Page 27 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“And your mom?” Robin asked.

“She’s really great at hosting charitable events and parties.” I prodded a piece of shrimp and stuffed it in my mouth. I may have been full, but I really didn’t want to expand on my answer.

“I see. And your siblings?”

I shook my head and wiped my mouth with my napkin. “I don’t have any. Only child.”

“That must have been lonely,” Granny reached out and patted my hand. “Good thing there’s a lot of us Taylors to keep you entertained.”

“True that,” Memphis agreed, putting his arm around the back of my chair protectively.

“So, when’s the wedding?” Granny Taylor asked out loud.

Immediately several voices could be heard at once.

“What?”

“Oh my God!”

“You’re getting married.”

“Holy shit!”

“No way!”

“Son…”

And last was a gasp from Memphis’ mom as her silverware clanged onto her plate and she covered her mouth with both hands, clearly in shock.

“Thanks, Gran,” Memphis said dryly.

“Well, you can’t bring home a woman for the first time who looks like that, dressed like she is, with a diamond on her ring finger and not come clean. Been waitin’ all night for you to make an announcement. Got tired of waitin’. Time is a commodity when you’re as old as I am.”

I bit into my bottom lip as Memphis reached out and took my hand.

“Honey, do you have something to share?” Robin asked her son, her eyes filling with tears.

He grabbed my hand and helped me to stand up. “Naomi and I are getting married.”

Robin flew out of her seat and was around the table so fast she could have been an Olympic sprinter. She plowed into both of us with her arms spread.

“Good God Almighty! Praise, Jesus!” she howled up at the sky. “My baby is getting married!” The tears fell down her face as she squeezed us both tight.

“Okay, okay, let me get in on this action,” Leon said, pride filling his tone. He hugged his son as Robin engulfed me.

“I’m so happy,” she cried and bounced me from side to side.

“Switch, woman,” Leon demanded as he eased her from my arms and shifted her to the side. “Welcome to the family, Naomi,” Leon said as he hugged me tight. I rested my head onhis chest right above his rapidly beating heart. “You’ve got the best man I know,” he rumbled into my ear.

“My guess, he takes after his Dad,” I praised.

He squeezed me once more and then hugged his wife. “Our baby is getting married.” He kissed her lips. “Another beautiful day for the Taylors.” He held onto his wife, and she nodded and cried into his arms.

Each sister came up and hugged us one at a time.

By the end of it, I was in tears too.

“This calls for champagne!” Granny announced.

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