10. Keondra Daily
“Are you nervous?”
I peered over at Colony, who was clutching the gift bag for dear life.
She was sitting in the passenger seat as we headed to my parents’ house for Kehlani’s birthday party.
My first thought was to keep it small and intimate, but Kehlani wanted bouncy houses, grilled food, and all her friends surrounding her, so we made it happen.
I dropped her off to pick up Colony, and I didn’t believe Kehlani even noticed I was gone.
Colony tittered. “Can you tell? I can’t tell you the last time I met someone’s family.
I guess that should’ve been another red flag in my last relationship because anytime I brought it up, he came up with an excuse, even though he’d met my family.
” Colony shook her head. “I can’t believe how na?ve I was. ”
“Shit happens. Don’t dwell on it.”
“I don’t anymore. It’s just what we have going on is so . . . beautiful compared to that time in my life, so sometimes, I can’t help but to think about it.”
“I get what you’re saying. It’s the same for me too.” I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as I carefully thought of what I was about to say. “How do you feel about us, Colony?”
“Truthfully, I feel great. You’re such a breath of fresh air to me, Keondra.
I think about you all the time, and I find myself counting down the minutes until I know I get to see you.
Talking to you throughout the day has become my favorite pastime.
I mean, I guess you can say I really like you.
” She turned toward me and flashed me a smile. “What about you? How do you feel?”
“Like I’m ready to call you mine. I mean, I feel like you’ve been mine all this time, but I figured I’d do the honors in asking you to officially be my girlfriend.”
Ever since Kehlani had asked if Colony was my girlfriend, it’d been something on my mind.
In my eyes, Colony was the perfect fit in our lives.
She’d claimed a special place in my heart, one I didn’t give to just anyone.
From the beginning, she showed me she was more than worthy of love, and I wanted to be the man to bless her with it.
Playfully, Colony tucked her loose hair behind her ear while batting her eyelashes. “Well, if you insist.” I swatted at her, and she snickered. “No, seriously. I’d love nothing more than to make things official with you, Keondra. I do think we need Kehlani’s permission, though.”
“Shhh. I don’t. I think we had it long before we even met.”
“How so?”
“Because she’s always talked about you. She’d randomly bring you up, saying she thought I’d like you.” My brows dipped. “Now that I think about it, her little ass was probably playing matchmaker.”
Colony laughed so loud that I couldn’t help but to join in. “You know, she did me the same way. I assumed it was because of her love for you, but I’m beginning to wonder if she saw something before we did.”
“She might have. If so, my baby girl knows what she’s doing.”
“That, she does.”
We arrived on my parents’ block, and the number of cars littering the street already made me have a headache. I was grateful my family would help me host everyone, but being Kehlani’s father, I had to work the room. It was second nature to me, something I did daily, but I also wanted to chill.
One thing about my family, whether it was a kid’s party or get-together, the grown folks would have their own things. I’d be able to enjoy a beer or two, but I couldn’t get faded with so many kids and their families around.
I parked and noticed Colony shift in her seat. Grabbing her hand, I used my other hand to motion her over and kissed her. “Shake those nerves off, babe. Everything is going to be fine. My family is going to love you.”
“Well, I know your aunt does. I’m more so worried about your mom and dad.”
“If Auntie loves you, they will too. Believe it or not, Auntie is the toughest one to crack. She’s not too keen on people, and she’s had nothing but good things to say about you. My mom is excited to meet you.”
Before Colony could respond, there was a knock on her passenger door that caused her to slightly jump.
We turned to see Kehlani standing there with the biggest grin on her pretty, painted face.
She tugged on the door handle, but I gave her a look to get down.
A few other girls came running out the front door and stood with Kehlani.
“I can bet you she told them you were coming,” I stated with a chuckle.
Colony’s hands raced down her face. “I’m glad I mentally and physically prepared for this. Something told me I wouldn’t be able to sit down once I got here.”
“Nope. Get ready to be dragged everywhere.”
“Oh, I’m more than ready. It’s going to be fun interacting with my babies outside the center. I will admit that I’m a little concerned about what the parents will think once they see us together.”
“I don’t care what anyone thinks. They’re not here to make you happy; I am.
They can judge all they want, but I bet they continue to lace your pockets because, deep down, they know no one else will take care of their children better than you and your team.
” I kissed the back of her hand. “We’re at the next step, babe. There’s no going backwards.”
Colony smiled. “No going backwards.”
I got out to open her door, but I was immediately bombarded by all the girls. They tackled me, and I playfully fell to the ground.
“Daddy! What took you so long?” Kehlani all but yelled in my face. Her little nose was scrunched, causing the purple butterfly painted on her face to look weird.
“It didn’t take me long, KeKe. I told you where I was going.”
“I know, but it felt like forever. I want you to come jump with me and get your face painted. I was thinking the Black Panther since you like black, and Colony can be a cat since she likes orange.”
“Her name is Ms. Miles,” Kehlani’s best friend, Marissa, corrected her.
Kehlani rolled her eyes and smacked her lips. “I know, but since she’s my daddy’s friend, I can call her Colony. Right, Daddy?”
Of course, she would put me in the middle. “Right, baby girl. Now, I need y’all to let me up so I can help Colony out the car.”
They all removed their little bodies and went to the truck to help Colony themselves.
I laughed, watching them all open the door and bombard Colony.
She laughed and gave them all love. I went over and grabbed Kehlani’s gift from her since she had a kid on each arm.
It didn’t even seem to bother her in the slightest. She was engrossed with them until we entered my parents’ house, and my mother scurried over to us.
“Alright, girls. I need y’all to leave Colony alone for a little while. I’ll send her to y’all once I’m done with her,” Mama said while standing on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “Hey, Son. You look handsome.”
“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’s girlfriend.”
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 the food 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.