Page 104 of Risks

“I honestly am,” she stresses,sniffling. “Varen is a terrific young man. I misjudged him. I know he loves youand will always take care of you. You deserve that and more.”

Her words move my heart, and I can’tstop the tears from falling. “Mom…”

“I love you, Toya. I know you mightnever forgive me for the time I stole from you and Jesiah. But I hope one dayyou will.”

“You know…” I catch my breath. “Itfeels hard right now, Mom. But maybe I’ll be able to move on in time.”

An air of relief fills the line.“Thank you.”

We’re quiet until I tell her, “Ihave to go.”

She sniffs. “Oh, okay. See you soon.Call me whenever. I’ll always be here.”

“Okay,” I murmur. “Make sure yourest. I’ll talk to you another time.” I end the call and take a minute or twoto compose myself before calling Kenya.

By the time I get off the phone, mymood is back to a cheerful state, thanks to my best friend making me laugh withher excited squeals over the news of my engagement.

I walk into the living areaafterward. Only Daniel and Varen are in here. From the looks on their faces, itseems they were having a serious conversation before my entrance.

“Alison?” I ask.

“She went to lie down.” Daniel risesfrom the sofa. “I’m heading back to Baltimore. My flight leaves in three hours.”

“Okay. Mom’s probably lonely therewithout you.”

He closes the distance to wrap me inhis warm embrace. “Congrats again on your engagement and the internship.”Easing back, he tells me, “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Daniel. You’ve been sogreat to me from the beginning. You’re a wonderful father.”

His eyes glisten with appreciation. “Thankyou, Toya. I do my best.” He glances at Varen, who is standing now. “See you ina bit, son.”

“See you, Dad.”

Daniel gives me a loving pat on myarm before stepping past me and going upstairs.

Varen edges closer.

I frown while taking his hand. “Areyou heading back, too?”

“Not yet. I’ll spend the weekendwith you.” He playfully squints. “Or I could stay longer. I don’t start my newjob until the following week.”

“Varen...” I lean into him. “Baby, youknow I’ll be tempted to stay in with you and fuck up my internship.”

He smirks. “I know. I’m joking. Ihave to prepare for my new job.”

I consider something. “Are you sureyou’re okay with waiting to marry after my graduation? It’s a long engagement.”

“Toya, I swear it’s all right. Enjoyyour college life. I don’t want you to make any changes because of me. Back inmy grandma’s garden… It felt like the perfect moment to ask.”

“Such a sweet guy,” I gush. “How didI get so lucky?”

He smirks. “I’m the lucky one, baby.”

We share a sweet kiss, then I recallthe seriousness in the air when I came in minutes ago.

“Did something happen with yourdad?”

“He just wanted to remind me that marriageis a big step.” He presses a kiss on my forehead and holds me. “We have quite afamily. I mean, we’ll share a sibling in nine months. Crazy, huh.”

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