Page 37 of Steel

“He’s so cute. I’ve always wanted a little brother or sister.”

“Well, you’re about to have two new little cousins that will be like siblings. Your uncle Maceo and his wife are having a baby. Auntie Jaeda and her husband are expecting too.”

“Awwww! I can’t wait to meet them.” Her face turned serious. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You can ask me anything.”

“Where’s KJ’s mom? Is she your wife or girlfriend?”

“No, no, I’m single. KJ’s mom . . . she passed away giving birth to him.”

Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay. No need to be sorry.”

“So who helps you with him?”

“Your grandparents, mostly, and Auntie Jaeda and Uncle Quaid. That’s her husband.”

“Do you wanna get married?”

I chuckled. “Getting married and having kids is one thing I’ve always wanted.”

“Did you ever want to marry my mom?”

My smile dropped. “Once upon a time. That’s not in the cards for us anymore.”

“Because she kept me away from you?”

I nodded. “That really hurt me.”

“I’m so mad at her right now. This is so unfair.”

“I know it is. But we have each other now. I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. From this moment on, no matter where life takes us, Daddy is always gonna be right by your side. Whenever you need me, call me. Whatever you need from me, Daddy’s got you. I know we have so much to learn abouteach other, but my heart loves you already, Nayelli. You’re no different than your brother in that aspect, understood?”

She nodded. “I understand.”

She stood from her swing and crawled into my lap, resting her head against my chest. I cradled her in my arms as I gently swung us back and forth while placing kisses to the top of her head.

This was my baby . . . She was mine, and nobody would take her from me again.

A FEW DAYS LATER

My phone had been goingoff in my pocket for the last two minutes. I was trying to finish up a meeting with a client, and it just wouldn’t stop. Finally, deciding that it must have been important, I ended the meeting early and headed back to my office. On the walk over, I pulled out my phone to see that it was Nayelli’s school. I quickly returned the call.

“Ms. Malone?”

“Principal Joe. What is it? Is Nayelli okay?”

“She’s fine. I have some upsetting news, however. Nayelli got into a fight at recess.”

“What!”

“Apparently, another student pushed her off the swings?—”

“I don’t need to hear anything else. I’m on my way.”

I hung up the phone and sprinted to my office to grab my purse and keys. After letting my supervisor know I had a family emergency, I headed to my car, then the school. It took me no time to breeze through midday traffic. I just knew it had to be those same little girls that had been fucking with her.