Page 12 of When Love Takes Root

Blessed in my hands, faith in my tone—God stayin’ with me, I’m never alone.”

Zuri giggled.

Skye repeated the last line under her breath, touching the little gold cross around her neck.

“Never alone,” I echoed, kissing each forehead. “No matter what happens, y’all walk in grace, not fear.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison.

The buses honked outside, right on time. Backpacks flew onto their shoulders.

Just before Kayden stepped outside, he looked back. “Love you, Ma.”

“Love you more. Go be bold, baby.”

The front door closed, leaving behind the hum of the refrigerator and the beautiful mess my children always left behind

Psalm 139:14, my heart whispered. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

“Thank You, Lord,” I whispered.

I grabbed my keys and the crate of hair products I’d packed the night before.

A cool Texas breeze brushed against my locs as I stepped outside. Kierra Sheard filled the car on the drive to the salon, carrying me into another day.

Arriving at Celestial Crowns always brought me back to center. The mural of women crowned in curls and locs stood bold against the brick, a reminder of what God allowed me to build.

Inside, shea butter, peppermint oil, and setting spray greeted me as I flipped on the lights.

I moved through the space, refilling bottles, straightening chairs, and lining up my tools. Restoring order here settled something inside me the outside world rarely could.

Soon, my stylists trickled in, laughter arriving before they did.

“Morning, Miss C!”

“Morning, babies. I need y’all to bring calm energy today. My patience is already sitting on E.”

Their laughter rippled through the shop.

As conversation buzzed around me, my eyes drifted toward the window. Across the lot, a young man opened his girlfriend’s car door, waited for her to settle in, then kissed her cheek before closing it.

Two are better than one.

The Scripture found me before I even realized I was staring.

Leilani wobbled in, wearing the glow that somehow came with pregnancy.

“Girl, don’t tell me you’re over here watching strangers again.”

“I wasn’t watching.”

She smirked. “You were noticing.”

“I was just noticing.”

She teased, “With a soft heart. You could have that again if you’d stop hiding behind this shop and those babies. God did not create you to only curl ends and clock out, ma’am.”

Before I could answer, the salon found its usual rhythm.