Page 7 of When Love Takes Root

“Alright, Coleman family prayer time. Huddle up for Big G.”

We drew close.

“Heavenly Father, we come to You with grateful hearts. Thank You for another year of marriage, another day of breath, and another chance to love the way You commanded us to. Thank You for Celeste, for her heart, her light, and the faith that holds this family together. Cover our children. Guide Jamal Jr. as he grows into the man You’ve called him to be. Give Kayden wisdom. Let Maya find her worth in You. Protect Zuri’s joy. Help Skye grow in kindness. Keep Your hand over this family, bind us together, and let our love reflect Yours. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.”

“Amen.”

For a moment, nobody moved.

Ms. Brenda sniffled. “Y’all done made me cry, and I just got my lashes done.”

Jamal smiled at me. “Blame Celeste. She’s easy to love.”

The words settled deep inside me.

Before he left, he made his rounds. A one-armed hug for Kayden. A kiss on Maya’s forehead. A tap on Zuri’s nose. A quick lift that made Skye squeal. One of those shoulder-to-shoulder hugs with JJ that said everything without saying much. Then he came back to me.

“I’ll see you tonight, baby. Call me before you head home.”

“I will.”

He gave me the look that said he knew I planned to stay late anyway.

Then he smiled.

One last kiss.

One last squeeze of my hand.

One last look.

He stepped into the morning sunlight, and the bell chimed behind him.

For a few seconds, the shop kept looking at the door like love had just walked out wearing cologne and carrying my heart in its pocket.

Slowly, the day found its rhythm again. The day eased back into motion by degrees. Dryers hummed. Combs moved. My children hugged me one more time before JJ gathered the younger ones. Kayden paused at the door just long enough for me to blow him a kiss he pretended to dodge before his smile gave him away.

Bythe time the last client left, the salon had gone still. Evening settled against the windows, and the flowers Jamal had brought me rested on the front counter beside the gifts our children had scattered throughout the shop. The room still carried traces of them.

Bestie Boo:

Onyx already said we got y’all. Go be in love. Happy Anniversary, Bestest!

I smiled down at my phone so hard my cheeks hurt. I tucked it beside my station and kept working, carrying the sweetness of the day with me from chair to chair.

I smiled. “Lord, this man.”

I picked up the card. Even the envelope felt precious. Jamal’s handwriting looked just like him: strong, slanted, moving faster than his hand could keep up.

I slipped one finger beneath the flap and eased the card open. My chest tightened so quickly I had to sit.

To my Proverbs 31 and my peace,

You’ve been my answer in every season, my laughter when the world gets loud, my still water when my soul gets tired, and my home that always smells like vanilla, cinnamon, and grace.

I love you in the morning, but I love you even more amidst the mess, when you’re humming over somebody’s twist-out, answering a child’s question, checking inventory, and praying for everybody all at once.

Thank you for choosing me every day, my love. I choose you right back. In every lifetime God would allow, I would find you and marry you again.