Page 114 of Full Court Press

“I’ll go first,” Parnell said, sitting up. “Her eyes. Before I saw what was behind her, her eyes got to me first.”

“Well!” Khalil exclaimed in a church voice. I slapped him on his arm as he laughed. “Preach, Pop-in-law!”

“Be quiet, heathen,” I said with a laugh.

“I mean, he ain’t wrong, though. That’s the same thing that got me. Same scenario.”

“Lilo, shut your mannish behind up,” Mama Kael fussed.

“A’ight, a’ight. Go ’head, P2.”

“You and your daughter,” I said as we all laughed, then Parnell continued.

“I knew I wanted to marry her on our third date. I don’t know what it was, but the night was just perfect, and our chemistry was so good that I knew I never wanted her to give that to anyone else. After losing my wife to a car wreck years prior, I thought I’d never find anyone else that would measure up to her. Not only did this beautiful woman come into my life and show me love, but she also healed me.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet,” Nia said.

Mama beamed and kissed his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you more, baby.”

“This is giving real Why Did I Get Married-ish.” Khalil chuckled.

“Okay, you might want to put the drinks down for the night,” I told him.

“I’m just getting started, baby.”

I shook my head at his crazy behind.

“What about you, Mr. Drew?” Derrick asked.

“Her strength and her fire. When I met her, she was at a friend of mine’s car repair shop, going off on the mechanic with her two kids in the car. I mean, she was going in on homie, and all I could think was, damn. I need her in my life.”

“Toxic ass,” Khalil mumbled and chuckled.

Drew laughed. “Maybe I was, but one thing you can’t call me is a deadbeat.”

“I concur,” Khalil agreed.

“I always wanted a family since I never had one. All I had was my career and my best friend, so I was a lonely nigga with money and nobody to spend it on. She was stubborn as fuck at first, but when Lilo and Ky grew attached to me, she ain’t have no choice but to be my woman.”

Nia smiled. “I love that.”

“Why you asking anyway?” Khalil asked her.

“Because . . . I asked Rick the same question.” She slid her hand up slowly, and the diamond that glistened on her hand didn’t go unnoticed.

“Oh my God. Congratulations!” I exclaimed. “Let me see!” She laughed and held her hand out to me. “You did good, Derrick.”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

“Congratulations. It’s about time, nigga,” Khalil said, dapping him up.

“Had to wait for the right moment. I love her and Kiy.”

“Just take care of them, and we all good.”

“No doubt.”