Page 21 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“I brought something, I know you like to eat,” Dele mocks.

“That’s my girl.” He kisses her cheek and turns to me. “Keys.” I’m hesitant, but his impatient self snatches the key fob from my hands and races to the car.

“Welcome to our home, my dear,” Piah says to Dele.

“Thank you for having me, and you have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you, dear. Come on, dinner is almost ready,” my mom says, pulling Dele with her to the kitchen. “Osei tells me you like to cook.”

“I do, whenever I have time.”

“He brought me the bean pudding you made, and I’ve asked him for the recipe.”

“It’s called Moin-Moin, and I can share the recipe with you. I brought some. Osei mentioned that you like it, but forgot to ask for the recipe.”

“Oh, my! That’s so nice of you, dear.” She smiles at Dele and turns to me. “Luke, can you get your brother?”

“Mom, he went out to get the food. He’ll be back inside soon,” I answer dismissively.

“No, go and get him. He might hide some of that bean pudding in his car.”

“Fine,” I grumble, noticing Piah chuckling. I move fast to get my brother and, to my shock, Mom was right. Osei is putting some of the bean pudding in his car.

“Are you kidding me right now?” I shout at him.

“What? You won’t eat it, and I know she made it for me.”

“No, she made it for Mom, and Mom sent me to come and make sure you didn’t hide some in your car, which is exactly what you’re doing.”

“Damn it! Dele with her big mouth.” He sneers.

“Let’s go, Osei, and bring it all. I know Dele brought ten.”

“She’s such a sell-out,” he says as he slams the car door. I watch him come inside with all the food.

As soon as he gets to the kitchen, he turns to Dele.

“Sell-out,” he says.

“I saved you some, this is for your mom.” Of course she did. I mentally roll my eyes.

“Now you’re talking.” He immediately wraps her in his arms. I inhale and exhale in silence. This is going to be a long freaking evening. I need to know what the fuss is about this food. I reach out to grab one, and my mom smacks my hand.

“This is mine,” she says.

“I can’t have one?” I ask, surprised.

“You three can share one while Dele and I set the table.” She grabs the plate and turns to us. “One.”

“I like to sleep in my bed, dear. I’ll make sure the boys share just one,” Piah jokes and turns a stern face to Osei and me. “One. I like sleeping in my bed.” Osei laughs and takes one.

He unwraps it and digs in, taking a big chunk. I cut a small piece and taste it. The flavor and softness explode in my mouth. I quickly stop Osei’s hand from taking another big chunk.

“Now you know what the fuss is all about.” He smirks. “Dele doesn’t make it all the time, so when she does, it’s a big deal. I’ve tasted this, but none is like when she makes it.” Piah takes a small piece as well, and I see the softness and flavor burst in his mouth. He takes the whole plate and walks away, shocking Osei and me. Mom walks in with Dele in tow.

I turn to Mom, “Can I …”

“No,” she interrupts, like she already knew what I was going to ask. Osei starts to laugh, and I turn to him.

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