Winter's Love

•Chapter 29: Hand Crafted

2 weeks Later

Qasim

"Ma" I yelled, hanging my coat on the coat rack.

"Boy, I'm right in the kitchen"

Making the short walk into the kitchen, the smell of my favorite soup hit my nose. My mama was cooking her homemade chicken noodle soup. She always added in ginger and a hint of lime to the soup. It gave the soup a certain kick.

"Ohh, let me taste it"

Holding the spoon up to my mouth, I enjoyed the flavors dancing around in my mouth. Closing my eyes, I almost let out a small moan. My mama was blessed in the kitchen area. My mama smiled as if she knew what I was thinking about.

"I gotta give Honey my recipe. I won't be around always to make it for you" she stated, pinching my cheek.

Holding my hand out, I wiggled my fingers in her face.

Her brows furrowed and then she realized what I was making a small fuss about.

"You proposed and I wasn't there?" she eyed me, throwing the spoon in the sink.

I knew her fussing was about to start in 3...2...1....

"Why would you do that Qasim? We're in a good space now, and you started calling me mama. What did I do?" she questioned, as the hurt flashed in her eyes.

Holding my hand up, I hope it would cease the rant she had started.

"Mama, I didn't propose. Honey proposed to me because I pulled a prank on her. I said yes but I want to do it the right way. Which includes the whole family."

I'd been pondering on ways to make it special for her. I came up with the idea of proposing during the baby shower. Everyone would be there, and nobody had to feel a certain way.

"Did that bother you?"

I took a seat at the breakfast bar with that question weighing in my mind.

"I didn't take a blow to my ego, if that's what you were asking. I don't mind the fact that she proposed because I had it in mind. I think it only bothers people because they feel things have to be traditional, and its customary that the man asks the woman." I replied.

She smiled at me and patted my hand. "I don't care if she asks you the second time around, I only want us to be present to bask in the glory."

"I love you mama, I feel like I don't say it enough to you. I love you for making me the man I am today. Even though it's taken a while for us to get to this point...I'm glad we are here."

I held my arms open and she came around the corner. Wrapping her up in my arms, I kissed the top of her head.

"So, are you ready for three little munchkins and marriage?"

"I was ready for marriage when I found out Trinity mom was pregnant. Only difference, is she wasn't ready to settle down. With Mariah, I have my soulmate and best friend right in front of me. I'm ready to make her a permanent fixture in our lives. Trin and Seem want me to discuss O adopting them. They want us all to have the same last name. I'm about as prepared as I can get for my babies' arrival. I'm a little nervous because its three kids at once. However, I'm eager to meet them." I replied, unwrapping my arms from around my mom.

"You want some soup? How's the shop coming along?"

I don't even know why she asked if I wanted soup. I always wanted her soup no matter the season. 

"Yeah, you can fix me some. Will you fix a little bowl for the pregnant woman too? If I go home and tell her I had your soup-she will have my head. The shop is doing very well and I've been getting Don and his dad clientele. I feel kinda bad for his shop but he treated me like crap when I was working for him."