When Hell Freezes Over by Darrien Lee Page A

kids. More than likely they were somewhere tangled up in each other’s arms.
    Keaton frowned and yelled, “Shorty! Slow down before you kill your brother!”
    She giggled and yelled, “K!”
    Noticing Meridan standing beside him, she yelled, “Doctor MeMe!”
    Meridan leaned down, stroked MaLeah’s ponytails, and said, “Well, hello, MaLeah. How are you this evening?”
    She put her hand over her mouth and giggled. Keaton stood, watching two of his favorite women.
    He asked, “Where are your mom and dad, Shorty?”
    â€œIn the kitchen,” she answered, while hugging his leg.
    He swung her up in his arms, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “Go tell them we’re here.”
    He sat her back down, then without hesitation, he leaned over and kissed Meridan slowly on the lips.
    MaLeah squealed out loud, “Ooooo! Uncie Key kissed Doctor MeMe! Mommie! Daddy! Uncie Key kissed Doctor MeMe!”
    She ran toward the kitchen to broadcast the news. He looked at Meridan and said, “Sorry!”
    â€œIt’s okay, Keaton. You know how children are.”
    â€œI guess we’d better go face the music, huh?”
    â€œLead the way.”
    Keaton took her hand into his and led her toward the kitchen to join the others.

    Dinner went off without any problems. After MaLeah finished giggling over Keaton kissing Meridan, they were able to enjoy the delicious meal he’d prepared. As they ate, Arnelle complimented Meridan on the pink cashmere sweater she wore with her black leather pants. Her black boots put about three more inches on her height, bringing her even closer to Keaton. He couldn’t help but admire the way the leather fit to her shapely backside. It was hard for him not to stare as they sat side by side. Winston and Craig smiled throughout dinner as they observed Keaton’s obvious weakness around Meridan. They continued to talk about the upcoming Mississippi trip and, before long, it was time for the children to go to bed. MaLeah cried because she wanted Meridan to help her with her bath. When Winston and Arnelle protested, she cried even louder.
    Meridan stood. “Arnelle, it’s okay. I don’t mind helping MaLeah with her bath.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    MaLeah ran over and hugged Meridan’s leg.
    â€œIt’s not a problem at all. Come on, MaLeah. Let’s get you ready for bed.”
    Keaton stood also. “I’ll go so I can show you where everything is.”

    As Winston, Craig, Venice and Arnelle cleaned up the kitchen, they couldn’t help but discreetly discuss how soft Keaton had become since he’d become involved with Meridan.
    Winston said, “Arnelle, I guess you know, your brother’s halfway to the altar.”
    Craig wiped off the table. “I agree. He’s like a different person.”
    Venice put the leftovers in the refrigerator. “Don’t ya’ll think you’re jumping the gun a little?”
    â€œHell no!” Winston loudly answered. “You guys must not have eyes.”
    Arnelle said, “We have eyes. It’s just that my brother doesn’t seem like the marrying type.”
    â€œIt’s different, now that he’s hooked up with Meridan,” Craig explained.
    Turning, Arnelle asked, “What do you mean?”
    Venice said, “Don’t pay Craig and Winston any attention, Arnelle. If it’s meant for Meridan and Keaton to be together, they will be. I think they’re a cute couple.”
    Winston gathered the trash bag. “I don’t care what ya’ll say; I think his playa days are over.”
    Arnelle opened the garage door for him. “You don’t think he’s getting serious about her, do you?”
    â€œI guess time will tell, huh?”
    At that time, Keaton walked in and noticed the surprised look on everyone’s face. Sensing that he had walked in unexpectedly, he asked, “What?”
    Arnelle turned