Page 44 of A Minute Past Midnight

“You'll know when I surprise you. I can never keep quiet about something I intend to do.” I lied. I could keep a secret until the end of time. “Furthermore, it would be nice if you visited another country for your birthday. Do you have a passport?”

“I do.”

“Then agree to come. I would take Drew, but he doesn't work for me at the firm. Plus, I need him here to manage the club.”

She remained quiet as she pulled the baked chicken from the oven.

“You know what? I may take you up on that offer. But only under one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“Mrs. G and Mya comes along too.”

I chuckled again. “You really want my seventy-seven-year-old grandmother to come across the country with us? She won't go for it.”

“I believe she will. In fact, if tonight goes well with your family, I think we should all go. I mean, they are the baby’s family. We should bond more.”

“This is a business trip, baby. I didn't plan on bringing them. We can set something else up for them when we return.”

“Oh, please,” she said, dismissing me. “A business trip that I'm almost sure will turn into pleasure. Who goes to a beautiful country just for business? What's the matter, big spender? Don't tell me you can't afford it.” She smirked.

I laughed. “A’ight, Cinderella. If it'll make you comfortable and happy to have my family there, then as you wish, princess.”

“It's only if they agree with this arrangement we have going on. I'm sure Mrs. G will. She loves me.” She beamed.

“That she does. And you don't have to worry about my family not liking you. They're good people. They may be shocked at the news, but I can guarantee you they will be more excited than angry or disappointed.

“They have been waiting a long time for me or my brother to give them grandchildren.”

She smiled. “Okay. Now, get back to cutting so I can finish up and go shower before they arrive.”

I smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”

An hour later, the food was ready, and Juliana went to shower and dress. The amount of food she cooked was ridiculous. Turkey wings, ribs, ham, greens, black-eyed peas with beef neckbones, macaroni, dressing, candied yams, potato salad, fried chicken, baked chicken, and sweet potato pie. All this damn food and it wasn't even a holiday.

But . . .

This showed me that she could get down in the kitchen, a place she banned me from and only allowed me to cut up shit and clean.

Everything looked good as fuck and had my stomach growling. Aside from that, I knew my family would appreciate it more than she knew.

The doorbell rang just as Juliana walked down the stairs.

I watched as she gracefully walked down in a pale-yellow maxi dress, three-inch gold sandals with her hair half up and half down, showcasing that beautiful, round, cinnamon-colored face.

I could see the small bump at the bottom of her stomach, but it just looked like she was a little bloated.

She smiled at me, and those little dimples in her cheeks and under her eyes appeared, making her look angelic.

“Ready?” I asked.

She blew out a hefty sigh. “I'm ready.”

We both walked to the door, and I gave Juliana the honors of greeting my people since this was her space.

When she opened it, my gam was the first one to appear.

“Mrs. G. I missed you. Thank you for coming.”