Love in Pictures

by Alexis A Goring

  “Will do. How are you and Logan?”

  Michelle’s cheeks warmed. “We’re great. I’m going to meet his parents this weekend.”

  “Oh, all the feels. So happy for you.”

  Michelle yawned. “Yeah. Thanks.”

  “Have you tried pitching your photos to other mainstream wedding magazines?”

  “Been there. Done that. But no call backs.”

  “There has to be a way around this. I’m going to pray on this for you, and we’re going to trust God to make a way. You’re my favorite wedding photographer not because you’re my best friend but because your work is wonderful. You really know how to capture a couple’s love in pictures.”

  “Thanks, girl.”

  “Anytime. Now the question is, who will be your wedding photographer?”

  Michelle stifled a yawn. “What do you mean? I’m not getting married.”

  “You’re not getting married yet, but it’s only a matter of time before Logan proposes.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Um, because I think he might be the one for you.”

  Michelle’s heart warmed. “How do you know that?”

  “Because I’ve never seen you happier. True love looks good on you.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of Michelle’s lips.

  “And I can hear you grin through the phone.”

  Michelle laughed. “You got me there, amiga.”

  “I want to be your maid of honor.”

  “Girl, relax. He hasn’t proposed. We’ve only been dating a short time.”

  “Yeah, but when you know, you know.”

  Michelle pondered Juliana’s words.

  “Miche?”

  Juliana’s voice broke her out of her silent reverie. “Yes?”

  “I have to go now. I am about to crash. Good night, amiga.”

  “Good night, Jules.”

  Michelle placed her phone on the table and picked up her plate of food. She savored every bite while her mind replayed Juliana’s words. Was it true that when you knew you just knew? What would become of her and Logan? Were they really headed to the altar? Only time would tell.

  Her phone rang again, and her eyebrows furrowed. Annapolis Hospital. Why were they calling her?

  “Hello?”

  “Officer Dan Wilson calling. Is this a relative of Marcel Hadley?”

  Michelle’s heartbeat quickened. Was her brother okay?

  “Yes, officer. I am his sister. What’s the problem?”

  “Your brother was in a bad car accident. He’s here in Annapolis Hospital.”

  Her heartrate kicked up. She dropped her phone and jolted out of her seat. She grabbed the phone from the floor. “I’ll be there.”

  ~*~

  Michelle burst through the hospital door and sprinted to the nurse’s station. “Marcel. My brother. Is he okay?”

  “What is the patient’s last name?”

  “Hadley.”

  The nurse typed on the computer. What felt like an eternity later, she peered at Michelle. “He’s in the treatment room.” She pointed down the hallway to her left. “Go to that door, and I’ll buzz you in.”

  She followed directions in a hurry, only slowing out of fear of what she’d see. She took a deep breath. Dear God, please let him be okay.

  Slowly, she pulled back the curtain.

  Marcel was laid out on the hospital bed with a cast on his left leg, white gauze wrapped around his head, and a sling on his left arm. He gave her a half smile when he saw her. “Hey, sis.”

  She went to his bedside then gave him a hug.

  “Are you okay?”

  He shrugged then winced. “Been better.”

  “What happened?”

  “A car t-boned my car. The driver was distracted. My car went spinning down the beltway. By the grace of God, it wasn’t rush hour, so I managed not to hit another car or have another car hit me. God allowed my car to crash into the shoulder of the road before stopping.”

  “Oh, Marcel. I’m so glad you’re still alive.”

  Marcel grimaced.

  “What?”

  “You may want to sit down for this.”

  Michelle eased into a nearby chair and gave Marcel her full attention.

  “Officer Dan Wilson was the first to respond to the accident.”

  “Officer Dan Wilson? The same man who called me on the phone to tell me you were here?”

  Marcel raised an eyebrow. “He called you?”

  Michelle nodded.

  “He was the first to arrive on the scene. He called the ambulance and gave me a police escort to the hospital. He asked for my phone, but I didn’t know he’d call you. I thought he’d call Mercedes. But then again, I was going in and out of consciousness, so yeah.”

  Michelle barely breathed. “I’m so sorry, Marcel.”

  Marcel looked away. “I didn’t know if the accident was going to kill me. It all happened so fast, and I now know what people mean when they say that their life flashed before their eyes.”

  “Oh, Marcel.”

  “And I realized something. I don’t want to die still mad at white people for the things they’ve done to black people and other people of color.”

  Michelle’s breath caught in her throat. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

  “Not all white people are bad and not all white people’s ancestors owned slaves and not all of them think I’m bad just because I’m black.”

  Michelle gave a slow nod.

  Marcel took a deep breath. “And I realize I need to give Logan a fair shake.”

  Michelle covered her mouth, and her eyes misted. Was God really answering her prayers? Was he really softening her brother’s heart and helping him see things in a more positive light? Was he really healing Marcel from the deep race-related wounds that made him so mad?

  She rushed to Marcel’s bedside and gave him a hug, trying not to touch his injured left side. “I’m so happy for you, bro! Praise God!”

  “Yeah. It wasn’t easy, but I figured it’s worth it.”

  Michelle just hugged her brother, wanting to savor this moment.

  Marcel cleared his throat. “Miche? I can’t breathe.”

  “Sorry.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m just so happy you’re okay and you’re going to give him a chance.”

  “So, when do you want me to meet the love of your life again? On better terms this time.”

  “As soon as possible.”

  “I figured you would say that.”

  The curtain to the cubicle parted. “Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to make sure Marcel is okay before I leave.”

  Michelle whirled around to see a white police officer dressed in a blue and black uniform. She turned to her brother, who smiled at the cop.

  “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks for being there for me today.”

  The officer nodded. “It’s all in a day’s work. Is this the Michelle that I called?”

  “Yes, sir. I am his sister. Thanks for calling me.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Officer Wilson turned to Marcel. “Wishing you all the best. Recover soon.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You can call me Dan.”

  “Thanks again, Dan.”

  The officer gave a final nod before leaving.

  Michelle turned to her brother, her mouth agape. “Wow. You’re really serious about this, aren’t you? I like this new and improved Marcel.”

  He shrugged. “I’m telling you, Miche. Life and death situations will do that to you.”

  Michelle paused before jumping slightly.

  “What?”

  “Where’s your phone?”

  Marcel pointed to the left. “On that chair with my wallet.”

  She reached for it. “We need to call your wife and tell her you’re okay. We need to call Mom and Dad too.”

  Marcel shook his head.

  “What?”

  “You’ve always been the one to keep everyone on thei
r toes.”

  Michelle tilted her head. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “Yeah.” He leaned his back, resting against the pillow. “Excuse me while I snooze. These painkillers are real. Wake me up when the doctor comes to tell me how long I’ve got to wear this cast and arm sling.”

  Michelle touched Marcel’s right shoulder. “As long as it takes you to heal.”

  He didn’t respond. He’d already gone to sleep.

  Michelle phoned Mercedes first. She picked up after two rings.

  “What’s good, sis?”

  Michelle looked at the dozing Marcel before responding. First, she’d tell Mercedes that Marcel was okay then share his new lease on life.

  “Sis, you won’t believe this…”

  Chapter 28

  Bright rays of sunlight streamed through the windows of Michelle’s bedroom, waking her from her slumber. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Why was it so hot? Her head throbbed, her throat was sore, and she had a cough she could not shake.

  She jolted and sat up straight in bed. No. Today was the day she was supposed to meet Logan’s parents for dinner. Another groan. She felt miserable and not in the mood for company.

  She dialed Logan’s number and waited. He picked up on the fourth ring. “Hey, beautiful.”

  She couldn’t even smile. “Hey.” She grimaced at her sore throat.

  “What’s wrong, babe? You sound miserable.”

  Michelle croaked. “I’m sick.”

  “I’m sorry. Looks like we’d better reschedule dinner.”

  “Yeah.” She coughed.

  Logan’s voice sounded like calming waters. “Your health is our first priority, babe. We can have dinner another day.”

  “Aw, thanks.”

  “Do you like chicken noddle soup?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good. I’ll swing by your house later on this evening. Text me your address.”

  “I don’t want you to get sick.”

  “I won’t stay long. Just drop off the soup. And I promise not to kiss you. Unless you want me to.”

  “You need to stay healthy.”

  “Okay. See you soon.”

  After ending the call, she texted Logan then fell back on her pillows. Hopefully, the doctor could see her today.

  ~*~

  Logan stood outside of Michelle’s house and shuffled his feet. How would her parents receive him, if they were even home? Just as Logan reached to ring the doorbell for a second time, the door swung open to reveal a beautiful woman, an older version of Michelle.

  “Hey, Mrs. Hadley. I’m—”

  “Logan. Yes, we know.” Mrs. Hadley hugged him. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

  Her warm embrace put his nerves at ease. “Thanks. It’s an honor to meet you.”

  Mrs. Hadley ushered him inside. “I can see why Michelle swoons over you. You’re quite the catch.”

  The sound of music he’d never heard before reached his ears—tropical, unique, and beautiful. The sounds were like glasses filled with water being played with a spoon. He couldn’t figure out the type of music it was or what instrument the musicians were playing. “Hey, that music. What is it?”

  Mrs. Hadley beamed. “Steel band. It’s pretty popular in my husband’s home, the island of Barbados. Do you like it?”

  “It’s beautiful and relaxing.”

  “Just like living on an island.” Mrs. Hadley reached for the big brown paper bag that Logan cradled in his arms. “Is this the chicken noodle soup?”

  Logan nodded as he let Mrs. Hadley take the heavy bag. “My mom’s recipe.”

  “Follow me to the kitchen and have a seat. I’ll warm the soup for Michelle.”

  Logan obeyed orders. The scent of apples and cinnamon filled the air. “That smells so good.”

  Once in the kitchen, Mrs. Hadley took the soup from the bag. “I’m baking apple pie. My mom’s recipe.”

  “Moms have the best recipes.”

  “I agree.” She retrieved a pot from the cupboards and poured the soup into it. As she moved about the kitchen, it was clear she loved to cook. Minutes later, she sat down across the table from him. “So, tell me about yourself. Michelle gushes about you quite often, but there’s nothing like hearing about you from you.”

  Logan and Mrs. Hadley shared a laugh.

  “What would you like to know?”

  “Tell me what you love about my daughter and why.”

  Logan cleared his throat. “I… I… W-w-well.” He gazed at the ceiling and said a silent prayer. Please God, not now. When he gained the courage to make eye contact with Mrs. Hadley, her mocha eyes were filled with compassion.

  She spoke in a gentle tone. “It’s okay, Logan. Michelle told me. But I’m proud of the way you’ve overcome your obstacles. I watch you anchor the evening news every night.”

  A sigh of relief escaped Logan. “Thanks, Mrs. H-h-hadley. That m-m-means a lot.” He blew out a frustrated breath. Just when he thought he had his stuttering under control, it showed up.

  “Don’t ever feel pressure to not stutter around Michelle and me and her dad. We accept you as you are. Don’t ever be afraid to be you. We’re not expecting you to be perfect.”

  Logan tapped his right foot. “Thanks. Where is Michelle’s dad?”

  “He’s at work.”

  “On the weekend?”

  Mrs. Hadley nodded. “My husband is a medical technologist. He works in the blood bank at the hospital in Bethesda on the weekends. Sometimes he has Sundays off. But normally he has to work.”

  “I’d like to meet him.”

  Mrs. Hadley didn’t hide the knowing look on her face. “I know. You will.” She then stood and dished out the soup. On a tray, she put the soup and a glass of orange juice. “Want to follow me to Michelle’s room?”

  Logan rose to his feet. “Yes. I’d love to see her.”

  They made their way up the stairs and to her room. Mrs. Hadley stopped at the door. “Honey, Logan is here, and we have soup for you. Can we come in?”

  Michelle croaked. “Sure.”

  They entered, and Mrs. Hadley arranged the tray on Michelle’s lap. “Feeling any better?”

  “Trying to. Thanks, Mom.”

  “The decongestant will kick in soon. You’ll be better before you know it. I’ll leave you two to talk.” She closed the door behind her.

  Logan gazed at his girlfriend. Her hair was tousled, and her face was flushed, but to him, she was still beautiful. “Hey, gorgeous.”

  Michelle grimaced. “I don’t feel gorgeous.”

  “You’re always attractive to me.”

  Michelle chortled then winced.

  Logan’s heart went out to her. He sat in the chair at the desk near her bed. “That soup is known for making sick people better after a few servings. It’s my mom’s special recipe.”

  Michelle dipped her spoon into the soup and slurped it. “This tastes good. Your mom can cook.”

  “I made it at Mom’s house earlier today using her recipe.”

  “You can cook like this?”

  Logan grinned. “Yeah.”

  “I may just have to marry you.”

  “I share that sentiment.”

  A blush graced her face. She continued eating. Even when she was sick, she was graceful.

  “Don’t you have plans for today?”

  Logan shook his head. “My only plans for today were to visit you and help you get better.”

  Her eyes welled with tears. “Aw, really?”

  He spoke softly. “Yes, babe. I love you.”

  Michelle cried. “I love you too.”

  He went to her and kissed her temple.

  “I can’t promise you won’t get sick by getting this close.”

  “I’m willing to take that risk.”

  Moments later, she slurped the last of the soup. She turned to Logan. “That was the best chicken noodle soup I’ve ever eaten.”

  “Happy to hear that.”
/>   “I’m sorry I’m too sick to meet your parents tonight.”

  “It’s okay. We can reschedule.”

  Michelle yawned.

  Logan reached for her tray. “Why don’t you get some sleep? I’ll take this to your mom in the kitchen.”

  “Thanks, babe.” She laid down and snuggled beneath her bed covers. Before he could say another word, she’d dozed off.

  He smiled then leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, love.”

  As he walked down the hallway then down the stairs, his heart swelled. He knew now what he’d felt before. Michelle was going to be his wife. He just had to ask her dad for his blessing and propose. He prayed for God to show him the right time.

  “All done?”

  Mrs. Hadley’s voice jolted Logan out of his private thoughts. “Yes ma’am.” He handed her the tray.

  Mrs. Hadley accepted the tray and set it on the kitchen table. “You’re welcome to stay for dinner. Michelle’s father should be home by then.”

  Was it too soon to ask her dad for his blessing? If he stayed, this could be the perfect opportunity. “I’d love to.”

  Chapter 29

  It was a beautiful, warm evening graced by cool breezes. Michelle and Logan had just arrived at his parents’ house and sat in his cobalt-blue Porsche as Michelle took in the beauty in the sprawling, lush green estate. It was the most beautiful in the gated community. Maybe it was because Logan grew up here that made it special. But maybe the circular driveway and gorgeous golden brick front with deep blue shutters on the windows of the stately mansion also played a part in captivating Michelle’s heart.

  They strolled up the pink rose-bush bordered pathway toward the front door. Logan held her right hand, and Michelle used her left hand to straighten her royal blue blouse and adjust her black pencil skirt. She ran a hand through her hair and smiled at its butter smoothness thanks to the natural blowout her hair stylist had given her earlier today.

  Logan leaned in. “You look beautiful.” He kissed her temple, and she almost swooned. “Just be yourself. My parents already love you.”

  He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, and her heart swelled. She kissed his cheek. “I hope so.”

  Logan cupped her chin and turned her toward him. “I know so.” He kissed her lips, and her heart performed somersaults.

  Before she could say a word, the door swung open. Isabella greeted them with a wide smile and a big hug. “Señor Logan! So happy to see you and tu novia.”