Kennedi stood there smiling like she was on a magazine cover. Her dress shimmered with every step. For a moment, I didn’t see my teenage daughter. I saw every version of her at once. The newborn they placed in my arms, the little girl who used to sleep between us., and the kid who needed help tying her shoes. But she was now a young woman walking confidently into her future.
My vision blurred immediately. “Oh my God!” I yelled, crying.
Kairo squeezed my hand tighter, and when I looked over at him, his eyes were wet too. Kennedi smiled wide as everyone stood clapping, cheering, crying right along with us. I tried not to focus on the fact that she walked in holding someone’s arm.
My first instinct as a mother was immediate panic because she didn’t run it by me. But when I actually looked and seen that it was Niv’s brother, Huxley, I exhaled. To my knowledge, they looked at each other like cousins since his sister dated her uncle, so I was happy that he agreed to escort her in.
Kairo had told me to let her enjoy herself and I listened. I watched my daughter laugh with her friends, spin across the dance floor, hug family members, and exist fully in her joy.
I felt proud after all the years of worrying, protecting, and loving harder than I ever loved myself. In that moment, I felt like a damn good mother.
Coffee suddenly appeared beside me, dancing with a drink in her hand.
“Who is the bartender?” she shouted over the music. “Because she’s making the hell out these drinks!”
I laughed, leaning closer so she could hear me.
“Her name is Lavender! She bartends at a few elite spots around the town.”
Coffee chugged the rest of her drink. “And she's fine as hell. I love her vibe.”
I nodded. “Yeah. She’s a single mom. But when she steps out, she’s a good time.”
Coffee raised her glass in approval and disappeared back into the crowd. Before I could fully turn around, strong hands wrapped around my waist and I knew it was Kairo. He pulled me to the side, away from the party.
“You did amazing,” he said, smiling at me. “She’s really enjoying herself. I’m so proud of you, baby.”
There was nothing in the world that made me happier than hearing that from him. Between Kennedi and Kairo, my entire world revolved around making them proud of me.
He leaned down and tongue kissed me like we weren’t at a teenage party. I was getting hot, but I had to catch myself. I pulled away laughing and I just looked at him. God… he was so damn fine. His suit fit perfectly, and I was proud to say that he was my husband.
What are you doing? I already have everything I need right in front of you,I thought.
He smiled against my lips. “Are you ready to give her the car?”
I gasped because I had forgotten all about it. “Oh my God, yes!”
We still hadn’t shown Kennedi her gift, and the thought of her reaction made me grab his hand immediately as we headed toward the foyer to make sure everything was set before announcing for everyone to come outside.
As we turned the corner near the bathrooms, we ran into Ty walking out, laughing with another woman and a little girl trailing behind them.
“Ty!” I smiled, pulling her into a hug. “Thank you for coming.”
Ty was Niv’s best friend, but over time she’d become a friend.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” she said.
She turned slightly. “This is my girlfriend, Mariah.”
I paused just a fraction.Girlfriendgirlfriend Orfriend who is a girlgirlfriend? It wasn’t the time to investigate, so I just left it alone.
Mariah was beautiful, but what caught my attention was the ring on her finger that looked like an engagement ring. That instantly confirmed what I thought I’d heard at our last girls night. I was too drunk to remember what all we talked about.
Still, I smiled and hugged her. “Thank you for coming.”
She returned the hug politely. My attention shifted to the little chocolate girl standing beside her, holding a little cute purse almost as big as her arm. She couldn’t have been older than four or five.
I bent down to her level. “And who is this beautiful princess?”
