Page 78 of Steel

“The day I found out about her.”

“And when did you contact a builder?”

“The day after.”

I shook my head. “You are gonna create a monster.”

“I have the means to fund a very nice lifestyle for her. I just want her to feel like this is her home when she’s here.”

“I appreciate that. So this surprise?”

He looked out at the treehouse. “She’ll be in there for a while. Come on. I’ll show you. Baby girl!”

“Yes?”

“Come upstairs when you’re done!”

“Okay!”

He motioned for me to follow him inside. We took the stairs to the second level, and he led me down to the end of the hall where a powder pink door was. He opened it, and as soon asI stepped inside, tears swelled in my eyes. He’d created her a room. Not just a room, but a space that belonged just to her, . . . a space she could grow into.

There was a queen-sized bedroom set with double nightstands, a chest, and a mirror and dresser combo. Nayelli’s name was above the bed in a pink neon sign. In one corner was a desk, bookshelves filled with all kinds of books, and one of those hanging egg chairs. On the desk was a brand-new iMac along with AirPod headphones.

I ventured further into the room to find a full bath, fully stocked with everything Nayelli would need. Then there was the walk-in closet. It was filled with clothes and shoes, all in her size. As I stood there, looking around in amazement, tears streamed down my face.

“You think she’ll like it?” he asked from the door.

“She’ll love it,” I whispered. “You really thought of her.”

“She’s been all I think about lately. I want her to be happy here.” He stepped into the closet and came over to where I stood. “I know you worry about her. I need you to understand that she’s safe with me, Neha. You don’t need to send anything when she comes over, because I have everything she needs. Clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, hygiene products. Everything. I’m not a baby daddy. I’m a father, and this is her home. She’s the safest place in the world beyond those gates.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

I couldn’t help but to hug him. For a moment, he stood there holding his son, not moving an inch. Then his free arm wrapped around me, and he kissed my temple. The next thing I felt was a slobbery kiss to my cheek. I looked up to see KJ grinning at me. A smile broke out on my face.

“Thank you, cutie pie,” I said, pinching his cheek.

He reached for me, and I looked to his father. He relinquished his son who came to me and rested his head on myshoulder. I gently rubbed his back, soaking up the innocence in him.

“You’re so precious,” I said.

“Don’t let the cute face fool you. He’s a menace.”

“I don’t believe that. You’re a good boy, aren’t you, KJ?”

“You just wait.”

The sound of footsteps coming up down the hall caused us to part ways. We stepped out of the closet as Dinah and Nayelli entered the room. My baby’s eyes widened as she looked around the room.

“This is for me?” she asked in disbelief.

“All for you,” Kerrion said. “Welcome home, baby.”

Nayelli started to cry. He went to her, scooping her up in his arms and hugging her tightly.

“Thank you, Daddy!” she wailed.

We all froze. Dinah and I smiled as Kerrion sniffled.