Chapter SIX

Yasmin stood by the coffeepot and waited for the ancient thing to brew. She felt wonderful, but coffee was still a necessity if not for anything else than habit alone. Making it home before dawn, she’d showered and dressed, braided her hair, and waited.

One of the most profound joys of motherhood she found was kissing her son awake before making him breakfast and getting him ready for school. But before all that, coffee.

“Morning dear,” Auntie Lisa said shuffling into the kitchen with her slippers and robe.

The older Lioness looked well today, her cheeks flush and smile bright. She always knew when something was up with her niece. That’s what Yasmin got for thinking she’d have time to mull it all over before having to talk about it.

“So, how was your night?”

“Um, fine.”

“Yas, I can smell him on you. Want to tell me?”

“Oh, fine,” she mumbled.