Something her father said made Summer break the embrace. She must have heard him wrong.
“Nick chartered a jet for you and Mommy?”
“Humph, at least he was good for something.” Nita snipped wrinkling up her nose.
“Now Nita behave yourself,” James chided.
Ignoring her husband’s chiding, Nita waved him over to her. “James, come look at your grandson.”
Going over to stand by his wife who was sitting on the bed, a bright smile lifted to his eyes. “Princess, he is a handsome little guy.”
“Thanks Daddy. I think so, too.”
“Mmm, he sure is.” Her mother agreed, then quickly added in the next breath, her face twisting as if she tasted something sour, “He must look like the daddy.”
Summer’s smile faded as she shot her mother an exasperated look. “Mommy.” Summer loved her mother dearly, but she was wearing on her nerves already.
“What? I only said he must look like his daddy. He looks nothing like you, Summer.”
“Nick, mommy. His name is Nick. And yes, my son looks just like his daddy.”
“I know his name and watch your attitude missy. I’m still your mother.” Thinks she’s grown just because she had a baby. She ain’t too big for me to take a switch to her yella behind.
Summer rolled her eyes at her mother the second Nita shifted her gaze back to the sleeping infant in her arms.
Defending Nick came so naturally to Summer it scared her. Even after their run in earlier that morning, she felt devotion for him. Lord, why can’t I shake this man?
The tension in the air was obvious. As always, James acted as the buffer between mother and daughter as he smoothly changed the subject.
“So princess, what are you going to name this little guy?”
“I haven’t decided yet Daddy. What do you −”
Just as Summer was speaking Nick knocked on the door and without waiting for an response he strolled into the room as if he had a right to.
He grimaced when three set of eyes landed on him. Twice in one day his impulsive behavior made him appear rude. Rudeness wasn’t his intention, he was anxious to see and hold his son again. Anxious to see Summer again.
As Nita roamed Nick over from head to toe she thought, hmmm, he definitely is handsome, I see how my baby feel for the ‘ole scoundrel. Nita struggled to keep from smacking the man who turned her daughter’s life upside down. I just want to hit him one good time.
James initial thoughts as he appraised Nick were completely opposite from that of his wife’s. James understood what it was like to be a man unsure of commitment. Sizing Nick up James believed, he ain’t all that bad of a man. Just need to stop running, settle down and do right by my princess and her boy.
Nick offered his hand to James, Summer’s father first. He could tell her mother wasn’t too pleased with his presence. “Nick Stiles, glad to meet you, Sir.”
“James Jackson, same here. I’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. Stiles.” James facial expression was unreadable as to whether what he had heard was favorable or not.
“Please, call me, Nick.”
As he was speaking, he released James’ hand then proceeded to offer his hand to Nita.
The resemblance between Summer and her mother was striking. Both women were petite, shared identical facial features and had long, thick beautiful hair. The only contrasting feature was their complexion. Summer’s caramel coloring was like that of her father’s, whereas Nita was a rich medium brown.
Nita glared at the large hand as if it were a rattlesnake. Reluctantly she accepted the proffered hand that refused to withdraw. Nita’s indifference didn’t faze Nick one-way or the other.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Jackson. I see where Summer gets her beauty from.”
Nick couldn’t resist displaying his charming trademark smile followed by a playful wink.
Nita rolled her eyes refusing to smile at Nick’s flirtatious behavior and devastatingly handsome smile. Lawd a mercy, would you look at this fresh boy trying to flirt with somebody. “Mmm hmm.”
Summer shot daggers at her mother. Nita returned a look that said, “What?”
James also shot her a warning look that said, “Woman, don’t start.”
Nita rolled her eyes at her husband. Not wanting to upset Summer further, she decide to make an attempt to be civil.
Clearing her throat, she said, “Thanks, Mr. Stiles for getting us here to see Summer and our grandbaby.”
Though she didn’t like Nick, she was grateful she and James were able to get to their daughter as soon as they had. If it hadn’t been for him, more than likely they’d still be at the airport in North Carolina waiting for a flight.