Page 118 of Love Without Demands

“Good,” he said when the song ended. His eyes focused across the room and then brightened. “Hey, is that a pickle bar?”

Chapter 37

“Mama!” I called whenI spotted her entering baggage claim at the airport. Her eyes lit up, and I jogged to her, picking her up and spinning her around.

“Ay dios mio! You’re going to make me dizzy,” she complained, but she was laughing that sweet, warm laugh that always made me think of home.

“I’m just so happy you’re here,” I told her, setting her back on her feet. “I wish you could have come for Christmas.”

“Where’s Lehra?” she asked, eyes darting around like my girlfriend was going to pop up from behind a planter.

“She’s at my apartment cooking dinner.”

“Oooh, she cooks?” Mama sounded pleased and pinched my cheek. “I like that she can keep my big, handsome son fed.”

“I’m perfectly capable of feeding myself,” I said with a chuckle. “I haven’t starved to death yet.”

My mother’s eyes turned sharp, and she wagged her finger at me. “You make sure you do your share too. I taught you tocook, so you make your lady a special meal sometimes. Women shouldn’t be the only ones in the kitchen.”

I kissed the top of her head. “I know, Mama, and I do cook for her. I made her your Cuban crushed potatoes for breakfast one morning, and she loved them. Most of the time, we cook together.”

Mama beamed. “That is so special, mi hijo. Families should do things together.”

“We’re not a family… yet.” My mother literally vibrated with excitement when I tacked on that last word. “Don’t start talking about marriage and babies the second you see her.”

Like I had room to talk. I’d blurted out some kind of pre-proposal thing at the wedding reception just last week. But I hadn’t been able to help myself. I chalked it up to love being in the air.

My mom waved a hand at me. “Psssh, it’s all good, homie.”

I groaned. “Mama, please don’t use Eli’s slang.”

I needn’t have worried about Mama and Lehra getting along. They hit it off the instant they met, and I was on cloud fucking nine. They chattered during the entire meal, and I wasn’t sure I’d even gotten ten words into the conversation.

Not that I cared about that. I loved seeing two of my favorite women enjoying themselves and each other. My heart was so damned full.

“That was delicious,” my mother said, dabbing at her mouth with her napkin. “Would you share your chicken and dumplings recipe with me, Lehra dear?”

“Of course, Mrs. Estrada.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I had to work today and didn’t have time to make the dough from scratch like I normally do, so I used canned biscuits. It’s much better when everything is homemade.”

Mama patted her hand. “I understand. I’m a working woman too. We do what we can. And stop calling me Mrs. Estrada. I’m Stella.” Her eyes glinted with mischief. “Or you’re welcome to call me Mama.”

Yep, heart is bursting right now.

“I thought it was delicious,” I said, interrupting before my mom could start offering Lehra the pearl wedding necklace she wore when she married my papa. I was happy though because she was treating Lehra like a future mother-in-law should treat the woman her son loves.Unlike Bambi fucking Jones. “The cornbread was outstanding, babe.”

She pointed at me. “Nowthatwas homemade. My granny’s recipe. It doesn’t take much longer to mix those ingredients up than the stuff from a box.”

My mother clapped. “Oooh, I need to give you my recipe for Mexican cornbread. Cruz loves it with chili.”

“I’d love that. I can make it for the Super Bowl,” Lehra said, beaming.

“Gee thanks, Mama,” I said wryly. “You wouldn’t even givemethat recipe. You guard it like a mama dragon protecting her eggs.”

She swished her hand at me. “Oh, that was my way of making sure you came to visit often.” Turning her warm brown gaze to Lehra, she smiled. “Now I know you have someone who can make it for you when Mama isn’t around.”

I stood and kissed each of them on the head. “I’ll do the dishes while my favorite ladies relax.” Mama beamed with pride like I just said I was going to solve world hunger.

“Actually,” Lehra said, rising from her chair, “I was going to make those cookies you like.”

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