I glared at her. “Don’t even try it.”
Dallas smirked. “Well, now. You’re being quite territorial.”
“We have rules, Sissy.”
Dallas and I were the only Young ladies who weren’t about that relationship life. She was my road dawg, and we traveled together often. And we were attracted to the same type of man, which was why we developed rules. The main one? The sister who’d seen the man first had dibs.
“Whatever,” she grumbled. “You’re on punishment.”
I shifted in my seat. “Rules still apply.”
“Don’t let him go to waste, then.”
A few more songs, a praise dance, heartfelt vows, and a chaste kiss later, the wedding was over. Aiden and his new bride jumped the broom and raced out of the church. I was grateful too. Because every time I’d glanced over at Lennox, he’d been looking at me with those light brown eyes and smiling with those deep dimples on display. And I was hot.I need some air.
We met the rest of my family in the church foyer. I hugged my mother, fidgeting under her stare for a moment before I asked, “Yes, Mom?”
She tilted her head, assessing me, seeing me. There was little to nothing I could ever get past Victoria Young. Her omniscient skillset had ruined many a plan growing up. My mom ran a finger over my cheek, like she’d done so many times. The tickle in my nose, signaling I might cry, startled me. “It’s going to be okay, baby.” Her soft voice soothed something deep inside me. Then, she wrapped her arms around me again. “I love you, sweetie.”
I held on to her for dear life, praying the entire time that not nary a tear would fall. “Love you too,” I whispered.
She pulled back eventually, smiling. “Let’s talk soon. I miss you.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
Winking at me, she turned her attention to Bliss and her belly. Having eight kids in less than ten years must’ve been hard for my mom. But she’d mothered us with grace and understanding. Her and my father were present in all of our lives, giving freely and sowing into our lives in ways I’d forever be grateful for. I loved both of them dearly, and I didn’t know what I’d do without them.
My dad pulled me into a hug. “My Blakey. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Daddy,” I said. “You like my new glasses?”
He grinned and shook his head. “Not really. I told you about those big frames. People wore that back in the Eighties.”
Laughing, I kissed his cheek. “I knew I could count on you to make me rethink my whole ensemble.” Dr. Stewart Young couldn’t lie to save his life. So we’d all grown used to the simple truth. Over the years, there had been many hurt feelings, but we were a lot stronger for it too.
An older man approached us and asked to speak to my father.
“Love you, babe,” Dad said as he walked away with the man.
Duke inched closer to me. “Are you talking to me again?”
I eyed him. “I guess. You still have to leave, though.”
“I’ll see you tonight,” he announced as if I hadn’t told him he had to stay somewhere else.
Shaking my head, I leaned over to Dallas. “Why are we all standing here?” I asked. “Is there food or something?”
“Supposedly, there’s an hors d'oeuvres reception here.”
“Which means no liquor,” Dexter grumbled.
Lennox walked out of the sanctuary at that moment. And I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he greeted people with that grin of his. By the time he noticed me, I’d seen him charm the pants off several women, young and old. Yet, he made no move to approach me. Which was oddly disappointing.
A short while later, we were ushered into the reception hall, and I made a beeline to the dessert table. Our home church had some of the best bakers. The little cheesecake cups were my favorite, and I intended to get one before they were all gone.
Luckily, everyone else was standing in line for the bite-sized chicken nuggets and fruit bowls. I had my pick of desserts. Deciding on strawberry, I picked up the cup and a spoon and immediately sampled the delicious treat. Unable to help myself, I let out a groan.
“Good, huh?”
