Naughty 2: My Way or the Highway by Brenda Hampton Page B

And what did I tell you about speaking to guests when you see them in the house?” She laid her head against his chest.
    â€œBut I didn’t see her,” she said, looking at me, then putting her fingers into her mouth. She lifted her head and her eyes got wide. “Hey, that’s your wife, Daddy! That’s the one who you married the other day.”
    Jaylin shamefully covered his face and shook his head. I smiled at Mackenzie, and Scorpio stood up and brought LJ over to me.
    â€œYou have a beautiful baby, Nokea.”
    â€œThanks,” I said, taking him from her.
    â€œCome on, Mackenzie.” Scorpio took Mackenzie by the hand. “Let’s go make some of your favorite pancakes.” Mackenzie pulled her hands back and wrapped them tightly around Jaylin’s neck. “Mackenzie, did you hear what I said, honey? Let’s go make breakfast.”
    â€œBut I don’t like the way you make your pancakes. I like the way Daddy makes them.”
    Jaylin chuckled and kissed Mackenzie on the cheek. “Baby, I’ll be in there to cook you some pancakes in a minute. In the meantime, eat a big bowl of Captain Crunch, okay?” Mackenzie hopped down off his lap.
    â€œOkay, Daddy, but hurry, all right?” She waved at me. “Bye, Daddy’s wife.”
    Scorpio and Jaylin both yelled, “She’s not Daddy’s wife, Mackenzie!” Scorpio followed Mackenzie to the kitchen.
    Jaylin got out of his chair and sat next to me. He reached for LJ again and leaned back, laying him on his chest. He removed the little denim hat and stroked his curly hair. With a huge smile on his face, he rubbed his hands up and down on his son’s back and squeezed him.
    â€œHe feels so good in my arms, Nokea, you just don’t know. Thing is, I can’t figure out if I’m upset with you for keeping him from me, or if I’m happy that we have a damn good future ahead of us.”
    â€œJaylin, all I can say is I’m sorry. I was wrong for keeping him from you, but at the time I thought that I was truly doing what was best for me.”
    â€œRight, right, but going forward I don’t want no shit from you about him, Nokea. I want to see him a minimum of three or four times a week. I’m willing to adjust my schedule to make sure that happens.”
    â€œNow, you know how complicated your schedule can be. Why don’t you just call me on the days you’re not too busy and I can bring him to you? If you call ahead of time, that will make it easier for me.”
    â€œThat might work. And whenever you have something to do, let me know and I’ll make arrangements as well.”
    â€œSounds like a plan to me,” I said, enjoying our pleasant conversation.
    â€œWhat about his expenses? How have you been handling those?”
    â€œIt’s been okay. I mean, he’s not wanting for much, but having a baby has put a slight hole in my pockets.”
    â€œWell, no child of mine is going to be just okay. Once I found out he was mine, I set up several mutual funds for him. There are some other things I wanted to do like investing in his education, but I just haven’t gotten around to doing that yet. I’ve been thinking about child support for him. You have my word that I will take care of him, so I don’t want no damn court telling me how much I need to pay. If you don’t mind, I’ll have my attorney put together a promissory letter that says I’ll give you . . . let’s say five thousand dollars a month? Will that be enough?”
    â€œSix sounds better,” I said jokingly.
    â€œOkay, then six. But you better use this money for him. Your hair, clothes, nails... and all that other stuff remains on you, all right?”
    â€œDon’t you worry about that because I got me. And six thousand is too much, I was just kidding. Four would most certainly suffice.”
    â€œI say five. So, I’ll call my attorney tomorrow,