Page 103 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“Mom...”
“I know you love her. It’s written all over your face. And more importantly, she loves you back. I can see it in the way she looks at you, and the way she fits into our chaos without missing a beat.” She handed me a plate to put in the dishwasher. “Don’t overthink this one, Christian. Some people are worth the risk.”
“She’s vulnerable. It took time to even get to this point.”
“And that’s okay. You continue being your authentic self, caring and full of love, and she’ll know in her heart that she’s safe.” She glanced at her husband, Brent. “Trust me, women know when they’re safe.”
I nodded and smiled. “I love you, Mom.”
She put her arms around me, and I relaxed in her embrace.
“I love you, too, Son.”
An hour later, we were ready to leave. Sade cried when Naomi said goodbye.
“She’s such a sweetheart. Xander’s doing a great job with her.”
“Single parenting isn’t easy.”
“No, but he’s got your whole family for support. That makes a difference.”
“You’re her new best friend.”
“That’s such an honor.”
I kissed her forehead and opened the passenger side door, waiting until she was inside before shutting it.
The ride was quiet and calm as the radio played softly in the background. I watched Naomi from the corner of my eye, noting the way she’d relaxed completely and how her smile came easier now.
“What are you thinking about?” I asked as we pulled into my parking garage.
“Your family. How easy it was to be part of it.”
“You were part of it. Sade practically adopted you.”
“Your mother gave me her number. She said I should call her if I ever want to learn her cornbread recipe.”
“That’s serious business. My mother doesn’t share that recipe with just anyone.”
“She also told me some interesting stories about you as a child.”
I groaned. “What kind of stories?”
“You tried to give the family cat a bath and ended up flooding the bathroom,” she laughed.
“I was seven. And Zoe was dirty.”
Naomi laughed harder, and I shook my head.
“She said you cried for an hour because you thought you’d hurt him.”
“I thought I’d drowned him. I was very dramatic about the whole thing.”
“Your mom said that’s when she knew you’d grow up to be someone who takes care of people.”
We sat in the car for a moment, neither of us moving to get out.
“I know you’ve been with me for the last couple of days, and while I don’t want to smother you, I do want you to stick around a little while longer. Go to work from my place instead of yours.”
