Everyone paused, turning to look at them. Dosia’s face turned bright red, which only made Pumpkin smile broadly.
“I told you assholes she does exist,” he announced to the room. “This is Theodosia Woods, my pumpkin lady.” Several jaws dropped, but Pumpkin was just getting started. “Also,” he continued, pointing at SJ. “This is my baby.” He held up JJ’s hand. “This is my baby.” He pointed to Dosia’s stomach, “And this is my baby.”
Other jaws dropped.
There might have been abitof arrogance emanating from Pumpkin in that moment.
Scotty was sitting at the bar. His eyes went wide with worry. “Does this mean SJ’s not my cousin anymore?”
Harper immediately reached for his hand. “No, baby. But it seems you have two more cousins to add to your long list.”
Scotty’s smile lit up the room. “Yay, more cousins!” He came rushing over to them, stopping in front of JJ. “What’s your name, new cousin?”
“JJ,” she answered. “What’s yours?”
“I’m Scotty.” He held out his hand to her. “Come on, I’ll show you your new aunts and uncles and cousins. You havea lotnow.”
JJ looked up at Pumpkin for permission, and he nodded his encouragement. She took Scotty’s hand and he started leading her away.
“Are you part pumpkin, too?” Pumpkin heard Scotty ask his daughter.
Pumpkin suppressed a groan.
Harper was the first to approach them. “It’s Dosia, right? We’ve actually met before.” She held out her hand. “I’m Harper. I brought my kids in for story time last week.”
“Oh, right!” Dosia took Harper’s hand. “You bought the newLittle Truckbooks.”
Harper’s eyebrows went up. “I did. I’m surprised you remember.”
“I’m awful with names,” Dosia confessed. “But I’d never forget a face and a book.”
Harper laughed. “Well, you have a lot of new names to learn, I’m afraid.”
“Pumpkin’s been helping me learn all of you. You’re married to Lucky, right?” Harper nodded. “Kids are Sissy, Scotty, Conner, and Stephanie?”
“Very good,” Harper beamed.
Other ol’ ladies approached them and Harper helped with the introductions. A hand on Pumpkin’s shoulder had him turning to see Cage.
“So how much did you pay her to say she’s your mystery lady?” his brother asked, a mocking smile on his face.
“None,” Pumpkin said honestly. “It’s really her.” He pointed to JJ. “And she’s really mine.”
Cage’s jaw dropped. “You’re serious?”
“Deadly.”
His brother whistled. “Damn, man. I did not see that one coming.”
Pumpkin chuckled. “Me either, but trust me. She’s mine. I got my cut on her back, my ring on her finger, and my baby in her belly.”
Cage’s mouth gaped open. “Geez. No wonder you haven’t been around much. She’s really pregnant?”
Pumpkin nodded, choosing to believe Calliope’s prediction. “Apparently, I have super sperm.”
“Fuckin’ hell, you do not!” Cage argued.
“Do too,” Pumpkin insisted, puffing out his chest. “Got three kids to prove it. No condom can contain my essence.”
