Pearl’s head shook as she clicked her tongue. “Y’all ain’t family, and we’ve inconvenienced you enough. I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“You aren’t asking; we’re offering,” Jayla clarified.
“Look, we might not be related to Miley and Mateo, but we love them as if we were,” I admitted. “We are committed to helping them, and you, in any way we can. I respect what you’ve done so far, and I don’t blame you for not wanting to take on this responsibility. It’s a big one. Please, let us help carry the load.”
While she considered our words, I took Jayla’s hand into mine and prayed silently that she would agree.
“Let me sleep on it, and of course talk to the kids, and I’ll let you know.”
Relief washed over me along with gratitude over the fact that she was even considering it.
“Thank you,” we said simultaneously before standing and getting ready to leave.
I wasn’t completely surprised to hear that Sonny wasn’t coming back, but Iwassurprised that Pearl wanted to change the kids’ schools. I understood, though, because her house was about thirty minutes away from their schools. Even though I knew it would be more convenient for her if they went somewhere closer, I was tired of these kids having to endure unnecessary changes.
They’d already been given a bad hand because they had a mother who left them way too early by force and a father who was leaving by choice. Whatever we could do to make Sonny’s absence in their lives easier to stomach, we’d do.
Our ride back to my place was just as silent, now for a different reason. After I parked in my designated parking space, I found the courage to look over at Jayla. She was looking just as pitiful as I figured she would. Sniffling, she wiped her tears.
“I know, I know, I’m overreacting,” she said with a nasally tone as she wiped her tears. “It’s just a different school district. It’s not like they’re moving to a different city.”
“That’s true, but you’re entitled to how you feel. We see the kids every day at school, so it’ll be an adjustment if they go somewhere else. Besides, they’ve dealt with enough. They shouldn’t have to deal with their father leaving themandgoing to a new school.”
Licking the corner of her mouth, she released a shaky breath and wiped her tears away. “I don’t want to make things more difficult for them by letting what we want get in the way. If their aunt and uncle are willing to take them in and they have to change schools, we’ll just have to make it work.”
I didn’t respond. Couldn’t. My mind was too busy trying to figure out a way to make this work for all of us. A way that would lead to them getting the stability they needed and consistency we wanted.
Eight Days Later
Instead of taking my usual trip to the casino with my family after church and brunch, I went to see Jayla’s parents instead. I’d fasted for three days, praying and denying myself so I could hear from God clearly. I wanted Him to guide me so I could lead Jayla properly. At the end of my fast, I knew exactly what to do.
Jayla had no idea I was here, and I wanted to keep it that way. I made my way inside after speaking to her mom, Lila, and giving her a hug. She led me to the living room where her husband, Roger, was waiting for us. We shook hands and then sat down.
“I know normally we’d make small talk and catch up,” I said, “but I’m anxious to say what I have to say, so I’m hoping y’all are cool with skipping that.”
Lila was the first to speak up. “Yes, because I already know where this is going, and the answer is yes.”
Laughing, I hung my head briefly. “Thank you, but let me give the honor and respect you both deserve by asking and being completely transparent with you.”
Roger took Lila’s hand into his, smiling at me with pride in his eyes. “Go ahead, son.”
“You both know that Jayla and I have been dating for a little over two months now. I know that’s not a long time, but I’ve been in love with your daughter for the last ten years. Now that I have her, I don’t want to waste any time. Even with that being the case, I’d planned to propose after we dated for six months. I feel led to propose earlier now.”
“Why’s that?” Roger asked.
“Miley and Mateo,” I answered truthfully. “We’re about to lose them, and I can’t let that happen.”
Lila’s brows wrinkled in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Their father is giving his mother custody of them, but she is only going to be their legal guardian. She wants her son and daughter to alternate their living arrangements and raise them for Sonny. His sister, Stacy, did agree, but her husband recently got a promotion and will be moving to Virginia. His brother doesn’t think he’s ready for the responsibility but said he’d be willing to still help Pearl out if she kept them.”
“And let me guess, Pearl isn’t budging,” Roger confirmed.
“She’s not. All she’s willing to do is have legal custody and get them a couple times out of the month if needed for no more than two days.”
“So what is the solution you came up with?” Lila asked.
“I want Jayla and I to adopt them. I’ve already started looking at homes for us. We’ll have to be married and living together for the best chance at adoption. The marriage will have to happen before they leave Tennessee. I want Jayla to have the wedding of her dreams, but we’ll need to get the license ASAP. Marriage has always been the end goal for us, and I don’t want to make it seem like I’m only marrying her so we can adopt the kids. They are just speeding the process up.”
