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“Daddy!”

Dream jumped down from her chair so fast she nearly knocked over the crayons. Mehar caught the box while I stood up.

Justice came into the kitchen carrying his keys and phone. Dream wrapped herself around his leg, showing him the same sticker she had just made me look at.

“Look what I got.”

“I see you. What you do to earn that?”

“I was good.”

“Oh, you was good today?” He looked at Mehar. “I need that in writing.”

“She behaved,” Mehar said. “I left the paperwork on the counter.” She smiled.

“Appreciate you.”

He bent to kiss Dream’s forehead before looking at me.

“Hey, babygirl. You good?” There was a suspicious glint in his eyes but I brushed it off. I had to continue to be on my best behavior because if I had any more mishaps it would give credence to Melody’s accusations.

“Yes, Daddy.”

I went over to hug him and he squeezed my shoulder before letting go.

“Good.” He set his things on the counter. “Y’all eat yet?”

“Dream had a snack,” Mehar told him. “Storie just got home.”

“All right. I’ll figure dinner out.”

Mehar was already reaching for her bag.

“I know you ain’t about to run out without saying bye,” Justice teased.

“Watch me. I haven’t held my baby since this morning.”

“Quest keep calling you?”

“He sent me a picture like I’ve forgotten what they look like.”

Justice laughed.

I watched him loosen his tie while Mehar checked that she had her keys. He looked tired, but he was home. He hadn’t said anything about going back out.

“I got interviews next week,” he told her. “I’m getting a new nanny in here so y’all don’t have to keep rearranging your days.”

“Good. Take your time and find somebody you like and trust.”

“That’s the plan. Rita’s been staying with Prime, so that’s one less thing to figure out right now.”

I was grateful that stinky old lady was gone. She always watched me like she was waiting for me to do something. She could forget what she ate for breakfast, but somehow she remembered every time I raised my voice at Dream.

Prime could deal with her staring for a while. Or forever if I had it my way. Well maybe not forever. She gives me the vibe that her days are definitely numbered.

“Tell Quest I said thanks,” Justice added.

“For what?” Mehar asked. “I’m the one who was here.”