Jai grinned. “Carrying on like they didn’t see each other just a few hours ago.”
“Gizmo and Gus were adorable.” I smiled. “I always wanted one when I was growing up.”
“We did too.” Alaina managed to say the words while being given many, many kisses. “We’re lucky our dads wanted them too.”
I like how she calls the men her dads.Another pang went through me as I remembered the man who’d fathered me. How different he was from both Jai and Demetrius. And how I wanted to be more like these men. Not necessarily a father—but someone reliable. Someone people could ask for help and know I’d give it. I also yearned for a relationship with all four of them. Which was crazy, given we’d just met. Still, I ached for it.
Keegan rubbed Daphne’s ears. “Having a dog is the best. Taught me responsibility.”
Alaina rolled her eyes. “You were responsible before. Keegan’s a great babysitter.”
Her brother puffed out his chest, and I smiled. “That’s great. Good babysitters are important in the world.”
“And good dog walkers. Alaina’s got a business.”
“Wow. Sounds like you’re both entrepreneurial. That’s amazing.” Way more than anything I’d done at their age. Although I had gotten a job bagging groceries when I’d been just a few years older. To help Mom out with the expenses.
“How is everyone this fine evening?” Zahir swept into the room with Demetrius right behind him. “Ah, I see Daphne is being well cared for.”
Alaina giggled. “She’s a lovely dog.”
“She is at that. Sometimes I think rescues are extra grateful.”
“Gus and Gizmo seem to be.” Keegan cocked his head. “I mean, I have nothing to compare them to.”
I surveyed the room. “I think only Zahir has had a dog previously.”
Everyone sort of looked at each other and, slowly, we all nodded.
He grinned. “I’ve only ever had rescue dogs, and I can say they’re all wonderful.” He gestured toward the dining room. “Anyone hungry?”
Both kids popped up. “Oh yes.” Alaina rubbed her hands together. “Dinner smells amazing.”
“Yes, thank you for inviting us.” Keegan caught my gaze. “I love the idea of having more family.”
“Keegan.” Jai—with a slightly warning tone.
I smiled. “I like the idea too. Maybe you can tell me about your aunts and their families?”
We all moved toward the dining room.
Demetrius cleared his throat. “I might’ve told Imani and Malaya about you. They’re very excited.”
“Really?” I waited for Zahir to indicate where everyone should sit. To my relief, he encouraged me to sit next to him—across from Demetrius. I was surprised he wasn’t sitting at the head of the table. That said, us sitting three across from each other in the middle feltfar more intimate. As he said—we would be able to keep track of the conversation.
And so we did. While Alaina and Keegan shared lots of insights on their cousins—Malaya’s boys—Demetrius shared various stories from his childhood. Many involving his sisters who appeared, to me, to be very adventurous. I liked the idea that he’d given them the best childhood he could. That he’d cared for them into adulthood—even when their mother and then grandmother died. His inherently caring nature was so clear. Jai and the kids were damn lucky to have someone so compassionate.
You too. He’s offering to bring you into the fold. He hadn’t used those words precisely, but with every look, smile, and nod, he was making it clear he considered me to be an important person to him.
Every once in a while, Zahir would press his thigh to mine. Usually when my stress started to climb. He knew me so damn well. Which, three days ago, might’ve freaked me out. Today? I felt nothing but reassurance.
Dessert of Nanaimo bars hit the spot, and we headed out to the backyard to enjoy the lovely breeze as dusk arrived.
“So you’re okay with me arranging for you to meet Imani and Malaya?” Demetrius eyed me.
We were a bit away from everyone else—I appreciated them sensing I needed space. “Uh. Sure.”
“We can do each separately or—”
