Page 302 of When a Soul Cries

“Damn.”

I gave it one last look before snapping the box closed and placing it carefully in his hand.

Kai tucked it away.

Sugga shook her head. “That boy better put that ring on that girl’s finger before he change his mind and decide they need to buy a house in another state today too.”

“Ma,” Kai groaned.

Sugga shrugged. “What? Everything else happening today.”

Halo started babbling loudly from beside me.

Sugga turned around and looked at her granddaughter.

“Exactly, baby. Sugga don’t know what the hell going on either.”

I lost it.

Even Kai started laughing.

My phone buzzed.

**SOL:** Zari I'm serious I'm about to throw up.

Then another.

**SOL:** What if this is crazy?

Before I could answer—

**SOL:** Don't answer that.

I smiled at the screen.

**ME:** Breathe. We're coming.

Three dots appeared immediately.

**SOL:** Hurry.

I shook my head. “She's losing it.”

Sugga looked back at me. “Tell her she better not run nowhere. I done got dressed, got this baby dressed, and been kidnapped by my youngest child on short notice. Somebody getting married today.”

Kai frowned over at his mother. “How you kidnapped when you called me and told me to come get you?”

Sugga looked straight ahead. “That is not important.”

I laughed and looked back down at my phone.

A few months ago, none of this existed.

Sol had been standing behind register six at Cash Market, trying to stretch every dollar she had while pretending everything was okay.

Then came the eviction.

The motel.