Page 62 of Solomon’s Temple

I thought for a moment before a grin broke out on my face. “I’ll allow it.”

“You better because if I see her sniffing around you again, I’m going to unleash a plethora of curse words with the hands to follow.”

I chuckled. “I’m sure she gets the picture now.”

“Which side of the family are we about to visit now?”

“My mom’s, but trust me. My cousin is nothing like that.”

“He better not be.”

“He’s the one I used to protect on the streets. So, it’ll be a different contrast from where we’d just come from.”

“Good.” She rubbed my knuckles with her thumb. “I’m glad I could make you smile after that chaotic dinner. I really wanted to finish my food. She may be backward as hell, but your mom sure can cook.”

I laughed. “You make me smile every time I see your face. I love you real bad.”

“I love you real bad too.”

I kissed her hand just as we pulled up to Gabriel’s home. Luxury cars of all kinds were parked along the wooded area leading up to the huge home. When I made it to the circular driveway, a man in valet attire hurried over to my truck, and I stepped out.

“Good evening, and welcome to the Taylor estate. I’ll take this off your hands for you,” he said, and I handed over my keys. He gave me a ticket while another valet attendant opened the door for Temple.

“Thank you. If you’ll follow this path here, the party is inside the tent.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Enjoy the party.”

I stepped around the truck, took the gift bag from Temple’s hand, replacing it with mine, and followed the valet’s instructions.

The yard was lit up with lamps and fairy lights as we made our way inside the insanely large tent. Yellow, white, and gold balloons surrounded the area with strobe lights, a huge birthday banner, and cutout photos of Lessyn.

There was a live deejay, people serving food and drinks, and a makeshift wooden dance floor in the center.

I could already tell this was not the place I should be. I would give it an hour at most before we would have to leave.

There was way too much temptation in here.

“It’s a baddie party; you cannot get in! Don Julio, I’on drink Gin!” The host yelled over the microphone.

“Oh wow. It’s lit in here,” Temple said, smiling.

“Don’t you get any ideas,” I jested.

Temple bumped me with her hip and laughed. “I won’t. I’m trying to remain your wife, so I’ll behave.”

“You ain’t going nowhere no matter what you do. As you said, people don’t change overnight, but I thank you for thinking of me and trying.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Always.” She lifted her head, puckered her lips, and I dropped a kiss on them.

“I know this Holy rolling nigga ain’t at my wife’s party.” A huge smile lifted on my face as I turned to see Gabriel standing behind me. “It must be an apocalypse.”

I chuckled. “You a fool, man.” I pulled him in for a hug. “It’s good to see you, G.”

“Good to be seen, my baby. How you been?”

“Eh. I can’t complain. This is my lady, Temple. Temple, this is Gabriel. The woman of the house husband, and my cousin’s best friend.”