Page 54 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“She’s even more beautiful than the pictures!” Mama exclaimed.

“I see you, lil brother! Got him a super model on his arm,” Alana added.

“Y’all are a mess. Mama, Alana, this is Mali. Mali, this is my crazy-ass family.”

“Ooo! Uncle Tez cussed. Money in the swear jar when we get home!” Jordyn shouted.

I nodded. “You got me, man.”

“Set up the game while we get acquainted with my future sister-in-law,” Alana demanded. She pushed me to the side and pulled Mali down into the spot beside her. I shook my head and handed Mali her shoes before I went to do my appointed task.

I loved the sight of my family welcoming Mali with open arms. I knew they would, but I was glad they did it with ease. She fit in perfectly.

“Hurry, Uncle Tez! We’re ready to bowl!” Jadyn shouted.

Jordyn nodded and tossed his fists in the air. Those two were a hoot.

“I’m almost done.” I chuckled quietly to myself. I set up everyone’s name and made sure the twins got the bumpers put on when their turn came around.

“The twins are up first, then Mama, Alana, Mali, and I’ll be the closer,” I explained.

“Great! We ordered for the boys, but the server will be back to take our drink and food orders. Mali, are you drinking?” Mama quizzed.

Mali shrugged. “I didn’t plan on it, but if y’all are drinking, I might as well get me a little cocktail or something.”

Alana giggled. “Please get a drink so I can live through you tonight, girl.” Alana rubbed her stomach and rolled her eyes.

Mali poked out her bottom lip. “Oh, my goodness. You sure can’t drink tonight. How far along are you?”

“Girl, I’m only four months.” Alana pouted. “I’ve got a long way to go.”

“You should be a professional this go around. You had twins your first time. Is this another multiple birth?”

Alana shook her head. “Just one baby, thank God.”

“Do you know the gender yet?”

“Mama knows. We’re going to have a gender reveal next weekend. You should pull up.”

Mali grinned. “I’d love that a lot.”

Mali held my hand as she talked to my sister. I zoned them out so I could instruct my nephews on how to bowl. We usually left them to their iPads, but tonight, we wanted them to enjoy the fun of bowling with family.

“Jay, start us off. Grab a ball that isn’t too heavy for you and stand at the line. You give it your best throw, okay?” I instructed.

“Okay, Uncle Tez!” Jadyn jumped up and grabbed his ball first and stood at the line. He used both hands to swing the ball down the lane. It bounced off the bumpers and ended up knocking down five pins. On his second turn, he knocked down two more.

We all cheered for him.

Once Jadyn got the swing of things, Jordyn got up and showed us what he could do. He ended up knocking down eight pins and missing the other two.

We all cheered for him too.

The real competition started when Mama got up and did her turn. She didn’t let that stump stop her from getting active. She tossed her ball down the lane and knocked over six pins and cleaned it up for a nice spare on her second ball.

“Now, you sure you can bowl while pregnant?” Mali asked as Alana stood up and grabbed her ball.

“Girl, yeah. I searched it last night to make sure, though. The last thing I need is to complicate this pregnancy.” Alana held her ball in her hand and threw it down the lane like a professional. One thing about the Gilliam family was we were as competitive as they came.