Brody
“Momma, can we talk?”
I mopped my forehead with a bunch of napkins. The sun had set, but Ezra was a maniac on the dance floor, and after two songs, I’d begged off. I spotted Dev in an intense conversation with Roe, and I hoped he would open up about his non-relationship with his parents. It hurt my heart that all these years had passed without so much as ahello, how’re you doingphone call from them. How Dev had turned out to be such a loving, caring man was one of life’s mysteries.
“Sure, honey. Everything okay?” She set her lemonade on the bar. “You’re lookin’ kinda flushed.”
Chuckling, I took her elbow to steer her to one of the small tables near the pool. “I’m good, although I’m out of practice with my dance moves. Ezra is unstoppable.”
Momma’s wise blue eyes met mine. “I don’t think you want to talk about Ezra’s dancin’. What’s on your mind?”
I fidgeted, trying to figure out the right way to say it. “I’m sorry about Theo.”
Her brow puckered. “I know. You came to the funeral and made a nice speech. I appreciated it.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry for the way I acted toward him from the beginnin’. When you married him, I missed Daddy so much, I resented him comin’ in and tryin’ to be my father. I never gave him a chance, and lookin’ back now, I guess I can’t blame him for givin’ up tryin’.” I rubbed my eyes. “I didn’t make it easy for him, and I never got the chance to tell him he was a good man.”
Tears streaked down Momma’s face. “It was hard. I shoulda put the two of you together and let you talk it out, but Theo kept sayin’ to give it time. He didn’t wanna push you and force you to like him. Those months turned into years, and you were away so much with football. You know that Theo never hated you, and I know you didn’t hate him. But after so many years, he kinda just gave up, like you said.” She picked up a napkin and blotted her cheeks. “I do wish you’d had the chance to talk it out face-to-face.”
I hung my head, never having felt as low as I did at that moment. “I’m sorry.”
“But it’s all right now. Hearing you say the words brings peace to my heart. Because your bein’ able to admit it out loud means that he knows.” She took my hand and squeezed it hard. “’Cause I believe he’s with me and can hear you. So I don’t want you to beat yourself up about it. It’s your weddin’ day. You should only know joy.”
I sniffled. “Thanks, Momma. And I am happy.”
“I can see that. Never forget this feelin’. I hope it follows you the rest of your life.”
My gaze found Dev, who, having finished talking to Roe, now made his way to the dessert table. “I believe it will. I can’t imagine my life without Dev in it.”
“I know. If there ever were two people meant to be together, it’s you and Dev.”
Vette and Dora Lee joined Dev, and Vette peered around and asked him a question. Dev glanced in my direction, a beautiful smile breaking out over his face.
“I think your husband wants you,” Momma said, releasing my hand. “It’s gettin’ late anyway, and I need to pack. My flight is in the afternoon, but I don’t want to wait and have to rush through brunch.”
I rose to my feet and gave her a hug and a kiss. Together we crossed the lawn to the patio. Vette and Dora Lee were saying good-bye to Dev.
“Are you leavin’? You can’t stay for brunch tomorrow?”
Vette made a face. “Nah, we got an early flight to get home to the baby and Nicky. Next week we’re all goin’ to Hawaii for a charity golf tournament. Dora Lee and the kids are comin’ along.”
Her face brightened. “It’s my first time in Hawaii. I can’t wait.”
“You have fun.” I kissed her cheek and hugged Vette. “We’ll catch up with you soon.”
“Come by and visit the new place. We’ve finally finished the construction. Dora Lee’s been talkin’ ’bout having a big housewarming.” They’d bought a sprawling home outside Memphis, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled for her. Sometimes good things did happen to good people.
“We will.”
“Safe flight.”
Dev and I watched as they made the rounds to say good-bye, and we looked at each other.
“Momma went inside to finish packin’ for tomorrow. We’ll see her at brunch.”
Dev massaged my back. “Mmm. Looks like things are winding down.” He stretched his arms over his head and yawned noisily. “I’m a little tired myself.”
“Mmhmm. You’re not foolin’ nobody, baby, with that act.”
