Page 77 of Steel

Her father chuckled. “We’ve been working on that.”

He handed his son over to his sister and opened my door. Much to my surprise, he extended a hand to help me out.

“Thank you,” I said as Dinah and I climbed out of the car.

“You’re welcome.”

He stared at me for a moment, neither of us saying anything. His eyes wandered the length of my frame. Today I was dressed in a black, wide legged jumpsuit that hugged my curves, and sandals. I’d slapped on my favorite burgundy wig and curled it so it framed my bare face. I didn’t want to do too much, but I also wanted to be cute.

“You look nice,” he complimented.

“Thank you. You sure I’m not overdressed?”

“Maybe a little, but it’s cool. First impressions.”

“I think we are past that,” I mumbled. “Your sister already warned me.”

“Yeah, . . . they are waiting on you.” He looked over at Dinah. “Sup, auntie?”

“Oooo, don’t you do that! Making me feel old.”

He chuckled. “Y’all come on inside.”

He turned and led us into the house. Nayelli was on his heels with her brother. When we walked in, I was shocked at how nice his home was. Well, not shocked, but surprised at the way he had it decorated. It was so nice and very clean for a man with a baby.

“This is beautiful,” I commented. “I wasn’t expecting all this when we drove through the gates. Everybody out here is family?”

“Yes. We are expanding the property a little.”

“Uh, can we get a tour?” Dinah asked. “I’m trying to see something.”

Kerrion chuckled. “I got you.”

He led us around the downstairs area. There was a huge open concept living room and kitchen, along with a formal dining room, theater room, his man cave which doubled as his office, and a playroom for his son. The backyard was a dream with the covered patio and pool.

Nayelli squealed when she saw the huge treehouse in the far corner.

“A treehouse!”

“You told me you wanted one,” Kerrion said, scooping KJ from her. “It’s not finished. They still have to build the deck and wire it for electricity. I figured we could paint and decorate it together.”

Nayelli threw her arms around him. “You’re the best dad ever! Can I look inside?”

“Have at it.”

She didn’t need further instruction before she took off.

“Shit, I wanna see too,” Dinah said. “I always wanted one as a kid.”

Kerrion smirked. “If you break your ass, I don’t have anything for you but a Band-Aid.”

She stuck up her middle finger and went after Nayelli, who was climbing the ladder.

“A tree house, Kerrion?” I said with a light smile.

“What? She said she wanted one, so I made it happen.”

“When did she tell you this?”