Page 238 of When Love Takes Root

Now she stood beneath bright lights with Langston University waiting for her.

Celeste’s hand tightened around mine, and I lifted it to my lips while our daughter walked into the next season of her life.

After the ceremony, we found Maya in the courtyard with flowers in both arms and tears shining on her face.

Celeste reached her first.

“My baby.”

“Mama.”

They held each other until JJ wrapped both of them in his arms. Kayden joined next, ducking his head as if being six feet tall could hide the fact that he was crying. Zuri and Skye squeezed in from either side until the Coleman children became one beautiful knot of gowns, flowers, laughter, and years moving too quickly.

I stood back and let them have it.

Some moments deserved room before another person entered them.

Celeste looked over Maya’s shoulder and held out her hand.

That was all I needed.

I stepped into the circle.

Maya turned toward me and pressed both hands into my jacket before wrapping her arms around my waist.

“I did it, Pop Siah.”

The name struck somewhere deep, though she had called me that plenty of times before.

Not like this.

I held her close.

“You sure did, baby girl.”

“I’m really going.”

“I know.”

Her arms tightened. “What if I miss y’all too much?”

“Then you call.”

“What if I need you?”

“Then I come.”

“What if I’m scared?”

I kissed the top of her head.

“Then we pray first. And if prayer needs wheels, I pull up.”

Her laugh broke against my chest.

“You promise?”

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”