When we left Miami, Mama and Doc packed up their things two weeks later and headed to Los Angeles too. The timing was perfect because Doc was retired now and had been talking about them starting a new life somewhere else.
“Reason, I know I’ve told you this before, but I’m so proud of you.” She finished putting the rest of the clothes in the machine, closed the washer door, then turned her attention back to me. “I always knew you were going to do great things in life, but the heights you’ve reached bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. Your father would be so proud.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
“That’s not all I wanted to say, son.” She reached over and took my hand. “Years ago, your father and I witnessed something that broke our hearts deeply. Seeing you so broken after your breakup with Ember took a toll on all of us.”
I blinked rapidly to control my emotions. My mama was taking me back to a time I forced myself to climb out of. It was a period when I let myself feel everything. That young love, as everybody called it, had felt like a forever type of love, and it had been snatched out of my life. No one knew my heart like I did, so what they said didn’t matter. I couldn’t understand then why Ember didn’t want me anymore, and I never got my answers until now.
Mama squeezed my hand. “I watched you write endless letters to Ember, only for them to get returned to you. Butyou never gave up. I commend you for persevering through the heartbreak.”
“You don’t know this, but night after night, and every morning, I got on my knees and prayed for you. I asked God to heal your heart, mind, and soul, and to guide you through a life that would be filled with constant disappointments. I also prayed for Ember, because even though y’all were young then, I saw how she made you better. Son, I knew all along Ember was the woman for you. She’s the woman you deserve, and you’re the man she deserves.
“Throughout the years, I talked to God and told Him that if it was His will, you two would find your way back into each other’s lives. It might not have happened when you wanted it to, but it happened when it was time. You two needed to go through your own lessons and tribulations before coming back together. Now that all that extrabaggageis gone for good, you and her can live your lives together with my beautiful and handsome grandbabies.”
Mama smiled with tears in her eyes.
“I’m a proud mama and grandmother. Thank you, Reason.”
“You’re the best, Ma. I love you.”
“I love you, too, so very much.”
I leaned down and held her for a while.
“Aight, Ma. I’ll let you be while I go check on Rhema.”
She lightly patted my back. “Sounds good. I’m going to finish up here and go relax with Ember and Baby Ramiro.”
Man, life felt good as fuck.
I left and made my way to our backyard toward the mini mansion we called a she-shed. It was a surprise gift for Rhema’s birthday. This was my baby’s safe space, where she did all her jewelry making. After it was built, I bought every jewelry-making supply and material she would need to create. The look on her face when she saw it was priceless, and I captured her expressionon my camera, got it printed, and now it was hanging in my office right next to photos of her brother, her mother, and our family pictures.
I knocked on her door before stepping inside. The first thing that caught my attention was the lighted glass display where she hung all her completed pieces. My daughter was so talented, and I could see Rhema turning this into a career one day. All she had to say was, “Daddy, this is my passion,” and I would have every top jewelry maker across the country mentor my baby. The world was hers, and she didn’t even know it yet.
“Heyyy, Daddy!” she beamed.
I would never get tired of hearing her call me that. Some days, it even made me tear up. “Hey, my baby,” I finally greeted.
She placed her tool and a piece of wire on the table, then gave me her undivided attention as I sat down next to her.
“What are you making?”
“I’m creating a bracelet collection for men, inspired by you.” Rhema had the brightest smile on her face.
I didn’t expect to hear her say that. Since Ember and my children were in my life, a nigga found himself getting a little sensitive. I admit my family made me feel safe in a vulnerable way. “Thank you, Rhe. I can’t wait to tell the world about my baby’s collection. You ready to sell out?”
“Yesss,” she squealed with excitement and leaned her head on my shoulder. “Daddy?”
“Yeah?”
“Mommy, Ramiro, and I are so lucky to have you.”
Gahdammit, that did it.I rubbed my eyes and tried to wipe away the tears I felt brewing.
“I’m lucky to have y’all too.”
“And I’m happy Shane is out of our lives, too. I couldn’t stand him.”
