Page 104 of Lost In London

“Sure. You know I love a good smelling candle.” I stood ready to go but froze when she pulled me into a hug.

“I love you, London, and I apologize again. Thank you for giving me another chance to be in your life. I’m so proud of the strong woman you’ve become.” The sincerity in her words and the warmth and comfort of her hug made tears prick my eyes.

Resting my head on her shoulder, I closed my eyes and basked in this moment. “I love you too, mama.”

Our drive this time was filled with laughter and conversation about the oddest things like her new crocheting hobby and her terror from getting waxed for the first time. She confessed her and daddy moving down here was because he was tired of her family and hated what they did. And he wanted to be near his children and grandchildren. Daddy even gave her an ultimatum of staying in New York, they’d get a divorce or move with him.

Guess it was the season ultimatum for the greater good of relationships.

“How did you hear about this place?” We were on Federal Highway and Oakland Park in the parking lot of the Sheridan hotel. Across the street was the Coral Ridge mall where I thought we’d be going to.

“On Facebook.” She couldn’t operate her phone to save her life but knew how to navigate social media like she created it. “The business is having this pre-opening display with other local Black-owned shops in one of the ballrooms.”

Sure enough when we walked into the hotel there were signs pointing us in the direction of the “Scents and Mimosas Day Event.” There were even people walking around with brown totes that had the company logo on it. Scents of vanilla and cinnamon hit my nose the closer we got to the ballroom.

“Let’s go in here first.” Mama pulled me in the opposite direction of the ballroom.

“But Ma, the candles are over there.” I tried to steer her back around but this fifty-something-odd woman was strong and pulled me the other way. “Why do you keep…

“Surprise.”

“Oh my God!” Frightened, I tripped over my feet and landed right on my ass. Good thing I had on a romper or all these people would’ve seen my goodies.

“Daddy, look at Lolo.” Tai clapped her hands giggling. “We scared her so good.”

“Tai?” I know my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.

Running full speed into my arms, she threw her little body at me and squeezed my neck. “I missed you so much, Lolo.”

“Papa, put me down. I wanna hug Lolo too.” Wasn’t long before Melly’s small little body wiggled her way into my lap. “I missed you too, Lolo.”

Rocking my two favorite little people in my arms, I did what I said I wasn’t going to do all day – I cried. But this cry was warranted. I don’t know what I did to earn this surprise but I was thankful for it.

“See what your stubborn bullshit did?” That sounded like Atlas.

“Mannn.” Cassian sucked his teeth. “It’s Papa turn, Tai and Melly.” They each kissed my cheeks until I giggled. When I blinked my eyes clear there he was in all of his caramel eclair fineness. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness for the stupid shit I said and done but I’m sorry, London. I was scared of losing you. Afraid that… dammit, girl.” He grunted falling back on his behind as I launched myself in his arms. “I missed you so damn much.” He mumbled in my hair. “So much.”

With him, nothing else needed to be said. “I missed you too, Cass. More than you’ll ever know.” I don’t know how long he and I stayed on the ground hugging and having a moment. It wasn’t until Tai complained of being hungry and wanting to eat that I remembered we were in a ballroom with other people.

“Uh, hi everyone?” I was so embarrassed. Taking in the room it was then I noticed it was decorated in my wedding colors of copper and emerald. Ring balloons were scattered about. Tha Don Is Engaged spelled out in balloon letters. Tables with food spread about. Even a stage with a live band waiting to play.

And then there were the people.

The entire Kalmin clan, my employees from my juice bar, the Luciano’s, Quincey’s brothers, and Jacolby. My parents, Landon, Drea, and LJ. Coco and Dre. Bishop and Aziza. A few of Quincey’s frat brothers. Everybody that we loved was in this room, even Dove who was standing right in front of Quest beaming so bright.

“I’m a little late but I wanted to do something special for you.” Cassian took my hand and hugged me again. “You know I’m always wanting to celebrate you and you getting engaged is a reason for me to go all out and do so. I’m happy for you, Lo. And I know this won’t make up for what I did and said but I hope it will be a start.”

My heart was bursting in fireworks from all the joy and happiness I felt.

“A’ight now my beautiful Black people. Y’all ready to party?” I turned around to see Serenity take the stage and the band started playing.

An idea popped up in my head hearing her neo-soul voice. “I’ll forgive you if you do me a favor?”

Pushing my arms off of him, he shook his head stepping back. “Nope. I know you’re going to ask me to do some weird dumb shit.”

History would prove him right but that wasn’t the case today. “It’s very legal and nothing that would cause you to get naked.”

His eyes narrowed as he looked off. “Fine, what is it?”

---