“We’ve been sitting in the car for ten minutes, and you haven’t said a word.”
Kannon’s lighthearted tone cracked the shell that had my body tight. For hours, I debated on whether or not I should go to my father’s birthday party, but I knew my absence would stir the pot. Ever since my run-in with the man who confronted me outside of Kannon’s house, I kept my distance. I didn’t know if I believed we were brothers like he claimed, but the possibility kept me up for days.
“Tune, we can find something else to do if you’re not ready for me to meet the rest of your family.”
“That’s not the problem. There is no problem. You look too pretty to be in the house. Plus, Easy is looking forward to meeting you.” I unbuckled my seatbelt. “I’m ready.”
I exited the car and walked around to open Kannon’s door. Since the night I made love to her, I had been extra gentle with the sensitive lady. Though I got thrown off the night I had touse my gun at her place, I still believed Kannon was pregnant. She wouldn’t give me a clear answer when I questioned her reluctance to take a test, but little did sheknow,I wouldn’t give her a pass today. As we made our way through the open side gate, I ran my finger up the back of Kannon’s thigh.
“Cut it out.” She groaned. “I’m already nervous about meeting your family. I’ll be damned if I walk around with a wet spot on my pleated skirt.”
“Don’t worry, Kitty. Those who matter will love you.”
“But what if they don’t?”
“They better keep that shit to themselves.”
The party was reservedfor family, but we still walked into a houseful. Half of the guests were in the entertainment room, while the rest were on the golf course.Echo and Pluto called me over when we made it to the open field, but I asked them to give me a second. Before I could relax, I wanted to get the hardest introductions out of the way. My uncles had been asking about Kannon since my dad met her at Michael’s party. I didn’t want one of them to corner her when I wasn’t around, but I also didn’t want her to feel like I didn’t trust her to roam free.
“All right.” Kannon released a heavy huff as she pulled down her vest. “Take me to the wisemen. We may as well handle that first.”
“I can do that, but I need to feed my babies.”
With a cozy grip on her hand, I guided Kannon to the food. A large room, big enough to split into two full kitchens,was deckedout with black and blueballoonsand props that highlighted my father’s age. Once it was our turn to order what we wanted, Kannon swore she wasn’t hungry, butshe couldn’t keep her lips off my fork when we sat down.
“If you gon’ eat, at least say grace.”
Her eyes went around in a circle. “Oh, please. I’m not really eating,...more of a munch.”
“Either way, you’re fueling your body. Give the Lord thanks.”
Kannon rolled her neck and placed her hand on one hip. “When did you become a God-fearing man?”
“That’s the only man I fear—cooking and Christ. Those are two things my mama left me with.” I scooped up a forkful of fruit. “Open up.”
As Kannon savored the fresh food, I saw my brother enter the room with his favorite lady. I pointed out Easy and Stephanie to Kannon, and as soon as they had plates in hand, I invited them to sit with us.
“No, thank you, Neptune. I would like to spend alone time with Stephanie,” Easy replied.
I smirked. “I respect that. Well, before you get ghost, can I introduce you to Kannon?”
My brother’s downturned gaze swept over to Kannon. Being the gentleman he was, Easy extended his hand. When she accepted the gesture, he bowed like he was meeting a queen.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kannon.”
“Same to you. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about you, Easy.”
“Yes, there are only amazing things to hear,” he replied with confidence that was befitting. “I’m going to go now.”
“All right. I hope we can hang out soon,” Kannon countered.
“I will check my calendar,” Easy answered, then went to sit with Stephanie at a table nearby.
“Okay. That was easier than I expected.” Kannon whistled out a breath. “Now that I’ve met the most important person in your life, my headache should go away.”
My brows bunched together. “You’ve been complaining about your head hurting for two weeks. Make a doctor’s appointment.”
“Neptune, please don’t start worrying about me.”
