Page 34 of Fallynn West

“Like I’m ready to call you mine. I mean, I feel like you’ve been mine all this time, but I figured I’d do the honors in asking you to officially be my girlfriend.”

Ever since Kehlani had asked if Colony was my girlfriend, it’d been something on my mind. In my eyes, Colony was the perfect fit in our lives. She’d claimed a special place in my heart, one I didn’t give to just anyone. From the beginning, she showed me she was more than worthy of love, and I wanted to be the man to bless her with it.

Playfully, Colony tucked her loose hair behind her ear while batting her eyelashes. “Well, if you insist.” I swatted at her, and she snickered. “No, seriously. I’d love nothing more than to make things official with you, Keondra. I do think we need Kehlani’s permission, though.”

“Shhh. I don’t. I think we had it long before we even met.”

“How so?”

“Because she’s always talked about you. She’d randomly bring you up, saying she thought I’d like you.” My brows dipped. “Now that I think about it, her little ass was probably playing matchmaker.”

Colony laughed so loud that I couldn’t help but to join in. “You know, she did me the same way. I assumed it was because of her love for you, but I’m beginning to wonder if she saw something before we did.”

“She might have. If so, my baby girl knows what she’s doing.”

“That, she does.”

We arrived on my parents’ block, and the number of cars littering the street already made me have a headache. I was grateful my family would help me host everyone, but being Kehlani’s father, I had to work the room. It was second nature to me, something I did daily, but I also wanted to chill.

One thing about my family, whether it was a kid’s party or get-together, the grown folks would have their own things. I’d be able to enjoy a beer or two, but I couldn’t get faded with so many kids and their families around.

I parked and noticed Colony shift in her seat. Grabbing her hand, I used my other hand to motion her over and kissed her. “Shake those nerves off, babe. Everything is going to be fine. My family is going to love you.”

“Well, I know your aunt does. I’m more so worried about your mom and dad.”

“If Auntie loves you, they will too. Believe it or not, Auntie is the toughest one to crack. She’s not too keen on people, and she’s had nothing but good things to say about you. My mom is excited to meet you.”

Before Colony could respond, there was a knock on her passenger door that caused her to slightly jump. We turned to see Kehlani standing there with the biggest grin on her pretty, painted face. She tugged on the door handle, but I gave her a look to get down. A few other girls came running out the front door and stood with Kehlani.

“I can bet you she told them you were coming,” I stated with a chuckle.

Colony’s hands raced down her face. “I’m glad I mentally and physically prepared for this. Something told me I wouldn’t be able to sit down once I got here.”

“Nope. Get ready to be dragged everywhere.”

“Oh, I’m more than ready. It’s going to be fun interacting with my babies outside the center. I will admit that I’m a little concerned about what the parents will think once they see us together.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks. They’re not here to make you happy; I am. They can judge all they want, but I bet they continue to lace your pockets because, deep down, they know no one else will take care of their children better than you and your team.” I kissed the back of her hand. “We’re at the next step, babe. There’s no going backwards.”

Colony smiled. “No going backwards.”

I got out to open her door, but I was immediately bombarded by all the girls. They tackled me, and I playfully fell to the ground.

“Daddy! What took you so long?” Kehlani all but yelled in my face. Her little nose was scrunched, causing the purple butterfly painted on her face to look weird.

“It didn’t take me long, KeKe. I told you where I was going.”

“I know, but it felt like forever. I want you to come jump with meandget your face painted. I was thinking the Black Panther since you like black, and Colony can be a cat since she likes orange.”

“Her name is Ms. Miles,” Kehlani’s best friend, Marissa, corrected her.

Kehlani rolled her eyes and smacked her lips. “Iknow,but since she’s my daddy’s friend, I can call her Colony. Right, Daddy?”

Of course, she would put me in the middle. “Right, baby girl. Now, I need y’all to let me up so I can help Colony out the car.”

They all removed their little bodies and went to the truck to help Colony themselves. I laughed, watching them all open the door and bombard Colony. She laughed and gave them all love. I went over and grabbed Kehlani’s gift from her since she had a kid on each arm. It didn’t even seem to bother her in the slightest. She was engrossed with them until we entered my parents’ house, and my mother scurried over to us.

“Alright, girls. I need y’all to leave Colony alone for a little while. I’ll send her to y’all once I’m done with her,” Mama said while standing on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “Hey, Son. You look handsome.”