Page 81 of Plus One

“I know you understand my meaning. You probably know best of all.”

Care, to him, had always meant control. Keeping an iron grip on what he could control in this world.

Accepting help hadneverbeen his way. Maurice supposed that if he had, he wouldn’t have spent most of his life in prison. Help had always been there—he could see that now in the way Auntie Don stood before him, still trying to nurture and teach him.

“Don’t let her be too proud, ya hear?” Her attention broke from his as Aunt Deb slid beside her, easing an arm around her waist. The subtle way Don’s posture softened as she almost imperceptibly leaned into Deborah seemed to Maurice like a divination, like he needed toseecare at work.

“Sometimes,” she continued, smiling softly at him, eyes full of warmth and compassion now, before turning to Deb, “we need to be taught what true safety is. It’s hard to let go of the past because it makes us who we are today. But, baby, God don’t make mistakes. And besides, both of y’all’re about due for some happiness.”

“What… How…” Maurice struggled with what he wanted to ask. “But Auntie Don?” He sighed and tried again. “Yes, ma’am.”

“We’re on the same page then?”

Maurice nodded.

“Good.” The music started in the chapel, and the hotel event coordinator popped their head out into the hall, waving them forward. “Now, escort us inside,” Don said, sliding her hand up to hook into his elbow. He extended his other arm to Deborah.

“Mo,” Aunt Deb whispered, “you need persistence and patience in equal measure. It’s so worth it.”

Maurice glanced toward the elevators again before nodding in agreement. He sometimes trusted these women more than himself. If they said Monique would come around and that he shouldn’t worry, then he would do his best to be patient.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said again and stepped through the doorway.

He deposited the Aunties in their seats in the front row and kissed them on the cheeks before stepping onto the dais and settling to Tommie’s right. His sightline was unobstructed as he watched and waited for Monique’s arrival.

CHAPTER 20Monique

Monique stood in the blush dress that her kids had picked out, still in the hotel room. She slipped her feet into the silver kitten heels Justin had been so excited for her to have. Five minutes until the ceremony.

Maurice had left twenty minutes ago. His words were still in the room with her, thickening the air with their tenderness.I’m not scared of your scars. I want you. All of you.

He had been handsome there, so buttoned up. The all-black of his outfit made his strong features and smooth skin stand out even more. She’d ached to touch him, to straighten his collar—the little white square he wore there intrigued her, like a shackle that she wanted to remove. Most of all, she wanted to kiss him as she sent him off to his work and then kiss him one more time.

But she didn’t. And she didn’t know when she’d have another chance. She looked at herself in the mirror, makeup fixed. Evidence of her tears masked. Her phone buzzed.

JASMINE

Have fun at the wedding! Love you Mom

JUSTIN

Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do

She took a deep breath and smoothed her hand over her dress.

MONIQUE

Love you both. Behaving myself.

Mostly. She could still change her flight. Book something tonight. Be home by morning.

But Chickie had made her promise.Don’t you dare come home early.

And Maurice had said he’d be there when she was ready. Not if. When. Like he believed she’d come back.

Monique grabbed her clutch and walked to the door.

I’m not scared of your diagnosis or your scars. I want you. All of you.