Page 26 of When Love Takes Root

Lyric leaned over the tote. “Nana sent books.”

“Of course she did,” I said.

Melody stacked three picture books on my shelf. “Mama said Lyric need a few more.”

“She already has books everywhere,” Juice said.

Lyric smiled. “Books need places.”

I smiled. “They do, Songbird,” I said.

Melody pulled out a navy-and-gold hardback and slid it toward me.

“Daddy sent you this. He said read the chapter on leadership twice because you’re hardheaded.”

“Tell Dr. Whitfield I appreciate it,” I said.

“He also said don’t let it collect dust. Read it,” Melody stated.

Juice leaned toward the book. “What’d he send me?”

Melody reached into the tote and pulled out a planner with a leather cover. “Mama said this is for the man who blames traffic every time he forgets something.”

I laughed while Juice sighed.

“First of all, Mama Renee too deep in my business.”

“Because your business be wandering unsupervised, hun,” Melody said.

Lyric started to climb down, but Juice caught her loose shoelace before her foot hit the floor.

“Hold up, baby.”

“I can do it,” Lyric said.

Crouching in front of her, he said, “I know you can. I’m just faster, and I don’t trust concrete with my favorite girl.”

He tied the lace, patted the toe of her sneaker, and stood. “Royal footwear secured.”

Lyric looked down, pleased. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Always, baby girl.”

Lyric wandered over with one of her books tucked under her arm, turned a page, then looked up. “Uncle Siah?”

“Yes, Songbird?”

“Can fish drown?”

Juice groaned. “Here we go.”

“She asked me that at breakfast,” Melody said.

“I said ask your Uncle Siah because he likes complicated things, and he’s a genius when it comes to science,” Melody replied.

I crouched in front of Lyric.

“Some fish can suffocate if their water doesn’t have enough oxygen.”