Page 7 of Fallynn West

“Exactly, KeKe. I know you’re excited, and you’re ready to eat, but make sure you stop to think about things before doing them.”

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“You don’t have to apologize, baby girl. It’s a simple mistake.” I picked her up and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go wash our hands, then sit down to eat.”

Kehlani nodded, so I took her over to the handwashing sink. Once we were done, I sat her at a table while Q brought over her food. The way her eyes lit up and she dramatically licked her lips made me chuckle. She was such a character.

While she ate, I sent my aunt a text, asking if she could pick Kehlani up from the restaurant instead. She agreed without hesitation. Lord knows I was grateful for her. The way she and my mother stepped in to help me raise Kehlani was a blessing. Kehlani received the female guidance she needed in life, even if it was a little old-school.

“Daddy, why aren’t you eating?”

Grabbing a napkin, I leaned over and wiped Kehlani’s messy face before answering. “Because I’m not hungry yet. I’ll eat in a little while.”

“Are you going to get waffles like me?”

“No. I’ll probably eat some shrimp and grits.”

Kehlani scrunched her round nose. “What’s that?”

“I’ll make you some one day so you can try them. How does that sound?”

“Okay! No one cooks better than you, Daddy. Not even MiMi.”

All I could do was laugh at that.

About seven minutes later, Aunt Faith came walking through the front door. Kehlani jumped from her seat and ran to hug her. They were truly two peas in a pod. I nodded for my aunt to go back out so I could get Kehlani’s bag from my truck.

“Why you got my baby up here, Keondra?” Aunt Faith quizzed, holding Kehlani’s hand.

“She wanted some waffles.”

“You do know they feed them at the center, right? That’s something you pay for.”

“Well.” I grabbed Kehlani’s bag and shut the door. “That’s what my baby girl wanted, so that’s what she got.”

“And you talk about us having her spoiled. We simply try to live up to your expectations.”

I kissed Aunt Faith’s forehead. “Y’all exceed them. I don’t know if I tell you and Mama enough, but I appreciate y’all more than y’all know.”

“Oh, please. You know we got you, Keondra. Have you talked to my bigheaded son today?”

I chuckled. “Don’t do my cousin like that, but nah, I haven’t.”

“Well, if you do, make sure you remind him he’ll be watching my house the next few days. I need all my plants watered while me and your mother are gone.”

“If he forgets, I’ll do it.”

Aunt Faith pointed her finger at me. “No. You makehimdo it. If he has any excuse, tell him remember what used to happen when he forgot to take my chicken out the freezer.”

With my fist over my mouth, I laughed so hard that it made Kehlani giggle. Aunt Faith was on one which meant I needed to warn Sedrick when I saw him.

“Yes, ma’am.” I squatted with my arms open, and Kehlani ran right into them. “I love you, KeKe. Have a good day and be good.”

“I’m always good, Daddy.”

“I believe it.”

“I love you too.”