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“What do you think we’ll have? A boy or a girl?” Jonathan asked, lightening the mood.
“Mm, I don’t know, but I want another brother.”
“Why a brother and not a sister?”
“Because Daisy likes to fight, and I don’t want her hurting the baby.”
“Oh, Kiyah. Daisy wouldn’t—well—I would hope she wouldn’t—you and Daisy don’t fight.”
“That’s because I showed her my fists.”
“I beg your pardon?” Jonathan asked in disbelief. I grinned on the other side of the door at the memory.
“D-Daisy was going to hit me one day, and my daddy said that if someone tries to fight me, to show them my fists and tell them they don’t want it. Daisy left me alone.”
One night, I’d brought snacks to the garage and found Rory teaching Kiyah self-defense. I fussed at him, claiming that Kiyah was too young. Rory swiftly told me that you could never be too young to learn how to protect yourself. He instructed her to ball her fists, put them up, make the scariest face, and tell them they didn’t want it.
I guess Daisy weighed her options and figured it wasn’t worth it. She knows who to try it with.
“I’m glad you stuck up for yourself, Ki. You do such a good job keeping your hands to yourself. Daisy and Nori could learn a lesson or two from you.”
“My daddy said to not hit anyone unless you’re ready to fight. I don’t like fighting.”
“That’s amazing advice that I’ll tell the other children.”
“Mommy was in a fight before.”
Aye, little girl. Don’t be telling my business.
“I can believe it. I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes. Your mother has the fists, too.” Kiyah giggled. “Are you ready to come downstairs? Your grandparents are here all the way from Colorado, and they’re excited to meet you.”
“Are they like Mr. Marcus and Ms. Felicity?”
“No, thank God. I’ve spoken to them for the past few days, and they’re wonderful people.”
“Mr. Marcus and Ms. Felicity are wonderful people.”
Jonathan chuckled. “Sure, Kiyah.”
“Mr. Jonathan?”
“Yes?”
“When the new baby comes…will he call you Mr. Jonathan, too?”
“Well…um…babies can’t speak for a while.”
“But when he does…will he call you Mr. Jonathan?” Kiyah pressed.
“No, he or she will call me dad.”
“Th-that’s not fair. Everyone calls you dad.”
“Nori doesn’t.”
“But Nori is Uncle Ant’s daughter. I’m different.”
Jonathan sighed. “Do you remember that conversation we had in my office when I told you that I’d marry your mother one day?”
