Page 59 of Fumble Into the End Zone
He pulled her from my arms and kissed her until her smile returned. The way he loved his daughter radiated through with his patience and affection.
“Daddy, we have to get Ms. Mia a ring. And then we can have a wedding, and I can put on a dress with butterfly wings. Right, Ms. Mia?” she asked.
The hope in her eyes wouldn’t allow me to tell her anything different.
“Absolutely. I bet you will steal the show,” I said, and her smile widened.
I scanned the room to find Eddy and a woman I assumed was Ms. Renee, lending me smiles. The air in the room had evaporated, leaving me gasping for my breath.
“Harley, can you bring me your hair supplies? I’ll re-twist your hair,” I said.
Marcus put his daughter down and off she went down the hallway. Silence took a seat at the table as our eyes wandered to each other. Marcus angled his head down and kissed my neck.
“I think you agreed to marry me, Mia,” he whispered in my ear and I moved his hands from trying to caress my ass.
“You set me up,” I said and then chuckled.
“I didn’t know she was going to ask you those questions. But it sounds as if we’re getting married after the season is over.”
“Ms. Mia, I’m ready,” Harley’s voice echoed, and I pushed Marcus away.
In the hallway, she stood with a clear container with hair supplies.
“Good morning, Ms. Eddy and Ms. Renee,” I said and waved Harley to me.
The two women gave each other a nod, similar to older women gossiping in church.
“Good morning, Mrs. Allen,” Mrs. Eddy said, and my mouth parted.
Giggles erupted from both women as they shared in my embarrassment. Placing my hands on Harley's shoulders, I guided her to the living room. She sat on the coffee table, while I hovered over popping the older rubber bands. As I combed through her hair, I could tell it was well maintained. Beside her sat a jar of blue hair grease, a brush, and a container full of hair ties and accessories.
“Harley, who combs your hair? It’s long and healthy,” I asked.
“Granny and Ms. Renee.”
“Do you want one ponytail or two?” I asked.
“Granny said I’m not old enough for one ponytail, but can we do three?”
Southern born grandmothers did not play around about little girls growing up faster than they should. Eddy Allen had my respect.
“I’ll give you three,” I said.
By the time my hands twisted the pink knockers around the base of her hair, Marcus kissed my cheek.
“Let me get a look at you,” he said to Harley, and she twirled in her pink sundress.
“Beautiful,” he said, and every tooth, including the one growing back, made an appearance.
“I gotta go show Granny,” she said and exited the living room.
Two strong arms wrapped around my body, forcing me to turn. Marcus kissed my cheek, but a different spot this time around.
“Relax. No one is judging you,” he whispered in my ear.
“You’re staying here, right? With Harley,” he questioned, and I smirked.
“Mia!” he called my name, and my smirk converted into a smile.
