tomorrow.”