Page 64 of Tinley's Daddy
“We’re here?” I turned off the car and opened the door. “Wait for me to help you out.”
I stepped out of the car and looked around. Kyler had security at the ends of the streets and someone sitting in a car in front of the house. We had a former president move into a house a few years ago with less security.
I opened Tinley’s door, unbuckled her seat belt, and helped her out. “I’ll get the bags later.”
She swung her backpack over her shoulder and squeezed my hand with a death grip. We walked up the three stairs that led to the front door. I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The television was playing in the living room.
“Hello.” I stepped in and helped Tinley with her coat.
“Hey,” Kyler called from the kitchen. He stepped into the hall, wiping his hands on a towel. I grinned at my best friend. I’d missed him. We walked toward each other and shook hands and then hugged. It had been a few months since the last time we were in the same room. I considered myself lucky to have the same best friend for most of my life. We were brothers who chose each other.
“It’s good to see you, man.” He patted my back. I nodded and we stepped back.
Tinley remained at the door, watching us.
“Tinley.” I waved her in. “Come meet Kyler.”
She shuffled toward us and reached out her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Tinley used her grown-up voice.
Kyler growled.
She gasped.
He winked and took her hand and squeezed it. She giggled.
“It’s good to finally meet you in person.” He patted her hand before letting it go. “You’re shorter than I thought.”
“You’re not as mean-looking in person,” Little Tinley teased.
“Well, don’t tell anyone else.” He dropped her hand and motioned us to have a seat. “Rayna will be down in a second. Something about ninja business.”
“Daddy,” Rayna’s voice sang from deep in the house. “Secret ninja business.”
The little spitfire skipped into the room and then stopped in front of Tinley. The two studied each other for a few seconds before letting out a squeal and hugging each other while jumping up and down. It was quite the spectacle and adorable as fuck.
“Rayna, watch your hand.” Kyler walked back into the kitchen. I followed him. The main floor of the brownstone was one big room with the kitchen separate from the living room and dining room with an archway. The place had been redecorated since we last all lived here together. Tyler spent the most time here.
“Where is Tyler?”
“OMG.” Rayna turned. “Daddy, did you tell him?”
“No, Rayna Drop, I didn’t tell him, and we don’t know for sure.” Kyler took a pot of boiling pasta off the stove.
“I’m surprised, Daddy.” Rayna flopped on the couch and pulled Tinley down with her. “I thought Daddies had special radar for littles. I suspected it all along.”
“What’s she talking about?” I asked Kyler.
“Tyler may or may not be a little,” Kyler whispered.
“And we met his Daddy,” Rayna yelled.
“Who’s Tyler?” Tinley asked.
“He’s Kyler’s littlest brother. You’ll meet him and all the guys.” She put her arm around Kyler. “I’m so glad there are more girls in the family now.”
Tinley looked back at me. I winked at her, and she grinned and turned back to Rayna.
