He caught sight of the raised eyebrow. It didn't take a genius to realize she didn't exactly approve of what he was saying, but he let it pass. No sense arguing about it. It wasn't like he was trying to turn Kamea into some mini Paris Hilton. He just wanted to make sure all he had would go to her if anything should go wrong. It was what parents did. They cared for their children, took care of them. Yes, the emotional stuff was far more important, but everyone needed some money, and it could definitely make your life more comfortable. Maybe one day Kamea would decide she wanted to see the world, she could take some time off from school and/or work, and just travel. He could pay for that, for those experiences. Starbuck had never been so happy about his mother's new found wealth, because he could finally spend it on something meaningful.
It was odd how different Lani and Kamea were. Maybe that was what had attracted them in the first place? He'd liked what a free spirit she was, though it seemed that quality made her view parenthood in a very different way. His mother was a free spirit as well, but she'd never wanted anything so much as she'd wanted a child. Perhaps because it had been her decision to conceive, not an accident, that had made the difference. Though, this was all very unplanned for Starbuck too, new as well, but he didn't view it as a burden at all, more of an adventure.
"If you don't want me to make big promises yet, then I won't." He was trying to put his mind in compromise mode. They could figure all this out, they had to. And if doing so required him to rein himself a bit, make concessions, he'd do so... to a point. People had often thought of Starbuck as a doormat, but while he could be pushed far, there was still a point where he put his foot down and fought back. So long as Lani let him have a significant role in Kamea's life, and didn't do something stupid like try to take her away, they'd work this out.
"Ok, beach... and the grounds around the school are nice... gardens and big lawns of lush grass. She and I could play out there." He smiled at her, asking in a sweet voice, "Sound good to you?" Kamea rubbed the back of her hand over her nose and eyes, yawning. "I hope that's not a no." He glanced over at Lani. "I think she's getting sleepy. When does she usually nap?" He moved Kamea in his arms to cradle her, letting her recline a bit. Holding her like that, he smoothed his hand over her head in the way his mom often did to help him fall asleep when he was little.