I considered adding I had little experience, but that felt intrusive. Another conversation for another time.
“Kids are complicated. I didn’t plan to have them—after having raised Imani and Malaya, I felt tapped out. Then I met Erlene who had these two amazing young kids. I just sort of fell into the role with them—her having lost her husband and all. And then I married herwhen she got sick, and I adopted her kids. Turned out to be the right thing to do because the goddamn cancer came back and the end was so fast.”
Andre winced. “Yeah, I get it. From everything I’ve sort of understood, you’re a great dad.”
I appreciated he didn’t usestepfather. Demetrius saw Alaina and Keegan as his own—even as the world questioned it. What with Demetrius being Black and the kids being white. He’d had to fight a lot of prejudice and people questioning whether a Black man should be raising kids of another race. Obviously, I called bullshit on the whole thing.
“Trying my best.” Demetrius offered a smile. “So…” He sort of shrugged. “We’re so glad you’re here. I wish you were closer so we could slowly get to know each other. Everything feels rushed—like we’re under a time pressure.”
“I’ve got a bit of time.” Andre shrugged. “But I don’t want to monopolize you.”
Demetrius shook his head. “I’ve got work settled for a few days. Keegan and Jai are the two who don’t have much time.”
“Maybe we should see them then?” Andre bit his lower lip.
God, pup, you’re doing so well. Just breathe.I wanted to reassure him. And to also point out that if he wasn’t up to meeting the rest of the family, that would be okay. That I was certain Demetrius would understand.
Demetrius held Andre’s gaze. “Are you certain?”
Slowly, Andre nodded. “I don’t have much else to say about me right now.”
“I doubt that’s true. And I really hope you’ll come back—or that I can come and see you before you leave.”
Andre swallowed. “Yeah. Okay. I would like that.”
“So I can go get everyone? Or do you want to meet them one at a time?”
We waited while Andre appeared to think that over. “It’s okay all at once.” He gazed at me for confirmation.
I nodded. I could run interference if he needed it—but I didn’t believe he did.
“Great.” Demetrius headed out of the room.
“Keegan, Alaina, Jai.” I grinned. “As well as Gus and Gizmo.”
Who were, in fact, the first to arrive. The miniature schnauzers came barreling into the room. Gus, who had the purple collar, made a beeline for me while Gizmo, in her yellow collar, headed to Andre.
She came up short when she spotted Daphne. Then she started yapping.
Gus, not to be outdone, joined in the cacophony.
Daphne, for her part, leaned over to greet her friends. She might be slow to accept strangers, but she loved other dogs. These two in particular.
Once greetings had been exchanged, Gus had his paws on my thigh and was gazing up at me wistfully. “No treats today, buddy.”
Gizmo leapt onto the couch and began licking Andre.
“I’m so sorry.” Demetrius strode into the room. “I thought the kids had tight grips on them, but my two scamps went right through my legs.” He scratched his jaw. “I probably should’ve just called them—they usually come back—but I didn’t want to frighten you.”
“All good.” I scratched Gus’s ears. “Hello, friend.”
Jai’s soft laughter carried across the room.
Andre’s gaze shot to him. “Uh, hi. I’d get up—”
“But Daphne looks content and Gizmo’s busy giving you kisses.” Jai smiled and spoke with his soft voice. “It’s okay to tell herno.” His light-brown skin glowed in the sunlight, and his dark-brown eyes shone.
“I’d never.” Andre gazed at me. “I love dogs. I just never had them as a child.”
