Page 36 of Hired By My Rich Baby Daddy 3

There it was.

For a second, I was confused, but at the same time, I had figured this was coming. I had shown up at her house out of nowhere, learned that I had a daughter, and then spent the night under her roof. There was no way Noree’s mama was letting me leave without asking me a few questions. And from what I could tell, she didn’t bite her tongue.

“Yes, ma’am.”

I walked over to the island and pulled out one of the stools. Once I sat down, Miss Carolyn grabbed a plate from beside the stove and brought it over to me.

The plate was loaded with pancakes, bacon, eggs, and two pieces of toast covered in jelly. My eyes widened as she placed it in front of me.

“Damn,” I said before I could stop myself. “This looks good.”

She smiled. “You want some grits?”

“Hell yeah.”

She laughed again as she turned around and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. She went over to the stove, lifted the top from one of the pots, and scooped some grits into the bowl.

I reached for my fork while she brought them over and placed them beside my plate. There was a pitcher of orange juice on the island, so I helped myself, pouring a cup of it.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Instead of walking away, she stood on the other side of the island and faced me. She placed both hands flat against the counter and stared at me.

I looked up from my plate.

“What are your intentions?” she asked.

I lowered my fork. “Ma’am?”

“You heard me.” Her expression remained pleasant, but I could tell she was serious. “What are your intentions with my daughter and my granddaughter?”

“Well, I plan to be there for my baby.”

“How?”

I sat back slightly.

“Because being a father isn’t just about dishing out money,” she continued. “That baby is going to need your time. She doesn’t need a part-time father. She needs a full-time one.”

“I know that.”

“Do you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because I know you’re rich and famous. You’re probably always getting pulled in different directions. Going to these fancy events, traveling out of state, traveling out of the country. How are you planning to transition into fatherhood?”

I didn’t answer immediately.

I picked up my knife and started cutting my pancakes while I thought about her question. I understood why she was asking. Anybody could promise they were going to be there, but actually showing up was different.

I took a bite of my pancakes, chewed, and swallowed before I finally answered her.

“Well, I know it’s going to be a lot different from my current lifestyle, but I’m up for the challenge. If I’m being honest, shit probably won’t be easy.”

“It won’t,” she said.

“And yes, you’re right. I am gone a lot, but she can be right there with me.”

Miss Carolyn tilted her head slightly, listening.