Page 5 of When Love Takes Root

I knew the shape in the doorway before my mind caught up. Broad shoulders. Work boots. One hand wrapped around a bouquet full enough to quiet my entire shop.

Jamal stood there with purple lilies, white roses, and eucalyptus. My colors. My flowers. A small bag from my favorite chocolate shop hung from his wrist, and a card rested beneath his arm like he already knew it was going to ruin me.

Heat climbed my neck before he even smiled. After fifteen years, my body still had the nerve to act brand new over that man.

Ms. Daphne fanned herself with her magazine. “He’s way too fine. Lord, it’s me again. I know You sent me one, but mine must’ve got damaged in transit. Please bless me with a replacement and overnight shipping. Amen. Hey, Big J.”

Jamal chuckled. “Hey, Ms. Daphne. Hey, Ms. Brenda.” He crossed the shop, reached for my hand, and kissed my forehead, my cheek, then my lips.

“Hi, husband,” I murmured.

He placed the bouquet in my hands. “Hey, wife. I had to come lay these flowers in your hands while you in here blessing everybody else.”

The lilies brushed my chin when I took them.

Jamal tapped the card tucked under his arm.

“You can get your sentimental card later. I wrote too much in it, and you’re definitely gonna mess up your makeup.”

I blinked hard. “My makeup’s already ruined.”

His grin widened. “And I ain’t come alone.” He stepped aside.

Our babies spilled through the doorway carrying gift bags, and grins too wide to hide anything.

The moment I opened my arms, all five of my children folded into me. Someone stepped on my foot. Skye buried her face against my stomach. Zuri wrapped herself around my waist. Maya squeezed my shoulder. Kayden gave me one of his careful teenage half hugs, and JJ bent to kiss my cheek.

The shop broke into oohs, awws, and applause.

Jamal clapped his hands once. “Alright, team. Operation Make Mama Cry is officially underway.”

“Daddy, you are so embarrassing,” Maya groaned.

“And yet, I’m effective. Scripture first. Then why you chose it.” Jamal pointed toward the kids.

JJ stepped forward first, clearing his throat.

“Proverbs 31:28. ‘Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.’ Thank you for loving me as your own from the very beginning. You never made me earn a place in this family. You just made room. I wouldn’t be the man I am without you.”

I kissed his cheek. “Thank you, baby.”

Kayden cleared his throat. “Romans 12:12. ‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ You are all three, Mama. When I mess up, you don’t give up on me. I hear you praying for all of us even when you think we asleep.”

I pulled him into my side until he made that familiar annoyed teenage sound.

Maya stepped forward. “Psalm 46:5 says, ‘God is within her; she will not fall.’ You show me I don’t have to become hard just to stand tall.”

Ms. Brenda pressed a hand to her chest. “Whew. You better preach, Maya.”

Maya ducked her head, smiling. I reached for her hand, and she slid her fingers into mine.

Zuri bounced into place. “Matthew 5:16. ‘Let your light shine before others.’ Mama, your light is really bright. Even when you’re tired, you still make everybody feel pretty, and you make our house feel like warm toast.”

Laughter filled the shop.

“Warm toast?”

She nodded. “Because toast be cozy, Mama.”