Kennedi watched him. This was the first time she’d seen him look tired.
“Monroe's sick,” he said finally, his voice flat. He looked at Kennedi, and the guilt was right there on his face before he could collect it. “I gotta get her. My bad.”
“My bad? For what? Are you not her guardian?”
“Yeah, but I wanted to focus on this. You. The baby.”
“And we will, Rolani.”
He shifted the truck into reverse. “Let me take you back to your car first.”
“No.” Her voice was firm. He paused, hand still on the gear shift. “I’ll come with you. If that’s okay.”
“You sure?” His voice was quieter now. “This is my life, Ken. It’s messy. It don’t stop.”
“I know.” She reached over and put her hand on his. “We’re doing this, right? So let’s go get her.”
Chapter Fifteen
Twenty minutes later,they pulled up to Coupeville Academy. Rolani put the truck in park.
“I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be here.”
He disappeared through the front doors, and Kennedi waited. Through the glass entrance, she could see movement—Rolani talking to someone at the desk, then following a woman down the hall.
Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen.
When he finally came out, Monroe was with him. Even from the parking lot, Kennedi could tell something was wrong. Monroe’s shoulders were hunched, and her face was red and blotchy, like she’d been crying. Rolani had his arm around her, his mouth moving softly as he tried to calm her down.
Monroe’s eyes were still wet when she climbed into the back seat. She buckled her seatbelt and stared out the window, arms crossed tight.
Rolani got in, shoulders tight, and started the engine without a word.
The silence in the truck was heavy.
“Woo,” he said finally, glancing at her in the rearview. “I know you’re upset, but I want you to meet somebody.” He hesitated, then looked at Kennedi. “This is Kennedi. My... my?—”
“Monroe, it’s nice to finally meet you, sweetie,” Kennedi said, cutting him off and turning in her seat to extend her hand.
Monroe lifted her head, eyes landing on Kennedi’s face. A slow, tired smile appeared. “I know you. Uncle Ro showed me your picture.” Her voice was hoarse. She looked at Rolani. “You didn’t tell me you had company. I can go back to school if?—”
“No,” Kennedi said firmly. “You’re not interrupting anything. Let’s get you home, okay?”
Monroe nodded, leaning back as Rolani pulled out of the school parking lot. She placed her hand on his thigh, and he glanced at her but shook his head.
When they pulled into his driveway, the truck engine cut, but the tension didn't.
Monroe was out before either of them said a word. Head down, backpack clutched tight, moving fast. She unlocked the door and disappeared inside.
Rolani came around and helped Kennedi out. They followed her in.
The house smelled fresh — light cologne, a hint of citrus. Everything in its place.
Rolani shut the door with more force than necessary. Monroe's footsteps hit the stairs. A bedroom door closed above them.
He stood in the foyer, keys still in his hand. Monroe was upstairs falling apart. Kennedi was standing in his house for the first time. And pregnant… with his baby. He hadn't had a second to breathe, and it was all happening right now.
