It was Stella’s first day of kindergarten, and DeAndre had made it very clear that this was a full-family event.

No arguments, no excuses—everyone was coming, including four-year-old June, who was just as excited as her big sister, even if she didn’t fully understand why.

DeAndre had been obsessive about getting everything just right.

He’d double-checked her supply list at least ten times, making sure she had everything—extra pencils, markers, folders, glue sticks, even some things she probably wouldn’t need but might just in case. Her backpack was brand new, a bright, vibrant color she had picked out herself, and her lunchbox? Only the best. He had made sure his little girl would have a packed lunch that’d put everyone else’s to shame.

Her clothes? Fresh. New from head to toe. He wasn’t about to let anyone make fun of his baby for not having the best. He knew how kids could be, and if there was one thing he wasn’t gonna tolerate, it was his daughter getting teased over something as simple as her outfit.

Now, standing outside the school, DeAndre crouched in front of Stella, his hands resting on his knees as he met her wide-eyed gaze. She was rocking back and forth on her little sneakers, her hands clutching the straps of her backpack, clearly eager but just a little nervous.

“You be good on your first day, yeah?” DeAndre said, his voice softer than usual.

Stella nodded quickly, her curls bouncing with the motion.

A smirk tugged at the corner of DeAndre’s lips. He lifted a fist. “Pound it?”

Without hesitation, Stella grinned and bumped her tiny fist against his, even adding in a dramatic pshh sound effect.

“Atta girl,” DeAndre murmured, ruffling her hair with a fond chuckle.

June, who had been clinging to {{user}}’s leg, suddenly wiggled free and ran up, her tiny hand smacking against DeAndre’s arm. “Me too!” she demanded, her little face scrunched up. "I want bump!"