Page 74 of Senior

Stephanie sighed. “Mama, please.”

“Don’t ‘Mama, please’ me. I know y’all better than you know yourselves and let me tell you something.” She pointed at the two of us. “This better be the last damn time. Get this shit together and keep it together. You’re too old for this shit. I expect a wedding before I go to glory.”

“Mama, you are just as dramatic as your grandson,” I said, kissing her cheek.

“You heard what I said. Go on and get outta my kitchen. Let everybody see you now so they can shut up about it before they sit at my table to eat. Stephanie, you go with him because I don’t want these nosy ass niggas in and out of my kitchen.”

Stephanie giggled as she kissed her cheek. “Yes ma’am.”

Mama paused and cupped her face. “I love you and I’m happy for you.”

“I love you too, Mama. Thank you.”

I pulled her along behind me to the back door. My sisters and Jeanie were coming through as we were heading out. All of them smirked and shook their heads.

“See what lustful looks turn into?” Jeanie said to Stephanie, causing her to giggle.

“Whatever!”

We made our way outside. My family thought they were funny. The minute we stepped out, the music stopped and all eyes fell on us. I shook my head.

“Yall don’t have shit else better to do?” I asked.

“How does it feel to be hydrated after being thirsty for so long?” Blake asked.

“The same way your wife is gonna feel when the ink dries on those divorce papers, nigga. Fuck outta my business.”

Everybody laughed, knowing Jeanie was a sore subject for him. Maybe we both lusted after the woman we loved, but only one of us stood a real chance at redemption. I ignored his scowls as my grandbabies came running over to greet me.

“Papa, Darlyn said you and Titi Steph are getting married,” Korri immediately said.

Darlyn grinned and Liam pointed.

“Look! Them holding hands!”

“I knew I saw y’all kissing,” Nayelli said. “I just didn’t say anything.”

Steph palmed her face. “Oh, God.”

Nayelli giggled. “As much as I see mama and daddy kissing, I know to mind my business or see something I don’t want to see.”

“Maybe you can teach your uncle that,” I muttered.

“TiTi, are you gonna be my grandma now?” Juri asked.

“I’m still your TiTi, JuJu.”

Juri palmed her head. “She don’t wanna marry you, Papa. We’re never gonna get you a grandma.”

I had to stifle my laugh because I could tell she was serious.

“Little girl, go somewhere,” Steph said, waving her off. “Romi, come get your child!”

Romi shook her head as she strolled over. “Juri, do you wanna get in trouble? Daddy ain’t here to save you. Go play and stay outta grown folks’ business. All of y’all go on.”

The kids groaned as they dispersed. Romi smirked as she hugged us both.

“Don’t you two look cozy?” she said, smiling. “You’re glowing, Senior.”