That next morning we left for Brownsville to meet the future in-laws. I hadn’t realized it would be so warm in Atlanta. It was the middle of October.
We got to Brownsville. It was a quiet little town. His father was mowing the grass and his mother was sitting on the porch swing. “Hey, Son, what took you so long? Your mother was starting to worry, you know how she is. I tried to call your cell phone, but you didn’t answer. I hate cell phones. You could have spent your money on something of value.”
“Dad, you need to step into the twenty first century.”
“Never mind that, this must be the pretty lady you’ve been talking about.”
“Yes, this is Brenda, who I hope will be my wife.”
“Well, Son, she’s a pretty one. Come on in and take a load off.”
“Brenda, this is my mother, Martha.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.”
“Lance has told me so much about you. Would you like something to drink? I’ve cooked dinner already. Son, you need to help your father clean out the garage before you leave.”
“Mom, I told you and Daddy I would get someone to do that.”
“Well you know your father. He gets out there and tries to do himself.”
“I’ll get someone up here to do it on Monday. “
“Buck was down at Sally’s. He said he would help him, but your father said he wasn’t able. You know Buck has cancer, but he looks better than he ever has. I guess moving to Memphis, was the best thing for him.”
“I think so too, Mom, at least he’s with his family.”
Lance’s parents were so kind to me, they made me feel comfortable. His mother and I had tea and watched the children play in the street. This was southern living at its best. Lance helped his father clear the garage, even though he’d said he wouldn’t. This was the life at its simplest. I could live here, I thought. Just drinking tea and baking cakes with his mother.
We left that Sunday so I could be home on Monday. “So what did you think about Brownsville?”
“I think it’s a place I wouldn’t mind living.”
Lance laughed, “You have to be kidding me.”
“Not at all. It’s so easy, so simple.”
“The big city girl that likes the simple life. That’s why I love you, Brenda.”
“I love you too, Lance. Can you picture me planting a garden?” We both started to laugh.
When we got back to Atlanta, we stopped by Lance’s business. I don’t know what I was expecting but he had a large office space. “Let me just check a few things and we can head to the house.” While Lance checked with his partner, I thought what would I do here? No family. No friends. What would I do for work?
When we got back to the house, Lance and I made love. “I hate to let you go, Brenda.”
“Not as much as I hate to go. Will you be in new York next week?”
“Yes, but after that I’ll be in California for two weeks on business. I’ll still be in touch by phone as much as possible. Brenda, when I’m in town next week, I’d like to meet your folks.”
“Believe me, they would like to meet you, too.”
“Don’t worry, Sweetheart, things will go OK.”
~~~
When I got back to New York, all I wanted to do was rest. The following day all Candice talked about was her wedding. I knew she was excited, but it was getting on my last nerve. Brenda, the wedding this, Brenda, the wedding that. Maybe I was just a little jealous, but I thought she was being a bit selfish.
“Brenda, would you come in here? I have something I want to go over.” I hoped it was about anything but the wedding. “This marks the end of the year for the company and lots of things were accomplished. So I want to give you your bonus early.”
“Thank you, Candice. I’ll use some of this money to buy your wedding gift.”
“Brenda, don’t worry about getting me anything. I just want to keep things as effortless as possible. Ashton has chosen Victor to be his best man, and I’m a little nervous about it.”
“When do you plan on telling him what happened?”
“I will only if I have to, but I just want to put it behind me.”
“I think putting it off is only going to make it worse.”
“I don’t want to talk about it now. This is a happy time for me. I won’t let the likes of Victor bring me down.”
I really thought this was something she should tell him, before the wedding. I knew once they were all together, hell was going to break loose. Not my choice though. “Again, thanks for giving me my bonus early.”
“No, thank you, Brenda, you’re the best.”
This was the week Lance was meeting my family. The end of the week came fast and Lance was scheduled to arrive about 9:00. I wanted to take my parents somewhere they had never been so I made reservations at Gramercy Tavern in Union square. I had never been, but I’d heard the food was excellent.
I met Lance at his hotel. I was nervous and excited at the same time. “I’ve been waiting all week to see you, Brenda.” He kissed me. “I have something I want to give you, but I’ll wait until dinner. Let me shower and change. I love you.” He kissed me again.
Now I was more anxious than ever. I sat there wondering what it could be. I hoped my father would like Lance. I watched Lance as he dressed. He paid attention to detail. How did I get so lucky to find a man so loving? “Brenda,” he snapped me out of my thoughts. “I’ll have a car pick your parents up. I’m sure you already made reservations.”
“Yes, I did and the car’s not necessary.”
“I know, Sweetheart, but it’s something I want to do.”
“Ok, I’ll call my parents and let them know.”
“By the way, you look fantastic. You are one beautiful woman.”
“You’re not bad yourself, and that body, wow.”
“I do try,” he was smiling in the mirror.
“So you’re the ladies man?”
“There is only one lady I ever want to impress. Well I better say two, and a man.”
“What?”
“Your mother and father, Silly.” I had to laugh.
We got to the restaurant and my nerves were getting the best of me. “Lance, I need to go to the ladies room, I’ll be right back.” Come on, Brenda, I thought, get yourself together. It’s just your father. I wiped my face. I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead.
I walked out. Lance was already seated at the table, “are you alright?”
“Yes. I’m going to be fine. I’m just worried. My parents aren’t here yet?”
“We’ll give it a few more minutes and then I’ll call the limo service. Look. Here they come.” Let’s just get this over with, I prayed. Lance stood, “Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins, it’s a pleasure meeting you.” My mother and father looked amazing.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Young Man. My daughter has told us so much about you,” said my mother.
“What she failed to tell me was what a beautiful mother she has.” Lance was laying it on thick, but my mother was beautiful.
“This is an elegant restaurant. I’ve never been here before.”
“So you like it, Dad?”
“I like it ok, but you know me, Brenda. I’m just a hardworking man.”
“Johnnie, they are trying to do something special for us, just enjoy it. Don’t mind him, Lance. He’s just feeling you out.”
“So, Young Man, my daughter tells me you want to take her to Atlanta?”
“Yes Sir, I not only want to take her to Atlanta, but I want to make her my wife.”
“You two are moving fast. Is there a reason I don’t know about?”
“No, Mr. Hawkins. The only reason is I love her. Isn’t that reason enough? I was going to wait until later to do this.” Lance stood up from the table and got down on one knee in front of me. “Brenda, I love you and I will love you forever. Will you give me the pleasure of becoming my wife?” He opened the box he was holding and inside was the most incredible, cana
ry yellow diamond.
My parents looked on in amazement, as I replied with tears in my eyes, “Yes Lance, I will marry you,” and then I kissed him with everything I felt at that moment. What a surprise.
The whole restaurant clapped and cheered. This was the only time I ever remember my father being speechless. “Mr. Hawkins, may I have your daughter’s hand in marriage?”
“Nothing would make me happier, Son.” They hugged.
Momma was in tears. “I’m so happy. My baby is getting married.” We drank champagne and had a delicious dinner.
Lance and I spent the night making love like we never had before. I could never remember a time when I was happier. Lance and I spent most of the next day in bed. We ordered room service, twice. “I want to take you shopping, Brenda. I want you to buy as much vintage as you like.”
“That’s wonderful, but I have a lot of clothing now.”
“This is a celebration. I landed the deal with Maxwell and an additional account.”
“That’s fantastic,” I kissed him all over his face.
“If you keep this up, you know what I’ll be forced to do,” he laughed. “So put on some clothes and let’s do this city.”
We shopped at every store on Fifth Avenue. I bought everything Chanel had, from purses to jewelry. “After all that shopping, you must be hungry. I have a suggestion, Brenda. Do you think your father would come and work for me?”
“Lance, what do you mean? I don’t know. My father is such a prideful man.”
“I’m in need of a supervisor. It’s not a hand out.”
“Just maybe he would consider it if the offer was substantial enough. But, why would you want to do this?”
“I was thinking that you wouldn’t be alone in Atlanta if your parents were there.”
“Lance, I’m still wondering what I did to deserve you.”
“You know I’m the lucky one. You’re the air I breathe.” He kissed me, “All I ever want is for you to be happy.”
Chapter 25
We headed to my parents to see how my father would respond. Lance wanted to talk to Dad alone, man to man. I sat with Mom and crossed my fingers, “What do you think Dad will say?”
“I don’t know, Brenda. I didn’t see this one coming. You know your father. But I would love to live in the south.”
“I know he’ll offer Dad a lot more money than he’s making now.”
“Let’s see what the cards say, Chica, they don’t lie.”
“I’m too nervous for that right now, Mom.”
“You got yourself a good man in Lance, to want to help your family.”
“I know, Mom. I thank God for him daily.”
They talked for what seemed like hours. Finally, they walked out. Dad wanted to talk to Mom. “Lance, how do you think it went?”
“Your father is one tough cookie to crack, but I think he has agreed. Your Momma has to agree first, if she does, it’s a go.”
I jumped into Lance’s arms, “I love you.”
I knew my mother would agree and we would all be moving to Atlanta. “I guess we’re moving to Atlanta,” my father announced as he and Momma walked out. “This is going to be a change, but it’s an offer I can’t refuse.”
“Oh, thank you, Daddy! You won’t regret it.”
“Brenda, it’s your fiancé you should thank. So, Lance, how soon will we be leaving?”
“I have to be in California for two weeks, but I would like you to leave as soon as possible. You can stay at my place and my partner will show you around. Mrs. Hawkins, you’re welcome to go if you’d like.”
“Of course I’m going. I need a vacation.”
“That’s great. I’ll have your ticket sent early Monday morning. I hate to leave such good company, but I have to get the arrangements in order. I’m looking forward to working with you, and I hope you like Atlanta.” Lance and I headed back to his hotel so he could catch his flight. “Baby, just let me know if your parents need anything.”
“Lance, I think you have done enough. What will I do without you?”
“It’s just two weeks and then I will be coming to take you home.” Lance left for California. My heart was sad but I had a lot to be happy for.
That Monday I needed to break the news to Candice. All the ladies were in awe of my ring. “What’s going on? Let me see.”
“Aw, Brenda, what a beautiful ring, that diamond is enormous. Lance outdid himself. It must be five carats. I heard he got the account with Jack and Stephens, he’s on a roll. If he keeps this up he might be moving to New York.”
“That’s what I need to talk to you about, do you have a minute?”
“Sure, Brenda. We can talk in my office. Is there something wrong?”
We settled into chairs. “I’m moving to Atlanta in a couple of weeks.”
Candice leaned back and sighed. “I knew it was coming sooner or later. I’m going to miss you, but I won’t stand in the way of love.”
“Thanks for understanding. We will always be friends.”
“So have you picked a wedding date?”
“I’m thinking of a June wedding, but who knows, we might just elope.”
“Don’t do that, you deserve something spectacular. And I know Lance would want you to have the best.”
“Have you given any thought to telling Ashton about Victor?”
“Brenda, why do we keep coming back to that situation? I can handle whatever comes, so don’t worry.”
“Alright. I won’t be here, but feel free to call me.”
“You’re still coming to Hawaii with us, right?”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”
“Will Lance be coming with you?”
“Yes, we’ll both be there.”
Candice
Chapter 26
It was already the middle of December. I was so stressed. All the invites were sent and Brenda was giving me a bridal shower tonight. I wasn’t feeling it, but she would be leaving on Monday and I didn’t want to disappoint her. My belly was getting so ginormous I could barely put on my heels, but I had felt the babies kick for the first time.
I was eating the right things and still gaining weight. Dr. Henson said there was nothing to be concerned about. I’d be wearing the alternate dress at the wedding. Ashton rubbed my feet every night. He was taking such excellent care of me.
Ashton’s driver picked me up for the shower. It was at a restaurant called Casey’s. I walked in and saw all the girls from the office. We had a marvelous time. I loved being with my friends, but I was just so miserable. I couldn’t wait to get out of there. I thanked everyone for the gifts and kissed Brenda goodbye. “I’m sorry I have to go, but I’m not feeling well.”
“It’s ok. We understand. Carrying two babies around can’t be easy.”
“Thanks, Ladies. See you at the wedding. That’s if I can get all this on a plane,” they all laughed.
On the way home, I got a message from Sandra. I immediately called her back, but it went straight to voice mail. I hoped everything was ok with Daddy. He had started his second round of chemo. My phone started to buzz, “Hello, Sandra.”
“I’m sorry, Candice. Daddy wanted to be with us at your wedding, but I think he’s just going to be too weak. The doctors say he needs his rest. To be honest with you, I don’t think he will be with us much longer.”
“Why are you saying that? I thought he was getting better.”
“He was, but Daddy has done a lot of damage to his body. All the drinking has done major damage. He wants to be there, but Hawaii is a long way away.”
“That’s ok. I just want him to get better.” This news was making me so sad. I’d really wanted my father to be at my wedding to walk me down the aisle. But I wanted him to get better even more.
“Bryan and I are still coming with the kids.”
“What about Sabrina, is she still going to show?”
“As far as I know. She hasn’t said otherwise.”
“Do you need
me to come to Memphis?”
“No, that’s the last thing you need to do, just go ahead with your plans. I’ll take care of Daddy. He has around the clock care so try not to worry.”
Everything suddenly took its toll, the tears just started to flow. I needed to talk to Ashton, but he was in California with Lance. I called him and it went straight to voice mail, “Call me when you get this, I love you.” I was just going to have to weather this alone. I grabbed the tissues, and lay down on the sofa, watching TV.
My thoughts went to what Brenda had said. I was positive Victor wouldn’t start anything at the wedding. I’m sure he knew I was pregnant, but knowing that wouldn’t matter to him. He was jealous of Ashton, but maybe he would contain it until the wedding was over. Was this just wishful thinking or was I in denial? I couldn’t think about it now, but it did have me a little nervous.
I slept through the night ok, but my mind still wandered back to Victor. What if he thought these babies were his? Why was I thinking like this? I was letting my hormones get the best of me. Why hadn’t I told Ashton what his brother had done to me? The fear of losing him was just too much. I could really lose him if he ever found out. I was getting sick to my stomach. What if I lost Ashton over this?
~~~
Ashton got home Thursday. I was so glad to see him. “Candice, when is our flight booked for Hawaii? There is supposed to be a snow storm starting Sunday.”
“We’re leaving Saturday morning, after your bachelor party.”
“I hope we don’t get snowed in and have to cancel our flight.”
“Don’t talk like that, I can’t take much more.”
“I’m just kidding, Babe. Everything will be alright.” He kissed me, “you worry too much.”
“The babies kicked all night, it was hard for me to sleep.”
He wrapped his arms around my waist, “Baby, it’s just nerves. Soon we will be leaving for Maui and you will be Mrs. Ashton Williams.”
“I can’t wait. If I get any bigger all I’ll be able to wear is a tent.”
“Sweetheart, you’re not that big, it’s all in your mind.”
“No it’s in my mirror and my clothes.”
Black Lies White Lies Page 22