By Sun and Candlelight / CAMREN

Chapter 36 - Ruby, Normani and Dinah

Normani looked up from her laptop and smiled as Ruby trudged sleepily into the kitchen and sat at the table.

"Morning," Ruby said, looking at her mom.

"It's nearly afternoon," Normani answered smiling, "You slept late."

"Can I still have breakfast?" Ruby asked.

"Sure," Normani said, standing up, "Eggs and sausage?"

Ruby nodded and Normani quickly cooked food for both of them. She brought the plates to the table and sat down and they both dug in. Normani took a deep breath and looked at Ruby.

"Ruby, I want to talk to you about Dinah," Normani said.

"Did you guys break up?" Ruby asked, sounding almost panicked.

"No, sweetie, we didn't break up," Normani said, chuckling, "Nothing like that."

"Oh, okay," Ruby said, relieved.

"Would you be upset if we did break up?" Normani asked.

Ruby moved her food around on her plate looking very much like she did not want to have this discussion. Normani stayed quiet, knowing that the best strategy with her daughter was to wait her out. Ruby finally looked up.

"I guess, yeah," Ruby said, "She's always so nice to you. Like when we're eating and you finish your drink, she always gets up and gets you more without you even asking."

Normani smiled that Ruby noticed the small things about her relationship with Dinah. She had no idea that Ruby paid so much attention.

"And, you know, she thinks you're funny," Ruby said, "You guys laugh at each other's terrible jokes."

"Our jokes are not terrible!" Normani protested, smiling.

"They're pretty bad," Ruby said, "But she makes you happy. I like that."

"She does make me happy," Normani said, sighing, "And we're getting more serious. I know how I feel about her and how great she is for me, but I want to know how you feel about having her around, about your relationship with her."

"Why does that matter?" Ruby asked, seriously.

"It matters because I would never bring someone into our lives if it makes you uncomfortable, Ruby," Normani answered tenderly, "You come first, always."

"Well, I really like Dinah," Ruby said, "I like that she doesn't try to be my friend or to be my mom. Some of the other people you dated tried too hard. She's not extra."

"No, she's certainly not," Normani said, chuckling.

"But I know she cares about me," Ruby said, pausing and adding, "At least I think she does."

"She does, very much," Normani answered.

"I like that she's a police captain, too," Ruby said, "That's pretty bad ass."

"Ruby! Language!" Normani said, shaking her head.

"It's just you and me," Ruby protested, bringing a small smile from Normani.

"She is kind of a bad ass," Normani answered, still grinning.

"Why are you asking me about Dinah?" Ruby asked.

Normani took a deep breath.

"Last night, she told me that she loves me," Normani answered honestly, "And I love her too. She's the first person I've ever considered bringing into our family, but I'll never do that unless you're okay with it too."

"Wait, are you guys getting married?" Ruby said, sounding excited.

"No, no, we're not quite there yet," Normani said, giggling, "But it could be something that happens in the future."