Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“Did you see my DNA results?” He smiled big and wide. “I left the printout on the kitchen table this morning for you to look at.”
She rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth.
“Legend, that little 2% African means nothin’. This ain’t no one-drop rule.”
“…It was two drops.”
“You ain’t Black, and you still ain’t invited to the picnic!” she teased.
“Oh, it counts! I’m claimin’ it.” He looked her up and down, and his dick jumped. “Damn, you look sexy today, baby. Boss lady. I might have to drag you out back and throw this dick up in ya.”
She playfully attempted to push him away, trying to wiggle out of his grasp.
“You gotta pay the toll first before I let you go.”
She huffed, pretending he was getting on her nerves, then humored him, giving him a big, juicy kiss. Running his hand along her stomach, he kissed the side of her neck, feeling horny as hell.
“Boy, stop!” She laughed, skirting away. “We’ve got business to take care of!” Off she went, and he watched her being gracious and professional as ever. They’d just found out she was pregnant—only four weeks. They were keeping it under wraps, and would announce it once she was at least two months along.
Instead of feeling nervous or afraid when she told him she’d taken a test and it turned out positive, he was excited, eager to meet his new daughter or son soon. He picked up one of his BBQ bottles. On the black label was a white feather. The signature sauce was called, ‘Florence Feather.’ On the back of the bottle, it was explained that the name came from a teacher who had influenced his life. There was also a donation link for people to contribute to their favorite teacher, to show them how much they cared.
“Legend!” Melanie sauntered in, wearing a red jumpsuit and designer sunglasses.
“Where you been?” He barked.
“I was at where I was at, and I’mma be where I’mma be! You ain’t my daddy.” She grabbed him and hugged him tight, and he returned the gesture of affection.
“Where’s Lorenzo?” Lorenzo was Melanie’s new boyfriend. Some older Italian cat who came into the bar one day on business, and became smitten with her.
“Oh, he’s trying to find a parking spot. It looks so nice in here… LOOK! They’re holdin’ my menu! I designed that menu cover, y’all! That was all me!”
Legend rolled his eyes as Melanie acted ghetto as ever—and he loved every second of it. He talked with his sister a bit longer, then decided to slip out back to get some fresh air.
Things had been so overwhelming, although in a good way. Here out back it was so peaceful. They’d kept the creek, and it was quite serene, with little wildflowers growing around it and tiny fish swimming about. He enjoyed the feeling of gratitude that touched his heart.
Mrs. Florence, this is all ’cause of you. Working with Axel so I could save up money, afford to go to school and pay my bills. This restaurant. My friends all around me… And that beautiful woman I get the luxury to call my wife. Thank you for pullin’ strings with God, to bring her to me. I told you everything I couldn’t do, and you told me everything I could.
I’m sure you don’t approve of how I handled everything, but you know me… it had to be that way. I can finally go to sleep without seein’ their faces. The nightmares have stopped completely. I don’t turn the other cheek. I bash their heads in. Period.
He took a deep breath and watched a butterfly flitting about.
I can’t believe it. I’m going to be a daddy. He smiled proudly. I was already a daddy to Kaylee, but to actually know that I created life, and it wasn’t an accident, or cause for panic… I can’t even describe this feeling. I’m going to make mistakes, but my kids, both of ’em, and any others that may come down the line, are going to know how much I love them. They’ll have a damn good mother. An active father that loves them, and shows it. They will be safe! Protected! Children need protection! His eyes watered, and he blinked the emotions away. They need to be believed! They need soft discipline, and hard love!
He patted his eyes, and smiled as the butterfly flew away towards a tree. Turning around, he came back inside of the restaurant, immediately jumping into action. He checked on the orders in the computer system, then went to the kitchen to see what the cooks were up to. He redirected one of the sous chefs, and told the staff on the floor to hang in there. He praised them on a job well done.
Things were hella busy, and he was delighted that so many people had attended his opening day. That cash register kept ringing up from drink orders and appetizers, and the instrumental rap tunes set the mood of the place just right. Desiree buzzed by him, a cocktail in her hand to give someone, but stopped just to give him a big kiss on the cheek. Then, she raced away to another table, to check on the customers, and all he could think was, ‘My woman is baaaad. Damn, I am so lucky.’