Page 227 of When Love Takes Root

Josiah’s expression softened. “You see people well, Maya.”

Her smile faltered under the compliment, not because she disliked it, but because she felt it. “Thank you.”

“Don’t ever let nobody make you think noticing things is the same as being dramatic.”

Her eyes lifted to his.

My throat tightened again.

“You remember that?” she asked.

“I remember what matters.”

Maya looked back at her sketchbook, blinking quickly. “Okay.”

Later, while the adults ate under the patio, and the kids spread across blankets in the grass, Josiah sat beside Jamilah near the bubble machine. She had abandoned the louder group for a calmer corner, and he had gone with her without making it obvious. He didn’t hover. He simply sat close enough to be safe and far enough to give her room.

Jamilah tapped her sensory toy against her knee three times.

Josiah tapped the same rhythm against his own knee.

She did it again.

He followed.

Her face lit.

Onyx walked over after a while and handed him a plate.

“You ain’t ate, man.”

Josiah took it. “I’m good.”

“No, you’re not. You’ve been hosting, grilling, counseling, beating children at cornhole, and apparently joining the percussion ministry. Eat.”

Jamilah reached for one of Josiah’s fries.

Josiah looked at her. “You taxing me, Boss Lady?”

She smiled around the fry.

Onyx shook his head. “She don’t share either.”

Josiah slid the plate closer to her. “She can have some.”

Leilani pointed from her chair. “Don’t spoil my child.”

Josiah looked at Jamilah, then at Leilani. “Too late.”

“See? This why I can’t leave y’all unattended.”

Yolanda sat beside me and watched her son with a smile that made her whole face glow.

“He’s always been like that.”

I looked at her. “Patient?”

Yolanda’s eyes stayed on him.