Page 310 of When a Soul Cries

Zari came around the SUV with Halo secured against her hip. “Why is she running?”

“Because she's crazy.”

“I heard that!” Ma shouted.

Zari and I looked at each other and burst out laughing before hurrying after her.

At the door, Ma suddenly stopped.

She bent forward, planted both hands on her knees, and blew out one long breath.

I almost ran straight into her.

“Ma, what the hell?”

She straightened, smoothed down her clothes, fixed her hair, and pulled herself together like she hadn't just sprinted across the damn yard.

Then she looked at me, Zari, and Halo.

“Everybody act normal.”

Zari stared at her.

I stared at her.

Halo babbled from Zari's arms.

After the morning we'd just had, normal wasn't even an option.

Ma rolled her eyes and reached for the door.

“Shut up. Let's go get these damn people married.”

These damn children had lost their minds.

Every last one of them.

I pushed through the bungalow door with Khalil and A’Zaria somewhere behind me, already calling out before I had both feet inside.

“Roman!”

No answer.

I looked around the beautiful place, then threw my hands up. “Now where the hell is everybody?”

“Ma, calm down,” Khalil said behind me.

I spun around. “Don't tell me to calm down. Your brother called us this morning talking about he getting married like he was ordering a damn pizza. I've been driven halfway to Jesus by your crazy ass, and now I can't find the bride or groom.”

A’Zaria walked in carrying Halo, already laughing.

I pointed at her. “Don't encourage him.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“Your face did.”

She laughed harder.