Page 55 of Embrace

“Thank y’all for coming to our housewarming party!” Suvi announced to the room of our family and friends. “Life has taken us on a fast journey since we tied the knot, and it feels like we’re unlocking a new milestone every month.”

“We’re appreciative of all the gifts. We’re appreciative of the unwavering support y’all have shown us over the last four months. Hopefully the next celebration is a pregnancy announcement,” I said with a smirk on my face.

Suvi swatted her hand at me. I dodged her hands and laughed. Our guests laughed as well.

The usual attendees were present including our parents, our siblings, and a few of my coworkers from the shop. Freddie brought his girl with him. Rontre came solo but made himself at home. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I noticed Mari eyeing him throughout the night.

“Thanks for catering our shindig, Pops.” I patted my dad on the back. He had pulled out the grill and barbecued some ribs, chicken wings, sausage links, and pork chops. Mama was his sous chef. She was in charge of the sides. She’d thrown down on the potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, and devilled eggs.

“You know we always got you. The weather was perfect to be out on the grill,” Pops replied. “How are you doing, son?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never been this happy in my life, Pops. Suvi’s been in my world for as long as I could remember, but once she became my wife… everything got better.”

He nodded. “I know the feeling. The honeymoon phase doesn’t last forever, but I trust you know how to keep your woman and home in order.”

“Fa sho. Everything she wants, she gets.”

Pops laughed. “Exactly. Your Mama is my everything, and I try to be as close to the same for her. A happy wife is a happy life.”

“Tell him again, Papa Brandon!” Suvi giggled as she slid between us and wrapped her arm around my waist.

“You’re going to have to keep that knucklehead in line,” Pops joked.

“You know how hard it is to keep his stubborn behind in line?” Suvi asked.

I smacked my lips. “A’ight.”

“And he’s a crybaby!” Suvi cackled. She tried to hug me, but I mushed her head and took a step away from her. She laughed and continued to crack jokes with my dad.

I went into the kitchen and grabbed a beer out of the cooler. Our home had come together perfectly. We’d gotten a brand-new dining room set, a new living room set, a new main bedroom set, as well as backyard furniture. We’d kept most of our appliances and dishes. She’d kept her office set up and added the recliner and coffee table to the room. Our old bedroom sets were transformed into guest rooms.

It had been a successful, yet stressful, three weeks of getting everything situated. Shit was expensive as fuck, but we both had a solid savings account to afford the transition.

As I rounded the corner, I noticed Rontre and BJ on the back porch, talking. I stepped outside and the beautiful stench of weed entered my nostrils. I dapped them both up.

“What are y’all talking about?” I asked as I sat in the lawn chair across from them.

“Life,” Rontre answered. “You got a nigga inspired to fall in love.”

I gasped. “What! Mr. Fuck Bitches and Get Money is ready to settle down?”

Ron smacked his lips. “You always tryna clown a nigga.”

“My fault. It’s a shocker to hear you say that, though.”

BJ chuckled. “He was asking me the details on Mari.”

I smirked. “You noticed her looking at you, too?”

Ron nodded. “She’s fine as hell. I ain’t know Suvi had a fine sister.”

“I don’t be lookin’ at Mari like that,” I stated.

BJ laughed. “Me either. The Summers sisters are like family to me. I look at them the same way I look at Ally.”

“Suvi not a Summers anymore. She’s a Snow,” I corrected.

“You right, bro.” BJ chuckled. “My point is, they like my sisters… Hell theyaremy sisters. If you do shoot your shot with Mari, be prepared for the games.”

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