Saturday morning arrived and we flew to Maui. Ashton looked like he hadn’t slept all night. “Must have been some party, huh? You look like hell.”
“That’s what you’re supposed to look like after a wild bachelor party. We had a night. Victor was there, to my surprise. He’s in worse shape than me.” I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Is Susan coming to Maui with him?”
“No, I don’t think so, they’re getting a divorce. I bet he’ll be remarried in a month. He goes through women as if they were clothes.”
“That’s nothing to say, that’s quite sad.”
“I don’t think it’s a good thing, but that’s who he is. He wanted us to fly with him on his private jet.”
“I’m glad you declined. I’ve had this planned for months.”
“You don’t like Victor much, do you? You just have to know him.”
“I know him well enough, but I don’t think you do.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Just what I said Ashton, you don’t know him.”
“Is there something I should know? Has he done anything to you?”
“I can see he’s clearly jealous of you, can’t you?”
“He’s just misunderstood, and a womanizer,” he laughed.
“Ashton, you act as if you condone what he is. What if he hurt someone you loved? How would you feel?”
“Is there something you’re not telling me? You know how I feel about secrets.”
“No, that’s not what I mean. You know how he treated your mother.”
“You’re right, how can I forget that? But he is my brother.”
“I just don’t like the way he treats women, like his wife and your mother. What are the children going to do?”
“The boys are in his custody and he has nannies for them.”
“That’s horrible. Children need their mother and father.”
“Candice, single mothers are doing it every day.”
“So what? He’s a man.”
“You were raised by your mother, and you turned out ok.”
“It was by the grace of God and Aunt Sally, believe me.”
“Why are you so concerned about Victor and his children? Let’s enjoy the rest of this flight without arguing. I’m tired and hungover and you’re looking for a fight.”
“Ashton, you're being ridiculous and I’m not looking for a fight.” I felt a little frustrated with the way he was acting. If only he knew.
I didn’t know the flight was going to take so much out of me. Ashton spent the time sleeping and I spent the time feeling anxious. Why was I feeling this way? My family would be there to protect me.
Chapter 27
We finally arrived in Maui. Caroline had outdone herself. The view was magnificent, and the villas we stayed in were splendid. This was luxury at its finest. When I had said spare no expense, she’d known I had meant it. The honeymoon suite we stayed in opened up to the ocean. You could bathe under the stars, which I intended to do. My sisters and Brenda had adjacent rooms. The wedding would be held on the beach, which was being set up tomorrow. Family and friends were beginning to arrive.
Aunt Sally and Uncle Tee were the first to arrive. They had a suite of their own. The kids had rooms in the other wing. I hadn’t realized how spacious the villas were. The rehearsal dinner would be held tonight in the botanical gardens. Victor and Sofia were staying in the villa across the way. Marbella stayed in the main villa with my family. I didn’t care what anyone thought about those arrangements. It was my wedding.
When Brenda and Lance walked in holding hands, so happy, I felt a twinge of jealousy. “Brenda, Lance, I’m so glad you could make it. You both look great.”
“How is the bride to be? This place is beautiful. And where’s the groom? I’m sure he told you about our trip.”
“Lance, we’ve been so busy with this wedding, I didn’t ask, but I’m sure it went well.”
“Lance, she doesn’t want to talk about business.”
“I’m sorry, Candice. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“It’s ok, Lance, I’m just a bit tired. I’ll have someone show you to your room. There are refreshments in the dining area.”
“Candice, you look tired, let someone else take care of this. That’s why you hired a wedding planner. There are more than enough servants to do this.”
“I know, Brenda. I just wanted to greet everyone personally.”
“Where is Ashton?”
“He’s with his mother, helping her and Marbella settle in.”
“I hope you put his mother in another villa, maybe in the ocean.” We both laughed.
“I could only wish, but my luck isn’t that great.”
“I’ll stay here and help you receive your guests.”
“Thanks, Brenda, you’re such a loyal friend.”
“Have your sisters arrived yet? I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
“They haven’t gotten here yet, but soon I hope. Oh. Here comes Sabrina now, the one with the sixty bags of luggage.”
“Candice, she is beautiful, is that her husband?”
“Yes, that’s Anthony and my over the top sister.”
“Hey, Candice, this place is magnificent, how did you ever find it?”
“I owe it all to my wedding planner. She’s done a marvelous job with everything. Hey, Guys, this is Brenda, my best friend and Maid of Honor.”
“Hey, Brenda, lovely to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you. Where is Lance? I haven’t seen him in so long.”
“He’s around here somewhere. I think he went to the room.”
“That’s ok, I’m sure I’ll see him later.”
“I would love to see Lance myself. I haven’t seen him since college.”
“Anthony and Lance played football back in college. They used to be quite close until Anthony started playing pro ball.”
“I’m sure he wants to see you both.”
“I’ll just look around, maybe I’ll run into him. I’ll leave you ladies. I need to get something to drink. It’s nice to meet you, Brenda.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Anthony.”
“Candice, have Bryan and Sandra gotten here yet?”
“I thought you two would be on the same flight.”
“I thought so too but I know she had to make sure Daddy was situated.”
“How is Daddy? I know he’s not coming to the wedding.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I talked to Sandra last night, he’s just too weak. I don’t know, Candice. I honestly don’t think he’ll last much longer.”
“That’s what Sandra said. Is it that serious?”
“I’m afraid it is, but we keep praying. But let’s not talk about that right now, Candice, it’s the eve of your wedding. Daddy will be alright. He’s got the best care possible. I hope that bellman got all my luggage to my room.”
“Why do you need so much stuff, Sabrina?”
“It takes a lot to be this fabulous, didn’t you know?” she laughed.
“You’re just too fabulous for words, Sabrina.”
Brenda just looked on, “You are beautiful.”
“Thanks, Brenda, don’t remind me,” she said laughing. “I’m just joking. I’m going to my room to rest until later. Maybe I can get Anthony in the mood,” she winked. “I’ll see you ladies later.”
“See you at the rehearsal dinner, Miss Thang,” Brenda waved as Sabrina walked away. “Your sister is funny, and she is a diva.”
“You have no idea. I’ve known her all my life and I’m still amazed.”
“Here comes your mother-in-law, turn up the heat. This ice cold bitch, I can’t stand being in the same space.”
“Candice, you look exhausted. Maybe you need to lie down?”
“I’m ok, Sofia, you’re looking well.”
“Thank you, but I’m serious, you should lie down.”
“This is Brenda, she’s my Maid of Honor. You met her at the e
ngagement party.”
“Hi, Brenda, it’s great to see you again. Have you seen Ashton? He and Victor wanted to explore the island. I wanted them to know they have guides to show them around.”
“I’m sure Ashton won’t be exploring today. We have a rehearsal dinner in a few hours.”
“I don’t know… When he and Victor get together… I’m sure you heard about the bachelor party. Boys will be boys. There are my boys now. Ashton, Victor, would one of you help me to the dining area?”
“It’s marvelous seeing you again, Candice, and who is this beautiful lady?” asked Victor.
“That’s right, you haven’t met Brenda. This is my soon to be brother-in-law, Victor.”
“Hello, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I hope they were all good things. I have a way of rubbing people the wrong way, but, I’m really harmless.”
“If you say so, but it’s great to meet you never the less.”
“Victor, I need something to drink, would you be a dear?”
“Come, Mother, this place has a beautiful garden.”
“I bet this place cost a fortune, Ashton. I hope she’s not spending all your money.”
“Don’t be silly mother. I’ll see you in the garden.” He looked at me, “I’m sorry, Candice, you know how she is.”
“Yes, I do, and I don’t know why I invited her.”
“Because she’s my mother and your soon to be mother-in-law.”
“Don’t remind me. By the way, where is Marbella?”
“Marbella and Aunt Sally hit it off and they’re down near the beach. They’re having the drinks with the umbrellas in them. Your Uncle Tee better watch out. Babe, if you’re tired I can greet the rest of our guests.”
“I am sort of tired. I think lying down might make me feel better.”
“I’ll go up with you, Candice, to make sure you’re ok.”
“Thanks, Brenda, but I’ll be fine.”
“Ok, I’ll come up later and help you get dressed.” I walked over to the elevator.
“Let me help you, Mrs. Williams,” it was Victor.
“Don’t bother. I’m OK and I don’t need your help.” He put his arm around my waist and whispered in my ear. “Does Ashton know these are my babies you’re carrying? Don’t make a scene and he won’t find out. Not now anyway.”
I felt my feet slide and vomit fill my throat. Ashton must have noticed because he came rushing over. “Candice, are you alright, I’ve got her, Victor. Babe, you look sick. Do you need the doctor? Victor, go find a doctor. Hurry!”
I must have fainted because I woke up with everyone standing around me. “Mrs. Williams, respond if you can hear me.”
“Yes, I hear you and I’m ok. It must be this heat,” I started to get up.
“Not so fast, Mrs. Williams, you fainted and I need you to rest.”
“Candice, Babes, just do as the doctor says.”
“Ashton, I have a rehearsal dinner to attend.”
“It’s your wedding. Everybody will wait.”
Wedding or nightmare, I wondered. All I could think about was what Victor had said. Back in my room I lay there pretending to sleep, Ashton never leaving my side.
Victor. That evil Bastard. How could he do this to me? There was no way these babies were his. Did he want to hurt Ashton no matter what the cost? Would he stop at nothing to hurt us? The tears started rolling down my face onto the pillow.
“Candice, what’s wrong? Do we need to cancel the wedding?”
“I wouldn’t think of canceling my wedding, I just need a minute.”
“Take as much time as you need, Sweetheart.”
“Ashton, have you seen Sandra or Bryan? They should have arrived by now.”
“No, but I’ll see if I can find them.” He left to do just that.
Bryan and Sandra walked into the room with Ashton. “Candice, are you alright, Honey? Ashton said you fainted.”
“I’m going to be ok. Ashton, Bryan, is it possible for me to talk to Sandra alone?”
“No problem, we will just leave you two alone.” They walked out of the room.
“Candice, what’s going on? Is there anything I can do?”
“Sandra, it’s all this wedding stuff, Ashton’s brother, his mother.”
“Candice, is this something you truly want to do? When you marry a man, you marry his whole family.”
“I love Ashton, and he loves me, but his family is impossible.”
“I do understand. I married into a family of ministers. I couldn’t stand Bryan’s mother. But I figured something out. No family is without their secrets and there are always cracks in the foundation. What I’m trying to say, is if you love him, screw what his mother thinks.”
“Sandra, if I told you something, would you swear not to tell? I know you can’t hold water, but you have to promise.”
“Anything, Candice. I promise it will never leave this room.”
How was I ever going to say this? But I had to trust someone. “I think, and it’s a small possibility, that the babies I’m carrying might not be Ashton’s.”
“What?! Are you serious? Whose are they and does Ashton know?”
“No, to both questions and I’m afraid if I tell it will end everything. The fact that they might be his brother’s scares me even more.”
“His brother? Do you know what you just said?”
“Yes, but it’s not what you think. He raped me, Sandra. I didn’t tell Ashton, because I knew it would hurt him. I’ve only told two other people, Brenda and Marbella, and now you.”
“Candice, you have to tell him. If you don’t… you have to know it’s trouble. Does his brother know?”
“I don’t think he actually knows, but he’s threatening me.”
“If he tells him before you do, what’s it going to look like? Like you’re lying. After all, it’s his brother you’re talking about.”
“I’m getting married tomorrow, I can’t tell him now.”
“That’s your decision to make, but don’t wait too long. If Victor is the kind of person you say he is, he will stop at nothing. He has a lot on his side. He’s rich and a relative. Who do you think he will believe, and even if he doesn’t tell him, it’s risky. What if he comes after your children? I don’t mean to scare you, but what if?”
“I know you’re right, but what if they’re just empty threats?”
“Well if that’s a risk you’re willing to take…”
“Sandra, you’re extremely smart and I’m so glad you talked to me. I’m going to tell Ashton, but after the wedding.”
“I don’t think that’s the right thing to do, but you don’t have many choices. I love you Candice, and I hope this goes well for you. Now, let’s get Brenda in here and get you dressed. We have a rehearsal dinner to get to.”
“Where is Sabrina? Did she bring her kids?”
“No, it’s just her and Anthony. We didn’t bring Sidney or Justin either. We had Christmas before we left. That way we could stay a little longer. I needed a break. Taking care of Daddy has been taxing, but he’s our father.”
“Sandra, when we leave I will come to Memphis before going back to New York.”
“That might be a smart idea. The chemo has taken its toll. The doctors say it’s stage four and hospice is there to make him comfortable. I hate to see Daddy this way, but I’m glad the kids are getting to spend time with him.”
“I know, and I want to see him. I hate that Daddy won’t ever make it to New York. I was so looking forward to him coming.”
“I know. Daddy will be alright. Let’s get this hair going because it’s thick as ever and this is your wedding after all. Where is Brenda? Call her so she can do your makeup.”
We started the process of getting dressed, all of us laughing and talking about old times. “You know what, Guys? I think Aunt Sally was tipsy. She and Marbella have been drinking since they got here. Those sweet drinks will sneak up on you, and they’ve had a few.” Sandra informed us.
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I looked awesome. My hair was in a twist with some lose curls framing my face. My dress was a light pink linen and looked fabulous with my fiery red hair. Brenda should have been a makeup artist, because my makeup was flawless. “Ladies, we look fabulous. Now let’s go have some fun!” I announced.
~~~
The gardens were phenomenal. They were lit up with white lights. The Hawaiian musicians played soft music and the hula girls swayed their hips. Everyone was served spicy tasting champagne for the toast. There was a pig being roasted a few yards away that smelled delicious. Everyone was enjoying themselves, laughing and talking.
And then the toasting began. “Friends and Family, I would like to propose a toast to the Bride and Groom,” began Victor. “To my brother, it’s about time you married. I wish you all the happiness and success. To the bride, may you always look and feel as beautiful as you do tonight. And one more thing, here’s to having beautiful and healthy babies.” And then Victor looked at me like the cat that had swallowed the canary.
Next, Bryan said a prayer and toasted to our happiness. I was not going to let Victor spoil this for me. I was determined to enjoy myself. After we ate we went through the rehearsal. Uncle Tee would be walking me down the aisle since Daddy couldn’t be here.
Afterwards, Ashton and I walked down to the beach where the wedding would take place. The stage had been built out over the water, to appear as if we were walking on water. There were flower of every shade of pink you could think of. The archway was woven with pink and white silk. This was incredible. It was everything I had dreamed it would be. “Candice, I’m looking forward to the after party. We’re going to dance until the sun comes up.”
“Ashton, there is something I must tell you, but it will have to wait until after the wedding.”
“Ok, but this not the first time I’ve heard you say this,” he looked at me worriedly.
“Ashton, you’re the love of my life and the father of my children. Nothing or no one will ever change the way I feel.”
“I love you too. Tomorrow is our wedding day,” he placed his hands on my swollen tummy. “You and these two boys mean the world to me. I would lay down my life to defend you.” He kissed me gently, “I love you, Sweetheart.” I was so in love with this man.
Black Lies White Lies Page 23