Chapter Seventy Six

Salie squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with sisterly affection. "I want you to be happy, Naomi. Just remember to take things slow and be cautious. Our family has been through a lot, and I don't want to see you get hurt again."

I nodded, the weight of Salie's words sinking in. "I will, Salie. I've learned from the past, and I won't rush into anything. But I believe in Reuben, and I believe in our love. With time and patience, I hope we can rebuild what was broken."

As I walked into the house, a sense of trepidation settled over me. I knew that talking to my mother about going back to Rueben would not be an easy conversation. But I also knew that I needed to be honest with her and explain my decision.

I found my mother in the living room, her back turned to me as she stared out the window. Taking a deep breath, I approached her, my voice filled with determination.

"Mom, we need to talk," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I've made a decision, and I need you to listen."

My mother