Page 87

Downstairs, Mama’s voice carried through the foyer.

“No, Lakelyn. You don’t need to bring cleaning products. Just bring yourselves.”

I stopped at the landing.

Just bring yourselves.

That was all I had wanted for six fucking years.

Mama ended the call and stood quietly for a moment, looking around the house. Then her eyes lifted toward the staircase.

“I finally got them coming, baby,” she said softly. “I know you would’ve wanted that.”

The excitement in me settled into something heavier.

I came down a few steps, watching her blink before she reached for her purse.

Yeah, Ma. I did.

She couldn’t hear me, but for once, I didn’t let that ruin the moment.

In a little while, my son would come running through that foyer. Lakelyn would have her bags, her stubborn mouth, and probably three reasons why she still wasn’t sure about any of this.

I smiled.

Come on home, baby.

I’d handle the stubborn shit once she arrived.

Chapter nine

Lakelyn

I’d been standing outside that damn mansion for almost ten minutes, and I still hadn’t opened the door.

“Lakelyn, baby,” Granny called from the passenger seat of the Range Rover. “You know we can go inside, right?”

I looked over at her. She was sitting with the door open, feet resting on the running board, watching me like she was trying to figure out if I’d forgotten how keys worked.

“I know, Granny.”

“Okay. Just checking.”

Willow stood beside the truck with a duffle bag hanging off one shoulder and her laptop tucked under her arm.

“Girl, if you don’t open this damn door.”

“Willow.”

“What? We been standing out here long enough for me to learn the landscaping schedule.”

I rolled my eyes. “Nobody told you to get out yet.”

“Nobody told you to stand there looking at the house like it owe you money either, but here we are.”

Kaidence laughed from the backseat.

I pointed at him. “Don't entertain your auntie’s shenanigans.”