Page 42 of Honey's Special Roux

“I know you’re not the biggest fan of me and Honey being together, but your presence in her life means a lot.”

“Oh Lord, chile. Come on in and help me crack these pecans for my pie.”

Without another word, she walked away from the door and disappeared into the house. A soft chuckle escaped my lips before I entered the house and locked the bottom lock of her door. The trip to the dining room was short. There was a large bowl of pecans on the table with a bag of discarded shells and a plate of the small oval-shaped nuts.

“Wash your hands and have a seat.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Once my hands were clean, I claimed the seat next to her and grabbed the nutcracker. I placed the round shell in the hole and squeezed until it cracked. I separated the nuts from the shell and added it to her plate.

“I can imagine the conversation you came to have, so let’s get to it.”

“Yes, ma’am. I can admit, my rap sheet is extensive, and most concerned guardians would have some issues with me dating their loved ones. My choice in lifestyles wasn’t ideal.”

“Sure wasn’t. You are a drug dealing murderer.”

“I never allowed my actions to interfere with Honey’s future. A few weeks ago, I left the business. I’d almost died fighting for my life too. I did it because I knew if I continued down the path I was headed, Honey wouldn’t have stayed much longer.”

“Mm-hmm,” Miss Janie hummed.

“Anyway, long story short… I want to get your blessing to marry your granddaughter.” I reached into my pocket and retrieved the black box. She shook her head as she grabbed it and lifted the lid.

“My goodness.”

The diamond was huge and cut into a princess diamond. Honey was my princess, and she deserved the world. I’d paid a pretty penny for the rose gold band with our anniversary date engraved.

“Do you think she’ll like it?” I asked shyly. I’d regressed into a scared little boy as I waited for Miss Janie to respond.

“I know she’ll love it. However, I don’t know if I can give you my blessing, Marquise. You both are so young, and you’ve only ever known a hard knock life. How can I be sure your trauma won’t come back and hurt my baby girl?”

“I understand where you’re coming from, Miss Janie. I really do.” I rubbed my hands together and turned my body to give her full access to read my face and body language. I needed to be an open book for her to understand how genuine I was at the moment.

I searched for the right words to say. “I believe I have a lot of healing to do to manage the damage my childhood and lifestyle created for me. I know regardless of that trauma, I can be everything Honey needs and more. She values your opinion and loves you more than anyone else. With your blessing, I promise I would never intentionally hurt Honey.”

I offered a soft, genuine smile to seal the deal.

Miss Janie eyed the ring for a long moment before she returned the box to me. “Marquise, I give you my blessing. Please don’t make me regret it.”

I jumped up and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Let me go, chile!” she exclaimed, even though she hugged me back.

Something in me broke at the warmth of her hug. I fell to my knees and held her tighter. My eyes wanted to cry, but the men in my family conditioned me at a young age to never show weakness. I didn’t think my eyes could produce a real tear, even if I tried.

“Sorry about that,” I mumbled as I let go of her and stood on my feet.

“It’s okay. A grandmother’s hug can heal the soul sometimes.”

I smiled. “Do you have time for a crash course in one of Honey’s favorite meals?”

“I’m going to charge you for my services.”

The chuckle eased the tension in my shoulders. “Name your price, and I got you.”

“What are you trying to cook? If it’s something I can walk you through over the phone, that might be the best option.”

“I want to make her some crawfish etouffee,” I replied confidently.

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