Page 33 of Fever: Love In Scrubs

“ D addy, I’m about to starve,” Jamari complained from the back seat.

“I told you to get up for breakfast and you wanted to sleep in. Now you have to wait for lunch. This is the last house.”

She groaned. “Can we get wings?”

I shook my head. “Sure, baby.”

Wynter looked over at me and smirked. “I don’t spoil her,” she mocked me.

I grinned. “Hush, woman. You’ve been added to the list of people that spoil her too.”

She giggled as she turned to look at Jamari in the back seat.

“How can I say no to that pretty face?” she asked, cupping Jamari’s chin.

My baby showed all thirty-two of her teeth as she smiled. Wynter rarely told her no, but in the case she did, she didn’t receive any pushback from it, which I appreciated. She was a positive influence on my daughter, and I loved it.

I turned into the driveway of the last home we were scheduled to view. I’d purposely saved this once for last because I knew Wynter would love it. Samantha, my relator, hopped out of her car and headed to the lock box on the front door. As we got out, I watched Wynter gaze at the house in awe.

“This is beautiful,” she whispered.

It was a beautiful, two-story modern home with a classic look, including a mix of stonework and smooth stucco. It was the perfect contrast of light and dark brown. There was a two-car garage and perfectly manicured lawn that matched the rest of the neighborhood.

“You think so?” I teased, grabbing her hand.

“Um, yes! This is gorgeous.”

I chuckled and winked at Jamari, who was in on my plan. She grinned as she linked her arm through Wynter’s.

“Let’s see inside,” I suggested.

We walked forward to meet Samantha at the door.

“I really think you’re gonna love this one, Mr. Pierre,” she led us into the house.

“Now, as soon as you come through the front door, you’re greeted by a bright, open foyer.

This is the perfect place for an entryway table or shoe and coat storage.

Off to the left, there is a small closet and your security system.

As we enter into the living space of the home, we are met with high ceilings and natural light spilling through the windows. Isn’t that a beautiful view?”

“It’s gorgeous,” Wynter commented. “Can’t you see yourself relaxing here with a cup of coffee in the morning watching the sun rise?”

I learned that my baby was an early riser since living with her. Every morning, she was up early making coffee. She would sit on the porch and watch the sun come up and I always joked that she was somebody’s grandmother.

“I can see that,” I agreed.

Samantha pointed to the floors. “This flooring flows throughout the downstairs area and most of the upstairs. It’s a rich hardwood, polished to shine. It gives the space a warm yet upscale feel. You’ve got your standard wood burning fireplace and the place is already wired for surround sound.”

Samantha led us into the kitchen and an audible gasp left Wynter.

“Oh. My. God.”

“It’s amazing, right?” Samantha asked. “A cook’s dream. While this is a modern kitchen, it’s designed for both everyday living and entertaining. You’ve got the granite countertops, a large center island with seating, and stainless-steel appliances, including double ovens.”

“Oooo, Ms. Wynter. You can come bake those brownies I love so much,” Jamari said.

“I would never leave this kitchen.”

That was a big thing on my list. Wynter loved to cook as much as she loved to bake.

Samantha pointed. “Right off the kitchen is an open dining area big enough for a large table, you know, in case you like dinner parties or family gatherings. This door has direct access to the backyard, another plus for hosting.”

She led us outside to the back yard. Now that was my selling point. It was equipped with a pool and a small pool house, a covered patio with a grilling area, and enough yard space to just run around if we wanted to.

“Now this is what I’m talking about,” I said, looking around. “I see pool parties all summer.”

“I see me pushing you in,” Jamari said, giggling.

I playfully mushed her head. “I see you being grounded.”

“Don’t worry, Mari,” Wynter said. “I’ll help you. I’ll take the head and you take the feet.”

“Not y’all trying to double team me. Wynter, baby, you can’t even swim. You see what I deal with, Samantha?”

Samantha giggled. “I mean, it’s the perfect pool to dunk someone in.”

“There goes your commission.”

We shared a laugh as she led us back inside.

“I’ll let you explore the upstairs by yourselves, but to give you a little information, this home features five bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a half bath down here.

Upstairs, the master suite is a retreat, perfect for couples.

” She winked at me and Wynter. “It’s spacious enough for a king bed and fitted with a huge walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that includes dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate tiled shower.

The other three bedrooms are well-sized, perfect for children, guests, or a home office.

It’s honestly the perfect home to grow into, but I’ll let you see that for yourself. ”

Jamari didn’t wait for us before taking off upstairs and screaming, “I’m going to find my room!”

Wynter and I laughed as we followed behind her.

“This house is amazing, Jaxson,” she said as we ascended the stairs.

“You think?”

“Have you not been paying attention? It’s beautiful, spacious, and that back yard? Perfect. I can see holidays and Sunday dinners being here from now on. Just leave a little space for me when I come to visit.”

I smiled. “I got you, baby.”

We reached the top of the stairs and saw Jamari running room to room like one of the Scooby Doo characters. I shook my head.

“She’s excited,” Wynter commented.

“She is. She’s been enjoying this search, but I know she’s gonna hate to leave you.”

“I’m gonna hate it too. I’ve gotten used to sleeping next to you and cooking breakfast for you two. No more movies before bed. I might just cry.”

I chuckled. “Dramatic ass.”

She playfully slapped my arm. “Shut up.”

We explored a few of the guest rooms, one of which took ten minutes because Jamari claimed it as hers and was actively telling me how she wanted to decorate it.

“Can we buy the house first, Mari?” I asked.

“Daddy, this is the one. I just know it!”

“Let’s see the master before you get all excited.”

Our plan was working perfectly. The truth was, we’d already seen this house earlier this week. When I saw it, I knew it was the perfect one and put in an offer on it. I just wanted Wynter to see it.

We stepped into the master suite and Wynter’s eyes widened. It was everything Samantha described it as and then some.

“Jaxson, if you don’t buy this house, I will sell my kidney and a lung to buy it myself,” Wynter said.

I had to laugh because she really could be dramatic at times.

“No need for all that, love,” I said, pulling her into my arms. “You really like it?”

“I do, but it doesn’t matter what I think. What do you think?”

“I think it’s perfect.” I pecked her lips. “Like you said, it's big enough to host the family and the amenities are top tier.”

“Don’t forget the kitchen.”

I chuckled. “Can’t forget the kitchen. And… it’s enough space for a few kids to grow into.”

She blushed as I kissed her neck. “Jaxson! Jamari is right there.”

“Oh, I’m used to you two at this point,” Jamari said. “I know you’re all in love and can’t help yourselves.”

“Girl, hush,” I said, mushing her head and making her laugh. I turned back to Wynter. “What do you say?”

“To?”

“Moving in with us.”

“Is that why you had me come along?”

I nodded. “Truth is… we already saw the house. I put in an offer, and it was accepted. Mari and I just wanted you to see your home first.”

“Jaxson!”

I laughed. “Why do you think I’ve been picking your brain when I showed you some of the options? I needed to know what you wanted in your dream home.”

Wynter pointed at me and Jamari. “You two are sneaky.”

She pulled away and nervously looked around the space like she was thinking about it.

“There’s just one thing…” she said, turning back to us. “If I come, I wouldn’t be coming alone.”

Both mine and Jamari’s eyes furrowed.

“You got a secret pet or something?” I asked.

She smiled. “No. It’s not a pet.”

I stood there for a second. When her hands went to her stomach, Jamari screamed.

“You’re pregnant!”

Wynter nodded. “Thirteen weeks.”

Jamari ran to her, hugging her rightly as she cried. “I’m gonna be a big sister!”

“You are!” Wynter said, laughing and hugging her back.

“You’re having our baby?” I damn near whispered.

“I’m having our baby.”

Tears filled my eyes as I went over to them and wrapped my arms around them both.

I’d always wanted another child and Amandela was the last woman I’d ever get pregnant again.

Over the years, I’d never met another woman I wanted to take seriously, let alone have a child with.

Then along came Wynter. She was perfect for me and Jamari and I knew she would be a great mother to our child.

I cupped her face and kissed her passionately. “I love you so much. Thank you, baby.”

“I think you did most of the work,” she said, giggling.

“Nah, you definitely?—”

“Daddy!” Jamari exclaimed. “Oh my God! Let me get out of here. My young ears don’t need to hear this.”

She ran from the room, leaving me and Wynter in a fit of laughs.

“She’s so dramatic,” I said, shaking my head. “I think she gets it from you.”

“Leave me and my girl alone. For the record, she gets it from your sister.”

“Facts.” I stared down at her, grinning from ear to ear. “We’re having a baby.”

“We’re having a baby.”

Shit couldn’t get any more perfect than this.