How was I going to walk away from this unchanged?
Chapter 9
Ryland
Iglanced at my phone, scanning the message then shoving the device back into my pocket, watching the small body asleep in her new bed. Her tiny frame was covered with a sea of purple that matched the silk bonnet on her head. The covers were pulled up on her shoulders so I couldn’t see the pajamas she wore at the moment but they were also purple. I knew that because when Rylee was looking droopy eyed after dinner, Somee suggested it might be a good idea for bed, considering the long day she’d had.
Rylee first insisted she was fine but was dozing minutes later while slumped in her chair, so I promised a fun day tomorrow if she promised to get a good night’s sleep. I assumed Somee would move through Rylee’s nighttime routine but she stepped back and placed me in charge, stating I might as well dive right in and get acclimated.
We bypassed the bath—just for tonight—and Rylee picked her pajamas, changing into them before she climbed in bed. I covered her head with the bonnet, tucking her thick ponytails beneath. She asked to watch TV for a bit before going to sleep. This kid was obsessed with theBear With Meanimated show.
Cartoon bears that went on adventures that were supposed to be educational but they always ended up in some chaotic shit. It was actually pretty entertaining. Minutes after I had her changed for bed, her head sank into the pillow, her eyes closed, and her breathing slowed, signaling she was asleep.
I watched her, feeling content that she was here, safe, and we were making this work. The only thing that pulled me from her room was a notification from my security system that someone was in the driveway. I dug my phone out of my pocket and checked the camera, seeing a familiar black Charger parked in my circular drive.
My hand yanked down my face, because as much as I fucked with my boy, I wasn’t sure if I was mentally prepared for the conversation he wanted to have. The easiest option was to get this over with.
After leaving Rylee’s room, I headed back to the kitchen where Somee was boxing up what was left of our dinner. I waved, getting her attention, and pointed to the door before I signed.
“I have company.”
Her eyes widened and she nodded before her hands were moving.“I’ll give you some privacy. I’ll be in my room.”
I smirked because she assumed I was telling her I had company so she would leave but I didn’t mind if she met Omiri. It was inevitable.“I would like you to meet him.”
Her eyes went wide again.“Oh, okay.”
She stacked the boxes, brushed her hands over her thighs, then raked them through her hair. I left her with a grin in place because she looked like a rumpled mess but still so fucking beautiful.
When I reached the door, I was surprised to be greeted by not only Omiri but Makari as well.
“You brought back up?” I asked and he glanced at his wife.
“Nah, she found out you have a woman at your house and couldn’t wait to get over here.”
“It’s not that kind of situation, Kari.” She shrugged.
“He said it is; where is she?” Makari said, pushing past her husband to enter my house. The two of them had been here enough times that she was comfortable with my space so I didn’t bother stopping her.
Instead, I dapped my boy and locked the door after he stepped into the foyer. “Where the kids?”
“With Janice. Kari asked her to stay late so we could come check you out.”
I tossed my chin in acknowledgement. “Did you tell Makari Somee was Deaf?”
“Yeah, I did. Kari’s been on VidShare watching videos and shit since I told her your sister and Somee were coming. She’s trying to learn ASL and is making me learn too.” He seemed frustrated but I chuckled. Whatever his wife wanted was done.
“You don’t have to.”
“Nah, it’s cool. We’re gonna be around her and your sister. We might as well learn.”
“’Preciate that.”
He nodded and we walked into the kitchen in time to see Makari hugging Somee. When she pulled back, Makari introduced herself and finger spelled her name. Somee smiled and returned the gesture, finger spelling hers.
I got Somee’s attention as soon as we entered the kitchen and did formal introductions.
“This is O-M-I-R-I H-A-Y-E-S and his wife M-A-K-A-R-I. They live out here too.”
