Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

I sigh. “Yeah, that’s the feeling we got. I could strangle Monica.”

“You did the best you could. This is a first for them. You’ve never brought a woman around them like this. She’s new. A chance for them to learn to trust someone who’s not family.”

“Eventually she’s going to be.”

“Wait. What?” Her jaw drops.

“Mom, this is the woman I’m going to marry.”

“Does she know that?”

“I think so. We haven’t talked about it, but I feel it here.” I tap my chest.

“It’s so soon.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t change the way I feel. I need them settled before I leave on the road. I want her active in their lives.”

“You can’t force it.”

“I know. But I think it’s time they have their comfort zone challenged.”

“I’m happy for you, baby. I hope this all works out the way you want it to.”

“Me too.”

“Tell me more about this young woman.”

“She’s amazing … so smart, kind, and funny. She’s a florist, but she also co-runs the shop. She loves to go to thrift shops, read, and explore. We have so much fun doing nothing, and I can talk to her. She gets me. I’ve never felt like this with another woman.”

“They told me she’s an African American.”

I tense. “She is. Is that a problem?”

“What? Of course not. I think it’d be good for the girls to get a chance to learn more about that part of their heritage. When they told me she was like them, it took me a moment to understand what they meant by that.”

“That’s how they described her?” I say, shocked.

“Along with pretty, yes.”

It’s eye opening. I realized logically that they must notice the inference in skin tones, but I never knew they thought of themselves as black.

“It was a very matter of fact statement. There was no hesitation or hang-up about it.”

“They’re growing up on me too damn fast.”

“Kids will do that on you if you blink.”

I smirk. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Watching my first born navigate through parenting? Yes. Especially when he’s doing such a damn good job.”

“’Cause you’re not biased.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t make it any less true.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Now when will the rest of us get to meet Ms. Willow?”