“It’s adorable until she accidently headbutts you.”
“I said I was sorry, Daddy!” Parker exclaimed.
He laughed. “I know, princess. Go on and find Ellie.”
“Okay. Bye, Moana!”
She ran off toward the den, leaving us alone.
“It’s good to see you home, Alayah,” Kadeem said.
“It’s good to be home.”
“You went to school with them, too?” Kyah asked her.
“I did.”
“Awww!So you two are high school sweethearts?”
“Not exactly,” I answered. “I am sweet on her, though.”
Alayah blushed, and Kadeem pretended to gag. “You’re still lovesick, I see. Layah, I don’t know how you missed the googly eyes this man made at you in high school. If I had to hear your name one more time, I was gonna hook y’all up my damn self.”
I rolled my eyes. “I wasn’t that bad, Kadeem.”
“Bullshit.”
“Baby, stop telling Killian’s business,” Kyah fussed. “He’s glowing right now, so I take it all is well. That’s all that matters.” She winked at me.
I chuckled. “That’s why I like you, Kyah.”
“I know.” She looped her arm through Alayah’s. “Come on, girl. The two of them are about to go gossip.”
“I kind of got dragged into watchingMoanawith Ellie so that’s where I’m headed.”
“Great. I can’t escape that movie anywhere.” Kyah sighed. “At least let me make a drink so I can stomach those two little girls singing at the top of their lungs.”
She pulled Alayah toward the kitchen. Kadeem chuckled as they walked off.
“What’s funny?” I asked.
“You really are glowing, my guy. That’s a freshI’m in lovetype of glow.”
“Iamin love, man. Real bad.”
“I knew it was coming. Does she love you back is the question.”
“She does.”
He smiled. “I’m happy for you, man. You two deserve the happy ending you were robbed of. I fully believe that if she hadn’t been locked up, you would have finally made her yours.”
“I might have worked up the nerve.”
“Hey, she’s yours now—unofficially.”
We slapped hands again before heading toward the back deck where my dad, Collin, and Mr. Easton were. As we passed the den, I could see Ellie and Parker practicing the island dance from the movie. They were already getting into character. Adrienne and Amiyah were gyrating right along with them.
As we passed through the kitchen, my mama and Mrs. Easton were in deep conversation while Kyah and Bridget made themselves a drink. The two of them and Alayah were talking like old friends. Maybe they would eventually become friends. I knew she had Londyn, but hey, the more the merrier.
