Page 112 of Jaeda
We disconnected the call, and I backed out of my parking space, then headed toward the compound. Not even five minutes later, Kerrion let me know that the girls were indeed at Smoke’s house and were expecting me. Since Jaeda was spending the day with her mom and little sister, I didn’t have to worry about her catching me there.
Twenty minutes later, I was pulling into the driveway and hopping out of the car. As soon as I knocked on the door, it opened, and Romi stood there with a smile and one of the twins in her arms. Juri stood at her side, grinning up at me.
“Hey, Quaid,” she said, giving me a hug.
“Hey, Romi.” I looked down at the baby. “Which one is this?”
She giggled. “Serena. One of these days, you’ll be able to tell them apart.”
“I hope so.” I stooped to pick up Juri who was already reaching for me. “Hey, pretty girl.”
She rested her head against mine and fiddled with my ears like she did every time.
“Come on in.”
Romi stepped aside and allowed Juri and me to slide past her. Shar, Salima, Mia, and Renay were seated in the huge living room that was covered with toys.
“Excuse the mess,” Romi said. “It’s a regular daycare over here today.”
“You’re fine. I promise. Hey, ladies.”
They all spoke as I made my rounds, giving them each a hug and kiss on the cheek. With the way they were seated, the only chair left was one that had me facing all of them. I felt like I was on trial as Juri and I copped a seat. Darlyn made her way over and squeezed into the limited space beside us.
“Hi, Quay!”
I chuckled. She couldn’t say my name, but I knew to answer.
“Hey, princess.”
When she rested her head against my arm, Juri tried to grab her hair, but I stopped her. She hated sharing the attention when someone was holding her.
“You gotta be nice, Ju,” I said softly.
“She’s mean like her bigheaded ass daddy,” Shar said, picking Marino up.
“What do you need help with?” Mia asked, jumping right in.
“This.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the ring box. As soon as I flipped it open, all four of them screamed, scaring the kids. Three babies started crying, and they rushed to calm them down.
“You’re proposing?” Shar asked, tears swelling in her eyes.
“I am, and I need y’all to help me get her ready. I was thinking a full pamper day. You could call it a girls’ day or something. Hair, nails, shopping. Maybe tell her you’re going to a nice dinner later. Of course, I’d pay for it all.”
“Whatever you need,” Mia said, dabbing her eyes. “I hate you for making me cry!”
I chuckled. “I really appreciate this. I’ve just got to get the venue locked in, and I can get you a date.”
“Right now, I just want to see this ring,” Renay said, reaching for it.
I handed it over and watched as they all gasped over how beautiful it was.
“Is that custom?” Salima asked.
I nodded. “I designed it.”
She kissed her teeth. “See, now I’m gonna have to tell my husband I want a new custom ring because that is flawlessly beautiful.”
