Page 187 of When a Soul Cries

“She got clothes.”

“Now she got more clothes.”

Rome rubbed his forehead.

I turned away because I was trying not to laugh again.

Then Sugga picked Halo up and kissed both of her cheeks.

“You just ignore him, sugar baby. Sugga got you.”

Rome froze.

I caught it.

“Sugga?” he repeated.

“Yes.”

“Mama…”

“What?”

“You already naming yourself?”

“I’ve had that name.”

“You know what I mean.”

She bounced Halo against her hip.

“I’m just making sure she know what to call me.”

“She barely saying words.”

“She’ll learn.”

I laughed, but Rome’s expression stayed somewhere between irritated and exhausted.

Then Sugga started talking about keeping a few things at her own house.

Diapers.

Clothes.

A high chair.

Maybe a crib.

“A crib?” Rome asked.

“For when she spends the night.”

“Who said she spending the night?”

Sugga stared at him.

“Eventually.”