Page 82 of Widow Mayker

“Hey, baby.” I smiled and blushed like I wasn’t used to him talking to me this way. “I’m leaving the party and headed home.”

“Aight. I’m hoppin’ on the plane now. I’ll be to you, shortly.”

Giddy, I said, “Okay. Can’t wait to hug you.”

He chuckled. “That’s it? I thought you’d be ready for me to stare at you or some shit.”

“That too.”

“‘Cause you know I love doin’ that, right?”

“Right.” My smile grew some more. It was crazy how much I missed my man.

“I miss you. You miss me?” he questioned.

“Yes,” I assured him. “I miss you like crazy.”

“I miss you too fuckin’ much, Heir,” he reiterated.

I snickered and said, “Show me how much when you get here.”

“Bet,” he replied. “I’ll call you when I land.”

“Okay, bye.” Hanging up, I wanted to squeal in delight. To think, falling in love wasn’t something I thought would be in the cards for me. In the months since meeting Kody, I’d learned that I couldn’t make everyone pay for my father and brother’s mistakes. I hated how my mom carried the guilt of her husband and son being traitors, and yet, I carried some of the guilt too.

My phone rang, briefly shattering the gleeful mood I was in. Seeing Cooley’s name, I chuckled.

“Hey, Poppa,” I answered with a singing tone. Music blasted in the background, letting me know that Maja’s party hadn’t slowed down in the least.

“You left early, and I noticed you didn’t have a single drop of liquor tonight. You good, baby?” he questioned. I had to laugh. He noticed every damn thing.

“If you must know,” I dragged out, “I’m pregnant.” Saying those words should’ve caused me to stroke out. Instead, I felt…free. Maja was the only one who knew that I was pregnant. I couldn’t wait for Kody to return home so that we could celebrate the news. The rest of my family had to wait until he found out first.

“Wait,” Cooley stated, “you can’t just throw that shit at me, lil’ baby.” He chuckled nervously, and I joined him.

“I know, I know. The woman who swore off having children, is pregnant. Crazy, right?” Amused, I shook my head at the way my life had taken such a sharp turn.

“Actually, it’s not crazy. I love this for you and even Kody. Does he know?”

“No,” I informed him. “No one knows except Maja. Which means you better keep it a secret.”

Cooley blew out a deep breath, then nervously laughed. “That’s a heavy request, but I got you. I’m proud of you, baby.”

This… This was what a father was supposed to be like. Just like Cooley. I noticed things he did for me that my own father never did. Cooley walked it like he talked it.

“Get some rest. We should be leaving here soon,” he said.

“Okay. Don’t let Mama go too crazy.”

He chuckled. “I like it when she’s like that.”

“Eww!” I joked in disgust.

He laughed harder. “Mind ya business then.”

Cackling, I hung up with Poppa and shook my head. He was so crazy about my mama, and I loved that for them.

“Don’t you repeat my secret either,” I told Dex.