Page 79 of Made to Love Ya

“Everyone, this is Kendrick. Kendrick, these are my sons, Rashad and Izael. This is my daughter-in-law, Celina, and I’m hoping my future daughter-in-law, Talia,” Mama introduced as she went around the table.

“And Kendrick is…” Celina stated, shaking her head from side to side with her neck stuck out.

Mama set the platters of food she had been holding down, and Kendrick followed suit. She held her hand up and showed a big diamond ring that hadn’t been there before. My guess was she put it on when she stepped back into the house to greet this nigga.

“My fiancé,” Mama announced.

“Congratulations!” Talia stated.

“Aww, Mama Manda! Congrats!” Celina gushed.

“The fuck?”

“Rashad, watch your mouth!” Mama chastised him with a firm look when he finally reacted.

Kendrick looked on but wisely kept his trap shut.

“It’s nice to meet you, Kendrick,” Talia stated and stood to shake his hand.

Interestingly enough, Celina followed suit, and both ladies gave him a warm and welcoming smile as Mama stared at Rashad.

“Aye, big homie. It’s nice to meet you, but we need to talk. I didn’t even know my mama was dating, and now, she’s introducing her fiancé. I can’t lie. It’s a shock, so my brother’s reaction ain’t too far off from how I feel,” I stated when I stood to greet him.

“I respect and understand that. I’ve told Amanda for a while that I wanted to meet you all. That was long before I proposed, but she insisted on doing things her way. I respect your mother, and while I didn’t think that this was the best route, I won’t go against her wishes. I only want to make her happy.”

“Kendrick and I met at work. He’s a cardiothoracic surgeon. This is who I’ve been traveling with for the last year whenever I’m on vacation,” Mama announced.

My mother had become a traveling nurse when I graduated high school and had only recently, within the last two years, stopped traveling and was stationed at one hospital.

“Why don’t we all enjoy this meal and get to know each other over dinner? Food is always a good source of joy,” Talia stated to break the tension.

We agreed and sat down. It took a while before Rashad finally broke down his barriers. But I sensed, like me, he could tell that Kendrick was a good person, and he genuinely made my mama happy. That was the only thing that mattered to me.

Before we left, she walked us to the car. I hugged and kissed her.

“I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have sprung it on you all this way.”

“It’s good, Mama. I want you to be happy. Daddy told us what he’d taken you through all those years ago. You deserve to find someone too,” I conceded.

“Thank you, Zae. I love you.”

“Not as much as I love you, Mama. Shad will come around.”

“I’m not worried about Rashad. That boy’s always in his feelings when it comes to me. I know he’ll come around. But, Zae?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Take care of that girl’s heart,” she stated and jutted her chin at Talia, who sat in the car.

“Always, Mama. Always,” I repeated and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you for being the peace in the storm, baby,” I commented to Talia when I got into the car and pulled off.

“Always,” she replied, kissing my cheek.

I chuckled, thinking those were the same words I’d just repeated to my mama.

“So, when are you going to give up that apartment?” I asked.

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