Page 54 of It's Love I'm After

I had no intention of coming by, but Grandma Jolene called, requesting me to change the batteries in her smoke detectors.

“Well, you’re cooler than I am because I only have one grandmother. Unbuckle your seat belt, and I’ll get your door. If we don’t get in here, she’s only gonna call me again, rushing me.”

Caleb giggles at hearing my statement while doing what I asked, and I exit the vehicle before opening the back door to let him out. Chaniya had been adamant about putting the child lock on whenever Caleb rode with me, which I’m still adjusting to. Caleb is the first kid I’ve entertained on this level. I haven’t dated a lot of women with kids and I have never brought them to meet Grandma Jolene, so it’ll be interesting to see how Grandma Jolene responds to Caleb. However, since she loves Chaniya, I’m sure Caleb will be in like Flynn.

“I hope your grandmother likes me.” Caleb runs his hands down his shirt, removing the nonexistent wrinkles once we climb on the porch.

“She will, and if not, I’ll put her in a headlock until she changes her mind. How’s that sound?”

Caleb’s hand covers his mouth, and his giggles cause my heart to skip a beat at the sound that matches the jovial expression in his bright eyes.

“You can’t do that. It’ll hurt her.” Caleb giggles.

“Okay. Fine, but if she’s mean, turn your head and leave the room. I got you.” Smirking, I insert my key into the front door, allowing Caleb to enter before me.

“Grandma Jolene! I’m here,” I shout after closing and securing the front door.

“We’re in the recreation room,” Grandma Jolene returns, causing my brows to wrinkle because there aren’t any other cars in the driveway but mine.

Interlocking Caleb’s hand with mine, I lead us back to the room where Grandma Jolene and her mystery guest are frolicking. If Jolene Malone has a man in here, Caleb might see someone get put in a headlock after all.

“Oh. Well, who do we have here?” Ma says with her eyes on Caleb, wearing a weary smile.

“Where is y’all car?” I ask.

Mom, Dad, and Grandma Jolene don’t acknowledge me as all of their gazes are on Caleb, who tightens his grip on my hand.

“It’s cool, C. This is my mom, Mrs. Adele. That’s my dad, Mr. Glynn. Last but not least is my grandma, Jolene,” I introduce with my eyes on Caleb, who looks at my family members before shifting his gaze to me.

“They look nice. Can I go hug them?” Caleb asks.

“Sure you can, pudding. Come on over here and give me some love.” Ma interjects.

“Son?” Dad’s voice adds, and I can hear the question within the unspoken question, which pushes me to provide a necessary response.

“This is Caleb. Chaniya is his mom,” I inform my parents and grandmother.

“Oh. Well, aren’t you just darling,” Grandma Jolene states when Caleb hugs her around the waist after leaving Mom.

A smile upturns my lips at seeing the warm welcome from my senior relatives, especially since I’m planning on making Chaniya and Caleb a part of our family.

“Ooh, you give hugs like my nana. I like you,” Caleb utters while holding onto Grandma Jolene.

Caleb’s statement reminds me of the tension between Nana and Grandma Jolene that has to be resolved before our families unite.

“Hey, little buddy. How’s it going?” Dad greets Caleb, giving him a five instead of a hug, yet the adoration in Dad’s eyes isn’t any less prominent than Ma or Grandma Jolene’s is.

“You’re big like my daddy.” Caleb’s eyes balloon at looking at Dad once he’s standing.

A goofier grin forms at hearing Caleb’s reference despite seeing the wrinkles in Dad’s forehead at the comparison.

“Who’s your dad, C?” I ask, although I already know what he’s going to confirm.

“You are, silly.” Caleb points to me before turning back to look at my dad before wrapping his little arms around Dad’s legs.

“Oh my,” Ma whispers.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Dad utters before bending to lift Caleb into his broad arms while returning the hug.

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