Page 36 of Steel

“Yeah, baby. I’ll come see you. I’m on my way, okay?”

“Okay. See you soon. Bye, Auntie Jae!”

“Bye, sweetheart.”

She disconnected the call, and I shoved my phone into my pocket. At that point, the dam broke, and so did I. Jaeda held me, stroking my back.

“I know, I know,” she said, sniffling. “I got you.”

“Why would she do this shit to me, Jae?” I sobbed. “A nigga ain’t perfect, but I would have done anything for my kid.”

“I know you would have. I’m so sorry, Kerrion.” She cupped my face, forcing my eyes to meet hers. “You are an amazing father to KJ. And you’re going to be an amazing father to Nayelli. She’s here now, and I hate the way that it came about, but that little girl is gonna change your life. She’s going to give you the kind of love only a daughter can give her father.”

This shit hurt like a muthafucka. I never imagined one of the people I’d love most hurting me like this. She could have done anything. She could have cheated, and it would have hurt less than this. This shit right here . . . hurt me to my core.

After getting it together, I took the walk back to my house to shower and change clothes before heading out. I didn’t want the smell of weed on me when I hugged my baby. It was a little after eight when I made it to Neha’s house. I wasn’t sure if Nayelli told her mother I was coming, but I didn’t give a fuck. I hopped out of my car and made my way up to the front step with the flowers I bought in my hand.

After ringing the doorbell, I stood back and waited. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Neha stood there with her arms crossed. I felt my jaw tighten, looking at her.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“My daughter asked me to come see her, so here I am.” I stepped over the threshold and walked past her. “Where is she?”

“Upstairs. You could have told me you were coming?—”

I threw her a look, and she pursed her lips. “Can you get my kid?”

She huffed as she slammed the door and went over to the stairs. “Nayelli!”

The sound of footsteps running across the floor caused me to look at the top of the stairs. When Nayelli saw me, she sprinted down and jumped into my arms. I caught her, lifting her into a hug and smothering her face with kisses.

“I missed you, baby,” I said, hugging her tightly. After placing her on her feet, I handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”

Her eyes widened. “I’ve never gotten flowers before.”

“Don’t worry. Daddy will always buy you flowers.”

She blushed as she sniffed them. “Thank you.”

Neha gave a light smile. “You want me to put them in some water and put them in your room?”

“No,” Nayelli answered sharply. “I don’t want anybody to touch them.”

Neha sighed heavily as she walked back into the kitchen. I wasn’t sure what was going on between them, but Nayelli didn’t even look at her. She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the kitchen with her flowers in hand. Neha was quiet as we headed out the back door.

After setting the flowers down, Nayelli pulled me toward the swings. I was glad this was some metal shit because my big ass was likely to break it. We took a seat, and she started swinging lightly while looking at me, grinning. Her smile made me smile.

“Whatchu grinning about, lil’ bit?”

“I’m just happy. It feels weird having a dad, but in a good way.”

I reached for her hand, and when she gave it to me, I kissed it.

“I’m happy to be your dad. You have to clue me in on what you like so I can get a room ready at my house.”

“I can come stay with you?”

“Of course you can. That’s your home now too. Me and KJ can’t wait to have you around.”