Zaire let the idea settle. It wouldn’t erase the pain on Meadow’s face. It wouldn’t undo the argument, but it wassomething he could fight with…something that aligned with what he believed in.
Lesha huffed. “Meanwhile, I’m gon’ get that little man Ertan’s schedule. I know somebody who knows somebody.”
“Lesha.” Zaire pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I’m not gon’ do nothin’ crazy,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But if somebody else does,” she lifted her arms without a care in the world. “That ain’t got shit to do with me.”
Ray barked out a laugh. “I like her crazy ass.”
Lesha threw up her set. “Crescent all day, baby.” She even did a little C-walk to solidify where she was from.
Zaire laughed, pulling, her into him, he hugged her tight. “I love you Mama.”
“I know, baby,” Lesha tried not to get emotional.
It had been a long road for them. From ducking bullets, to working twenty hours a day to afford the dues for golf. Still, she wouldn’t change a thing.
True finally ended his call. “They’re ready whenever you are, Z. Just give the word.”
Zaire looked around the room at the faces rooting for him, standing with him, pushing him forward instead of pulling him apart.
His chest tightened with gratitude he wasn’t sure how to voice yet.
Before he could speak, footsteps shuffled behind them and everyone turned.
Magnolia stood in the doorway between her room and the small hallway wearing Ray’s old gray robe tied loosely around her waist. Her hair was brushed back, her eyes clear…clearer than they had been in weeks. The light hit her face in a soft glow, and she smiled like she’d been watching all of them for a while.
Ray straightened instantly. “Baby, you okay?”
Magnolia nodded, then placed her hand on the doorframe for support. “I smelled breakfast,” she murmured, “and heard voices.”
Lesha hurried to help her, but Magnolia waved her off gently and looked directly at Zaire. Her gaze softened, it was warm in that way only a Southern Black woman’s blessing could feel.
“You…” Magnolia whispered, her voice drifting. “You the young man who keep protectin’ my girl.”
The room froze. Everyone’s eyes went to him. True knew Magnolia’s condition but everyone else didn’t. Still, she was their elder so they’d always hold space for her.
Zaire blinked, stunned she remembered anything at all.
Magnolia’s smile deepened as she approached him. “Thank you,” she continued, reaching for his hand. “You remind me of my Ray when he was young.”
Emotions hit him so fast he had to swallow hard before he could speak. “Yes ma’am,” he whispered. “Thank you.”
She squeezed his fingers with what little strength her body still had. “Don’t stop loving my Meadow Rain. Fear done stole enough from this family.”
Lesha’s eyes shimmered.
Ray lowered his eyes like he was fighting back his own tears. Magnolia would always be the love of his life and he was with her for better and worse.
Zaire bowed his head, overwhelmed by the weight of that blessing.
Magnolia’s hand lingered in his for a moment, then she suddenly let go, turning toward the living room like she heard music only she could hear.
Zaire exhaled shakily.
True broke the silence. “Well…damn.”
Lesha sniffed. “That woman just baptized you into this family.”
