Page 52 of Pieces of Us

I smiled. “You do. Chelsea and Shelby.”

“No uncles?”

I chuckled. “Unfortunately not, but I do have a best friend who’s like a brother to me. His name is Lawrence, but he’ll keep correcting you if you call him by his first name. So, just call him Uncle Loon.”

“Got it. What about my grandfather?”

“His name is Cole. You’ll meet him too.”

“I can’t wait. All I ever had was Auntie Drue and my cousin Drue, who we call Rudy. Do I have any cousins on your side?”

“Nah. I’m still waiting to be a proud uncle.” I chuckled.

“Oh, I know I’m about to get spoiled! I’m the first and only grandchild!” she exclaimed and wiggled in her seat, looking just like her moms when she did that.

“You have no idea. They’re already talking about taking you somewhere real special.”

“I can’t wait.”

Morgan and Leann reentered the kitchen laughing.

“Your home is lovely, Hemi. I love the enclosed patio. Leann and I felt like queens sitting out there sipping tea.” She giggled.

This is your home, baby. You’re the queen of this castle.

“It’s what it was designed for—queens and princesses,” I said, winking at Megan.

“Yeah…Well, I hate that we have to leave, but my mom is expecting Megan to return to help her with her garden in the morning.”

“Oh, yeah…but can we stay for a little bit longer?”

“It’s already after eight at night, Meg. You know how your grandfather is about opening up his doors after hours.”

“Oh, right.” Megan’s eyes came to me as she playfully pouted. “I guess I’ll see you next time.”

“Absolutely, baby. Any time you want to come over, just say the word, and I’m there to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

We stood from the counter as I walked them to the door. I pulled Megan into my arms and held her tightly as she reciprocated.

“I had so much fun. Thank you for the hospitality.”

“Always, my love. You have my number. Any time you want to come back, just call me…I got something for you. Give me one second.”

I walked into the living room, grabbed what I was looking for, then headed back to the door, handing her, her gift. She lookedat the slips in her hand and screamed before jumping into her arms.

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“What is it, Gingerbread?”

Megan released me and handed her moms the slips.

“Tickets to Chris Brown’s concert next month! Ahhh! Dad, you’re the best! I love you.”

Her arms came around me again in a tight hold as I sniffed away my emotions. I thought it was going to take some time before she said those words to me, but obviously Chris Brown gave her the push she needed.

“Wait, wait. I don’t know if I’m okay with that,” Morgan started.

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