Zion sat in his father's office with his parents. He knew exactly why his father had called him in, but dreaded hearing the news out loud. “Zion, I know you know about the letter of consideration we received for you,” his father began.

“Yes, sir,” Zion nodded.

“Your mama and I think it might be a good match, so we've agreed to meet with them. Right now, we're just trying to schedule a day and a time that's convenient for everyone.” “They're new money, but they seem to be investing it wisely; your potential bride-to-be would come with a substantial dowry,” his mother added.

Zion nodded again and forced his expression to remain cheerful. In reality, he wanted to scream. It didn't matter if the girl had a huge dowry or if she could shit diamonds, Zion only wanted to marry one girl and that girl was Madison. “Talk to us, son. What do you think?” His father asked. Zion shrugged and forced a smile. “Sounds like it might be a good match.” “If you don't like her after you meet her, don't think you don't have other options, baby,” his mom said with an encouraging smile.

“Yes, ma'am. Thanks mama.”

Zion slipped out of his father’s office the second the conversation ended, heart still hammering, and headed straight for his room. Jamal was already there, sprawled across the bed like he owned it, waiting for him. “So I’m guessin’ you ain't tell ‘em the truth,” Jamal said, a slow grin spreading.

Zion shut the door behind him and leaned against it, arms crossed. “Ain’t no truth to tell.” Jamal snorted. “Man, you can't lie fo’ shit. I’m surprised they ain’t caught you with yo’ lil’ snow bunny yet.” Zion’s stomach lurched; every drop of blood in him seemed to pool in his shoes. He stepped closer, voice dropping to a bare whisper. “How you know?” Jamal looked at him, eyes gleaming with that big-brother amusement that always made Zion feel like a little kid again. “Easy math, Z. Mama and Pops ain’t the type to force you into no arranged marriage bullshit. So if you out here dodgin’ and actin’ shady, it’s ‘cause you know they wouldn’t sign off on her. Two plus two? White girl.” Zion exhaled, shoulders loosening just a fraction. “You ain’t gon’ snitch, is it?”

Jamal sucked his teeth. “What I look like? Fuck nah I ain't tellin’ ‘em. I ain’t tryna be buried next to you.” He sat up a little, pointing a lazy finger. “Only advice I got is wrap it up. Other than that? I ain’t seen shit, I ain’t heard shit, I don’t know shit.” A small, grateful smile tugged at Zion’s mouth. “‘Preciate you, J.” Jamal just waved him off and stood. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t get stupid.”