Chapter 11: Morning Light

Sunday morning arrived with golden light streaming through the shop windows. Ti had opened early, knowing Z's church let out at eleven. He smiled at the memory of little Z's excitement last time, practically bouncing in the chair while Ti worked on his braids.

The bell chimed right on schedule. Z burst in first, still in his church clothes but with his tie already loosened. "Ti! Look what I got!" He waved a pamphlet from the children's service.

"Let me see that masterpiece," Ti caught the boy's shoulder gently, examining the colorful paper. "Looking sharp today, little man."

"Told him that tie was too loose," came the familiar deep voice from the doorway. Ti looked up to find his favorite customer watching them, amusement hidden beneath his usual stern expression.

"Little daddy," Ti greeted him with a nod, noting how the corner of Reece's mouth twitched at the name. "Good service?"

"Mmm." Reece settled into his usual spot against the wall, arms crossed. But his eyes were soft watching Z climb into the chair, chattering about Sunday school.

Ti got to work, fingers moving with practiced care through Z's hair. He'd learned exactly how the boy liked his braids - not too tight, clean parts, just like his daddy wore them back in the day according to the old photos Z had proudly shown him.

"You coming to breakfast after?" Z asked hopefully, trying to turn his head before Ti gently straightened it.

"If it's still alright with your daddy," Ti glanced at Reece, who was watching them with that intense look he got sometimes.

"Told you he was," Reece said gruffly, but there was something warm in his voice that made Ti's heart skip.

"Then I'm there." Ti focused back on the braids, pretending not to notice how Reece's shoulders relaxed slightly at his answer.

The morning light caught the smoke that still clung to Reece's clothes, turning it into a soft haze. Ti had noticed he'd been smoking less lately, especially around Z. Small changes, but meaningful ones.

When Ti finished, Z hopped down to examine his reflection. "Perfect!" He beamed at Ti through the mirror.

"What do we say?" Reece prompted, that gentle tone he used only with his son slipping through.

"Thank you!" Z spun around to hug Ti's waist before darting to the door. "Can we get pancakes?"

"Hold up, wild child." Reece straightened from the wall. "Let me settle up first."

But Ti waved him off. "We can handle that later." Their eyes met, understanding passing between them. This was about more than money now, had been for a while.

Reece nodded slowly. "Alright then." He headed for the door where Z was practically vibrating with pancake anticipation. But he paused, looking back at Ti. "You coming?"

"Right behind you, little daddy."

The smile that flickered across Reece's face was quick but real. Together they stepped into the morning light, following the sound of Z's happy chatter toward whatever this slow-building thing between them might become.