When Hell Freezes Over Read Free

her children. She thought to herself, realizing he’d make a great father one day.
    â€œWhy did Winston have to go in so early this morning?” Keaton inquired.
    Giving the kitchen another look, she replied, “I don’t know, but I need to hurry up and get out of here myself.”
    Keaton laughed. “Are you guys ready for tonight?”
    He was talking about the Professional African-American Awards banquet. Winston was up for Man-of-the-Year.
    Arnelle turned on the dishwasher. “As ready as we’re going to be. Winston’s so excited, but if he doesn’t get it, he’s okay. He enjoys working with those young boys over at the youth center. Since he’s taken over, the attendance has risen.”
    â€œDang, Sis, those kids must really like old Winston.”
    She smiled with pride. “They love him and so do I.”
    Keaton watched his sister’s eyes brighten when she spoke of her husband. They’d had a rocky start, but neither of them could fight off the inevitable. With what they’d shared, they were destined to be together. He couldn’t imagine having that kind of love and connection with one woman for the rest of his life. Besides, marriage wasn’t for everyone.
    Looking around the kitchen once more, Arnelle said, “Okay, I’m out of here. We should be home by four so we can get ready for the banquet. Are you sure you’re going to be all right with these two rugrats tonight? Camille said she’d watch them for us.”
    Keaton frowned at his sister. “You act like I’m the babysitter from hell or something. I told you, I got it. We’ll be fine!”
    Arnelle threw up her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I didn’t mean for you to get all bent out of shape.”
    â€œI’m cool. I have a lot of fun and games planned for these two.”
    MaLeah was smiling at her uncle as she sat eating her pancakes. She’d heard the words “fun” and “games” in the same sentence. When her uncle said “fun” he meant fun.
    On that statement, Arnelle grabbed her jacket and said, “Well, it seems you have everything under control so let me get out of your way.”
    Before walking out the door, she kissed Fredrick, MaLeah, and lastly Keaton.
    â€œSee you guys later,” she said as she pulled on Keaton’s ear playfully like he was a little boy. Even though he was her younger brother, he looked older than his thirty-two years.
    â€œBye, Mommie!” MaLeah loudly shouted.

 
C HAPTER 3
    L ater that evening, Keaton helped MaLeah with her bath while Arnelle and Winston dressed for the banquet. As MaLeah splashed and tossed her duck at Keaton, he sat on the toilet seat and tried to read his Sports Illustrated in peace.
    â€œUncie Key!”
    Without looking up, he answered, “Yes, Shorty?”
    â€œLook! My ducky can fly!”
    Keaton glanced over and watched her throw the duck against the wall and giggle loudly.
    He shook his head. “Are you almost done?”
    â€œNope!”
    About that time, Winston walked in looking debonair in his suit.
    â€œDaddy!”
    Keaton eyed him up and down. “Dang, Bro, you look like you stepped off the cover of GQ .”
    â€œThanks. So how did it go with Dejá last night?” Keaton smiled mischievously. Winston laughed. “Say no more. Are you sure about being the nanny tonight? I mean, you don’t have another date or something?”
    Keaton chuckled. “Get the hell out of here. I have everything under control and no, I don’t have a date. You just make sure you win tonight.”
    â€œOooo! Uncie Key said a bad word!” MaLeah screamed.
    Keaton rolled his eyes while Winston laughed.
    Winston folded his arms. “You do know she watches and listens to everything you say and do?”
    â€œYeah, I know. I hope I don’t leave any bad habits with her when I leave.”
    Winston looked over at his