Page 37 of Mia

“That’s it,” he said quietly. “You’re doing great. Again.”

I repeated the same steps as he kept the rhythm steady, softly counting each time. Eventually, my breathing slowed. The tremors in my body eased, and calm slowly crept in.

“You’re good,” Daddy said, cupping my face. “You’re okay.”

My body was calm, but I wasn’t okay. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be okay again.

The memorial was over, and we were all back at the big house for the repast.

My aunts had stayed back to do the cooking since they were the only people Grams allowed to help in the kitchen. I was sitting away from everyone in a far corner of the yard. After my panic attack, I just wanted some space. Titan sat in another corner, drinking what I’d counted to be his third drink. We hadn’t said a word to each other since we got here, and maybe that was best right now.

“Mia.”

I looked up to see Kerrion standing in front of me with a woman, a little girl, and my nephew.

“Hey, Steel,” I said softly as I wiped my eyes.

He gently pulled me to my feet and into his arms, his big frame damn near swallowing me up.

“I’ve missed you, sis,” he said, kissing my temple.

“I’ve missed you too.”

Of all my brothers, Kerrion was the most levelheaded. He didn’t do too much, and he had always been the most understanding and loving.

I pulled back from him and looked at my nephew, who was just staring at me. When I was away, I did FaceTime calls with the family, and his little smile always brightened my day. I wasn’t sure if he would recognize me in person, but when he started smiling, I knew he did. With trembling hands, I reached for him, and he came to me, resting his head on my shoulder.

It took everything in me not to cry in that moment.

“You remember your auntie, Fat Man?” Kerrion said, rubbing my back.

“He’s gotten so big.”

“’Cause he eats like his uncle.”

That made me smile because I knew he was talking about Smoke’s big ass.

“And his daddy,” I added.

He kissed his teeth. “Whatever. I um… I wanted to introduce you to two very special people. This is Neha and our daughter, Nayelli.”

I turned to face the beautiful, plus-sized woman and little girl. That’s when it dawned on me that they had been at the house when everybody came over. He’d sent me pictures of his daughter, and I hadn’t even recognized her.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized, slapping my forehead. “I didn’t mean to overlook you.”

Neha smiled. “It’s completely fine. It’s nice to meet you, and I’m so sorry for your loss.”

I swallowed hard. I hated those words.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

My gaze drifted to Nayelli. She didn’t wait for me to address her. She came straight into my arms and hugged me.

“I’m so happy to meet you, Auntie Mia. Daddy’s told me so much about you.”

“I’m happy to finally meet you too. You’re so beautiful.”

She looked up at me. “I’ve been praying for you,” she said softly. “I know your heart hurts, but you’ll feel better soon. Your baby will always be in your heart.”