“I’ll let her know. She’ll be happy for us, eventually. We just need to give her a little space for right now.” Charles explained.
She wasn’t convinced. Intimidated by Monica because she didn’t share a child with Charles. There was always a secret competition going on in Brandy’s head that no one else participated in.
Placing thoughts of her fiancé’s ex aside, Brandy rushed to call her parents. Charles stayed in the room, getting dressed for the day. Just as he was almost done, an unexpected call came in.
“Hey Chuck. When is Chase coming back?” Monica asked.
“In three days, Monica.” He replied annoyed. “What’s going on?”
“I wanted to see if I could pick him up and keep him for a while? I miss having my son here and things between me and Tony are sooo much better. I think it’s time for my son to come home for good.” She replied.
“What!?! Just like that things are good? Just out of the blue!?!?” He asked confused.
“It’s not out of the blue Chuck! We’ve been working hard trying to get this marriage to work and we are on a good path now. I’m not allowing you to take my child away from me.”
“How do you know if this isn’t temporary? You know how Tony is. You never know what you’re going to get from him!” He exclaimed. “You know what, I can’t discuss this now. Today is our anniversary so I can’t deal with you and Tony’s mess.”
“I can handle my husband Chuck.” Monica said frustrated.
“Chase moved in with me in the first place because you couldn’t.” He replied. “How are you going to be able to handle your hot head of a husband while protecting yourself and our son?”
“I’ll be fine! I can take care of my son. I’d been doing that for years remember?!”
“I’m not dealing with this today Monica. I gotta go!” Charles said before hanging up.
He was livid at that conversation. Brandy overheard from the other room and joined him where he was pacing back and forth rubbing his head.
“Now all of a sudden she wants her son back. I’m not trying to keep him from his mother but damn! Chase isn’t growing up in a hostile environment. I won’t have it!” He fussed.
“We’re going to be late for brunch Charles.” Brandy said disrupting his rant.
“Oh yea. I’m sorry babe. Monica called me with some BS and...Nevermind, sorry it’s all about you today.” He said softening his tone.
“Sure it is.” She mocked.
Charles gave his fiancé a kiss before rushing out of the bedroom. Brandy was left alone, thinking that for the rest of her life, she would have to deal with his mood being affected by Monica’s shenanigans. Her parents were elated by the engagement news, but that information had wait to be shared at a later time.
She sat on the bed, looking at the cushion halo diamond. The three carats represented a new life. However, the peace of security didn’t follow along with it. What was supposed to be the happiest moment of their lives was suddenly cut short by Charles’ baby’s mama. Brandy’s feelings were crushed. She couldn’t understand why he would allow his ex to control his mood in that manner. Just when she was about to turn to an angry place, he popped in.
“Baby. I’m so sorry.” He said walking towards to his somber wife to be.
“For what?”
“We’re celebrating our anniversary and we just got engaged. I almost ruined that.” Charles replied in an apologetic tone.
“Ok.”
“Baby. Please. I’m sorry.”
He kneeled before her with wide eyes, hoping to get his lady to view the earnestness in his face. Brandy didn’t want to fight. She wanted to feel that rush of emotions all newly engaged women felt.
“Let’s celebrate!” He continued. “You’re about to be my wife!”
“Charles. Before we step into this...” She began, then gently grabbing his face. “I need to know that what you just said is for real.”
Charles took his phone off the night stand to make a call.
“Baby, what are you doing?”
“Shhh.” He replied, holding his index finger to her lips.
“You hung up in my damn face Chuck!” Monica answered.
“Yea I know. Brandy and I have you on speaker.” Charles said. “I need to tell you something important so all of that other BS we were arguing about earlier gotta take a back seat.”
“What!?” She snapped.
“I asked Brandy to marry me and she said yes.”
“Congrats.” Monica replied in a dry tone. “What about my son? Does he know?”
“Not yet. We’re going to tell him when he gets back. I just wanted you to know so you’d be hearing it directly from me.”
“Sure Chuck. Whatever you say.” Monica sighed.
“Monica I’m serious. Brandy is about to be my wife and my focus has to be on her and Chase. Not your drama. The courts will handle when you’ll see our son.” Charles said firmly.
“I just want my son!” She yelled.
“I get that. I’ll call you when Chase gets back. I gotta go.” He said before hanging up.
Brandy smiled knowing that the phone call was Charles’ way in making an effort. The boundaries were set. His fiancé before Monica.
The happy couple went on about their special day. After brunch, he was able to make up for the mishap from earlier with more flowers, kayaking, wine tasting, and special gifts as a reminder of his love. All ending with a candle lit dinner prepared by Charles. However the festivities didn’t end there. He showed more of his hidden talents by treating her to a massage.
“You can get this every night.” He said caressing her back.
“Really?! EVERY night?” Brandy laughed knowing that was a stretch.
“Ok, Ok. Maybe just on your birthday.” He joked.
“Well in that case, every day will be by birthday.”
Charles responded by planting indulgent kisses down her spine, giving an immense sensation. Her body tingled with every peck. Enjoying his lips, Brandy anticipated on being with him, every night, and forever.
He leaned and whispered, “I love you baby.”
The breath of his I love you baby intensified the feeling.
“I love you too.”
They made love until Brandy drifted off to sleep. Charles stayed up thinking. Being optimistic about how he could keep Monica at a new distance, Chase’s childhood intact, all the while creating a happy home with his future wife. He’d never been the desperate type, but there was something about his lady that made him weak. The thoughts of Dre’s texts and what they could have meant faded away.
Days later, Brandy came home from work in a great mood. Getting random congrats from co-workers, family, and friends made the special for her. Another special surprise was Chase greeting her at the door with a big hug.
“Hey Chase! How was school today?”
“It was good. I was captain of the kickball team at P.E.!” He exclaimed.
“Oh really! Did your team win?”
“No but at least I got to pick my friends to play on the same team as me.” He said letting her go. “Daddy’s in the kitchen cooking.”
Chase ran away to go back to his video game. Brandy locked the front door, then headed to go find her man.
“Hey Baby! Dinner is almost ready.” Charles said as she walked in.
Something about him being over the stove turned her on. Charles caught on to the look his fiancé gave. The sex in her eyes turned him on.
“Good. I’ll set the table.” Brandy said walking towards the cabinets.
“Chase go wash your hands for dinner. We have to take care of something real quick. We’re going to eat in a minute.” Charles called out to his son.
“Ok Dad!”
“Come here. I wanna see how good that ring looks on your finger baby.” He said with a sexy grin.
“Is that an excuse to get me close to you?”
“Maybe.”
Charles took her hand as she stood in front of him
. He wanted to take her into the bedroom for a quickie before dinner. How they were going to pull that off with Chase running around, was beyond them. Brandy took his free hand placed it on her chest. Opening her shirt, he stared deeply into her eyes feeling her heartbeat speed up. Right before he moved in for a kiss, Chase entered the room.
“Dad! What are you doing?” He asked with an innocent smile.
They were both startled by his son hoping he didn’t catch on to what he interrupted.
“You’re supposed to be on one knee!” Chase continued.
They both laughed, feeling relieved that they wouldn’t have to explain what was about to go down to a 10 year old. Although the kid already had an idea of the “birds and the bees” from friends at school and TV shows.
“What did you say son?” Charles asked surprised.
“Miss Brandy has a ring. Mommy had a ring like that when Tony married her so you gotta ask her right?”
“Well, your son DOES have a point.” Brandy chimed in.
They both underestimated the kid, noticing the big rock on her finger.
“I did all of that a few days ago boy.” Charles said. “And I wanted to wait until dinner but, yes we are getting married. How do you feel about that?”
“I think that’s great!” Chase replied walking to sit down at the kitchen table. “When are we eating? I’m starving!”
“Welp that’s that!” She murmured.
The couple were able to relish in their new engagement over dinner, while Chase asked a dozen questions. Questions of how they will get married and if he will have a little brother or sister almost wore them out. As Charles talked to his son, Brandy looked over at her future husband with a confirmation that everything was finally coming together for the family.
Later that night as he slept, she pondered. If she was going to be a wife to a good man like him, she had to let the insecurities go. Something she’d been trying to do since they starting dating. Holding her phone to her chest, Brandy felt a sickness take over. Confused about the butterflies in her stomach, she went into the bathroom. However, that feeling wasn’t butterflies or apprehension. It was a sign of regurgitation. Spewing her guts into the toilet woke up Charles.
“Baby, are you ok?” He asked rushing to her side.
“Yea...I think....it’s something...I...ate.” Brandy said in between coughing.
“Damn. I’m sorry baby I thought I cooked the steak well-done. This doesn’t usually happen when I’m the chef. Are you sure this isn’t something else?” He said worried.
“What else could it be Charles?” She asked flushing the toilet.
“Maaaaaybbeeee....a baaabyyy.” Charles said smiling holding his woman.
Having Charles’ baby was a future goal. Not something she was looking to do right then.
“Me? A mother!?!”
CHAPTER 7: NEW BEGINNINGS, RETURNING HABITS
Throughout the wedding planning, Brandy was too happy with her new family to give Charles a hard time. Things were going great as the family looked forward to blending with a new addition.
Six months later, a blushing bride and her belly walked down the aisle to a man anxious to love her forever. Finding out she was with child resulted in moving up the wedding date. Charles didn’t care, as he would have married Brandy the same day he put the ring on her finger.
Monica wasn’t present as she was bailing Tony out of jail from a DUI arrest. Needless to say, the bride wasn’t upset about Charles’ ex being absent. She only got an invite because of Chase. No baby mama meant no unwanted distractions on her big day.
Other than the reason of Monica’s absence, their wedding day was amazing. Family and friends came together, celebrating a dream come true. Brandy would have never had this day with Jay. Unless she paid for the whole thing and dragged him down the aisle. This alone should have been a turning point, understanding that the past was dead and gone. No need to conjure up wild scenarios of being hurt.
The newlyweds decided to save the honeymoon until after the baby was born. Brandy wanted to be able to fully enjoy her husband by celebrating their marriage with just the two of them.
“What do you want to name the baby?” Brandy asked him, sitting in the doctor’s waiting room.
“If it’s a boy, we will name him after me. Girl, you pick the name. Deal?” He replied rubbing her belly.
“Deal!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Jones?” The nurse called out. “Dr. Thomas is ready for you.”
“Well, here goes!” Brandy said.
“I’m a little nervous.” Charles said helping her down the hall.
While the doctor finished setting up, they exchanged cheesy love faces, anticipating the news of their child. Charles couldn’t help but admire the gorgeous glow on his wife. He constantly attempted to make her feel beautiful, knowing how much her body was changing carrying their love child.
“I have to ask,” Dr. Thomas said. “What made you two change your minds about waiting until the baby is born to find out the sex?”
“We couldn’t wait anymore. And we’re ready to finish up the baby room.” Charles replied. “Well, Brandy is ready to finish it. Whatever she wants I’ll do it.”
“That’s a good attitude Mr. Jones.” Dr. Thomas replied, rubbing the warm gel on Brandy’s belly. “So Mr. Jones, what are you hoping for?”
“I want a boy.” He answered quickly.
“And of course I want a girl.” Brandy added.
“Well we are almost ready to see the verdict.” She replied scanning the probe.
Charles studied the screen as the image of his unborn child appeared. Gushing over the new life they created out of love.
After a few minutes which felt like hours to the excited couple, it was time for the big reveal.
“And there you have it. Mrs. Jones, you have your girl!” Dr. Thomas said with excitement.
“Yes!” Brandy shouted, doing a small victory dance while lying on the table.
“Oh man another Brandy!” Charles joked. “Guess I’ll teach her basketball.”
“Um NO!” Brandy interjected. “I’LL be teaching her basketball. You always lose remember”
“I won a few games Brandy.”
“Only a few.” She joked. “Oh my God I cannot believe I’m having a girl. Thanks so much Dr. Thomas!”
The doctor was in awe at the love shared between the two. Charles kissed his wife, helping her to get cleaned up. There was nothing but true adoration in that room and no thought, doubt, or toxic behavior could eliminate the passion in that moment.
The happy couple became more ecstatic about their new bundle of joy. Charles secretly hoped that the new version of Brandy would take on his “slow to anger” temperament.
________
It was finally down to the last month of Brandy being a pregnant lady. The family rushed to finish the baby room and packed a bag for the big day to meet Eve. She decided on the name from her great-grandmother who used to perform at The Cotton Club in Harlem. Charles restored an old photo of Eve’s great-great grandmother for the room as a sweet token of her lineage.
Brandy was ready to meet her daughter, along with getting her normal body back. Nervous about how she would be able to bounce back from the pregnancy, she got a personal trainer on hand to get started in the gym as soon as she healed.
Body insecurities grew worse when Monica came over, strutting around with her slim figure. The two women called a truce once the news of a new baby. But that didn’t prevent callous exchanges, which never caught Charles’ ear. The thought of him no longer desiring her began to fluster. Pregnancy hormones mixed with her usual anxiety was NOT a healthy combination.
“So Brandy, are you ready for the baby’s eviction?” Monica asked gathering Chase’s school work.
“Too ready.” Brandy said pushing out a fake laugh. “I need my body back and I’m ready to get started working out.”
“We when I was pregnant I worked out around the house. It wasn’t hard for me
to lose that weight.” She taunted.
“Monica you’ve always been small. You didn’t gain much weight in the first place.” Charles chimed in.
“Yea that’s true. But I had a stomach afterwards.” She replied playing with her waistline.
Charles rolled his eyes at his ex’s exaggeration.
“Baby don’t worry about all that. I just want you to be healthy after the baby is born. Don’t overdo it.” He said giving his wife a kiss on the forehead.
“No Charles this weight has to go!” Brandy snapped. “The doctor said that I’ve gained 50 pounds. That weight can’t stay. Monica, what type of exercises did you do while you were pregnant?”
“I’ll give you this DVD my sorority sister gave me. It’s not hard at all. Well, I have an appointment with the Lord.” Monica grabbed her purse. “Chase! Sweetie come on your grandma is going to kill me if you’re late for bible study.”
“Tell Ms. Wanda I said hey.” Charles said rubbing his wife’s shoulders.
“I will. Bye Brandy! And I’ll bring the DVD tomorrow when I drop off Chase.”
“Thanks.” Brandy replied rolling her eyes.
She attempted to get up from the sofa to show Monica the door. However, the baby’s weight showed her the laws of gravity, pushing her down.
“Baby stay put.” Charles said.
Embarrassed by her husband’s comment, she scoffed at him making it known she was struggling to get up. She didn’t need him to acknowledging that in front of his ex of all people. Finding a comfortable spot, Brandy flipped channels, worrying about the weight gain. Wondering how her husband REALLY felt about it.
“Ah. That’s that. The kid is gone and now it’s just me and you.” He said rejoining Brandy, snuggling close to her.
“What do you want to do?” Brandy asked continuing to flip channels and thinking.
“I could give you a foot rub or run you a nice bath. Whatever you want baby.” He replied kissing her slowly on the neck.
“A bath would be nice.” She smiled.
“Before that, I need to talk to you about something.” He said with a change of tone. “I wanted to wait until Chase and Monica left.”
“What’s going on?” She asked, settling on a crime documentary.
Wrong Vengeance Page 10