Page 42 of Fallynn West

“You know,” Demetria started, still wiping tears from her eyes. “You’re right, Keondra. Everything you just said, my therapist did as well. It’s just . . . I wasn’t mentally strong enough. As bad as it sounds, I knew she was good with you. I can’t sit up here and act like you haven’t always been the superior parent. From the beginning, you wanted her. Over time, I built the connection with her, but nothing like you did.

“Nothing I say is an excuse. It’s me being real and speaking from the heart, but it doesn’t justify me leaving Kehlani. I specifically came back to Maven Falls to be in her life, if you will allow me to. I want to be the mother she deserves. I want to takesome of the weight off your shoulders and give you time to live as well, Keondra.”

Saying the right words was hard for me to do. They were on the tip of my tongue, but for some reason, they almost seemed impossible to say. Deep down, I knew it was because I never thought the day would come to where I’d be agreeing to allowing Demetria back into Kehlani’s life. I was going against my word, and so was she.

Everything happened for a reason.

I ran the pad of my thumb over the back of Colony’s hand to soothe myself. “I’ll let you reintroduce yourself to Kehlani, but Colony and I will be there. I want her to be good and comfortable, so we can go to her favorite ice-cream parlor and ease it all on her. I’m not sure how she’ll react, but it’s a start.”

Demetria leaned her head back with her eyes closed, whispered something, then looked back at me. “Thank you so much, Keondra. Seriously. You don’t know how much this means to me. Not only do I owe Kehlani an apology, but I also owe you one as well. I’m sorry for leaving the responsibility on you to raise her alone. It wasn’t fair to you. From what I could see at her birthday party, she is extremely blessed and a true daddy’s girl. You deserve all the praise, Keondra.”

“Thank you, Demetria.”

We talked for about thirty more minutes, discussing the details of when we’d all get together with Kehlani. Colony suggested Friday since she’d already promised Kehlani to spend the day with her, and I agreed. KeKe would be a little upset for not having a girls’ day, but I knew Colony would make time for them to have one.

I did my rounds to check on my team and guests, before Colony and I headed to my truck to pick up Kehlani. The second I got inside, I roughly gripped her chin and parted her lips with my tongue. I greedily kissed her, not caring that we were in frontof my business or could possibly be seen. Colony had me turned on to the max, and if it wasn’t for us having to pick up Kehlani, I would’ve had my way with her.

Pecking my lips a few times and resting her forehead on mine, Colony expressed, “You’re going to get us in trouble doing all that, Keondra. I know we’re in public, but you have me ready to bust it wide open for you right here.”

Colony pulled her favorite move and placed my hand exactly where she wanted it. My hand immediately became moist from the heat her center produced. I bricked up instantly and had to resist the urge to go to the back seat for a quickie.

“Believe me. I desire it as badly as you do, but that was one way I wanted to thank you. Thank you for coming with me. Thank you for being the bigger person and speaking to Demetria first, for consoling her when you didn’t have to. You’re an amazing woman with an even bigger heart. Since the first day I met you, you’ve shown up for me in ways no other woman has. You’ve given me all the reasons to love again.”

“Love?” Her eyes became watery. “You love me, Keondra?”

“I do. Today made me realize that. I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side. I love you, Colony.”

“And I love you, Keondra. You’ve given me a reason to smile again, to feel hopeful about love without thinking the worst. It’s been refreshing to be with you so freely and not have to question your motives with me.”

Our lips connected once more, and that time, I was the first to pull away. Colony knew what she was doing when she moaned into my mouth and nastily sucked on my tongue. Her inner freak showed more and more. I was already crazy over her, but if she continued doing what she was, I’d be ready to bust heads for someone even looking her way.

Pulling myself together, I started my truck, and we headed to get Kehlani. In the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but to thinkabout what was to come. I wanted Demetria to stay true to her word and actively be in Kehlani’s life, but only time would tell.

Friday came much quicker than I expected. I glanced in the rearview mirror at Kehlani whose arms were folded and bottom lip poked out. Baby girl was in her feelings, but she would be alright.

“Stop pouting, KeKe,” I teased, and she shot me a mug that caused me to chuckle.

“It was supposed to be a girls’ day, Daddy. You’re not a girl.”

“I know, but this is something important we need to do, and I must be there. Plus, didn’t Colony say she would make it up to you?”

“Yes, sir. It’s just that I wanted it to be only me and her. We could do girl stuff.”

“And we still can,” Colony chimed in, turning in her seat to get a good look at Kehlani. “Like your father said, this is important. He’ll explain more to you once we get there, but believe me when I say that I have a fun-filled day planned for us.”

“When?” Kehlani questioned.

Colony snickered. “Whenever you want to do so. I’ll clear my entire day for you.”

“Can we go tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow it is.” Colony peered over at me. “I’m stealing her tomorrow.”

“Yeah, Daddy. No boys allowed.” Kehlani stuck her tongue out at me, so I reached behind the seat and started tickling herfeet. She never kept her shoes on in the car, which gave me easy access to her little toes. “Stop it! That tickles!”

“You don’t like spending time with me anymore, KeKe?” I fake pouted.

“I love spending time with you, but you said Colony was a mother . . . mother . . . What was the word?”