Page 106 of Full Court Press

“Hello, Daughter. Khalil,” she said with a curt nod.

“Mrs. Williams. It’s good to finally meet you in person. How are you, beautiful?”

“I’m fine. And you can call me Tina.”

“Noted.” Khalil pulled out the other gift box from the gift bag and handed it to her. “For you.”

“The buttering up begins. How cute.”

“Mama,” I reprimanded. “Be nice, please.”

She cut her eyes at me then accepted the gift from him. She lifted the lid, and I leaned in to see what it was. A gold, medium-sized bell sat inside with the inscription that read: To The Strongest Soldier. Only The Strong Survive, with two pink boxing gloves under a pink breast cancer ribbon. Beside it was a diamond tennis bracelet with pink ribbon charms.

“Awww, babe. This was so nice of you! You always give the best and most thoughtful gifts.” I teared up a little. He’d remembered me telling him about her battle with breast cancer. I tilted my head back and puckered my lips for a kiss.

“Thank you, baby.”

“That’s real nice, son. Real nice,” Parnell complimented. Mama didn’t say anything as her eyes stayed glued to the box. When she finally snapped out of her daze, she quickly wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I’m still mad at you, but I guess I can begin the process of forgiving you. This is very thoughtful of you, and I appreciate it.”

Khalil smiled. “I’m glad it’s a start. I do want to apologize again for how I handled everything. Just know, when I made the split-second decision to marry your daughter, I had a one-track mind. I just wanted to be her forever.” Khalil handed me the empty bag, pulled up his joggers, and got on one knee in front of her.

Parnell and I looked on confused, and Mama smiled in confusion as well.

“Mrs. Wi—I mean Mama Tina, the Big Homie knew what He was doing when He placed that seed in your womb. You nurtured, protected, and gave love to this beautiful, creative, funny, spicy being, and I fell in love with her at first sight. I meant no disrespect, and I promise to make it right. If it’s cool with you, I’d like to stay married to this beautiful woman you created and ask for your blessing to remain your son-in-law.”

Tears gathered in my eyes, and I didn’t think it was possible to fall even more in love with this man.

Mama took in a deep breath and released it with a smile. “I don’t know who your parents are, but I can tell they raised you well. Since it’s your first offense, and you promised to make up for it, with this gift being the start, I will forgive you.”

Khalil smiled, lifted, and wrapped his arms around her tightly. My mom giggled and patted his back.

“Thanks, Ma. I can’t wait to spoil you,” he told her.

“No need. I’m spoiled enough,” she replied, winking at Parnell.

“That’s right,” Parnell agreed.

“Aye, what’s one more person to do it? Gotta spoil the ladies in my life.”

“Fine. Do what you will. I made us lunch, so come on in the dining room. Piper, come help me in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” I smiled and looked up at Khalil, who pretended to wipe imaginary sweat from his forehead.

“I dodged the knife. I live to see another day.”

I cackled and followed my mother into the kitchen.

The Next Day

I sat at my desk, eating my salad and looking over the quarterly reports, when my personal phone rang. I looked over to see Kiyanne’s name and contact photo on the screen.

I hurried and answered.

“Hey, pretty girl. What’s up?”

“Hey, M2! Are you busy?”