We slept a while, showered, and retrieved his luggage. “Momma’s expectin’ us for dinner. Family time.” I watched him slip on a pair of shorts and a Brooklyn Kings T-shirt. “I did warn you.”
“I know, and I don’t mind. You know that.” Those gorgeous green eyes of his darkened with sadness. “It’s nice to be here with you all.” From his bag, he took out a cap, jersey, and a T-shirt, plus a football. “Got them for Theo. Signed by all the players.” Then a small blue box. “And this is for your mom. I hope she likes it.”
Damn, he was sweet, and knowing he hadn’t seen his parents in who knows how long, I hurt for him. Without him telling me, I knew he craved love. How could they treat their child like a stranger?
“You know Momma thinks about you. Always talkin’ about you.” I put my hand to my chest. “How’s Devlin? I don’t know why they call him Devil. He’s just the nicest.”
Dev cackled. “She should only know the filthy, naughty dreams I have about her baby boy.”
“Oh, yeah?” I kissed him, slow and sweet. “Show me later. In living color. For now, it’s time to boogie.”
“I’m ready.” His arms full, Dev followed me to the Jeep, and we were off.
“Momma lives about five miles down the road.” The house I’d built for her had a big vegetable garden and a place for her flowers, plus an indoor spa and a gourmet kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Because she’d asked, I’d given Theo a game room, complete with all the newest video games and high-resolution televisions.
I stopped the car in my usual parking spot, and with Dev on my heels, opened the door. “Momma? We’re here.”
I heard her footsteps, and a moment later she burst into the center hall. “There he is. Come and give me a hug, sweetheart.” She held her arms out to Dev, who handed me the gifts and put his arms around her. The sight of the two people who meant the most to me in the world choked me up. My eyes stung.
“Ms. Faith, you look like a picture.” Dev kissed her cheek. “If you weren’t my best friend’s mother, I’d be knocking on your door for a date.”
Her cheeks pinked. “Oh, you silly boy.”
“Sorry, but she’s still married,” Theo drawled with a smile.
“You know I was just kidding. How’s it going, Theo?” Dev put out his hand, and Theo shook it.
“Great. Tough luck about the Super Bowl. Fucking ref made some bad calls.”
I glared at him. I hated when he cursed in front of Momma.
Dev shrugged. “Is what it is. I brought you some stuff I think you’ll like.” He took the items from me and gave them to Theo, whose eyes popped wide.
“Daaaaamn. Thanks, man. These are awesome.”
“Bet they’ll look nice up on the wall, Theo, honey.”
“They will at that, sugarplum.” He checked out the signatures, his lips moving as he read.
“And for my gorgeous girl…” Dev handed her the box, and we watched as she opened it.
“Oh, my goodness.” Her hand covered her mouth. “Devlin, it’s so beautiful.” She lifted the necklace, the diamonds glittering in the light. “You shouldn’t have.”
“He can afford it,” Theo declared. “Why dontcha give it to me, and I’ll put it away for you?”
Dev held out his hand to Momma. “Ms. Faith, I’d love to see it on you. Want me to do the honors?”
Theo and I watched as Dev put the diamond heart necklace on Momma.
“It’s beautiful, like you.” Dev kissed her cheek.
She touched it and peered in the mirror, admiring it. “Oh, come on now, I bet you say that to all your girls. I’ve got barbecue waiting, and Devlin’s favorite devil’s food cake. I know you boys want to go out on the town tonight, so everything’s ready when you are.”
“Yeah, it’s Ladies’ Night at the Kitty Kat Club.” Theo’s eyes lit up. “Y’all won’t have trouble finding some sweet young things to dance with. This one”—he tipped his head to me—“hardly never goes out. Time to find yourself a woman, young man. Your mama needs some grandkids to spoil.”
“Brody’s still young, Devlin too. They’re only twenty-five,” Momma shushed him.
“Still,” Theo insisted. “Kid does nothin’ but fish, go to the gym, and hang out with his mother. I bet Devlin can take Brody out and show him a good time.”
