Page 35 of Fallynn West

“Hey, Mama. Have they been running around since they got here?”

“Like crazy. I’m on my second glass of wine. That’s how you know it’s bad.”

We shared a laugh before Mama stepped in front of Colony and grabbed her hands. “Hey, sweetie. I’m Grace. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you, and that means a lot coming from my mean ole sister.”

“Uh-uh. Don’t you start, Grace. I’m not mean.” Auntie came around the corner with a wineglass in her hand and one hand on her hip. “Colony, if she says anything negative about me, don’t listen. I’m sweet as pie, and you know it.”

When Mama and Auntie started their sisterly banter, I intervened by stepping in and draping an arm over Auntie’s shoulder. I pecked her cheek. “Don’t y’all start. I don’t need y’all running my girlfriend off so early on.”

“Girlfriend!” they simultaneously exclaimed with their eyes expanded.

“And when did this happen?” Auntie interrogated, glaring at the side of my face.

“On the way here,” I replied and winked at Colony. “I thought it would be the perfect way to introduce her.”

“Oh, just wait until your father hears about this. Martin! Where you at? Come meet Keondra’sgirlfriend.”

There was no saving Colony. I mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ as my mother whisked her away to introduce her to my father. Auntie stayed by my side, watching their interaction.

“She’s a good woman, Keondra. A good woman for a good man.” She reverted her attention to me with tears in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you. I truly feel like you’re finally on the right path to finding love. I’m proud of you for being open and accepting to it as well. Lord knows it’s been a long time coming.”

“Aw, don’t get all sentimental on me.” I thumbed away a tear that dropped. “That wine has you emotional, huh?”

“Don’t play with me, Key. I’m trying to have a sweet moment with you, and your ass is ruining it.”

I chuckled. “My bad, Auntie. But nah, she’s good for me and Kehlani. I’m falling for her, and I feel good about it. Our chemistry is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

“I can tell from the way you haven’t stopped staring at her, and the way she keeps looking over her shoulder at you. Go save your woman before your parents taint her.”

“I’m telling them you said that.”

“And you know I don’t care. Matter of fact, I’ll go say it to their faces.”

All I could do was shake my head as Auntie walked ahead of me and did exactly what she said she was about to do. I pulled Colony into me, tossing my arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple. We talked with my family for a little longer. When Dawson and Sedrick arrived, I introduced them to Colony before the girls came and kidnapped her.

The distraction gave me time to go around and speak to the parents that were present. Some were drinking and vibing with my family, while others were focused on the kids. I made sure everyone was good and comfortable before going to observe thefood and gift table. Everyone had showed up and showed out for my baby girl. She had presents everywhere, and I was already dreading putting it all up.

Once I was done, I headed over to the grill where Dawson and Sedrick were chopping it up with my father. All their eyes landed on me as I grabbed a beer from the cooler and watched Colony in the bounce house, holding Kehlani’s hands.

“Look at this man.” Sedrick tapped Dawson’s chest with the back of his hand. “I know that look.”

“Yeah, me too,” Dawson cosigned. “He’s falling hard as hell for her.”

“I mean, can you blame him?” Dad spoke up. “She’s a beautiful young lady, and look how she is with my grandbaby. Kehlani has been attached to her hip since she stole her from Keondra. We all know Keondra was seeking a woman who would love his daughter and vice versa. From the looks of it, he’s found it.”

“I’m with it,” Dawson said. “When it comes to my brother’s and niece’s happiness, I’m good with any woman who can bring it to them.”

Their happiness for me was genuine. They’d been through it all with me, so it felt good to know what I’d been praying for had finally come.

“I appreciate y’all, seriously.” I broke my gaze from Colony and gave them my undivided attention. “It’s crazy how shit happens, but I believe it was God’s will. I feel it in my heart that she’s the one for me and Kehlani. I’m just not rushing anything. I think going with the flow is the best thing to do.”

A life with Colony was a picture I could vividly see. Throughout the night, I saw how well she blended into my family. It was effortless. There was no doubt in my mind that they loved her from the way they made sure to include her in everything. From the plating of the food to the opening of thepresents, my mom and aunt instructed Colony to do things to help while Kehlani never wanted her to leave her side.

I almost felt a little jealous because I’d barely gotten any time with her all day. After Kehlani opened her last gift, I gently grabbed Colony’s arm and led her away from everyone. We stood out back, enjoying the light breeze and clouds covering the sun. All day, it had been scorching, so coolness was welcomed.

From behind, I held Colony and kissed her cheek. She giggled, holding onto my arms as we stood in a comfortable silence. A moment with her was all I needed. Just to be in her presence without the chaos settled my soul.

“This was one of the best days I’ve had,” Colony spoke, resting her head against my chest. “Your family is amazing. They kind of remind me of mine. The constant banter and love are exactly what I’m used to. I didn’t know Faith had it in her like that.”