Page 23 of My Heart Belongs to You

While she continued raving about the hall, I walked to the front to get some fresh air. After brunch we visited three potential locations for Summer and Ryder’s baby shower. My mom did all of the talking because she knew what the parents-to-be wanted. I only listened when figures were mentioned.

As soon as I pushed the doors open, I heard, “Nadir Kadeem.”

My steps halted and a deep sigh fell from my lips. “I’m getting some air, Ma.”

“Can we have a minute?” she asked Jordan, who acceded to my mom's request after checking her watch. “I tried to give you space and time, but this,”—she paused and gestured toward me—“Has got to stop. You look pitiful.”

I whistled. “Tell me how you really feel.”

“Sunny told me how you’ve been moping around here like a puppy who doesn't know his way home.”

I chuckled. “Did she now?”

“Nadir, I’m not playing around with you. Talk to me.”

“I’m fine.”

“Sunny wouldn’t lie to me.”

“And I would?” She leveled a look at me that made me adjust my tone. “I’m better today, but I won’t lie and say this isn’t hard. I want to be there for her, but I have my own shit too.”

My mom placed her hand on my shoulder. “I know, baby. You’ve suffered tough losses over the years and I wish I could take this pain away for you. I know how much you loved that baby. I loved her too.”

I knew her words came from a genuine place but hearing that she was struggling with losing Avery too hit me like a ton of bricks.

“You’re not going through this alone,” she continued, giving my shoulder a gentle, affirming squeeze. “We’re resilient, baby, and we always find our way to the other side.”

A smile covered my lips.

“You remember?” Her question came out more as a statement, but still I nodded.

“Dad used to say that.”

“And all these years later, it remains true. I could say all the cliches we’ve heard about things happening for a reason, but it’s most important to remember that these feelings and situations don’t last forever.”

“I hear you, Ma.”

She smiled. “Don’t just hear me, show me. Pick up the phone when you’re in need of support and stop shutting Sunny out.”

“Okay,” I droned, feigning annoyance.

“You better not give her a hard time for coming to me either. She did it because she loves you.” After shooting me a scowl, she pulled me in for a hug. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you more.”

The sound of heels clacking our way stole my mom’s attention. Whomever it was must’ve been happy to see her because the cadence of their footsteps quickened.

“Mama,” Samera shrieked with outstretched arms.

When she leaned in to hug me, I said, “Finally.”

“Sorry,” she whined back. “I came as fast as I could.”

She didn’t make brunch today because of a delayed flight home from a work trip. Samera planned to meet us at this venue once she landed. I was thankful that she finally arrived as it gave me a reason to leave. Now that my mom had Samera, there was no need for me to stick around.

After my mom gave Samera a rundown of the places we toured today, I planned my exit.

“Y’all got it from here?” I asked my mom. She rolled her eyes.