I noticed that they both wore a variation of t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers with gold jewelry. That was the one thing our outfits had in common. In South Carolina, we didn’t care for diamonds. We wanted gold and would invest plenty of money in it.
I placed a hand on Azani’s rounded belly. She was entering her second trimester, and it showed. “How are you and the baby doing?”
She fanned herself, reminding me that I’d brought something for her. “Hot, but we’re good. I probably won’t stay too long. The sun is whupping my ass.”
I giggled and then dug into my shoulder bag. “I brought you this.” I passed her the electric fan, and she moaned.
“Oh my God, Nuri! You are literally an angel! Thank you!” She closed the distance between us in a rush, hugging me. I laughed while hugging her back.
“It’s my job as your doula and sister-in-law to make sure you’re always good.”
When Azani stepped away, I felt the weight of Kai’s eyes. When I glanced over at him, he winked and offered me a smirk that made my heart race. I blushed, turning my attention back over to his sisters.
Azani took my hand, leading me over to where everyone else was. When we stopped, Kai’s only sister, whom I hadn’t met yet, stepped forward. She wore glasses and an outfit like her sisters except she had on overalls.
“Hi, I’m Nazje,” she introduced herself with open arms.
Azani released my hand so I could step forward. “Hey, I’m Nuri... uh, Kai’s wife,” I stumbled a little over my words, but the look on his face when I glanced at him made me melt. He seemed so proud of what I’d said.
Nazje stepped back and laughed. “Oh, trust me. I know all about you, girl. I just had to put a face with everything I’ve heard.”
I placed a hand on my hip. “Hold on. What have they been saying about me? Good things, I hope.”
Jah came over and tossed an arm over my shoulder. He was so tall that my heels didn’t even make a dent in our height gap. “Now you know we got nothing but good things to say about you.”
Before I could respond, Kai walked over and pushed his arm off me. I giggled as he slid his hand into mine. He began to pull me away before his younger brother spoke. “Damn, I don’t get to meet your wife, Sekai,” he said dramatically as if he was hurt.
“No,” Kai replied with a frown.
“Kai.” I laughed.
He sighed. “Fine, but no hugs.”
His brother walked over cockily. “Hello, Queen Nuri Symone. I’m Man Man.” He bowed as if greeting a real member of the royal court.
I laughed at his silliness. “Nice to meet you, Man Man.” I extended my free hand because Kai was still holding me hostage at his side.
Man Man shook my hand and his head at the same time. “Damn, this nigga got you locked down. Blink twice if you need help, sis.”
I couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m good. I promise. Your brother takes good care of me.”
The girls all squealed while the guys all hyped up Kai. Kai began leading us away with everyone following behind. Azani was already putting the electric fan to use as she took up my right side. She was asking about when I could give her another massage. I told her to let me know when she was available, and I would make the time for her. She realized we were approaching the food tables and got distracted. I laughed as she waddled off to get herself a plate.
A tall man, who I realized was an older version of Jah and Man Man, waved from over by the grill.
“Come on,” Kai said, pulling me over there.
“Wassup, old man,” he greeted him when we were close. He released my hand so they could hug. I could feel the love in their embrace as I stood there nervously.
He left his hand on Kai’s shoulder, squeezing it lovingly before they turned their attention to me. Kai waved me closer, then retook my hand. “Pops, this is my wife, Nuri Symone.”
Kai’s father released him to extend a hand to me. Even though his eyes studied me, his smile was genuine. “Nice to officially meet you, Nuri Symone. I’m Kai’s father, Ingram Walker.”
I smiled widely, taking his hand. “Nice to meet you too. You don’t sound surprised to hear I’m his wife. Did he tell you?” I was intrigued because Kai wasn’t much of a talker, yet everyone close to him knew who I was and our connection to each other. Even better, they all seemed to accept me with open arms.
He nodded. “Of course, there’s not much this boy does without running it by me first. I couldn’t change his mind, but Itrust him and know the man I raised him to be. I hope you don’t doubt for a moment that you’re in good hands.”
I eyed Kai, who stood there coolly. Where he would usually be expressionless, today, he sported a smile that made me want to drop my panties right in the middle of Prosper Ave. He turned to look at me, and my heart raced. He winked, causing me to giggle. When he kissed me on the cheek, I melted completely, forgetting all about his father until he chuckled.
