Page 26 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“You know, the other day during our game of twenty-one questions, I told you about my ideal family life, but you didn’t tell me how many kids you’d want when you settle down.”

My gaze shifted back to Mali as she took a sip of the fruit punch flavored Jarritos. I processed her statement before responding. “I don’t have a number since I already have two kids.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You do?”

I nodded. “Technically, they’re my sister’s kids, but I raise them like they’re my own. God knows her baby daddy ain’t stepping up to the plate.”

I pulled out my phone and tapped my photos app. I tapped on a recent picture and turned the screen for Mali to see.

“Aww! They are so handsome. What are their names?”

“Jordyn and Jadyn.”

“I love that.”

“Yeah. I’m all for creating a big family in the future, if God sees it fit.” I shrugged.

“I can respect it. I’m an only child. Hell, I’m an only grandchild on my mama’s side of the family, so I yearn for the big family unit.”

“I see the care you show the animals at your business. I know human babies would get all that love, too.”

She laughed. “I hope so. I have so much love to give.”

“That’s a beautiful trait to have.”

We talked more about our visions for our hypothetical families. We talked about what we’d name our kids, middle names passed down from generation to generation in ourfamilies, and how important it was to create environments for each child to live comfortably in the home.

“You mentioned earlier that you live with your mom, sister, and nephews. When you settle down, how would that living situation change to accommodate your future wife and kids?”

“That’s a good question. I know a lot of women wouldn’t be comfortable moving into my current situation. We would want privacy to learn about each other in every way.”

“Right.”

“My current plan is to find some land to build a family compound. I want to have my mother and nephews close enough to support them, but far enough that me and the missus could do what grown folks do without an audience.”

Mali giggled. “I know that’s right. You really have a beautiful plan. I know the lucky lady you settle down with would love that a lot. It’s something truly attractive about a man who is selfless and supportive.”

Part of me fought the urge to tell her the woman in my hypothetical scenarios could be her. Part of me pictured Mali by my side in ten years, running after our babies while I do lawn work in our front yard. It was easy to picture forever with Mali because we fit together like peanut butter and jelly—strong on our own, but damn good together.

Instead, I replied with “Thank you.”

We continued to talk about different things. We people watched together, cracked jokes, and had a good time. A simple lunch date had turned into almost three hours of time spent together.

“I haven’t laughed this much in so long. Thank you, Flame. You really made my whole week.”

Pride flowed through my body. I felt like I’d won the jackpot.

“It’s what I do. You stick around me long enough, you’ll be laughing every day.”

“Say no more. You’ll have to share me with my best friend, but I look forward to seeing you more—if you don’t get tired of me.”

“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.” I shot her a wink as she looked away and giggled.

“Thank you for joining me, bestie.”

“You know I love a good house tour. Plus, this place is only fifteen minutes from my apartment. I’ll be at your house every night for dinner,” she replied with a wink.

Today was the day I finally got out and toured houses. I had been in contact with a realtor for a few weeks, and our schedules finally aligned to tour some options she’d sent me. I didn’t want to go out and do it alone, so I picked Joylei up on my way to the first house. I wanted something cozy and comfortable to move to and start a new chapter in my life. Size didn’t matter because it was just me.