by Lisa Jackson
As she turned onto I-80 headed towards Gary, Indiana she prayed that she wasn’t too late. By her calculations, if she continued to drive non-stop she would be through Indiana and into Cleveland in about five hours. She planned on going straight to his place of employment, hoping to catch him before leaving for the day.
She turned up the volume on her radio and listened to the morning talk show hosts discuss the topic of relationships. She smiled at the advice that a local family psychologist gave to some of the callers. Some of the advice she could relate to, others she could not. For the most part, it was entertaining and helped to kill the time.
About an hour outside of Cleveland, Alexa stopped to fill up her tank at a clean little rest stop. She took the time to freshen up after her long drive. After pumping the gas, she parked the car off to the side. Then searching through her duffel bag, she pulled out a little bag containing her toiletries. She also pulled out a fresh set of clothing. The last thing she wanted to do was try to ask for a second chance looking and smelling like she had been out rolling with pigs.
With the items in hand, she practically bounced into the restroom with a spring in her step. As she got closer to Cleveland, the anticipation of seeing Darius again grew. When she finished freshening up, she emerged from the facilities clean and comfortably dressed in a sporty running suit and a pair of tennis shoes.
The glint in her eye was slightly marred by the distant possibility that she was moving forth in vain. She quickly pushed the negative thoughts to the side. She wasn’t about to be dissuaded now. She had nothing but herself and her love to give. Even if Darius told her it was over for good, at least she wouldn’t regret for the rest of her life that she did not even try to win him back.
Patting the divorce papers in the pocket of her jacket, Alexa slipped on her shades and hopped into her car. As far as she knew Darius didn’t know anything about her illness, which is why she didn’t get around to returning them to him. She was glad that she didn’t give up by signing her name and sending them back. With them in hand, she was going to speak her piece. If he wanted her to sign she would, but not without him knowing the mistake he was about to make.
Before pulling off, Alexa took a moment to pray. “Dear Lord, I know I am not perfect and neither is Darius, but I know that he is a good man and I know that I love him. If he doesn’t want a relationship with me, please let me be respectful and understanding. And let this be a lesson to learn. Please guide me in my words and actions. Amen.”
“You have a meeting in ten minutes with Dustin and Carlton,” Donna, Darius’s secretary, reminded him.
Darius nodded. “Thank you, Donna.”
The woman half smiled before exiting the room. It was plain to see that he was not the same man. He went from being a nice guy to being exceptionally nice by giving her Friday afternoons off or an extra half hour for lunch, to being gloomy all in a matter of a few months.
Her heart reached out to him as if he were her own son. She knew the change in his behavior had to do with Alexa. Anyone could see that he cared for her deeply. She had noticed the admiring glances he stole in her direction in addition to the way he hung on her every word. Donna just prayed that his broken heart would heal. It was just two weeks ago that he had formally announced that he was relocating to Detroit to start his own computer consulting business. Her prayer was also that his new journey would be approached with confidence and excitement as she knew his life was taking a new turn.
Darius glanced at his daily planner and frowned. He had an appointment with his barber after his 1:00 meeting. Later that evening he had a fraternity dinner cruise to attend. Although he had purchased two tickets, he was going alone. The tickets had been purchased in advance for him and Alexa.
The thought of arriving on the boat without Alexa changed his mind and he made a mental note to give them to his barber Sam. At least someone could enjoy the festivities because he wasn’t up for it. With a groan, he grabbed his notes for his meeting and headed to the conference room.
Alexa’s heart fluttered as she parked her car in the parking lot at the company where Darius worked. She lowered the mirror above her head. Without any makeup, she looked like the fresh-faced 22-year-old Darius had fallen in love with nine years ago. She felt like it, too, given her current employment situation and her casual attire combined with her unfaltering love for him.
With a hopeful mindset, she exited the car and walked towards the building prepared for whatever the outcome.
Donna glanced up at the sound of the elevator doors opening and was surprised to find Alexa stepping out. A frown immediately lined her face when she saw who it was.
Despite Donna’s reaction, Alexa smiled. She knew it would not be easy. Nothing worth something came easy. She knew she was going to have to fight to keep her man.
“Hi, Donna,” she cheerily greeted.
“Hello,” the woman replied with disdain. She peered over her glasses at Alexa with a look of disapproval.
“Is Darius available?”
“I’m sorry, but he’s in an important meeting right now,” she retorted, as she crossed her arms guardlike before her ample bosom. “Even if he was available, I’m not sure he would want to see you.”
Alexa’s eyes lowered from the cut of the woman’s words. “Donna, your loyalty to Darius is commendable and I respect you for that very much.”
Donna remained unmoved. “Like you said, I am loyal to Mr. Riverside, and I look out for his well-being only.” Alexa was all too familiar with the formidable woman who thought of Darius as a son as well as her employer. She remembered Darius mentioning how he trusted the older woman completely. She was sure that Donna was aware of the situation and was protecting Darius like any person who felt for someone as she did for Darius.
“I understand your position, but I really need to talk to him.” Tears formed in Alexa’s eyes, but she blinked them back determined not to let them fall. “Donna, if I am correct about your relationship with Darius, then I know that you are aware of what occurred between us. Being a young career woman, I focused more of my attention on advancing my career and less on my relationship. I hurt Darius, not once but twice, and I hate myself for it. But I can’t keep wallowing in what I did wrong. I strongly believe that the important thing now is to concentrate on what I can do to make things right.” Before she finished, a tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly swiped it away. “I need to tell him that I’m sorry. I need to tell him that nothing is more important to me than telling him, no, showing him how much I love him. So if you could, I’d appreciate it if you got Darius for me please.”
At first Donna appeared as if she would not budge. But then she reached over and plucked a tissue from its floral dispenser and held it out. “Go inside his office and I will see what I can do.”
Alexa exhaled through relieved tears. She mouthed a silent thank-you.
Luckily, Darius was seated near the door when Donna poked her head inside the conference room. She tapped him on the shoulder and motioned for him to step out into the hall.
With a look of irritation on his face, Darius followed Donna out into the hall. “What is it, Donna?” he asked. “I asked that I not be disturbed.”
“Forgive me for interrupting,” she apologized. “But you have a visitor.”
“Donna, I’m in the middle of a meeting with the president and vice president of the company. Have him or her make an appointment for tomorrow,” he replied and turned to go back into the conference room when Donna caught him by the arm.
“Darius, I believe this is very urgent. The party is waiting in your office.”
Darius saw the serious look on Donna’s face and knew he should find out who it was. He stepped back into the conference room and excused himself. With a frown, he sauntered down the hall and towards his office. As he pushed open the large oak door, his jaw dropped at the sight of Alexa seated in a chair before his desk. At the sound of his entrance, she turned around and smiled, making his stomach jump
.
Despite his initial reaction, his eyes narrowed in anger.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded to know.
“Hi, Darry.” She said his name so sweetly he felt like scooping her up into his arms.
Darius closed the door for privacy, to avoid anyone overhearing anything. He didn’t know where their conversation was headed and didn’t want anyone to be privy to the details. Once the door was closed, he leaned against it and eased his hands into his trouser pockets, spreading his strong legs defensively.
“As I said, what are you doing here?” he repeated.
Alexa stood up. “Is that any way to treat somebody who drove all the way here to see you?” she asked in a nervous voice.
Darius shrugged his broad shoulders. “What’s the purpose of this visit? Did you get bored in New York? No, let me guess. This is another seduction? What shall I do? Push my papers off of my desk this time?” he asked with a sweep of his arm.
Alexa lowered her eyes. “I deserved that.”
“Whatever,” Darius scoffed scathingly as he strolled past her.
Alexa closed her eyes and shook her head slowly as she mouthed a short prayer asking the Lord for the right words to say to make amends.
“Please, Darius. I know we aren’t on the best terms, but you never gave me a chance to give you my side of the story. Before you make a final conclusion about us, please hear me out.”
“Why should I?” He whirled around, his eyes boring into hers.
“Because I’m still your wife and you owe it to me, and yourself.”
They stood there for a few seconds—his frozen glare competed with her pleading gaze. She sighed with relief when he finally nodded.
Finally she was getting somewhere with him. She walked over and stood before him. The passage about going boldly to the throne of grace ran through her mind.
“Please forgive me for not telling you about taking the job. I was wrong.”
“You got that right,” he said in agreement.
“I know, but I want to tell you something that I have never told you before.” She sat on the corner of his desk and proceeded to tell him how her mother’s powerful influence had affected her. She told him about her mother’s own troubled marriage and how it served as the catalyst in planting the thoughts inside her head. She hoped that by sharing her fears she had touched his heart with her words.
“My mother thought she was doing the right thing and I can’t blame her because she didn’t have anyone to confer with. Her own mother was dead and she didn’t have any sisters. I suppose that if I didn’t know any better, I would probably tell my daughter the same so that she wouldn’t get hurt either.”
Darius began pacing back and forth across the floor. The muscle in his jaw flexed in anger. “What I can’t get over is how you just walked away from what we had, especially after all that we had been through. Alexa, you were my wife, my best friend. You were the only woman I ever loved and you knew it. Hell, I wouldn’t have asked you to marry me if I didn’t love you.” The pain in his voice was very evident.
Alexa wanted to run over and comfort him with a hug, but refrained from doing so because she did not want to stop him from sharing his feelings.
“As crazy as it sounds, I thought I was doing the honorable thing. See, although I loved you I was scared that if I gave up my career, I’d be giving up the one thing I had control over in my life. Consequently if I poured my energy into our relationship and things didn’t turn out right, then I would be left with nothing.”
Darius stopped pacing with a look of disappointment on his face over the wasted years. “Damn it, Alex, if you loved me and you knew how I loved you then you should have shared your fears with me and trusted that our love would have survived.”
Alexa looked into his eyes. “I know that now.” She stood away from the desk and walked towards him. “But I’m not walking away anymore. Baby, I’m sorry for what I put you through. I hope you can forgive me because I love you more than anything. I’ve been so lonely without you and I don’t think I can go another day knowing that you won’t be a part of my life.”
Her words caused his stance to relax and he searched her eyes for a hint of a chance for them. “You said you love me more than anything?” he asked, repeating her words.
Alexa nodded with hope-filled eyes. She had prayed for a new beginning and hoped that this was the sign that she asked the Lord for.
“More than, say, Marks-St. Claire?” he asked.
She responded by pulling a letter from her pocket and placing it into his hand. Darius removed the paper from the envelope and quickly scanned its content. Elation rose in the pit of his stomach, and he could not force back his smile upon reading her letter of resignation.
“You quit?”
Alexa nodded. “Yes, I did a week ago. I packed up as much as I could in my car and drove here praying that we could work things out.” She walked up to him and placed her hand in his. “I meant it when I said I love you, Darius. I want you in my life forever. Please say yes.”
Annie Riverside’s words immediately came to mind: Real love doesn’t stray away too far or too long. Darius’s heart swelled with joy.
“My lady, is this a proposal?”
Alexa thought for a moment. She was proposing that she would be totally honest with him and not hold back her feelings. She was proposing that nothing, especially her career, would take precedence over her husband again. And, she was proposing that she would be the loving and supporting wife that he needed and deserved. With that said, she concluded that she was proposing that Darius give their love another try. With a broad smile, Alexa replied, “I guess it is.”
Darius slowly lowered himself before her onto one knee and raised her hands to his mouth. Staring deeply into her eyes he pressed a gentle kiss on the palms of her hands. “Then, I do, again.”
The floodgates immediately lifted as tears of joy poured down Alexa’s face. She sank down on her knees before Darius, sobbing. “I love you, and I will never let you go again,” she promised, kissing him all over his face.
“I love you, too,” Darius confirmed. “And I’m sorry for being so selfish. I’m sorry for not being supportive of your career. I’m sorry…”
Alexa cut him off with a kiss.
The scene was so intense that it brought tears to Darius’s eyes. Alexa saw the tears brimming in his eyes and tenderly cradled his head in her arms, kissing them away before they could fall. Her touch was so gentle and poignant that Darius could not help but release his own emotions. Before he could stop himself, he was weeping along with her.
“I promise I won’t make you sad again,” she murmured through kisses.
A knock on the door interrupted their private moment, followed by Donna’s intrusive footsteps. Her jaw dropped at the sight of her boss in a heap on the floor, crying in his lover’s arms.
“I—I’m sorry Mr. Riverside,” she stammered apologetically. She turned to retrace her steps when Darius called out her name.
“Donna, these are tears of joy!” he exclaimed. “I’m getting married!” He captured Alexa’s face in his palms and kissed her sweet and slow. “We’re getting married again.”
Epilogue
A gently July breeze paired with the orange glow of the evening sun created the perfect romantic setting for a wedding. As a sign of their commitment to one another, Darius and Alexa wanted to reaffirm their vows before family and friends.
Since the pair was moving to Detroit, Maya and Bryant insisted that the wedding take place in their backyard. Maya was eager to coordinate the wedding and reception since she was now off from work on maternity leave. Her stomach protruded in the lilac empire waist dress, revealing another addition to the Renault family on the way.
Maya’s skills proved to be successful, as the end results were breathtaking, revealing a strong potential for a career change in the future.
Strolling through the yard, Maya kept busy by making sure everything was in plac
e. She had taken great care in decorating the yard into a white matrimonial dreamland. White sateen chair covers with big bows were draped over the fold-up chairs placed theater style in the backyard where the ceremony was to take place.
Maya thought it was perfect having the two exchange vows beneath a white canopy surrounded by topiary trees bearing white roses and draped with sheering.
The reception would take place near the pool beneath a white tent. Everything inside the tent, including the table and table coverings, dinnerware and white rose centerpiece was white as well. Maya finished the look by hanging white Japanese lanterns. She had tested the effect the night before and it was so beautiful that she couldn’t wait for the reception to begin to see the surprised looks on everyone’s faces.
Alexa was speechless when she saw the view from the rear bedroom where she was getting ready. Later when Maya came inside, she ran up to her and hugged her through tear-filled eyes.
“Maya, thank you. It is beautiful!”
“Girl, stop crying before you mess up your face,” Maya teased, although tears were forming in her eyes as well.
Downstairs, Darius was in the study gazing out at the growing crowd. Whereas most men would have paced the room anxious from the fact that their bachelor life was coming to an end, Darius was the epitome of contentment.
Deep down he knew he had the girl and all of this was for everyone else’s benefit. He couldn’t wait for the ceremony to come and go so that he could get to the good part and that was being alone with his wife.
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” A voice from behind interrupted his reverie.
Darius turned around to find both Bryant and Reg standing with big grins on their faces.