“I feel the same way,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’ve been scared of getting hurt again. Scared of falling into a pattern.”
Richard nodded, his hand reaching for mine and holding it gently. “I get it. And I’m not asking you to rush into anything. I just… I want you to know that I’m here. For whatever you need.”
We stood there for a moment. It wasn’t a grand declaration, but it didn’t need to be. It was simple, honest, and exactly what I needed.
“Thank you,” I whispered, squeezing his hand.
He smiled. “Come on. Let’s get this part and head back. We’ve got a water heater to fix.”
By the time we returned, the smell of Gabriella’s cooking had filled the house. The aroma of spices and fresh-chopped garnishes wrapped around me like a warm hug, reminding me that this was my new home.
Wardell had everything back under control, and the repairs were moving along smoothly again. “You got it?” he asked as Richard and I walked in.
“Got it,” Richard said, holding up the fitting.
As they worked on the final repairs, I wandered into the kitchen, where Gabriella was busy stirring a pot on the stove. “Smells like Mary and Martha and Jesus and all the disciples are cooking in here,” I said, leaning against the counter.
She grinned at me. “You’re going to love it. I’m making a little somethin’ new I’ve been working on.”
“You spoil us,” I teased, but the truth was, I didn’t mind one bit.
Just then, I heard the front door swing open, and Althea greeted someone whose voice I didn’t catch right away.
I left Gabriella for the living room, where Miss Mary had poked her head inside. “Oh, hey, Li’l Joy,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Thought I’d see if you needed a taste-tester.”
We all laughed, and Lupita waved her in. “Come on in, Mary.”
“Mighty fine. I need to get you to sign for receipt of this letter, Li’l Joy,” Mary told me as I approached her, seeing as it was my home.
I wasn’t expecting any packages, so this came as a surprise. My eyes scanned the envelope—plain, except for the certified mail sticker in the top corner. My heart skipped a beat as I took it from her and signed the receipt. Miss Mary lingered by the door, watching me with her usual curiosity.
“What is it?” Gabriella asked, peering over my shoulder.
I shrugged, sliding a finger under the flap to open it. The paper inside was thick and official looking, not like the junk mail I’d been getting since I moved in.
“Looks fancy,” Wardell said from across the room. He was fiddling with a wrench, but his attention was clearly on me now. In fact, it seemed like Miss Mary and everyone in the house was now vested in my certified parcel.
I unfolded the letter, my eyes catching on the bold header:Notice of Property Title Transfer—Finalized. There was no one to contest the transfer, so this was only a technicality. But still… It was done.
For a moment, I just stared at it. The words blurred, and I had to blink a few times to focus. This was it. The official transfer of my grandmother’s house. My house. A symbol of the independence I had fought so hard for, the freedom I’d always craved. And now, Iwas standing in it, fully owning the space and everything it represented. But instead of retreating into this house all by myself, I’d opened it up to people who cared about me.
I looked around at everyone: Eileen, Liz, Sonia, Christine, Wardell, Lupita, Althea, Richard, and Gabriella—and now Miss Mary. This was home now.
Gabriella touched my arm gently. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yeah. It’s just… This is the final paperwork. The house is officially mine now.”
“Oh, Auntie Joyce, that’s amazing!” Gabriella grinned, wrapping me in a hug. The others caught on quickly, and soon I was surrounded by congratulations and pats on the back.
“About time you got this place in your name,” Miss Mary said, wagging her finger at me. “Should’ve done that years ago, but I understand. Some things take time.”
“I didn’t realize how much I was holding on to,” I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.
“Well, it’s yours now, honey,” Miss Mary said, her voice gentle. “And you’ve done a beautiful job bringing it back to life. I’m proud of you.” Then she sniffed the air. “What is that smellin’ so good?”
“My surprise,” Gabriella sassed. “You want me to save you some?”
“Absolutely,” Miss Mary chirped. “Soon as I make it around these last few blocks, I’ll be right back here!”
