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“Not. At. All. I was sure you’d deny it. Maybe even say you hated me.”
“I do hate you. Just not all the time.”
“We’ll work on that, sugar. I think if we can get it fifty-fifty, that’s doable.” I squeezed gently, forcing her to look at me.
“Sounds pretty optimistic to me, but I’m willing to try if you are.”
“I love you.”
“I beg your pardon,” she said, clearing her throat. “I’m not sure I got that.”
“You just want to hear it again,” I said, and she gave me a sly smile.
“I do.”
“Are you practicing for later?”
“For what?”
“Sugar, you’re a smart cookie. Figure it out.”
“I want to be a smart cookie,” Gabriel said, standing at our sides, looking up. “Hey, Miss Sonya. Where have you been?”
“Figuring things out,” she answered, and he seemed to understand that.
“Are you back for good?”
“I’m back for good, and youarea smart cookie,” she said, holding out the hand without blood on it to his. “Speaking of cookies, do you know where we might find some? I saw you out there scoring a run. I think you deserve a treat.”
“Is this like when I make good grades and everybody gets a milkshake?” he asked, his head cocked.
“Exactly like that.” She squeezed his hand, and when I caught Holly’s gaze, there wasn’t an ounce of jealousy or discomfort there. She appeared to be open and even hopeful.
“How about both?” Muriella asked. “We’ve got the ingredients at home for all of it. The cookies are already done.”
“Will everybody come for pizza night?” Gabriel asked hopefully, his eyes on me.
“We’d like that if it’s okay with your parents,” Sonya answered when I couldn’t.
“We’ll do it at our place,” Vivian said. “Let’s go home. It’s freezing.”
“Will you walk with me?” Gabriel asked, and Holly nodded her permission.
“All right, slugger,” I said. “But hold your grandma’s hand.”
He let go of Sonya and gently took my mother’s hand in one of his and mine in the other. Sonya’s grip tightened on mine, and I was grateful for her support. She had a way of showing up just when I needed her. This time, she wasn’t going anywhere.
“You look beautiful, Loretta. I love your cap.”
“And I like your jacket, Sonya.” They matched, though Mama’s faux fur hat was black and Sonya’s jacket was a cropped neutral faux fur. “Are you here to do as I asked?” she asked sternly, speaking to her across our human chain.
“I am,” Sonya promised, and I jerked my head in surprise. “I’m the only one who can take care of Drew.”
“I trust that you’ll see it through.” Mama didn’t let her off easy, and I hoped that meant we were a step closer to her forgiving me.
“We were just discussing that,” Sonya said, her eyes meeting mine. “I’ve already been practicing my vows,” she smirked.
“Drew Harris.”
