Page 336 of When a Soul Cries

I lifted my other hand and wiped it away with my thumb. "Don't mess up your makeup before you get out the car."

She laughed softly and leaned into my touch. "Shut up."

I brought her hand to my mouth. "I'm proud of you."

Her smile trembled. "Thank you."

I held her gaze for another second before opening my door. "Come on. Let's go open your building."

---

The second Halo saw me outside, she reached from Sugga's arms.

"Dada!" she squealed, stretching both hands toward me.

I took her and settled her against my hip while she immediately grabbed at the lapel of my suit.

Zari walked over to Sol and immediately looked at her stomach.

"You better not go into labor today," Zari said, pointing at Sol's belly like she was giving RJ the warning directly.

Sol frowned and rubbed one hand over the side of her stomach. "I'm six months pregnant."

"Babies don't care," Zari replied with a shrug.

Standing a few feet away, Kai snorted. "You don't know shit about babies."

Zari slowly turned toward him, her expression changing as she folded her arms across her chest. "And you do?"

Kai lifted his chin, refusing to back down. "I know enough."

"Name three things," Zari challenged, one eyebrow arching.

Kai opened his mouth.

Nothing came out.

I laughed from where I stood with Halo, watching my brother search for an answer he clearly didn't have.

Zari folded her arms tighter, satisfaction spreading across her face. "Exactly."

Kai looked her up and down, and that stupid grin of his slowly returned. "I know how they get here."

Sugga gasped loudly beside me, her hand flying to her chest. "Khalil!"

Zari shoved him in the shoulder.

Sol covered her face, laughing.

Kai stumbled half a step before catching Zari's wrist when she turned like she was about to walk away. He was still grinning when he tugged lightly enough to stop her.

"What?" Kai asked. "I'm right."

Zari looked down at his hand around her wrist and then back up at him. "You are so stupid."

Kai's grin widened. "But you like me."

Zari's eyes narrowed. "Who told you that?"