Page 21 of Only for Me

“Regardless of what you think, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Unfortunately, I believe you.”

She turned to the sofa, carefully lifted Avi, and gently worked her into the carrier. “I should probably go.”

“Aight, I’ll hit you up once we get everything back.” I walked her to the door and we stood there looking crazy until she sighed then rubbed Avi’s back through the carrier. I dropped my eyes, watching her for a minute. Makari loved this little girl. There wasn’t a moment when she wasn’t showing her attention or loving on her and I felt their bond. That lowkey made me angry at Makari for stealing this from me, made me jealous that they loved each other and had me confused as hell as to why I cared.

“I know you think I don’t want you in her life?—”

“I don’tthinka gotdamn thing. You’ve said that shit more times than I wanted to fucking hear.”

She rolled her eyes. “What I mean is, I want Avi to have her father, but only if you can love her like I do. She’s so perfect and deserves that kind of love from everyone in her life. If you can’t give her that, then please don’t make my baby pay the price of your ego making decisions over your logic.”

Before I could formulate a response, Makari bounced and the door closed behind her. I was glad she was gone before I could tell her it wasn’t my ego. I was forcing this because of some fucked up obligation I felt to live the life thathewasn’t going to have… because of me.

Chapter 5

Makari

Istared at the paternity results for so long my eyes blurred. 99.99% printed in black and white via the email I received last night but didn’t open until this morning. I had no idea why, other than seeing it in writing meant my life would definitely be changing.

“Shit, this is happening,” I mumbled two seconds before my phone illuminated with a call. I hadn’t saved his number but already had it memorized. So when those digits filled my screen, I groaned in annoyance. I hit decline, hoping he got the point, but he called right back so I decided to get this over with.

“You got it?”

“Yes, goodbye…”

“If you hang up the damn phone I’m pulling up, Makari.”

I dropped back against the chair and waited. After a minute I heard him laughing cockily. “I swear your ass is so gotdamn stubborn. Raaj wants to meet at his office tomorrow morning to finalize everything.”

“I need time to find a lawyer to review it for me.”

“Raaj can explain whatever you need him to.”

“He’s your lawyer, why would I trust him?”

“I’m not gonna cheat you.”

“I don’t know that. I want someone on my side who I can trust.”

“Aight, pick whoever you want, let me know who it is and Raaj will set it up. Tell them it’s just a custody agreement but leave my name out of the conversation. I’ll tell Raaj to make a draft that leaves all the names off and email it to you. Send it to whoever you want and tell them you need it reviewed as a priority, I’ll pay whatever it costs.”

“Fine, I’ll check around…”

“Today, Makari.”

I massaged my temple and sighed. “Fine, I’ll do it now.”

“We’re gonna have to work on that attitude, ’cause the shit is unnecessary. We’re going to be in each other’s lives for the next eighteen years.”

“It’s very necessary considering the fact that you seem to have this nasty little habit of telling me what I need to do.”

Eighteen years with this man. Holidays, birthdays, school events, and milestones. How was I going to survive this?

“Cooperate more and stop fighting me on every little thing and I won’t have to tell your ass what to do.”

“Omiri, what do you want? Because this conversation is counterproductive.”