Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
When Uncle Marvin comes here, I plan to go get some answers or at least figure out if I can get help. I don’t want to live like this anymore.
“I want as many pictures and videos as you can get me. Of everything. AJ in his suit. Ven in her dress. I want it all.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you. It will be just like you’re there.”
I kiss AJ’s cheek, then pull them both into a hug. “Thanks again, Kid.”
“You’ve got to stop thanking me. I wish there was more I could do.”
“I appreciate you more than you could know. Love you.”
“I love you too. AJ, say I love you, Mommy.”
AJ looks at me with his eyes sparkling. “Ah wah woo, Me-me,” he says with a smile showing off his little teeth.
“I love you too, baby. Give Daddy kisses for me. Tell him I love him too.”
I hold my tears back until they’re out of sight. “Just a little longer, Lex. We’re going home. I promise you that,” I murmur to myself.
* * *
Ox
“Hey, big guy,” I coo at AJ as I take him from Kid and reach for his bag and tiny garment bag to toss in my trunk.
I was happy to hear his mother was okay with him coming in for the wedding. I look forward to his visits. I’m watching him get so big.
When he comes in, he spends most of his time with me. As the bar manager, I’ve offered to change Kid’s schedule around his visits, but she has me watch him for her instead.
I don’t mind. I’ve changed shifts to be able to spend time with him. I’m not needed as much as Kid, being that I work Pit’s back room more than the bar on the main floor these days.
AJ cups my cheeks and kisses my face. I chuckle and tighten my hold on him. He breathes in my face and smiles.
“Me-me wah woo,” he breathes.
“Good boy,” Kid coos proudly as if she knows what he just said.
AJ claps his hands and smiles as he bounces in my arm. I tickle him and blow raspberries in his neck. I frown as the scent of cocoa butter hits me. I’ve never noticed how familiar his scent is to me.
However, as I’m thrown back to that night in Vegas, it stands out. I bite back my anger as, not for the first time, hate for Alexis and what she did fills me. Fuck her. This weekend is about my brother.
Maybe I’ll meet someone at the wedding, and I’ll finally be able to move on with my life. I’ll send her the divorce papers she wants and heal from the bullshit. Something has to give, I know that much.
I strap AJ into the new car seat I got just for him. We can dip off on Kid from now on. I can take my buddy for ice cream and to the park without having to wait for her.
He’ll be one soon and he’s walking. I think it’s time for him to hang with the guys. Kid says his father isn’t in the picture, it’s just his mom and Kid. Well, he has me now.
I kiss his cheek once he’s strapped in. “Ready for some fun?”
He squeals back, bringing a huge smile to my face. I run a hand through his thick, dark curls. Cutest kid ever.
Chapter 23
Taunting & Teasing
Anthony
I place AJ on his feet and squat down to fix his tie and vest under his little suit jacket. This is only the rehearsal dinner, but Skittles insisted it be formal. I purchased the little navy suit and brown dress boots to match mine since Kid and AJ’s mom took care of the wedding tux and shoes.
“That’s my guy,” I croon.
He gives me a big smile in return. My little guy looks sharp. I place a hand on his head and gently rock him back and forth as I smile proudly. AJ moves to wrap his arms around my neck. I pull him into a tight hug.
“Who do we have here?” Pit says as he and Skittles walk up hand in hand.
I stand with AJ in my arms. “This is AJ. Kid’s godson.”
“This is your little buddy?” Skittles says with her brows knit. “Ah, nah, get the fu—. Wait, get the heck out of here. That little boy looks like he’s yours. Kid’s godson, my left butt cheek.”
Pit palms Skittles’s forehead and silences her with a kiss. I look at AJ and chuckle. The kid does look like he could be mine, but hazel-green eyes or not, he’s not my kid. No matter how much I wish it were true.
“Woman, you talk about me saying whatever comes to mind. Damn.”
“Who are they trying to fool? You and that no-fraternizing-amongst-the-staff policy. He’s been knocking them tomboy boots and now they’re too afraid to say he knocked her up,” Skittles continues.