Free Restoration of Love by R. L. Kane

I suspect she always will. It’s a nice feeling to be needed by someone, especially when you have nothing else. But, you girl, I swear you were independent from the day you were born. I know that I push you too hard sometimes, but Nikki, that’s just my way of trying to push myself into your life.”
         “Mom, I do need you. I’ve never stopped needing you. I’m sorry if I close myself off so much that you feel there’s no room for you. Believe me, that has not been my intention. I promise to let you be a bigger part of my life from now on.” It felt so good to hug her mother. It had been a long time.
         “And Mom, you know that it’s not too late for you, either. You don’t have to be alone.”
         “Who would want an old bird like me?” her mother laughed.
         “Oh, I can think of a rooster or two. In fact, I might just know the perfect person. His name is Luther Miller.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
     
         It was noon on Thanksgiving Day and Nikki had already changed her clothes several times. She wanted to wear something that would somehow make her appear younger without looking too hip-hop to Carlos’s mother. Brandon left to go over to his grandmother’s for dinner.  Nikki had been pleasantly surprised that her mother had actually invited Carlos for dinner. They decided that they would go there together later in the evening for dessert.
         When Nikki heard the doorbell ring, she knew it was Carlos. “Well, here goes nothing she said to her reflection in the mirror. She wore a plain black dress that fell a few inches above the knee. When she opened the door and Carlos gave her a long wolf whistle, she knew that she had made the right choice.
         “Baby! Why are you dressed so sexy? I’m gonna have to watch you all day just to keep the men in my family off you, girl!”
         “You think it’s too sexy? Wait right here. I’ll go change,” Nikki said already heading back to her bedroom.
         “Baby, I’m kidding,” Carlos said grabbing her hand. “Besides we’re late. You look beautiful. Let’s go.”

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
     
       Nikki was quiet as she and Carlos drove to his parents’ house. She was so nervous about meeting his family. According to Carlos, there were only supposed to be about ten for dinner. The only one she was worried about meeting was his mother. She couldn’t help but worry what she would think about Nikki dating her son. After a few minutes, they pulled up in front of the house.
         Carlos’s family lived in a neighborhood on the north side of town that was made up primarily of middle class families. Although the houses were old, they were very well kept. The Ruiz’s home was a two story brick colonial with a nice lawn leading to the front door. Several children that had been playing tag stopped and ran to the car when they saw Carlos. “We’re here,” Carlos said, patting her hand. “You ready?”
         “As ready as I’ll ever be,” Nikki said with a nervous smile.
          As Carlos opened the car door, a little girl with beautiful, long curly black hair and big dark eyes ran up to the car. Carlos stepped out and scooped her up in his arms. “Uncle Carlos, come play with us,” she pleaded.
         “Later, sweetie. Uncle Carlos wants you to meet somebody right now.” As Nikki got out, Carlos said, “ Jessica, this is Nikki. Nikki, Jessica, my sister’s little girl.”
         “Hello, Jessica. It’s nice to meet you,” Nikki said extending her hand.
         Instead of taking Nikki’s hand, the child buried her face in Carlos’s shirt. “Oh, now you wanna be shy,” Carlos said, putting her back on the ground.
         Carlos reached for Nikki’s hand and led her to the front door.
         When Carlos and Nikki entered she could smell turkey cooking. Nikki was not surprised to see that the inside of the house was as immaculate as the outside. It was modestly furnished, but