Page 215 of When a Soul Cries

My smile faded as I stared down at the kitchen counter.

“Alright,” I said quietly. “I’ll make sure she has everything.”

“I packed plenty.”

“I know you did.”

“Rome.”

A smile returned to my face. “I’m just saying.”

She laughed softly.

“I’ll see you in a little while.”

“Okay.”

When I returned to the living room, Sugga was already watching me with a grin.

“She said yes?”

“Yeah.”

Sugga cuddled Halo closer. “My baby staying!”

“Mama, calm down.”

“I need a crib.”

I stopped walking and stared at her.

“She staying one night.”

Sugga looked me dead in my face.

“For now.”

I shook my head.

There was no point arguing with that woman.

By the time I got home, everything was ready.

The dress. The shoes. The stylist.

I’d already made it clear to Sol that none of it was mandatory. If she wanted to wear something she already owned, fine. If she didn’t want anybody touching her hair, the stylist could leave.

Apparently, she’d been comfortable with the plan.

That almost killed me.

I stood near the bottom of the staircase adjusting my watch when I heard the faint sound of heels against the upstairs floor.

My head lifted.

Sol appeared.

And every thought in my head disappeared.