Page 70 of Solomon’s Temple

“I’ve been waiting on you two to show up,” Ma Lula said once we made it in her favorite place: the den.

“I know. Sorry I haven’t called. It’s been a lot going on,” I told her, pulling her in for a hug. “I missed you, though.”

“Chile, it ain’t nothing new for your behind to disappear.” She waved me off. “Hey, grandson-in-law.” She beamed while hugging Solomon.

“Ma Lula. How are you, beautiful?”

“I’ll be better when you stop keeping my grandbaby away.” She laughed. “Y’all glowing and looking refreshed. Italy must have been good to y’all, huh?”

“It was.” I took a seat next to her while Solomon sat on the other side. “I bought you all some things too. I’ll have Lo get them out of the car once I tell you and the girls something.”

“You pregnant? I usually see it before it happens.”

My lips turned up into a smile. “No, Ma Lu. Not yet.”

“She better not be pregnant this soon! We ain’t even got a ring yet,” Toni said, entering the den with Sapphire trailing behind her.

“Actually, that’s what we want to talk to you all about,” Solomon spoke up. “Have a seat, ladies.”

Toni and Sapphire took a seat across from us.

“You popped the question?” Sapphire asked.

Solomon smirked. “I did.”

“And you said yes?” Toni followed up.

“I did,” I replied.

“Oh, that is beautiful! I’m so happy for you two!” Ma Lula exclaimed, taking our hands. “My baby. I prayed for this for you girls. I knew since the moment he walked through that door that he was the one who would take your hand. You deserve this, Beanie.”

I saw the tears welling in her eyes and wrapped my arms around her.

“I love you, Ma Lu.”

“I love you more, my precious baby.”

I released her and wiped the tears from my own eyes. “Okay. Enough crying.” I chuckled. “I need you all to help me get the wedding together. Like yesterday.”

Sapphire frowned. “What you mean?”

“What I mean is, I need to be walking down the aisle in the next few weeks. So, I brought my laptop and some magazines so we can get started on venue searching, dresses, and honeymoon ideas.”

“Sis, ain’t no way we can do all of this in a few weeks. I need to find a date, and the way these niggas out here choosin’, I may have to order an escort!” Toni exclaimed as we all laughed.

“You’ll be fine. Money talks, so I’m sure we could get everything together by August fifth.”

“That’s literally two and a half weeks away. What’s the rush?” Sapphire queried.

“I know what it is.” Toni wiggled her eyebrows at us.

Lo smirked. “And that’s my cue to leave.” He stood, kissed Ma Lu’s cheek, then pulled me to my feet.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” I pecked his lips twice.

“Remember, no expense. I’ll be back to get you around seven. Get whatever anybody needs.”