Page 215 of Buy Back My Love

“I’m proud of you, baby. I’m proud of the mama you are, the businesswoman you are, and the woman you grew into. I know we done had our stuff over the years, but I hope you know I love you and I’m proud of you.”

Lee nodded, blinking fast, and squeezed my hand.

Then Maisie looked at me.

“And Evander, you figured out real quick that my child don’t like nobody telling her what to do.”

That got another laugh.

Maisie smiled.

“But you stayed. You loved her, you loved that baby, and you showed up when they needed you.”

I looked down for a second and swallowed.

Then she looked toward the kids.

“And Myles has been yours from the beginning. You loved him before he even had a name. You were there when he came into this world, and you’ve been there every day since. Ain’t nobody had to ask you to do that but you did and I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.”

I followed her eyes.

Myles had one hand wrapped around JJ’s while Jaliyah and Zuri followed behind them.

Maisie raised her glass.

“All I ever wanted was to see both my girls happy and surrounded by people who love them. Looking at them both today I think I did a damn good job.”

Lee leaned into my side.

“So congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Coleman. Evander, take care of my babies.”

“I got ’em.”

Maisie smiled. “I know.”

Everybody raised their glasses.

I took a drink.

Lee didn’t.

She brought the champagne to her mouth, but I watched her lower the glass without taking a sip.

When she looked at me, she was already smiling.

“You’re not drinking.” I pointed out.

“I know.”

That got my attention.

Lee moved closer so nobody around us could hear.

“I was gonna wait until the honeymoon to tell you.”

My stomach tightened before she said anything else.

“Tell me what?”