Page 39 of Solomon’s Temple

“Okay, wait. I can’t just go on a trip across the country with you until you’ve officially met my sisters and Ma Lula. They will kill me if I just ran off with you and don’t see them before I leave.”

“Make it happen, love. I’m available whenever they are.”

She nodded and got inside the car.

For the past two weeks, I was able to gain some insight on how to proceed in my pursuit with Temple. God showed me that I had to be mindful of the things I said and did around her and feed her spiritual man to help guide her back to Him.

In her case, I had to guide her back to the side of righteousness. If meeting her people was what she wanted, I had no problem obliging her.

It had been long overdue.

After her grandmother confirmed dinner, we made it across town an hour later due to the heavy traffic on the freeway. Her grandmother resided in Rosedale Park in a beautiful two-story home, and I could tell whoever her landscaper was had a niche. Her grass seemed to be the greenest on the block with beautiful flowers surrounding the front of the home.

“Ready?” I asked her.

“Yeah . . . I’ve never done this before.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve never brought anyone to meet my family, so I’m sure they’re going to show their entire a—behinds. Not so much Ma Lula, but my sisters are a different story.”

I chuckled. “I can handle your sisters, baby.”

“It’s not going to be about you. They know I don’t bring people to meet them, so they’re going to do the damn most.”

“I got your back. Come on so I can meet my in-laws.”

Her left cheek lifted into a half smile. I stepped out of the truck, walked around to her side, and helped her out.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look in this dress?” My eyes scanned her from head to toe.

“You didn’t.”

“You look like you’re ready to be my wife,” I told her, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Let’s get through the meet and greets first.”

I smiled, but my thoughts instantly went to my parents. I wasn’t ready for them to meet Temple. I could already see the judgment in Urina’s eyes and the uncertainty in Dorian’s. The only upside about her meeting them was that I could tell Temple wouldn’t fold easily.

My parents might have apologized for their behavior, but I wasn’t fully convinced they had changed.

Before we could make it to the door, it swung open, and a tall, thick woman appeared with a bright smile on her face. Her beautiful golden locs hung down her back, skin just as golden as her hair, and eyes soft and warm.

“Aunt Tasha.” Temple rushed up the stairs into her arms.

Aunt Tasha held her tight. “My favorite girl.”

“When did you get back?”

“Early this morning. I was going to come to your house this evening and surprise you, but Mama and the girls told me you were bringing someone home, and I just had to come see this.” Her eyes came to me. “Hello. I’m Temple’s aunt, Natasha.” She held out her palm, and I took it with a smile.

“Solomon Matthews, Temple’s soon-to-be husband. It’s lovely to meet you, auntie.”

“Oh!” Aunt Tasha giggled. “Not you manifesting marriage. I like you already, and you fine.”

I laughed.

Temple blushed. “Auntie, please.”