Episode 92

Episode 92

Just When Things Were Looking Good

MEMPHIS

I entered my parents' house to the sound of female laughter coming from the kitchen. I'd received a text earlier from Naomi, saying she'd found the perfect wedding dress, would be hanging out with the ladies for the rest of the afternoon, and to meet at their house for dinner. I followed the sweet sound of my family's voices, cackling and screaming over one another. In a house with five sisters, my momma, and my granny, Dad and me, the house could get noisy on a normal day. Today, the decibel level was turned way up. It became clear why they were all hyped up when I entered the kitchen and saw my woman, head tilted back and laughing like a hyena right along with my sister Syd.

Naomi's gaze came to mine as I approached.

"Baby!" she said at a volume astronauts could have heard in outer space.

I scanned the room and noted my mother, my gran, and Syd loaded up with huge glasses of wine. On the table were a couple of empty bottles.

"Don't you worry, I got more comin'," my father announced as he entered with not one but two fresh bottles of vino.

Naomi stood and clapped. "Baby, we found the most perfect dress, and you are sooooo gonna wanna bang me when you see it!" she slurred a bit and then hiccupped.

"Damn straight!" Syd hollered. "You'll be giving momma a grandbaby right away!"

"I'll drink to that!" Momma lifted her glass, and braced herself against the kitchen island as she did so.

"From your mouth to the good Lord's ears!" Granny quipped, slugging back the remains of her glass and holding it out to Dad, who promptly added more. "Such a good boy, my son!" Granny cooed in a silly voice.

I shook my head. "You're all drunk."

"As skunks!" Syd blurted, and all four of them burst into laughter.

I went around the table to Naomi, who flung her arms around my neck and planted a kiss to my lips. "Hi, baby!"

"Hey, gorgeous. I see you've been bonding with the ladies, yeah?"

"Your family is sooooooo fuuuuun." She let the words drag out far longer than normal, clearly allowing the alcohol to do the talking.

Sydney held her glass up in salute. "We're gonna be your family too, sis."

The elder Taylor women did the same. "To Naomi joining the family! Whoo hoo!" Syd hollered, and the rest of the ladies followed.

Just then, my other sisters came bumbling in, talking a mile a minute.

"And Nay says she's going to have one of her fancy friends read through my grant letters to make sure they are really good so I can score as much grant and scholarship money as possible," Paris was saying to Odessa. Both of them were holding three large pizzas from our favorite spot in town. Cheyenne and Holland followed behind, one carrying a bag of sauces, the other with a couple two-liter bottles of Coke.

"Yeah, well, she promised me she'd get me a walk-through at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and a meet and greet with one of their top surgeons! I might even be able to watch a real-life procedure from one of their teaching amphitheaters," Holland gushed. Holland wanted to be a surgeon one day, so I knew an experience like that would score huge points with her.

I cuddled my woman and kissed her neck, whispering in her ear. "Did you bribe my sisters with things they want in order to score points?"

"Absolutely!" She giggled against my chest.

I couldn't suppress a laugh. "Nay, you don't have to do, say, or give anyone anything to like you. They like you just as you are."

"I know, but a little sweet can go a long way," she whispered, even though no one was paying us any attention, what with their focus locked on the pizzas landing on the island. "And I want your family to know I'm in it for the long haul," she continued.

I cupped her cheeks and stared into her pretty brown eyes. "You are something special, lady. You know that, right?"

"Love you too." She rose on her toes and kissed me rather indecently in front of my family.

Catcalls and whistling commenced as expected.

"All right everyone, let's eat," Momma directed once the plates were set next to the pizzas.

"We're having pizza!" Naomi bounced up and down, her expression filled with excitement. "I can't remember the last time I had pizza."

"We usually have it a couple times a month, and this pie is the best. Did anyone order meat supreme for me?" I called out.

"Of course. What? Do you think it's our first day having you as our brother? Pssshhhhh," Odessa made a rude noise as she answered with all the sass, per usual.

I let Nay go and walked behind Odessa, then kicked the bottom of her shoe the second she lifted her foot to take a step. She stumbled against Dad, her face smooshing right against his arm pit. I held her head there for not even five seconds as she wailed and flung her arms. "Let me go!" she screeched, but it sounded more like, "Wet me dough!"

Finally, I released her, and she took a huge breath as I backed up, grinning. "You earned that!"

"You. Are. So. Dead!" Odessa yelled, as she raised her hands and came at me like a manic bear.

I caught her as she jumped at me, turned her around and tickled the hell out of her ribs until she was on the floor laughing so hard she'd curled up into a little ball.

"That'll teach ya!" I stood to full height and brushed off my shoulders.

"Must you antagonize your sister, son?" Dad chastised with a smile pulling at his lips.

"She started it," I said at the same time as Odessa said, "He started it."

We both cracked up. Some things never changed.

I helped my sister up, tucked her against my chest, gave her a big hug, and kissed her forehead. "Love you, Dess. But you're still a punk," I teased, yanking out her scrunchie and flinging it across the room.

"You suck, you know that?" she growled, playfully pulling her hair out her face. "There better still be some veggie left or I'm coming for you." She pointed two fingers at her eyes and then at me as I let her go and retrieved two plates.

"Nay, what kind of pizza do you want? You've got lots to choose from." I held up an empty plate.

"Surprise me with a couple," she said, back in her seat next to Sydney. Their heads were close together, looking at something on Syd's phone. It warmed my heart to see her getting along so well with the women in my family.

As I glanced around the room, there was nothing but smiles. Everyone was happy and enjoying our time together. I watched as Momma approached Syd and Nay then leaned over my woman's shoulder. Momma pointed at the phone and said something that made Naomi glow with happiness. My mother and my fiancée clinked their wine glasses and took a sip, then turned to focus on whatever had their attention.

My heart filled to the brim with joy as I loaded up my plate with four slices of meat lovers and then picked a slice of pepperoni and vegetarian for my girl. I went to the table and put the plate in front of her.

"Ooh, it looks so good!" She immediately picked up the veggie and took a huge bite, moaning as she did so.

"Bro…where's mine?" Syd pouted as she gestured to the plate I'd brought Naomi.

"Get your own, squirt." I snorted.

Sydney rolled her eyes. "Oh, I see how it is. Hook up with a hottie and then the rest of us are chopped liver."

"Basically." I grinned.

"Whatever!" She groaned and got up, wobbling when she finally stood straight. Then I heard rather than saw her kick off her insanely high shoes, taking her height down a few inches. "Whew! That's better. Let's try this again," she mumbled, holding on to the back of the chairs as she swayed from side to side.

"How much did you guys drink?" I chuckled.

"Well, we started with champagne at the bridal store. That Jennifer chick was badass!" Naomi said. "Wish she could have come tonight," she frowned. "But she's coming to the wedding."

"We talking about your best friend?" I called out knowing Syd would answer.

"Yep!" Syd hollered.

"Did she and Odessa get into it?" I asked Naomi.

"They totally did," Naomi whispered as she leaned closer over the table as though it were a secret. "My money is on Jenn though. That woman owns a room when she's in it."

"Sounds like you respect her."

Naomi nodded avidly while munching on the pepperoni slice. "Mmm hmm. She's in love with love."

"There are worse things in life," I added then finished off one piece, already lifting up another to tackle.

"True, like mean-spirited overlords who think they can control everyone's lives," Naomi bit out.

"Talk to your father today, did you?" I snickered.

"He called while I was buying the dress. I told him I couldn't be bothered to speak to him as I was buying my wedding gown and spending time with my new family. Then I hung up. Serves him right!"

"You didn't!" I blurted, not at all surprised that she would be so bold. Still, I knew that her family not agreeing with our marriage was hurting her. It would upset any child to not have their parents' acceptance.

I just hoped that the love my family and I could give her would help offset some of that loss. And then perhaps, in the future, when they've seen how much I love and cherish their daughter, they could find a way back to being a family, with me as a new addition.

"I did. He even tried to call back and I ignored it," she gushed, clearly proud of herself.

"Damn, baby, looks like you had an eventful day."

"And this pizza, and the memories I'm building with everyone have made it awesome," she breathed, emotion cutting through her tone.

She cleared her throat, and I reached out and took her hand. "I'm glad you had a good day, Nay."

"Me too."

"Also, we have a surprise for the two of you." Dad braced his hands on his hips, chest puffed up. "When we're all finished in here, we'll show you."

Momma grabbed the lapels of her sweater and held them close to her chest. She smiled beautifully, snuggling up to my father's side. He wrapped an arm around her, then kissed her forehead. They never hid their affection and love for one another. Always demonstrating to us kids that, when you loved someone, you showed it. I wanted to raise my kids exactly the same. With them knowing how much I loved their momma.

An hour later, everyone was finished and the kitchen cleaned of dinner debris. The ladies were coming down from their wine high after some food in their bellies and Dad forcing each of them to drink water in between refills. Everyone was in a happy food, drink, and laughter haze. Gran was in her favorite rocker on the front porch, chatting up the neighbors that walked by, as she did every night. My younger sisters had retired to their rooms to get ready for the new school week, leaving me, Naomi, Syd, Odessa, Mom, and Dad.

Dad was twitching with anticipation as he approached Momma, who had just dried and put away the last dish.

"We ready now?" he asked, clearly eager to get the surprise underway.

She lifted her hand, cupped his cheek and smiled. "You betcha. Let's get the lovebirds," I heard her murmur before giving Dad a peck on the lips. "Such a softie," she teased and kissed him again.

Naomi squeezed my hand and nuzzled my shoulder.

"Come on, son, Naomi. We've got something to show you," he boasted, pride in his tone.

I stood and helped Naomi rise from the table. We followed my parents out back, Dad leading the way. His limp was there, but I also noted a lightness to his footsteps. They led us around the biggest section of the yard. At one end stood a wooden riser with a brand new beautiful wooden arbor.

My mouth fell open in shock. "What is this?"

I'd never seen the arbor before, but it was obvious it had taken many hours, possibly weeks to craft. Even from a few feet away, I could smell the scent of the cedar the creator had used to make it. There were carved leaf etchings across the front facing beam that must have taken forever to whittle. The entire piece was sturdy and intricate. Each new bit added more splendor to the whole.

"Your father made it," Momma said with extreme pride.

I gasped. "No way."

"When he was let go from the trucking company and eventually got better use of the leg, he started working on this in the little shed off the garage. He's been super hush-hush about it for the past year. At first, I thought it was just for me, but then I realized why he made it."

"So my children could all get married under something I made with love from my bare hands. What do you think, son? Will you and Naomi do me the honor of starting your life together right here, under this arbor?" Dad asked, his voice filled with hope.

"It is incredible." It was more than that actually; it was breathtaking and absolutely perfect for my wedding to Naomi. Though I wanted my fiancée to have a say. "What do you think, Nay?"

Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, but she powered through, stepping up onto the riser and evaluating each detail up close. I could already imagine her there standing in a white dress, saying I do before me and all my family.

"I say yes, but I need to confirm one thing before we get married underneath this beautiful piece," she hedged.

"And that would be?"

She stepped down and went right up to my father. "I'll need someone to walk me down the aisle."

A muffled sob left Mom as she dabbed at her teary eyes with a handkerchief.

Dad looked down at his shoes for a full breath before lifting his head and looking Naomi straight in the eyes. "I'd be so honored to have the gift of walking you down the aisle."

Momma lost it, her loud sobs filling the air.

Dad opened his arms and Naomi crashed against his broad chest. She looked so small and fragile I often forgot that she wasn't ten feet tall and made of steel. My woman was strong, but she was soft too, and likely crushed by the fact that her own parents weren't accepting of her choice in marrying me. It broke my heart to see her in pain, but Dad put it back together as I watched how easily he gave her the comfort she would likely never receive from her own father.

We hugged one another and took silly selfies in front of this incredible heirloom my father had made with his own hands. The future felt big and bright as we headed toward the house.

"Dad, you've got an important call from Mr. White. He says it can't wait until tomorrow," Odessa called out to us from the backdoor off the kitchen.

"Who's Mr. White?" I asked my father.

"He's our loan adjuster for the house. Works down at the community bank. He's also part of my poker group. A good man, and a friend. He's been helping us with the liens on the house."

"Liens?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

Dad waved me off and went to answer the phone while my mother put her hand on the ball of my shoulder. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

"Mom, what did Dad say regarding liens on the house? That sounds worse than being a couple months behind on the mortgage, which I told you I'd planned to help pay down once I got married."

"We didn't want to burden you."

"Yeah, Ma, but having liens against your house is worse than just being behind. How far in the hole are you?"

"Honey, I'm sure your dad has it covered. Mr. White has been helping us set up a more reasonable payment plan, but it's hard with the double mortgage and the fact that we're six months behind."

"Six months!" I barked. "Why the hell didn't you tell me?"

"Baby, calm down." Naomi pressed herself against my back, her hands on both of my arms.

"I can't calm down. My family is about to lose their home!" I yelled.

"Not about to, we're being foreclosed on," my father said from the patio door. "My friend was fired from the bank. Some big wig called and had our account investigated. He was let go for allowing us to get so far behind without imposing the appropriate fines and deadlines." Dad's head dropped forward, his demeanor sullen.

"I'm sure there's something we can do," Naomi said. "I know a lot of people in the banking world. I'll make some calls…"

"Yeah, apparently you know one very powerful person," my father said, his words coming off curt.

"What does that mean? What are you saying, Dad?"

My father lifted his head, shame and anger all over his proud face. "I'm saying our house was foreclosed on and sold out from under us to one very insistent company."

"Who?" I demanded.

"Shaw International."

Naomi gasped and shook her head while backing up. Tears fell down her cheeks as her eyes widened. "No…he didn't. He wouldn't dare…"

"I'm afraid so. We have to move out in fourteen days," Dad whispered, shoulders slumping in what could only be seen as defeat. "I thought we had more time. I'm sorry, Robin. I failed the family," he croaked, his voice tight as he covered his mouth with his fist.

"This isn't right," Naomi said and wiped her tears. "I'm going to fix this, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor," she grated and stomped to the side of the house that led to the front where the car was parked.

"Naomi, what are you going to do?"

"Well, first, you're going to take me back to your place. And tomorrow, bright and early, I'm getting on a plane to New York. Then, I'm having a meeting with my father."