Page 43 of Fallynn West

“Figure,” I responded, biting back my laugh. “Mother figure.”

“That, so I want to spend time with her alone too.”

Discreetly, I glanced over at Colony, who was staring out the window. I grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it, attempting to ease her mind, which I knew was racing. Kehlani’s life was about to change. Not only was it scary for me, but it was also scary for Colony as well. I understood she worried about her place in Kehlani’s life.

When we pulled in front of Scoops and Bowls, Kehlani let out the loudest shriek. I’d never allowed her to have dessert before lunch, but today was a special day. As I helped her and Colony out the truck, I talked to God. He was probably tired of me coming to him about the situation, but I needed Him amid it all.

Kehlani latched onto Colony’s arm as we walked inside. Demetria was already there, sitting in a booth at the back of the shop. I waved at her and pointed to the front to let her know we’d order before coming to her. Neither Colony nor I got anything, while Kehlani ordered her favorite: chocolate ice cream with cookie dough pieces and sprinkles on a cone.

Slowly taking a deep breath, I gave Kehlani her cone and led her back to where Demetria was. Kehlani was so engrossed in eating her ice cream that she didn’t notice us approaching anyone until we stopped. Her eyes went from me to Demetria and back to me.

Stepping closer to me and wrapping one arm around my leg, Kehlani loudly whispered, “Daddy, isn’t that the woman from my birthday party?”

“It is.”

“I thought you said she was nobody.”

I shot Demetria an apologetic gaze. It was the only thing I could think of in the heat of the moment.

“I did,” I said, taking full responsibility. If I didn’t, Kehlani would argue with me until I did. “But that wasn’t the truth. It was actually mean, and I owe her an apology.”

“Then who is she, and why is she here?” She glanced back at Colony. “Do you know who she is?”

“I do, but your father will introduce you to her. Okay?”

Hesitantly, Kehlani nodded her head and reverted her attention to me. Running my hand over my beard, I picked Kehlani up, careful not to get her ice cream on my shirt. I stepped closer to Demetria who appeared to be on the verge of tears.

“KeKe, this is Demetria.”

“Hi, Demetria.”

“Hey, pretty girl.” Demetria pressed her fingertips against her lips. “You’ve grown so much.”

“How do you know that?” Kehlani inquired before taking a bite of her cone.

“She knows that because . . . Remember how I explained to you that you had a mother?”

“Yes. That’s why Colony is my mother figure.”

“Exactly. Well, Demetria is your mother.”

My breath caught in my throat as so many emotions crossed Kehlani’s face. Her eyes and brows lowered. Her little nostrils flared while she cocked her head to the side. She dramatically looked between me and Demetria before a small smile graced her lips.

“So, you were right. Idohave a mommy.”

“Yes.” I chuckled.

“Why is she just now coming to see me?”

That question wasn’t one I expected so early on. Knowing how Kehlani was, I knew she’d ask it one day, but I didn’t think she’d do it right in Demetria’s face.

“Well,” I started and sat across from Demetria with Kehlani on my lap. She had ice cream all over her face. “She’s a doctor, and sometimes, doctor’s go away for a long time to finish their studies.”

“One of my friend’s daddies is a doctor too. She gets to see him every day.”

“I understand, but your mother’s situation was a little different. The thing is, she’s here to see you now.”

Kehlani was innocent. She was simply speaking from the mind of a five-year-old, but her inquisitiveness almost had me second guessing us being there. I understood she wanted to know, so I answered to the best of my ability, careful not to upset her or say the wrong thing.