Page 25 of Inspiring Dominic

“More like this nigga ain’t got no home training,” Coop teased.

“Fuck you, Coop,” Mav spat.

I couldn’t help but laugh, although Mav didn’t need any encouragement. As rude as his ass was, you couldn’t be bored whenever my little brother got to talking shit.

Coop walked over and clasped my shoulder. “Well, I gotta say, taking time for you is a good look, Dom.”

“I appreciate it, Coop.” I didn’t miss the gleam of pride in his eyes, and as his big brother, it was always a good feeling when your younger siblings looked up to you when you didn’t feel like you did anything to deserve it.

“We’re proud of you big bro,” Hunter stated. “Haven’t seen you this happy in a while.”

“I really am happy.” I couldn’t help but smile becausedamn, I truly was in a good place.

“About what Ava said,” Maverick began, “is there some truth to it? Do you think Samara may be the one?”

“Yes, I do,” I told him without hesitation. “Mav, she’s the one I told you about when we were at that wine convention.”

His eyes widened. “Oh shit, how did you find her?”

“More like she found me,” I told him. “In more ways than one, I feel like I waited my entire life to find a woman who understands me like Samara. A woman who accepts me for me, and even though I know to some, we seem as different as water and oil, we complement each other.”

I leaned against the wall, reflecting on the journey I took to get to where I was today. “I’ve always been a happy person, but most of my life, I was chasing this perfect kind of feeling that I wasn’t sure existed. It almost felt like I put my life on hold for it, and in a way, I guess I did because I hadn’t been ready for Samara yet. Granddad knew what I needed even if I didn’t see it at the time. I know it’s early into our relationship, but the day I met Samara changed my life and I’ve only touched on the surface of just how impactful her presence is.”

“Damn,” Mav cursed. “That’s some deep stuff.”

“Big bruh is out here falling in love and shit,” Coop teased.

“We’re happy for you,” Hunter added. “But if you leave her in the kitchen too long, Mama and Ava will have her wedding dress picked out in no time. Ask me how I know?”

I laughed. “We just started dating and I haven’t proposed yet. Dad is in there with them, and Mama and Ava know their boundaries.”

Hunter and Coop shared a look while Mav shook his head. “We ain’t laughing, bruh.”

I glanced to the kitchen, listening to the laughter coming from the other side of the manor. Even though I wasn’t messing up a good thing and had every intention on growing old with Samara, my mama and Ava had been known to scare off a few girlfriends before.

I ignored the shit-talking coming from my brothers as I went into the kitchen to save Samara. However, when I got there, she didn’t look like she was overwhelmed by my parents and sister at all. In fact, she looked right at home as she said something that made my parents laugh and my sister give her hug.

“There you are,” my mom mentioned, calling me out. “Samara was just telling us about all the faces you made when you were trying those delicacies in Cuba.”

“I’m just surprised she got you to try any new foods at all since you swear by your steak and potatoes.”

“She’s pretty convincing when she wants to be.” Leaning against the doorjamb, I couldn’t help but smile when Samara lifted her shoulders, feigning innocence.

“Dominic, do you have a moment to talk?”

“Sure, Dad.”

He motioned for me to follow him to his study, both of us taking our usual seats. My dad and I had a close relationship, and growing up, I would often watch him and Granddad interact and pray for the same for me and my son.

“I’m proud of you,” Dad said, his eyes full of emotion I didn’t expect. “I’m not sure I ever told you how much your mother and I appreciate you being there for your siblings.”

“Dad, you don’t have to thank me.”

“We do,” he countered. “Your brothers and sister look up to you, and in some ways, they turn to you before us. However, there is a change in you lately that brings us joy.” He handed me a manila envelope. “Only keep moving forward, Dom, never backwards.”

“What’s this?” I asked when he stood and walked out of his office.

“It’s from your grandfather. He gave me strict instructions to give it to you when I felt it was time. And before you ask, it was all his idea.”

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