by F. L. Jacob
“This is perfect, baby girl. I think you should build us a house.” I scoop her off the ground. “Now, let’s get back to the house. We have guests coming any minute.”
She squeals as Caston grabs her from me, tickling her as she goes into his arms. “Daddy, stop.” Her hair flying all around.
I can’t help but tear up at the sight. “You okay, Mommy?” She asks me while we’re walking up to the house.
Caston leans in and whispers to Brianna, “Mommy has baby sniffles.” I laughed through my tears when she looked at him like he had two heads.
She crosses her arms over her chest. “Well, I’ll never get baby sniffles.”
Caston puffs his chest out. “You’re damn right you won’t.”
“Daddy said a bad word. Daddy said a bad word.” She wiggles out of his hands and runs to the house where Jules has appeared on the patio.
Caston grabs my arm and stops me from continuing. He pulls me into his arms and places a kiss on my lips. I still get weak in my knees from his touch. Just then baby number two kicks.
“Oh boy, you just don’t like when I get close to Mommy do you, little one?” He places his hands on my belly, feeling the movement.
“The calm before the storm,” I state.
“You can always escape to the room if you need a break. I must insist when you do that you take me, though.” He flashes me his sexy panty-dropping smile.
“Caston, you’re naughty.” I lean closer to his ear. “But I love you naughty, and you bet your ass I’ll pull you with me.”
I feel him harden at just the thought. “Easy there, cowboy, people should be here any minute.”
No sooner did I say that than a mass of people come barreling out the door to come find us.
James, Rose, Sara, Jon, the kids, Beth, and Jake have arrived.
Beth and Jake tied the knot two years ago in the huge princess wedding that reminded me of my almost wedding. It took Beth a long time to agree to marry Jake. Not because she didn’t love him, but she always said why ruin a good thing. She went on for months on how she didn’t need that piece of paper to tell the world they were together. Jake didn’t understand Beth’s aversion to marriage. I eventually had to tell him, feeling like I was betraying my best friend. It should have been her telling him, but she was so hard headed, I knew she wouldn’t. Jake went home that night and somehow got her to finally realize he wasn’t going anywhere. I couldn’t be happier for them. They make the cutest couple.
Caston completely made peace with James and Rose. The change in Rose is so uplifting. She has made so many strides to getting back to a ‘normal’ life. She still struggles with being away from home and being in crowds, but it’s amazing how an active toddler can distract her. I’m happy because now my baby girl has a set of grandparents in her life, something I never had and didn’t think was a possibility for Brianna. Rose has taken the roll of grandma to heart and spoils the kid rotten.
Sara and Jon are still going at it like rabbits. Their teenagers think it’s gross when their parents kiss in public. If they only knew. I shake my head when the teens sit outside and immediately plug into whatever game is popular now. I am so not looking forward to when Brianna and number two are that age. Is it so bad for them to stay babies forever?
Jules has been doing duties of nanny when I can’t be here. A lot has happened since the wedding.
Going back to Black Hollywood was great, but there was something missing each day. Even though I was pregnant, I worked out in the home studio every day. I even hired Professor Lee to come and help me work some of the muscles that needed to be re-trained. So many times I thought it was going to kill me. I’d cry at the end of our sessions, but what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.
Once Brianna was born, I didn’t want to go back to Black Hollywood. I stayed home with her for a year. Then the day came when Caston came home to find me crying in the studio.
I was sitting in the middle of the studio with little Brianna toddling around the room in her little leotard and tutu. She was hanging on the bars and trying to put her little leg up on them just like I’d been doing before. Tears were falling down my face. I wasn’t sure why I was so unhappy. I had the most amazing life. Perfect husband, amazing little girl, and anything I could ask for. When Caston walked in, he was immediately by my side.
“Bre, did you hurt yourself?”
He’s touching my legs, looking over every inch trying to find the problem.
“No, Caston, I’m fine.”
Sitting down he pulls me into his side. “Obviously, things aren’t fine. Sabrina, you need to talk to me.”
More tears fall down my face. “I’m not happy, Caston.”
“With us?” I could tell he was hurt.
I move to straddle his lap. “No, Cass, we’re fine. Something is missing for me, though.”
Looking around the room, I chuckle as she runs toward us and slips falling on her little diaper butt.
“This, Caston,” I gesture to the room, “I miss this.”
“Dancing? But, Bre, you dance every day.”
Taking his face in my hands I kiss him. “Caston, I just want more. I think I know how to do it, but I need your help.”
He holds his hand out to accept Brianna into our little family circle. “You know I’ll do anything for you.”
“I want to open my own studio. I think that would help me. Since I can’t dance, I could teach. Pass on my skills to others.”
His face lights up. “Bre, that is a fantastic idea.”
The very next day things were rolling to get Hollywood Stars up and running. It immediately took off. I was in heaven. It was exactly what was missing. Professor Lee helped me teach a few classes until I got established enough to get a staff. It didn’t take long. Girls and boys were flocking to my studio. We have a waiting list and in only three years are looking to add another location.
Caston is still working hard at Black Hollywood, but Jon has taken over some more of the daily responsibilities because Caston decided he wanted to be home more with Brianna. It melted my heart that he wanted to be so hands on and actually took the initiative to follow through.
Beth started to work in the business side of my studio, so I could focus on teaching. So, I get to see her every day. I love it. Sara is still working at the club, and she couldn’t be happier.
“Sabrina, everything okay?” Caston whispers in my ear, snapping me out of my day dream. I have the goofiest grin on my face.
“I’m more than perfect.” Linking his arm, we head into the house.
The sun is setting and the lights around the pool turn on. I know it’s getting close for the big surprise, but I’m trying to remain calm. Jules has made an amazing meal for us to celebrate Caston’s and my four year anniversary. Taking our seats, I lean over and kiss Cass.
“Thank you, baby.”
He smiles and stands. “Thank you everyone for being here. Not just today, but year after year. We are so blessed to have you all in our life and to share with you all our ups and downs. Thankfully, the last four years have been up.” We all chuckle, knowing exactly what he is referring too.
“We have a few surprises planned tonight, but let’s eat dinner before we get to them.”
Smacking him lightly on his arm, I stand to take my place next to him. “We wanted to reveal what baby number two is going to be tonight.”
Sara and Beth squeal, making me laugh. Jon just shakes his head, and Jake looks like he’s about to puke at any minute.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to start with dessert first.”
Jules carries out a cake, and Brianna follows her out of the kitchen. Caston scoops her up, and we take the handle of the cake knife and cut in. Sliding out the piece, it’s bright pink.
A large cheer goes up in the room, scaring Brianna, making her cry. Caston pulls her on to his shoulder, comforting her. I’m misty eyed again. He looks like he’s going to burst with pride.
Engulfing me in a
hug he whispers in my ear, “My girls.” He kisses away my tears.
“This calls for a toast!” Caston cheers.
Everyone reaches for their champagne glasses, except Beth. I look over at Beth and know immediately before she says it, “No alcohol for me, thank you.” Jake looks like he’s ready to bust with pride.
“No way!” I shriek as I make my way around the table. She nods enthusiastically as I pull her up and wrap her in the biggest hug my swollen belly will allow.
“We’re having a baby!” Jake says full of pride. Another round of cheers rise after his announcement.
“What a day,” Caston says in my ear during dinner before pulling me for another kiss.
Once we are stuffed to the gills, fireworks start outside and everyone gets up to go watch them. Brianna slides off her booster seat and runs out ahead of everyone with Terrance on her heels. I turn to follow, but Caston stops me. Leading me down the hall to our bedroom instead, he’s got that look on his face, and I immediately want him.
Locking the door behind me, he pulls me to him. “I want to make love to you under the fireworks.”
I blush. “Caston, there are a ton of people here.”
He strips off his clothes and begins taking mine off slowly. “No one can see up on our balcony. One of the best features of this room.” He winks at me, and I let him lead me out to the outdoor bed.
Laying down he pulls me to straddle him. The slow motions and the excitement of being heard are too much, and I’m at the edge quickly. Once we’re sated, I roll off him and Caston pulls up the sheets. We lay in each other’s arms watching the rest of the fireworks before we must go back to our guests.
“Caston, can I ask you something?” I whisper.
His hand is stoking my belly mindlessly. “Of course.”
“Are you upset the baby is another girl?” Holding my breath, I wait for his answer.
Not even skipping a beat he responds, “Bre, I wanted another girl. I’m thrilled.”
I lean up on my elbow and look at him. “Really?”
The expression on his face is priceless. “Really. I love having Daddy’s girls. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
“We’re lucky to have you. Thank you for making me your wife. I feel like we’re still newlyweds, and that makes me happy. I don’t ever want to get boring.”
Caston laughs and kisses me taking my breath away. “I’ll make sure that never happens. I love you Sabrina Marie Black. I love our little Brianna and…” he pauses.
“What?”
“Crap, we have to come up with another girl’s name.”
“What about Mya?” I ask.
“I love it.” His smile evident.
He sits up and pulls me into his lap. “I love you, Brianna, and Mya. I’m lucky to have my girls.”
Coming Fall, 2014
Beth & Jake’s Novella
To stay up to date with FL Jacob and the progress of her Work in Process:
www.fljacob.com
https://www.facebook.com/fljacob
www.twitter.com/fljacob
To my editor, Liz, with Book Peddler’s Editing. You’re awesome. What else can I say? You make my books better. That’s all there is to it. You not only my editor, you are my friend and sometimes therapist. I can’t thank you enough. Cheers to another book under our belt together and here’s to the next one.
https://www.facebook.com/BookPeddlersEditing
To Michael & Dawn, with Digital Mitchall Event Photography and Rob, with Rob Miller Photography. When are we going to do the next shoot? You guys are so much fun. The professionalism and creative eye the three of you have took the cover picture to the next level. You took my idea and gave me a new one that was more than I even dreamed!
https://www.facebook.com/digitalmitchell
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Miller-Photography/296918773705422
To Kristine, once again, you were perfect! Thank you for enduring the hours of strange positions with your legs and feet. I don’t think it would have turned out as good without you.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristine-Kowalski-NPC-Bikini-Competitor/203007306535089
To Angela, with Fictional Formats. You do the job that I can’t even wrap my brain around and I am thankful for your creative touches. You make my baby come to life artistically on the inside.
https://www.facebook.com/FictionalFormats
To all the blogs and Facebook pages who have helped promote me along the way. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I love getting to know you and working with everyone has been a dream. Thank you for treating little old me like a big deal.
To my followers. Your messages of support and love for Have I Told You got me through my slumps with writing this book. I appreciate all your help pimping my book to others. I write for you.
To all my beta readers, thank you for all of the constructive feedback you gave me to make my book better.
To Freddie Bonaire for the final once over. I appreciate your extra critical eye.
To Jen Leisenheimer for helping me with some last minute additions. You are my kindred spirit.
To my husband. Once again honey, I can’t thank you enough for sticking with me through all the craziness. For being my rock. I hope I didn’t neglect you too much. Love You!
To my little baby girls. Mommy loves you. Your smiles make everything worth it.
To anyone I may have forgotten, THANK YOU! I love you!