Page 122 of Fumble Into the End Zone

Look at what we bought.

A picture of Harley standing next to a pony with a brown coat and wild hair.

Me

Why

Mom

Because why not? Harley is my grandbaby.

Me

It’s staying on your property.

Mom: I would love for you and Marcus to move in.

Me

NO!

I turned to Kindness. “Momma bought Harley a pony,” I said.

My friend covered her mouth as she laughed. She knew how Trendy Robinson gets when it comes to shopping.

“Mia, she is going to spoil those babies rotten. You know she’s already building the nursery, don’t you?”

I knew Mom was up to something, but I couldn’t put my hand on it. She’s been buying stuff and keeping it from me.

“I’m trying to rein her in a little. Harley is more reserved, mirroring Marcus’s personality, but when she gets with her grandmother, she transforms into this starlet. Mom bought her this fur coat, and she loves it. The confidence is off the charts. Marcus won’t help me,” I said.

My fear is I’m going to lose my southern sweetheart to my mother’s extravagant ways. I knew the boundary talk was coming. The second time my phone vibrated, it was a group chat with both parents.

Daddy

Mia, is your feet propped up.

Mom

No.

Me

Mom, how do you know?

Mom

Because you are my daughter.

Daddy

Mia Crystal Robinson, you put those feet up.

I closed my eyes and blew a hard breath. “Girl, let me go. Marcus got everybody on baby watch. Oh, don’t tell Bryce. Marcus wants to tell him,” I said as I stood.

Kindness hugged me one more time before I left.

By the time I made it home with a medium pizza. It was four minutes before the game ended. The television showed Bryce and Marcus hugging one another on the sideline. They were up by three touchdowns. My eyes watered at the brotherhood they shared. Marcus didn’t allow many people in his circle, but he would do anything for Bryce.

---