Page 70 of Widow Mayker

“I’m headed to see Shyah right now,” I answered my mama. For one, I couldn’t have Shyah sounding so defeated. Secondly, I wanted to see her and used any excuse I could to get there.

“Aw, how sweet. You have to bring her to meet me.”

“You know I will. What do you have planned for the day?”

Mama sighed. “Not sure. There is a bed of roses I need to tidy up. Then, there’s the patio furniture that’s due for a change.”

I laughed. “Sounds fun, Mama. You and Jenny not goin’ out today?” Jenny was my mother’s only female sibling, and the two were thick as thieves.

She giggled. “Are you trying to be messy, Son? You know the last time we went somewhere together, Marvin had to come drag his wife out of that place by her edges.”

Laughing louder, I added, “And I had to come drag you out by ya edges.”

She giggled some more. “Well, that’s what happens when we get a lil’ tipsy.”

“Mm, hm. At least wait until I make it back home before you decide to go get some drinks. I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon, aight?”

“Sure, baby. Be careful and give Shyah a kiss from her mother-in-law.”

“Duly noted. I love you.”

“Love you, too, baby. Bye.”

“Later, Ma.”

All packed, I showered, moisturized, and changed into something more comfortable. Before hitting the interstate, I made a quick trip to the mall and a floral shop. Within the hour, I was on my way to my lady.

***

The sun was still high in the sky when I made it to S.S. Estates.

“Damn,” I mumbled. This place was exquisite and rivaled that of the land I grew up on. I followed the GPS to the road leading to Shyah’s house. Off in the distance, several horses grazed, and the land seemed to stretch farther than the eye could see. There were dozens of houses separated by tall iron gates, boasting stunning driveways.

As I approached Shyah’s house, Antonias was in the driveway with a shotgun at his side. Shyah’s last class ended thirty minutes ago, so I was glad I beat her there. She had no idea that I was there, and I wanted to make sure that this surprise was something that would lift her spirits. Her brother and I needed to talk anyway. It was high time.

“The fuck you doin’ here?” Antonias demanded to know.

Stepping out of my truck, I chuckled at his crazy, wolf-looking ass. “Came to see my lady.”

As he approached me, the mug on his face deepened. I had it in mind to fuck with him, but I couldn’t have my future wife’s brother as an enemy. We wanted the same thing.

“Listen, bruh. Man to man, I appreciate you for taking care of and protecting Shyah all these years.” As far as Shyah revealed, she was raised by Antonias. “I fuck wit’ you for that. It’s because of you that I have a beautiful-ass woman that I’m so far gone over that there’s nothing you can say or do to me that’s gon’ make me get back in that truck and leave. As a big brother, you’ve done ya job. Now, it’s time for me to do mine.”

Hearing a car approaching, I broke eye contact with Antonias to catch Shyah’s luxury sedan pulling up. As she parked, I was already making my way to her door to open it for her. It popped open, nearly hitting me in my dick.

“Shit!” I exclaimed, barely catching the door.

“Oops! I’m sorry,” she apologized.

In the next minute, she was out of her car and in my arms. Her legs were around my waist as I held her and kissed her all over her face. The smile on her face was magical. Until I heard his tires kicking up dirt, I wasn’t even aware that her brother had left.

“I can’t believe you’re here!”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m thoroughly surprised.” She grinned brightly as I kissed her lips for the fifty-eleventh time.

“Consider me ya audience. I wanna hear this presentation, and I promise to give my honest feedback.”