Page 124 of The Love Syllabus

The tasting continues, one dish after the next, each plate bringing new whispers of appreciation. The callaloo and smoked turkey soup even steals the show with its slow-simmered greens cooked until they’ve absorbed every ounce of the smoked turkey’s essence.

My dad nearly picks up the bowl and drinks it up. “Alright, time for my nap.” He says, rubbing his stomach.

Then there’s the Trinidadian with a Southern twist macaroni pie, decadent and gooey, baked just long enough to form a golden, slightly crisp crust on top. The playful addition of crawfish adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the creamy, spiced cheese sauce, making every forkful a battle between comfort and indulgence.

The final dish to hit the table is the spiced pineapple cobbler, its buttery, cinnamon-laced crust flaking apart at the slightest touch. The caramelized pineapple underneath is sticky and sweet, the kind of sweetness that isn’t cloying but deep, rich, layered. A scoop of ginger-rum ice cream sits on top, melting at the edges, soaking into the dessert like it was always meant to be there.

The City Manager, Jeff, takes a huge bite. “Umm, umm, umm. Kendra, make sure we book far in advance. I want business meetings, the next office party, and every other gathering to be here. This was magnificent.”

After the plates are cleared from the table, the restaurant erupts in applause, and I watch the last of Vic’s nerves melt away. The dinner guests settle into the soft ambiance of smooth jazz and easy conversation.

Vic and I move through the crowd together, mixing and mingling, but I never stray too far. Even when I step away to give him his moment, he refuses to let me drift too far, for too long. Whenever there’s the slightest distance between us, he finds me, leans in close, and whispers in my ear.

“I’ve told you this before, but I want you to hear it again. You’re a part of my success. You’re my calm, my anchor, my blessing. Everything I’ve done this year means nothing without you.”

My heart stumbles, and my grip tightens on his hand. God, I love this man.

While Vic hypes me up to his colleagues, Vicky makes her way over, her eyes full of something I can’t quite place. Before I can speak, she pulls me into a hug and holds me as close as she can.

“Thank you,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “For everything you’ve done for my son and my granddaughters. For bringing this family back to life. I always knew you would be the one to do it.”

“Y’all sure do give me a lot of credit,” I say, letting out a soft laugh. “But you were the one who gave me a chance. I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for you. You’re the real backbone of this family, Vicky.”

This time, I pull her in close and absorb all she continues to offer. This woman is a blessing. The strength in her stance, the kindness in her eyes, the way she carries so much love despite all the pain she’s endured, I’m in awe of her resilience, her grace.

She cups my cheek, her touch warm. “I love you, sweetheart.”

My throat tightens. “I love you too.”

The moment lingers between us, heavy with meaning, but we’re interrupted when Vic clears his throat and pulls the room’s attention to him.

“I have a special announcement to make.” He says.

Conversations drop to a murmur as people turn toward him. He lets the silence stretch for a moment before speaking.

“Six years ago, I started a journey I never expected to be on, a journey through grief, through rebuilding, through figuring out who the hell I was supposed to be after losing the life I once knew.” His voice slightly dips, the weight of those years still present but no longer defining him. “But this last year… this last year has felt different. Like I’m closer to where I’m meant to be than ever before. “He exhales, shaking his head with a smirk. “With that being said… I’m taking a vacation.”

Playful eye rolls and laughter erupt, but Vic just lifts a hand. “I’m serious. Two months. Me, my incredible woman, and my daughters, which means lots of pink for me…but the company will still need a CEO to hold down the fort.”

A ripple of whispers spread through the room as Vic smirks and turns his attention straight to Hudson, who’s standing next to Serena with his arm draped around her waist.

I glance at Serena, who winks at me. Of course, I couldn’t keep the secret from her. Hudson looks at the three of us. “Wait, what?” Then his eyes narrow. “What’re you doin’, man?” Vic shakes his head, walking forward to embrace his Hudson.

“I’m doing what Dad would have wanted. What he built wasn’t just for me—it was for us. And now, it’s time to put it back in the hands of the man who really deserves it.” He lets the words settle before adding, “You were Dad’s protégé. You’re the business-savvy genius like him, while I inherited the Grimes cooking gene, so I’d prefer to stay in the kitchen and take lots of breaks with my family over the next few years. Is that okay with you, Mr. CEO?”

Hudson stutters. His eyes shine with something raw, something that has nothing to do with business and everything to do with their father.

Vicky steps forward and pulls both her sons into her arms. Watching them, my chest swells because this was never their plan in life, but it’s exactly how things are supposed to be. This past year has been a wild ride, but somehow, we’ve landed exactly where we’re meant to be.

And then, Vic clears his throat again.

“Okay… I have one more announcement.”

I straighten.Thiswasn’t part of the plan.

Ari and Syd move to stand beside him, and suddenly, the entire room shifts. There’s a murmur of excitement as my family and friends subtly inch closer to me, like we’re all about to take a group photo.

I narrow my eyes at Vic. “What are you up to?”

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