Chapter 35

"This is very much a legal document. He has the right to file custody of Jamaica, but he won't get too far." Eric explained. "You're not married to him as thus he's not Jamaica's legal father. His name is not on her certificate; he didn't sign it. Which means you have complete control. For him to move forward, he'll need to do a paternity test to confirm he's the father and you can deny him that test."

I felt a weight being lifted off my shoulder, "I have full control?"

Eric smiled, "Yes, you do."

"What if he got a court petition?" Valdo questioned.

Eric looked at Valdo, "Well, the DNA would have to be done. If he's the father, then he'll have equal rights and responsibilities towards Jamaica as well, and he'd be able to move forward to file for custody."

I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples. "So he still could win the case?" Thinking about William having my baby was giving me a headache. He was only doing this because he lost. Valdo had embarrassed him, and the whole town found out about it in hours.

"He won't. The court would never give a man like him full custody of a child. I still have the video that Marcos sent me. We could always use that against him in court." Using the restaurant video was a good idea to prove that William didn't want Jamaica, but what if it didn't work?

"What if that doesn't work? What if he comes up with some big excuse to why he was behaving that way?" William showed his true colours the day he denied being Jamaica's father. It came off even worst when he chose to embarrass me in the restaurant. He even made his friends gave him a beating just so he could pin it on Valdo. What else was he capable of?

Eric looked at us and said quietly, "I'm telling you this as a friend." he bent closer to us, "There are many other ways we can make sure that he never gets close to Jamaica."

"Like?" If they were other ways to get that psycho far from my child, then I'm taking it.

Eric looked between Valdo and I, "The two of you could get married. Valdo can adopt Jamaica as his own. You wouldn't need William's consent because he technically abandoned her."

Valdo and I looked at each other in silence. It was a great idea, but how did Valdo feel about it? I doubt he wanted to make an eighteen-year-old his wife. Was he even ready to be a father? I knew he wanted me in his future but was he prepared to make such a big commitment to someone he met only a few months ago?

It was a good idea but was it even possible, "How can we do that? I was served today. The court would know something is up."

"Not really." Eric looked down at the paper. "I'll keep this. You have not been served."

I frowned. Could he do that? Was it legal?

Eric smiled, "It's okay. I'll take care of it. You guys can take some time to think about it, but we'll have to move quickly. I have some links; we could have this sorted in two weeks."

I looked at Eric and nod. As far as I could see, this was the best option. If marry Valdo and I never have to worry about dealing with William again. There were also so many other benefits of being his wife.

"Thanks, Eric. I really appreciate your help on this." Valdo thanked as he stood from the chair.

"That's what friends are for."

I stood from the seat and thanked Eric as well. I'm so glad he was able to see us so soon. I went in a panic mood when I read the papers that were handed to me. Valdo managed to calm me down and called Eric, who insisted we came to his office immediately.

We exit Eric's office in silence. I didn't know what to say. I couldn't stop replaying Eric's words.

Marry Valdo, keep Jamaica

I would marry Valdo any day but what if he didn't want to marry me?

It was when we entered the elevator, he finally spoke. "I'll drop you off at the centre."

He had called his mother and told her what happened this morning, and she insisted on keeping Jamaica while we discuss the problem at hand. "I'm sorry I won't be able to bring you back home. I have a meeting at ten." he stopped and looked down at me. "We'll talk when I get home, okay?"

I nod, "Okay."

The rest of the journey to the centre was silent.

I guess neither of us knew what to say.

...

"I can't believe you're going to do this!" Christina giggled.

"Me either," Hannah said, laughing. "But I'm super happy you are going to do it."

Zuria hugged me, "I'm so proud of you."

I blushed at their words. I looked at the ladies in front of me, "What if it doesn't work out?"

"It will," Hannah confirmed. "My son is very much in love with you."

I blushed, "You think so?"

"Honey, we all know. We've seen how he looks at you." Hannah expressed.

"You're his girl." Emily teased. I knew she was referring to Karaoke night. That night will always be imprinted in my memory.

I blushed and look at my mother because her opinion mattered the most, "What do you think?"

"I've known he's the man for you from the moment he punched William."

I laughed, "He was bold, wasn't he?"

She smiled, "I was sold."

I smiled. Maybe my plan wasn't bad, after all. They were all convinced that Valdo was in love with me. I was a little convinced myself. He hadn't said the words but his actions were clear as day and I knew exactly how I felt about him. It didn't matter if we've only known each other for a short period. The connection we have is real and time only made it stronger.

"Well, then you guys need to leave, like right now." Valdo would be home in a few. I didn't want to come home seeing so many women in his apartment. The plan would be ruined or not very romantic as I'd hope.

"Yes, let's go." Hannah pointed to the door. She kissed me on the cheeks. "Everything will work out. I'm so excited. Call me tomorrow and tell me how it went."

"I love you. You deserve all the happiness in the world." I smiled at my mother's words. She pulled me into a hug then kissed my cheeks. "Thanks for being an amazing daughter."

I wiped the tears, "Thanks for being an amazing mother." I'm so happy to have my mother back in my life. I wouldn't want to have gone through such a big moment without her.

"We should go before everyone burst into tears," Zuria stated. She pulled the other women towards the door. "Enjoy your night."

"Thanks for helping me." I wouldn't have set up everything if it wasn't for their help. I'm glad I shared my problem with them today.

If it weren't Valdo, these amazing women wouldn't be in my life. I wouldn't have known what true friendship felt like.

There were so many reasons for me to be grateful to him. How could I not love him? He's brought so much love in my life.

We said our final goodbyes and they closed the door behind them.

My eyes travelled around the apartment, and I smiled. It took us a few hours for us to get everything set, but it was beautiful. Valdo will love it.

I only had one thing to do, get myself ready.

I carefully moved around the decorations so as not to mess them up. I check on Jamaica before going into the bathroom. I took a quick shower then put on the clothes that Zuria had provided. I flat ironed my hair with the flat-iron that Christina loaned me. Emily left her makeup palette with me and so put a little makeup on my face, it wouldn't hurt.

I knew Valdo wasn't used to seeing me all dolled up, but I wanted tonight to be special, for both of us.

I looked in the mirror at myself, impressed. I've never felt or looked this beautiful before, and I truly hope Valdo agreed. I looked at myself one my time before exiting the bathroom.

For the plan to be executed correctly, I needed to be in Jamaica's bedroom when he arrived.

Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long. I heard the front door pulling after five minutes of waiting for him.

I listened keenly as he slowly makes his way towards the room. My heart was beating a mile a minute.

Calm down, Jakobia. You prepared for this!

He turned the lock and pushed the door opened.

"Wow!" he exclaimed when he saw me. "You look beautiful."

I blushed, "Thank you." I looked at the note in his hands then I pointed to the other one in Jamaica's crib. "There is a final note."

Valdo moved towards the crib and then took up the final note in his hand. He slowly opened it and read the words silently.

This was my time.

I was moving to bend on my knees, but he stopped me.

"Don't. I know what you're going to ask and I don't want you to ask."