“You never had fry bread?” Shani exclaimed with disbelief.
Adam shook his head. “Everything is so delicious. But this bread—man, I can’t get enough of it. It’s so flavorful. And I love the texture. Warm and crispy on the outside and chewy inside. I could eat that entire basket.”
Nina smiled, clearly pleased.
“It’s one of the first things Mama taught all us girls to cook,” Shani said, smiling at her mom, who beamed back at her. “It’s just flour, salt, baking powder and water, deep-fried in shortening, but there’s a secret ingredient that makes Mama’s the best.”
“That’s right,” Chenoa, the youngest of the girls, piped up. “Mama taught us you need to say a special prayer so it comes out soft and delicious. You have to put good thoughts into it because you’re feeding your family.”
“Yep,” the girl Adam was pretty sure was named Yareli added, “You don’t want to cook if you’re angry or upset because that will get into the food. You need to be happy and loving when you make fry bread.”
“But don’t eat too much,” Malia cautioned. “This is our biggest meal of the day, and you’ll want to save room for the main course.”
“Good thing I have a hollow leg,” Adam said with a laugh. “Bring it on.”
The main course was skillet-fried, crusted catfish covered in a deliciously seasoned cornmeal batter with a touch of heat. The side dish was a cold salad made with brown rice, cranberries, green onions and various greens he couldn’t quite identify, lightly coated in a simple but delicious herb dressing that had a touch of sweetness.
The girls talked and laughed during the meal, updating Shani on her niece and nephews’ latest accomplishments and mishaps, and plying her with questions about her life on the island. Shani handled the barrage well, giving them a G-rated version of her life, with a focus on the sense of community and the amenities of the beach resort rather than her BDSM-themed job as a staff slave.
They grilled Adam on his career, his background, and yes, his intentions toward their sister. Interestingly, Nina stayed mostly silent, her eyes moving from Shani to him as she listened to his answers. Adam, taking Shani’s cue, left the BDSM out of the equation as he talked. He told them about his leather work and how it had led him to travel all over the world, selling his wares and learning new techniques. He told them about his latest adventure in Australia, where he’d studied with artisans of an Aboriginal tribe known for its beautiful leather dyes.
As he talked, Shani took his hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. He met her gaze with a smile. He was grateful she’d included him in this family reunion, and all the more furious at that bullying asshole who’d made her feel she needed to flee from all she’d loved. Though, if that hadn’t happened, he’d never have met her. While he’d only known her a short time, he could no longer imagine a life without her in it.
Though he didn’t think he could eat another bite, yet more food was brought after the main course. Dessert included blackberry pudding and a sweet cornmeal pudding delicately flavored with molasses and cinnamon that was one of the best things Adam had ever tasted in his life.
Finally, stuffed to the gills, he pushed back from the table, putting his hands on his stomach. “I’ve eaten all kinds of food all over the world, and I’m telling you sincerely, Nina,” he said, smiling down the table at Shani’s mom, “your cooking rivals that of the top chefs out there. Thank you so much for allowing me into your lovely home. I’m truly honored by your kindness and generosity.”
Her smile was broader now, her dark eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s a good boy you have, Shani,” she said in her deep, calm voice, nodding slowly. The girls quieted around the table, all eyes now on Nina, who clearly still held considerable sway over her adult daughters. “I can see he has not only a good appetite, but a good heart, yeah? It’s good to see you happy again, daughter. The light has come back into your eyes. The time for mourning and grief is over. Maybe now you can let your beautiful hair grow once more, along with the love in your heart.”Chapter 10After the meal, they all moved out to the wraparound porch to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Within a few minutes, Kaiah and Yareli’s husbands, George and Jacy, showed up with the kids in tow. Kaiah’s twin boys, Dakota and Jalen, shot out of the old pickup truck and hurtled up to the porch as Shani got excitedly to her feet.
The boys, now aged ten, must have grown a foot since she’d seen them the year before. She hugged them both at once while they chattered excitedly about the milkshakes they’d had at McDonalds and what positions they played on their Little League team. Meanwhile, Jacy helped his and Yareli’s three-year-old daughter, Naira, up the stairs, holding her pudgy hand in his as she took the steps one at a time.