Page 19 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

I helped my sister up, tucked her against my chest, gave her a big hug, and kissed her forehead. “Love you, Dess. But you’re still a punk,” I teased, yanking out her scrunchie and flinging it across the room.

“You suck, you know that?” she growled, playfully pulling her hair out her face. “There better still be some veggie left or I’m coming for you.” She pointed two fingers at her eyes and then at me as I let her go and retrieved two plates.

“Nay, what kind of pizza do you want? You’ve got lots to choose from.” I held up an empty plate.

“Surprise me with a couple,” she said, back in her seat next to Sydney. Their heads were close together, looking at something on Syd’s phone. It warmed my heart to see her getting along so well with the women in my family.

As I glanced around the room, there was nothing but smiles. Everyone was happy and enjoying our time together. I watched as Momma approached Syd and Nay then leaned over my woman’s shoulder. Momma pointed at the phone and said something that made Naomi glow with happiness. My mother and my fiancée clinked their wine glasses and took a sip, then turned to focus on whatever had their attention.

My heart filled to the brim with joy as I loaded up my plate with four slices of meat lovers and then picked a slice of pepperoni and vegetarian for my girl. I went to the table and put the plate in front of her.

“Ooh, it looks so good!” She immediately picked up the veggie and took a huge bite, moaning as she did so.

“Bro…where’s mine?” Syd pouted as she gestured to the plate I’d brought Naomi.

“Get your own, squirt.” I snorted.

Sydney rolled her eyes. “Oh, I see how it is. Hook up with a hottie and then the rest of us are chopped liver.”

“Basically.” I grinned.

“Whatever!” She groaned and got up, wobbling when she finally stood straight. Then I heard rather than saw her kick off her insanely high shoes, taking her height down a few inches. “Whew! That’s better. Let’s try this again,” she mumbled, holding on to the back of the chairs as she swayed from side to side.

“How much did you guys drink?” I chuckled.

“Well, we started with champagne at the bridal store. That Jennifer chick was badass!” Naomi said. “Wish she could have come tonight,” she frowned. “But she’s coming to the wedding.”

“We talking about your best friend?” I called out knowing Syd would answer.

“Yep!” Syd hollered.

“Did she and Odessa get into it?” I asked Naomi.

“They totally did,” Naomi whispered as she leaned closer over the table as though it were a secret. “My money is on Jenn though. That woman owns a room when she’s in it.”

“Sounds like you respect her.”

Naomi nodded avidly while munching on the pepperoni slice. “Mmm hmm. She’s in love with love.”

“There are worse things in life,” I added then finished off one piece, already lifting up another to tackle.

“True, like mean-spirited overlords who think they can control everyone’s lives,” Naomi bit out.

“Talk to your father today, did you?” I snickered.

“He called while I was buying the dress. I told him I couldn’t be bothered to speak to him as I was buying my wedding gown and spending time with my new family. Then I hung up. Serves him right!”

“You didn’t!” I blurted, not at all surprised that she would be so bold. Still, I knew that her family not agreeing with our marriage was hurting her. It would upset any child to not have their parents’ acceptance.

I just hoped that the love my family and I could give her would help offset some of that loss. And then perhaps, in the future, when they’ve seen how much I love and cherish their daughter, they could find a way back to being a family, with me as a new addition.

“I did. He even tried to call back and I ignored it,” she gushed, clearly proud of herself.

“Damn, baby, looks like you had an eventful day.”

“And this pizza, and the memories I’m building with everyone have made it awesome,” she breathed, emotion cutting through her tone.

She cleared her throat, and I reached out and took her hand. “I’m glad you had a good day, Nay.”

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