“Congrats, Mo Money!” Bella said, standing to hug Morgan. “My sister did it, everybody!”

The pride in Bella’s eyes made Morgan emotional. She hadn’t always done the right things. She hadn’t always been the girl that Bella could look up to, but this accomplishment was one Bella could aspire to. She moved around the table, speaking to everyone, delivering kisses to cheeks and shaking hands of Christiana’s associates. Morgan hugged Eazy and Nannie, then moved on to Ethic and Alani.

“Thank you so much, Alani, for throwing me this,” she said.

“You deserve it, Mo,” Alani answered.

“He almost done cooking in there?” Morgan asked.

Alani blew out a sharp breath and placed both hands on her round belly. “Almost. A few more weeks. Thank God, because I’m so ready.”

Morgan laughed and moved to Ethic, who stood to receive her.

“I’m proud of you. You know that?” he asked as he held her close. Morgan nodded and pulled back.

“Morgan, we saved you a seat next to Sebastian,” David said.

Morgan rounded the table, and Bash pulled out her chair as she sat down.

“So, Morgan. What’s next for you?”

The question came from the white woman sitting at the other end of the table beside Christiana. A senator for the state and the keynote speaker at graduation.

“I honestly have no idea,” Morgan said, smiling as she moved the tassel to her graduation cap out of her face. She beamed as servers came around serving a five-star meal. She didn’t even know most of the thirty guests seated at the table, but she was happy to have them there. To her surprise, the vibe was easy. She laughed and conversed with her family, and even Christiana seemed to be in good spirits. Morgan tried to imagine her life with Bash. The rest of her days at his side. His baritone in her ear, laughing, praising her. Her family mixing with his. Her twins bouncing around the table, being doted over. This was legacy at this table. It was royalty. There was power of vast proportions present, and Morgan had a seat among the elite. It was one she didn’t even know if she wanted. In fact, she was sure it didn’t suit her at all, and somehow here she sat.

Aria walked in, still wearing her graduation cap, but the gown was gone. She wore a green pantsuit that complemented her skin so well she radiated.

“Hey, everybody!” she greeted. She instantly gravitated to Morgan’s family, hugging Bella and waving to the rest before taking a seat as well.

“I thought you had plans!” Morgan exclaimed.