Page 6 of Until the Ink Dries

He rushed over. My mother reluctantly released me so I could go to him. He scooped me up in his arms and I melted in the warmth of his embrace.

“Hi, Daddy. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you, too, princess. This is the best surprise.”

“Hey, family!” Shirah sang, coming through the front door.

My mother swatted her arm. “You knew she was coming, and you didn’t say anything?”

“Auntie, that would have ruined the surprise. I delivered her safe and sound. You’re welcome.”

My mother swatted at her again before pulling her into a hug.

“What are you doing here, baby?” my father asked.

“Well, I came for our class reunion, but also for a vacation. I needed a break and home is always good to me. Plus, I was way overdue for a visit with my two favorite people.”

Shirah cleared her throat, making me laugh.

“I’m sorry.Threefavorite people.”

“Much better,” she said, smirking.

“Is something going on?” my mother asked.

I sighed. “Why don’t we go into the kitchen, and I’ll explain everything.”

“Okay. You’re in luck. I just finished cooking a late lunch.”

My mouth watered at the sound of that. If I had to break the news about Ellis, at least I’d have my mama’s food to alleviate the nasty taste the news would leave in my mouth.

The blaring glare of my TV was the only indication of light this morning, since it was still dark outside. I closed my eyes again and counted down from five, but before I could hit three, my bed dipped in. It was hard as hell to hold back my smile as I pretended to still be asleep. I even snored, just to emphasize my point.

A little hand pulled at my t-shirt, then went to my cheeks.

“Daddy! I know you not sleep!” Charlie yelled.

Her giggles filled the air as I grabbed her and pulled her beneath the covers with me. Sometimes, I wished I could just hold her still and stop her from growing older or ever getting any bigger. But that wasn’t life, and all I could do was buckle in for the ride.

“I gotta go to school,” she said in between giggles.

Charlie tried to wiggle free from my grip, but I held on for a few more minutes before releasing her.

“You not trying to stay home with your dad? We can have pancakes and go to the park,” I told her.

I knew I was being a bad influence, but today was one of the few days that I actually had off. I didn’t have any scheduled tattoos, and I enjoyed spending time with my daughter. She was dope as hell. I would have never imagined myself preferring to hang with a child over anyone else a few years ago. But, now there was no better company than Charlie.

She sat back with her curly dark hair in two lopsided ponytails, wearing a princess Raya nightgown. She was the cutest thing. She looked so much like my mom, it was crazy.

“Hmm, can we get ice cream, too?” she asked.

I chuckled because she wouldn’t be my daughter if she didn’t bargain. I pulled back my blanket and got out of bed to lift her out.

“I guess we can make a stop for ice cream, but only if we get to go by the shop for a moment.”

She poked out her lip and crossed her arms against her chest. “No fair. The shop is downstairs.”

I smiled and playfully pinched her cheek. “Is that a poor sport I hear?”

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