Free For Your Love by Beverly Jenkins Page B

paycheck-­to-­paycheck, and have a few dollars left over at the end of the month instead of having to borrow from your mom to buy diapers?”
    He pulled in to the drive that led to the trailers, and when they reached their own, they sat with the engine running while the twins slept in the backseat. Bobby spoke earnestly. “All my life, ­people told me I’d never be nothing, and I’ve always wanted to prove them wrong, which is why I had that dream of owning a business and got my GED. So now I get here, I got some ­people who want to help me out, and I guess I’m scared, like you said.”
    â€œWhen the babies were born, you took a beatdown to leave the gang that put you in the hospital for three days. You had four broken ribs, a busted collarbone, and your face looked like something out of Halloween. You’re the strongest, baddest man I know.”
    That made him feel good. “I guess I’m so used to hustling and having that golden ticket just out of my reach, and now that I have the ticket in my hand . . . This is the next step, isn’t it? Why I took that beating and worked two jobs, and tried to do the right thing.”
    â€œYes, it is,” she agreed softly. “And you’ve made me incredibly proud.”
    Her words filled his heart. “Then let’s do this. Let’s take this second step. Trent wants me there at eight sharp.”
    â€œThen I’ll cook you a big breakfast and give you a kiss out the door like the women on TV do their men.”
    He chuckled, and his voice turned serious. “You’re amazing.”
    â€œYes, I am,” she replied shamelessly. “And I have an amazing man. So let’s go in and put these kids to bed, and then you can give me some loving and get a good night’s sleep. You have to see a man about a job in the morning.”
    Leaning over, he kissed her with all the love he felt. After turning off the engine, he gently picked up the sleeping Tiara, Kiki did the same with Bobby Jr., and they went inside.
    After Trent and his family got home, he went up to talk to his sons, as he did each night before they turned out their lights. Devon was in his pajamas and in bed. “Hey, Dad.”
    He sat down on the edge of the mattress. “Hey, son. Homework done?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œSaw Zoey sitting with Wyatt at the meeting. You two still haven’t worked things out.”
    â€œNo. She still doesn’t like me. I don’t like her, either.”
    Trent sighed inwardly. “You haven’t been very nice lately, Dev.”
    â€œNo one’s been nice to me.”
    â€œWhy?”
    He turned his eyes away. “I don’t know.”
    â€œI think you do, and if you take a real look at how you’ve been treating ­people, you might see your way out of this corner you’ve boxed yourself into. Growing up is tough. It was tough for me, your mom—­for everybody we know—­but being nice helps a lot.”
    Devon looked chastened, but Trent wasn’t sure if it was a true reflection of remorse.
    â€œGive me a hug, and you get some sleep.” Trent hugged him tight. He loved this little boy so much. “Love you a lot, buckaroo.”
    â€œLove you too, Dad.”
    As Trent exited, Devon turned out his light.
    Trent stuck his head into Amari’s room. He too was in sleepwear, lying beneath his blankets, staring at the ceiling. “You okay?”
    â€œNot sure.”
    â€œSomething you want to talk about?”
    â€œNot sure about that, either.”
    Trent walked in. “Should I press?”
    â€œWhat makes you like girls?”
    Trent paused and eyed him for a moment. “Science says it’s a biological need to propagate.”
    â€œAs in kids?”
    Trent nodded.
    â€œGod!” said Amari, sounding anguished.
    â€œHaving girl issues?”
    â€œNot sure. Hoping it’s just the flu, or maybe something Dr. Reg