Page 28 of Fever: Love In Scrubs

J amari’s party was underway and she was already having the best time.

All her friends had shown up along with our family.

Aunts, uncles, and cousins from both my mom and dad’s side rolled in deep to celebrate with her.

Even though it was mostly my immediate family the majority of the time, when it came time to celebrate a holiday or birthday, we all came together.

This was the first time Wynter would be around my entire family and she was noticeably nervous.

I had a surprise for her, though, and it was five minutes out.

Currently, she was at the dessert table, making sure everything was perfect.

Last night, she’d been up ‘til the wee hours of the morning making the treats Jamari requested.

I told her I didn’t have a problem outsourcing, but she loved to bake and she wanted them to be special for her girl. I walked over and kissed her temple.

“Baby, I promise it’s perfect,” I said.

“Don’t patronize me, sir.”

I chuckled. “I’m not. You’ve arranged and rearranged this three times, love.”

“I promise, I’m done this time.”

“No, you’re over her trying to keep yourself busy because you’re nervous.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yes.” I pulled her into my arms and pecked her lips. “Take a deep breath and relax. My parents already love you and I know the rest of the family will too. My Aunt Geraldine already told me she thought you were sweet, and you had that cornbread, collard green, and neckbone fed ass.”

She laughed out loud and it made me smile.

“Was that a subtle way of calling me fat?”

“Nah. It was a compliment.”

“Jaxson!”

I turned to see Stacey strolling over with a smile on her face and a gift bag in her hands. I grabbed Wynter’s hand and met her in the middle.

“Good to see you, Stacey,” I said, giving her a side hug.

“You know I wouldn’t miss Mari’s birthday. You’re looking good and happy.” She turned to Wynter. “You must be the reason for that. Hi, I’m Stacey.”

“Wynter. Nice to meet you.”

“Asia told me you were dating. I’m so happy for you, Jaxson. You deserve this. Girl, come give me a hug for taking care of this big ol’ man!”

She pulled Wynter into a hug as they shared a laugh.

“He takes care of me too,” she admitted.

Stacey winked at her. “I bet he does. Soooo… is that thing gonna be here?”

The disdain on her face for her ex-best friend was obvious.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I extended the invite. The rest is on her.”

“Well, I wore my sneakers and tied up my hair in case I have to beat her ass today. Don’t worry, I’ll take it outside.”

I shook my head. “You hell, Stacey.”

“Got to be. Anyway, Wynter, it was nice meeting you. We have to get to know each other a little later. Right now, I’m going to get my skates and show these youngins how we used to do it back in the day.”

She left us with a smile as she went to rent a pair of skates. My phone chimed and when I looked at it, Wynter’s surprise was here.

“Come with me right quick,” I said, pulling her toward the exit.

“What are you up to?”

“You’ll see.”

We stepped outside and she looked around, confused.

The doors to an SUV opened and her aunt and cousin stepped out.

Wynter screamed and ran to them. Of course, she and Tikayla were happy to see each other and hugged it out.

When she got to her aunt, she buried her face in her hands and cried audibly.

I smiled as the older woman pulled her into her arms and rocked her from side to side while kissing her head.

I made my way over and Tikayla greeted me with a hug.

“I’m glad y’all made it.”

“I wouldn’t have missed this,” Tikayla said. “My girl is the big thirteen!”

She and Jamari had developed a relationship too. She’d visited twice since the first time and every time she and Wynter were on FaceTime around her, Jamari had to insert herself. She thought Tikayla was cool and reminded her of Asia.

“It’s nice to finally meet you in person,” Ms. Kira said, still holding on to a crying Wynter.

“Likewise. My baby has been missing y’all.”

“We’ve missed her too.” She squeezed Wynter and held her away so she could wipe her tears. “Stop all that crying now, baby,” she said with a smile. “Let me get a look at you.” She twirled Wynter around. “I see you are being taken care of. You look so happy, Wynnie.”

Wynter smiled. “I’m very happy, Auntie.” She turned to me and cupped my face then kissed my lips. “You got me good.”

“I knew you would need them today.”

She poked her lip out. “This is why I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Awww!” Tikayla cooed. “Y’all are adorable. I knew it was love on my visit. I expect to be the maid of honor at your wedding, and I will be throwing you a bachelorette party. Oh and Mommy can walk you down the aisle!”

“Tinka, pump your brakes,” Ms. Kira said. “Let them enjoy this. Marriage is a big commitment.” She winked at Wynter. “If it leads to that, I do insist on giving you away.”

Wynter smiled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Shall we head inside?” I asked, reaching for Wynter’s hand.

Tikayla nodded. “I’m about to be on my roll bounce tip. You remember those days, Wynter?”

“Oh, I remember you being a showoff, busting those tricks and splits.”

“Those were the days!”

We headed inside. While Tikayla grabbed her skates, I took Ms. Kira over to my mama who screamed as soon as she saw her. They shared a hug and my mother immediately pulled her away to join my aunts.

“Well, damn,” I said, chuckling.

Wynter smiled. “Let them catch up. It’s been a long time since they saw each other.”

“You ready to get out there?”

“Oh, look! I think I see something that needs my attention.”

She tried to walk away, but I pulled her back and slid my arm around her waist.

“I need your attention, Ms. Driscoll.”

“Baby, I haven’t been on skates in forever.”

“Good thing your man is a pro. I already got you a pair of skates. Sit your pretty self down, and let me put them on you.”

She rolled her eyes and took a seat on the built-in bench.

I pulled the skates I’d gotten her out and stooped in front of her.

Since she wore sandals, I’d brought an extra pair of socks for her too.

I licked my lips as I slipped the sandals off, eyeing her pretty feet.

Images of her toes curling beside my head flooded my mind and a smirk spread across my face.

“Don’t start in here,” she warned me.

“I ain’t even do nothing.”

“Your eyes say it all, sir.”

I grinned as I pulled the socks from my pocket and slipped them onto her feet before putting on the skates and lacing them up. I grabbed mine and put them on as well. After lacing them up, I stood and helped Wynter to her feet. Tikayla came skating over on hers with a smile on her face.

“You ready, cousin?” she asked, putting her shoes down.

“Hell no!”

“This big strong man’s got you girl! Don’t you, Jaxson.”

“I do.”

Asia came gliding over on her skates. “My bitch!” she squealed, hugging Tikayla. “Get your fine ass out here girl!”

Tikayla chunked us the deuces. “My baddie boo is calling! Y’all have fun!”

They stepped onto the floor and took off, dancing around the rink to the music.

When they caught up to Jamari, she and Tikayla embraced before they all zoomed off around the rink.

I grabbed Wynter’s hand and slowly led her out to the floor.

She held on to me for dear life as she stepped onto the slippery wood.

“Jaxson, if I fall, I’m crawling back to my seat.”

I laughed. “I promise, I’m going to laugh and record that shit before I help you up.”

She gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, but I would.”

She playfully pushed me, but quickly grabbed hold of me when she almost slipped. I tried to hold in my laughter as I wrapped an arm around her waist and held her other hand, pulling her in close to me.

“I got you, baby.”

Slowly, I skated us around the rink. Asia, Tikayla, Jamari, and Kacie skated circles around us.

By the time we made it around the third time, Wynter had loosened up a bit and was comfortable enough to just hold my hand while we skated along.

The DJ was playing some old school R&B. The sound of “Someone To Love” by Jon B was blaring through the speakers.

I skated backward, grabbing her hands as I sang along to the music.

She blushed as I spun her around, then out before pulling her into me.

That wedding talk outside had me ready to contact my damn jeweler.

This was moving fast, but fuck it. It felt right and I’d learn to go with my gut on what I was feeling these days.

I was so wrapped up in singing and dancing with her that I almost missed Amandela walking through the double doors with a gift bag in her hands.

She looked around until her eyes landed on us.

A frown slowly crept onto her face, but she pulled it back.

Jamari must have noticed her, because she stopped skating and just stood there for a moment before slowly skating over and stepping onto the platform.

“Go on,” Wynter said, nudging me.

I kissed her temple, then skated over to my daughter and ex-wife.

“Dela,” I said flatly.

“Jaxson.” She turned back to Jamari with a light smile. “You look so pretty, baby,” she said, cupping her chin. “I love the hair.”

“Ms. Wynter did it for me.”

Dela’s smile fell. “Oh. Well… she did a good job. Here.” She handed her the gift bag.

Jamari took it without much emotion. “Thanks.”

“Aren’t you going to open it?”

“Not right now.”

“Can I at least have a hug?”

Jamari didn’t move. She looked to me, but I didn’t say anything. This was her decision. Dela cleared her throat and narrowed her eyes.

“I see how it is,” she muttered. “You aren’t gonna say anything about this, Jaxson?”

“What do you want me to say? She’s old enough to decide if she wants a hug or not, Dela. Her feelings are hurt, and you need to accept however long it takes them to not be hurt anymore.”

“How am I supposed to fix this if you only allow me to see my child once a week?”