Page 225 of When Love Takes Root

Aunt Hilary walked past with a pan of macaroni and cheese. “Vision don’t pay invoices, baby.”

I laughed so hard I had to sit down.

Josiah’s mother, Yolanda, came to me with open arms. She smelled like soft perfume and peppermints, and when she hugged me, she held me like she had already prayed over me before meeting me properly.

“I’m glad you’re here, Celeste.”

“Thank you for having us.”

Yolanda waved a hand toward the yard.

“Baby, look around. This many people, and I haven’t sat down once. At this point, the Lord is hosting. I’m just refilling ice.”

Uncle Zeke stood under the patio fan with Onyx, pretending they weren’t arguing about the grill.

Uncle Zeke pointed the tongs like a courtroom exhibit.

“I’m telling you. You don’t keep lifting the lid. You’re disturbing the atmosphere.”

Onyx crossed his arms. “It’s meat, Unc, not a prayer service.”

Uncle Zeke lifted his chin. “Anything that takes patience, fire, and faith is church-adjacent, mayne.”

Juice nodded with a rib in his mouth. “Amen.”

Aunt Hilary turned from the food table. “Justice, if you eat one more rib before the children get plates, I’m embarrassing you in front of your wife.”

Melody didn’t look up from pouring tea. “He’s already embarrassed me spiritually.”

Juice paused mid-chew. “Now why am I in it?”

Aunt Hilary pointed at him. “Because you’re always in something.”

Kayden laughed so hard he had to turn away.

Josiah saw it and walked over with two bottled waters. He tossed one to Kayden, who caught it against his chest.

“You ready to get beat in cornhole?”

Kayden twisted the cap off. “By who?”

“Me.”

“Respectfully, Mr. Josiah, you’re old.”

JJ choked on his drink.

Josiah stared at Kayden. “Old?”

“You got homeowner knees.”

Onyx dropped his head.

Leilani screamed.

I covered my mouth, but it was too late. My laugh got out.

Josiah handed me his water like he needed both hands for the offense he had just received. “Homeowner knees?”