Page 116 of Steel

She blew a breath. “I see his parents have been busy.”

I chuckled. “His mom said Emmy was a surprise.”

“His son. You’ve been around him? His mother?”

“I’ve been around him plenty. He’s such a sweet baby. Unfortunately, his mom died in childbirth.”

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, bless his heart. That’s terrible.”

“It is. And before you ask, no, they weren’t a couple. They just wanted a child.”

My mother raised her hands. “I ain’t saying nothing. Come on and let’s get in here. I’m ready to lay out in the sun.”

Daddy grabbed our bags, and we headed to grab our tickets. Once we got inside, we found a cool, shaded spot between the kiddie pool and the fun house area I knew my baby would spend most of her time in. I made sure to grab enough seating for Kerrion, his dad, and the kids.

Slipping off my shorts, I tied on my sarong and spread out my blanket on the lounge chair.

“So, your man is bringing extras, huh?” Dinah asked, smirking. “We’re making this a family affair?”

I elbowed her. “You should invite Kaylynn. Then it can really be a family affair.”

She playfully mushed my head. “Shut up. This is still new. I mean, I’m not opposed to letting her scratch the occasional itch, but I don’t know if it will go as far as us being together.”

“Alright now. Don’t mess around and get turned out.”

“I’m not worried about that. This is all fun and games.”

I didn’t say anything because I knew Dinah. It would start as fun and games, then she would find herself in a whole ass relationship. I’d let her have her delusion.

We settled into the lounge chairs while Nayelli and my parents went off to the funhouse. While Dinah listened to an audiobook, I pulled out my Kindle to catch up on what I was reading. We’d been relaxing for about forty-five minutes, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up to see Kerrion in all his fine ass glory.

He stood, holding KJ, dressed in a pair of swim shorts and a wife beater. His muscular tattooed arms were on full display. He looked good and smelled delicious.

“Hey,” I said, setting my Kindle aside and standing.

“Hey, love.”

When he leaned in to kiss my lips, KJ kissed my cheek. I blushed.

“Hi, cutie pie,” I said, pinching his cheek.

“Hi, Ms. Neha!” Jaiden said excitedly as he hugged me, then my sister. “Hey, Ms. Dinah.”

“Hey, handsome,” Dinah said, kissing his cheek.

Jaiden looked around the space. “Where’s Nayelli?”

I pointed to the fun house. “Over there with her grandparents.”

He looked to his brother for permission, and Kerrion nodded.

“Put on your sunscreen, first.”

Jaiden quickly dug through his bag for the sunscreen, then sprayed himself down before running off. Mr. Dillinger walked up behind Kerrion, holding Emmy.

“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Dillinger,” I said, extending a hand. “Hi, Emmy!”

She grinned and waved.