Every shift in the children’s lives threw another wrench in Jonathan and Derek’s arrangements for
“So, Cuz, you’re ’bout to have a near empty house, huh?”
Jonathan gazed longingly at his daughters. Derek’s remarks hit him like new information. Maya and Aubrey were both remarkable women. Both had successful careers, a good head on their shoulders, respect, treated people well, and the good men in their lives would whisk them away soon. He and Skyla prepared them well yet were ill-prepared for their departure.
“Yep.” He nodded slowly as the realization settled in. “They’re leaving the nest.” The pressure of tears built up behind his eyes. It wasn’t time to cry yet, and he shook away the sensation. “How’s Sharon doing out in Del Sol Valley?”
Derek pulled in a deep breath. “She’s surviving. You know how it is when you first start out.”
That scenario was foreign to most Pruetts. Jonathan never left home and lived on six digits. Derek and Chasity still lived on their mother’s allotment. But, the family wasn’t out of touch with reality. They had friends and other family members who struggled.
“I bet she’s out there meeting all the fellas,” Jonathan said, wiggling his eyebrows.
“That’s what I told Jenn! She’s trying to play it cool like she’s not worried about her. That’s her first baby! She has to be worried sick.”
Behind them, Skyla gave Maya advice on whatever she attempted to make. “You’re cutting the onions kind of large, pumpkin.”
“So, she wants to be an actress?” Jonathan asked. “Or, is she just running away?”
“And where is the cilantro?” Sky asked.
Jonathan glanced over his shoulder in time to see Maya cut her eyes at her. “Mom! I know how to make salsa!”
Skyla held up her hands and walked away.
They snickered at the little quarrel. Derek leaned over and said, “I hope she knows how to make more than just salsa.”
Jonathan snorted and whispered back, “He does all the cooking.”
“Oh! Excuse me! Well, you know what they say about daughters marrying men just like their fathers.”
Derek sucked his teeth. “Whatever, Cuz! I’m not lettin’ no whack plumhead marry my baby.”
Jonathan shook his head at his crazy cousin. He understood the sentiment, but Derek needed let her go before someone special waltzed into her life. Jonathan’s pain was a great object lesson if he’d pay attention.
Aubrey hovered nearby. Did she feel it too? Did she want to snuggle next to him as much as he wanted her to?
“Look at your baby, Cuz,” Derek said. “‘Bout to be a married woman!”
Jonathan grinned. Sometimes, seeing her as a woman was difficult. He regarded her as that wide-eyed girl zipping around Viviana’s eager to greet every patron. That young girl still lived inside, but now she was someone else’s woman. “Mmm hmm. He’s a lucky man.”
Derek grunted. “Yeah. He better remember that too!”
Jonathan sucked his teeth. “You always act so tough. You wouldn’t fight anybody.”
“Man, whatever! I’ll scrap with anyone who messes with my family!”
Jonathan chuckled. “I’m sure you believe that.”
“Daddy, leave Derek alone,” Maya said with a mouth full of not-mother-approved salsa.
“Right? Dude always ganging up on me! I got witnesses this time!”
Jonathan rolled his eyes as everyone laughed. He and Derek were close like brothers. Their sons also followed that pattern, quarreling constantly about something trivial and making up within minutes. Hopefully, they would always remain friends.
The girls weren’t close growing up because of the age differences. Jonathan loved how they found something to bond over later. Those bonds would keep the family close throughout the generations. When it all falls down, family is the only possession that truly lasts forever. The charlatans will come. The bandits will plunder. But nothing—absolutely nothing—will put the Pruetts asunder.
“not mother approved salsa” hahaha I loved this slice of family life. The sadness of the empty nest is real. You’re proud to see your children exploring their lives, but it’s still sad to see them move on without you. 🙂
And you’ve got a front row seat right now! 😀