Page 134 of Steel

“Good times.”

He peered down at me, placing his forehead to mine. I nuzzled my nose against his before pecking his lips a few times. This was how I imagined us all those years ago. I could see this being us in our old age. When the kids were out the house and the grandchildren were done running us ragged. We’d come to a place like this to unwind and reminisce about our life thus far. We’d talk about the good old days and remember the very reasons we fell in love in the first place.”

“Now don’t you two look cozy.”

We looked up to see Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Aaron joining us on the dance floor.

“Hey, Ma,” Kerrion said, kissing her cheek. “Sup, Aaron?”

“Hey,” I said with a smile.

“You two look good,” Ms. Stephanie said. “You are wearing that dress, baby.”

I blushed. “Thank you.”

“Y’all decided to hang with the old folks tonight?” Mr. Aaron asked.

Ms. Stephanie scoffed. “You might be old, baby. But I’m as young as I feel.”

I giggled. “I know that’s right. You look beautiful, Ms. Stephanie. You’re a lucky man, Mr. Aaron.”

He beamed with pride as he kissed her cheek. “Don’t I know it.”

“You mind if I steal your date?” Ms. Stephanie asked. “I haven’t danced with one of my babies in so long.”

I smiled as I offered Kerrion to her. “Not at all.”

He kissed my lips and pulled her into his arms. Mr. Aaron smiled and extended his hand.

“May I?”

“Of course.”

The four of us danced until our food was brought out. The older couple joined us at our table and had their own food brought over. I could see why the elder Mr. Dillinger was still in love with this woman. She had the most beautiful spirit. I could tell just how much she loved Kerrion by the stories she told me about him growing up. Just like with his mother, he became that little boy again in her presence. As grown as he was, I could tell he loved when she would hug him or kiss his cheek as she spoke about him.

This family was bigger than I expected, but there really was so much love here. I was lucky I had the chance to finally be a part of that.

Dancing and dinner were great.

Surprisingly, it turned into a double date. I really enjoyed Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Aaron’s company. They were so funny, and I could tell how much in love that man was with that woman. We parted ways about eleven to leave the hole-in-the-wall. Currently, Kerrion and I were driving through the city with the widows down and the music blaring.

I felt so much peace.

As we drove out of the city and into the hills, a calm came over the car. Away from the hustle and bustle of the nightlife, streetlights, and traffic, we made our way into the quietness. When he came to a stop at the top of the hill, he shut off the truck and got out, instructing me to stay put until he came to get me.

I took the time to check in with Dinah to see how the kids were doing. She sent me the cutest picture of them knocked out on her and Kaylynn. Both of their mouths were wide open, looking like twins. They’d tired themselves out doing whatever she and Kaylynn had planned for them.

The passenger door opened, and Kerrion stood there waiting for me. His gaze dropped to my phone, and he smirked.

“You couldn’t help yourself, huh?”

“I couldn’t. I miss them.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be back to them before you know it. Come on. I have a surprise for you.”

I smiled as I took his hand and slipped out of the seat. He closed the door and walked me around to the back of the truck. I gasped as I saw the setup he’d done. The bed of the truckhad been transformed into a cute little oasis. There was a blow-up mattress covered in a fitted sheet, blankets, rose petals, and oversized pillows. He’d lit candles around the ledge, and there was a small cooler filled with ice, wine, and desserts.

“Baby . . .” I whined, poking out my lip. “I love it.”