Charlotte held her glass in the air. “To my ride-or-die chicks who aren’t afraid to keep it real with me. I almost missed out on the love of my life, but you wouldn’t let me give up. I love y’all.”
After clicking their glasses, Kem held her glass in the air. “Words can’t express how I feel about you two. The last few weeks have been the hardest times of my life. You find out who your true friends are during times of adversity. I couldn’t have asked for better friends than you. To my sisters. Thank you for being there for me. Love you for life.”
“Group hug,” Charlotte said.
They sat the glasses down and hugged each other. They were all misty-eyed. Kem wiped her watery eyes.
Charlotte went and retrieved some gifts from under the Christmas tree. “Now, to liven things up a little. It’s gift exchange time.”
“Yours is the big green bag and hand Kem the blue one,” Mona said.
Charlotte handed out the gift bags and took a seat.
“This is the fun part,” Kem said. “Why don’t you ladies open mine first?”
Mona removed the tissue paper and dumped it on the table. She now held the box that was wrapped in decorative Christmas paper. “It’s a watch almost like yours. I love it.” Mona removed the gold Movado diamond bangle watch from the brown box and placed it around her wrist. Thank you, Kem.”
“You’re welcome. Charlotte, your turn.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened as she removed the box and opened it. “A gold monogrammed iPad case with some bling.”
“You never go anywhere without it so you might as well be stylish.”
“You’re right and it’s unique. I love it! Now, come on, open mine.”
After they opened up each other’s presents, Kem left and went to Brent’s to help Aunt Edna with cooking Christmas dinner.
“How did your lunch go with your friends?” Aunt Edna asked as she rolled the dough to use in her peach cobbler.
“We had a good time. We ate, laughed, drank a little. It was just good to hang out with them,” Kem noted as she cut up peaches to be used for the cobbler.
“That’s the only thing I miss about Shreveport. I miss some of my friends.”
“Well, maybe we need to change that. You need to start getting out more with Brent and I when we go to these industry events,” Kem said.
“That’s not my thing. I’ve befriended a few ladies at the church, but I’m still trying to figure them out. Some of those women can be messy and I’m too old to be involved in some drama.”
Kem laughed. “I know that’s right.”
Brent walked in the room and kissed Kem on the cheek first and then Aunt Edna’s cheek. “How are my two favorite women?”
Kem blushed. She never got tired of Brent’s displays of affection. “Trying to hurry up and finish this cobbler so I can get me a bowl.”
“Everything smells so good. Can I have a sample?” Brent asked.
“Let me think about it,” Aunt Edna responded.
“Pleeeaase.” Brent rubbed his stomach. “Just a little taste of the dressing. I’m starving.”
“Go ahead.”
“You give in to him too easily,” Kem stated.
“You are one to talk.” Aunt Edna laughed.
“Spoiled. That’s what he is,” Kem added.
“That I am and I’m not afraid to admit it.” Brent laughed while he made a small plate with dressing and a slice of ham.
He sat at the kitchen counter and ate his food. “Rose told me to tell you hello.”
“How are she and Lance doing?” Kem asked.
“They’re doing great. She hasn’t been able to do much acting lately. Their twins are keeping them busy.”
“You didn’t forget to take them their gifts, did you?”
“No. The twins wanted to open them but Rose insisted they wait until tomorrow. The kids at the youth center had a blast opening their gifts.”
“Are you guys talking about Rose the actress?” Aunt Edna asked.
Kem handed Aunt Edna the bowl of peeled peaches. “Yes. She starred in the first screenplay I sold.”
“Really? Cool.”
“We’re not close like Char and Mona but we’ve been friends ever since.”
“Rose suggested I play her brother in one of her films. That’s the film that jump-started my career,” Brent said, in between bites. “Can I get a slice of cake?”
Aunt Edna shook her head. “No. That’s where I draw the line. The cakes and pies won’t be touched until tomorrow.”
“Can’t blame for me asking. What’s that saying? A closed mouth won’t get fed.”
“Boy, get out of my kitchen and hand me that plate.” Aunt Edna playfully hit him with the dishtowel.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Kem watched Brent hit the button on the faux fireplace and the flames on the fake logs lit up. He grabbed a gift bag from under the Christmas tree and sat near Kem.
“I thought we weren’t going to open presents until tomorrow.”
Brent glanced at the clock. “According to the time, it’s one minute after twelve.” Brent got on his knees in front of Kem who sat on the couch. He handed her a small bag. “Come on. Open it.”
Kem smiled. “If you insist.”
Kem removed the tissue paper out of the bag. She paused. She looked at Brent and then back inside the bag.
“Waiting on you, baby,” Brent said.
It looked as if she was moving in slow motion. Kem retrieved the black velvet box from the bag. She opened it and stared at the ten-carat princess-cut diamond ring. Kem’s mouth flew open. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Kem, I know we’ve only been dating officially for four months, but I know in my heart that you’re the woman God designed specifically for me. I love you so much. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t imagine my world without you. Kem, baby, will you marry me?”
Kem’s bottom lip quivered as Brent took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger. Kem looked into Brent’s eyes. All she saw was love. His actions over the last few months showed her he wasn’t just giving lip service. She knew his heart. His actions proved his love. “Yes, Brent. Yes, I’ll marry you.” With tears streaming down her cheeks, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him then they shared a long, passionate kiss.
Brent stood and sat beside her. He held her hand and admired the ring on her finger. He kissed the back of her hand. “I love you, baby. You won’t regret it. I promise to never leave your side. You will always be able to depend on me. I will not let anything violate the trust you have in me.”
“I know that and that’s why I agreed to be your wife. I wasn’t expecting this. You’ve caught me totally off guard,” Kem said. She moved her hand in different positions and looked at the ring. She reached for Brent and kissed him again. “Baby, I’m happy. There are no words. I’m just happy.”
“I love you,” Brent responded as he pulled her closer and kissed her with an intensity that left them both breathless.
Kem wasn’t looking forward to Christmas without her mom but Brent had given her something positive to think about. She would never forget this night. The night he proposed to her. The ring he chose was perfect. It would have been the ring she would have chosen for herself.
Later on that night, while Brent was in the bathroom and she was lying in the bed by herself, Kem thought of her mom and how happy she would have been to have Brent as a son-in-law.
Brent played Santa Claus the next day by handing out presents to Kem and Aunt Edna. It made him feel good to see their smiling faces after they openedeach gift.
Later that night after the dinner, Brent and Kem curled up on the couch. Brent stretched his arm behind Kem, across her shoulders. “I’m so full. I don’t think I can eat anything else this week.”
“Me too. That lemon pound cake had my name written all over it. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten that second slice,” Kem said.
“That’s okay, baby. We’re going to work it off you,” Brent teased, although he was too tired to move.
“Oh really now?” Kem licked her lips.
“Later, because right now my body needs some rest.”
“Don’t tell me you can’t keep up and need some Viagra.”
“Oh, I can perform. But when I make love to you, I like to be at my best. I can’t half-step with you.”
“Oh, okay. Well, you’re right. I always want your best.” Kem bent her neck and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Brent used one of his hands and turned on the television. He flipped stations. Kem reached for his arm. “Wait. Isn’t that the tabloid reporter?”
Brent looked at the television screen. It was indeed Sandy. He really had no interest in watching her, but Kem insisted.
They watched the entertainment news show as Sandy gossiped about one of his peers. The dirt she called herself dishing was probably false so he halfway listened until he heard his name come out of her mouth.
Sandy said, “I will be on vacation next week but wanted to tease you before I left. I have an exclusive about Brent McKenzie that will sure stir things up on his show Secrets. All I can say is, this secret is juicier than the show he’s currently starring in. Until next year, bon voyage.”
Brent clicked the television off.
Kem shifted her body and faced him. “What was that all about?”
“I don’t know,” Brent lied. Tell her, a small voice said inside his head. He’d dealt with the situation years ago so there was no need to make trouble over a silly accusation. “I guess she’s still bitter about me not taking her up on her offer.”
“She’s really going to be upset when she finds out about this.” Kem held her hand out.
“That ring looks good on you.” Brent was glad to change the subject.
“It does. I think you better call Charlotte. Well wait, let me call her and then you can talk to her so she can send out an official announcement about our engagement.”
“I have a better idea. Let’s take a selfie. The picture will say it all,” Brent said.
“You’re right, but I still better call Char because you know she’ll be upset if we don’t tell her. And don’t let me forget Mona.”
“While you’re doing that, let me catch Aunt Edna before she goes to her house so she can take a quick pic.” Brent left in search of Aunt Edna and returned a few minutes later with Aunt Edna right behind him.
Kem said, “I’ve got to go, ladies. I just wanted you to know. Brent’s calling me.”
Kem hung up the phone. Brent sat in the chair and Kem sat on his lap. Aunt Edna said, “Kiss her and Kem, hold your hand up in front of you but below your chin.”
“Look at my aunt sounding like a professional photographer,” Brent joked.
“Boy, shut up and just pose for this picture.”
“Ooh, you’re in trouble,” Kem teased.
Brent smiled. He and Kem posed as Aunt Edna took a few pictures with his cell phone.
After she left them alone, they chose which picture they wanted to post and he posted it to all his social media sites with the caption, “She said yes!”
It didn’t take long for the photo to go viral. Both his and Kem’s phones were ringing constantly. They ended up turning their ringers off. Brent grabbed Kem’s hand. “That should keep them busy. Let’s go to bed.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
“Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one. Happy New Year!” Kem, Brent and some of their friends all yelled at the same time.
Brent kissed Kem on the lips. “I love you,” he said.
“I love you too,” Kem responded.
“Thank you for sharing your world with me.”
“Brent, you’re going to make me mess up my make-up. Go mingle,” Kem said.
Brent kissed her again and then left to go mingle with the other guests.
Kem and Brent had decided to host a last-minute New Year’s party at Brent’s place to celebrate their engagement. Their friends and some of the cast and crew from the show were in attendance.
Kem watched Brent entertain the crowd and stood on the side of the room talking to Charlotte and Mona. “I love that man. I never thought I would be in this position.”
“Love hits you when you least expect it,” Mona said.
“You know I know,” Charlotte added.
“I know we haven’t been dating long, but it feels right. He’s everything I’ve always wanted in a man. And he’s nothing like my dad so that’s a bonus.”
“Speaking of your dad, how are things going with you two?” Charlotte asked.
Kem shrugged. “We talk but it still feels a little strange at times.”
Mona sipped her apple juice. “At least you’re giving it a try. Just give it some time. Things will get better.”
“It’s hard cramming twenty-two years into six weeks of knowing each other.”
“Sean’s motioning for me. I guess he’s ready to go. Time for our own private celebration.” Charlotte licked her lips.
Mona rubbed her stomach. “Y’all keep that up and you will be in my predicament.”
Charlotte touched Mona’s stomach. “Baby Mona, good night.” Charlotte looked at Mona and then at Kem. “Good night, ladies.”
They hugged. Not too long afterward, others left. And soon, Brent and Kem were all alone. Brent closed the door after the last guest left. “I thought they would never leave.”
“It was your idea to throw the party.” Kem laughed.
“I know. Next time I have a great idea like that, please talk me out of it.”
Brent wrapped his arms around Kem’s waist. “Happy New Year, baby!”
“Happy New Year.” Kem tilted her head back as their lips locked.
“Let me make sure all’s secure and I’ll meet you upstairs so we can continue this New Year’s celebration.”
“Don’t make me wait too long.” She lifted her dress to show Brent she wasn’t wearing any underwear.
Brent bit his knuckles and growled.
Kem winked.
Brent and Kem made love throughout the night and the morning. It was after noon before they decided to bathe and put on some clothes.
Aunt Edna greeted them in the kitchen. “You two are the talk of the entertainment world right now.”
“Really?” Brent asked.
“Yes. Haven’t you watched the news?” She looked at Brent and then at Kem. “Never mind. I’m sure you’ve been too busy doing other things.”
“Ugh. I don’t want to discuss it.” Brent stole one of the rolls off her plate.
She popped the back of his hand. “Fix your own plate.”
“Baby, I’ll warm you up something. Have a seat,” Kem said.
“Now, I got me a woman who’ll fix my plate.”
“Sit your spoiled behind down. Check this out.” Aunt Edna used the remote and turned on the television that was mounted on the wall of the kitchen.
One of the entertainment reporters shared the Instagram photo Brent had posted to his page the following week.
“Wow.” He noticed the number of likes and comments on the photo. He hadn’t looked since posting it.
The reporter congratulated them and the segment ended.
“Some of your fans aren’t too happy. Kem, I don’t want to alarm you, but some have said some nasty things about you. Don’t respond to their foolishness. They are just jealous that they are not in your position,” Aunt Edna said in between bites.
Kem placed food on their plates. “I’m so used to it now, Aunt Edna, that I don’t pay them any attention.”
“Well, I don’t
like it. People have feelings and who gives them the right to say those nasty things?” Aunt Edna frowned.
“If anyone gets too much out of line, I’ll handle them,” Brent said.
“You will ignore them, too. Giving negative people attention is feeding into their madness.” Kem placed a plate in the microwave and turned it on.
Brent checked out his social media pages while Kem warmed up their food. The majority of the comments were positive but the negative ones were downright mean. He stared at the screen as he thought back to Sandy’s earlier threats. He googled his name to see if Sandy had posted anything and sighed with relief when nothing came up in the search engine.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The first week back, after being off for over six weeks, was hard. The cast and crew were going through their regular routine.
Kem eased into her role as producer and waited on the first scene to be shot. She cringed a little when she saw Brent’s character get intimate with Jenny’s character. She wouldn’t admit this to Brent, but seeing him in love scenes now made her feel a little uncomfortable. But Kem was a professional, so she would suck it up and take it.
She darted her eyes downward when the scene got intense.
The director asked, “What do you think? Do we need to do another take?”
Kem shook her hand. “No. It was perfect.”
Kem could care less if it was perfect or not. The scene had been shot and that was all that mattered. The editor would have to make it work.
Brent walked to her afterwards. “Do you have time for lunch?”
“No. I have a lunch meeting with some executives and then I need to rush back to shoot those last scenes.”
“I’ll wait around so I can drive you home.”
“Maybe we should start driving in separate cars. I’m sure there will be days you will want to do something else.”
“I don’t mind waiting. I got everything I need in my trailer. Besides, I’m going over these scripts. I’ve narrowed it down to three I want to work on this year.”
“As long as they don’t interfere with the show, you have my support,” Kem said.
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