“Hell, no. You overthink too much.” He shook his head in a big nope way. “The next thing I know you’d be moving to Scandinavia or Australia, something like that to run away.”
He laughed when she started tickling him. “Stop, Didi…” he said over peels of laughter.
“Not until you take it back.” She sat back and pouted.
“Do you know how amazingly hot you look sitting there covered in cashmere, with nothing else on.” He sounded as if he were in awe of her. He made her feel beautiful and wanted. Then why won’t you just be with the man? The other her mentally yelled at her in frustration.
She leaned back into him. “Take it back.” Her demand was lost on the kiss and the lovemaking that followed.
Chapter 22
Just Loyalty
“Are you cool?” he asked as he pulled up his car to his parents' estate in Murray Hill, a suburb in Scarsdale, New York. They’d all lived there when he first came to the city. It afforded the girls the best education money could buy once he’d hit. He’d done everything in his power to give Delightful’s family the same advantage.
He knew he’d succeeded the other night when both young women were at the premier. Lovie-Belle was a stunner no matter what room she entered. She had the charisma and character that would make her a power to be reckoned with in the movie industry. Like recognized like and everything he saw, he admired — her gift and her ambition.
Miracle was a beautiful little minx, and he was proud of her. The part he played was minuscule. She’d taken the opportunity she’d been given and soared. She had created a splendid life for herself where she could use her strengths and not be penalized for her challenges.
“I’m great.” She put on a good front, he thought. He’d made no moves to reassure her because to be honest he didn’t know what they were walking in to. Ghadi was a wild card and Flower could still possibly go off the rails. He’d seen her talking to Delightful last night, but that was just Flower, she loved people and loved to talk. Seeing someone she knew being sat apart would never sit well with her no matter how angry she was at them.
“Good.” He parked, got out then came around to open the door of the Maybach for her. She was stunning the royal blue, sleeveless Grecian sundress, that had eyelet lace running down the side.
He was in his signature white jeans and shirt, but he’d laced his Chucks to match her dress. Anyone looking at them together would know they were a couple. That small deviation spoke volumes to anyone who knew him. Never did he wear anything in public but white. This would be family, but they were posting to the Gram and Twitter accounts. This was homegrown PR made to look authentic, but there was nothing Flower did not carefully curate that made it to the public.
He stepped back, holding her arm up, their hands clasped high. Her smile was radiant as she made a slow circle for him.
“Amazing,” he smiled down at her. The dress accentuated every curve underneath a diaphanous sheath.
“You don’t look half bad either,” she chuckled at his expression.
“I’ll have you know I’m a trendsetter, woman. C’mon.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm as they made their way up the stairs to the main entrance of his parents' home.
“Are we late?” She asked when they entered. She turned to him. There was no one to greet them.
“The guests of honor are never late.” He tugged her along with him, walking through the large expanse of the living area where staff were buzzing like bees in a very active hive. They headed through the primary living area that opened onto a wide wraparound veranda. Tables were set up buffet style, but no one availed themselves of the food. The wait staff did that, taking plates laden with southern haute cuisine to waiting guests who lounged and milled around his parents’ vast back lawn.
“This is beautiful.” Delightful’s eyes shined with pride. He wanted to take that look and hide it deep within his heart. The fact that he pleased her made his soul sing.
He drew her to him, taking her lips. She opened for him so softly, yielding her heart to him it seemed.
“Well, look who’s arrived.” His brother’s voice called out to them. He pulled back to receive the cheers and calls from the assemble guests.
His body tensed as he watched as Ghadi strolled over to him. He knew his brother loved him and would do anything in his power to ensure his happiness. However, he would in no way allow him to denigrate Delightful.
He eased in front of her as Ghadi drew closer and saw the glint of recognition in his brother’s eyes at the move. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what that move meant, and Ghadi was a genius in his own right. He knew. So what he did next was on him.
“FADE, that’s not even necessary, man.” His brother shook his head as he softly chided him. “Especially after last night. May I speak to your lady?” He tilted his head to the side, trying to get a glimpse at Delightful.
He heard her gasp, then moved aside as he felt her hand press against his back. He looked down and his heart stuttered seeing the hope gleaming in her eyes.
“You see, last night I got it. I got so much of the ‘Why’ between you guys. Seeing FADE through your eyes was the truest testament of love I have ever seen aside from my mom and dad and your parents. I know what you did telling your parents you felt you had to do, and that was hard. It still is, it’s not for me to forgive that’s up to FADE. I’m cool. FADE, bro, you know my love for you is fierce and fearless. We go hard.” He stopped, his throat was working. FADE stepped to him, grabbed him hard and pulled him into his arms. “I love you, man,” he whispered and pushed him back only to grab him again into a harder, tighter hug. “I love you.”
“I love you too, big bro.” FADE closed his eyes against the emotion cascading within him like a whirlwind.
They stepped away from each other and Ghadi turned to Delightful and held out his hand. She accepted it. The gesture was more than she could have hope for. She knew that the purity of her intention when she wrote the movie arrived with the knowledge of FADE’s innocence. She wanted the world to know the man she loved. Yes, she could admit that now. Ghadi had declared it so openly, thinking she had already had the courage to say out loud what had been so clear in the movie. Pity she hadn’t found the courage yet. She feared FADE’s response despite his insistence that she remain by his side. She knew why he hadn’t spoken those words. It has her turn. His actions had said it all.
They walked out to the guests who were congratulating them all around. She saw her sisters mingling together, Lovie-Belle supporting Miracle by holding her hand or giving her a shoulder squeeze here and there when she sensed she needed it. They both had smile infused faces. Lovie-Belle was working the crowd in the effortless, effervescent way of hers. She was in her element.
As for her she had not left FADE’s side. Their interlinked hands brought smiles from his mom and dad. “You two look good together,” Grace said as she bent down to kiss her on the cheek. She raised her head to see Fernando Sr. smiling in acknowledgment. “One hundred.”
“Dad, don’t try to get hip now, you’ve managed to maintain your cool by being ol’school,” Willow chimed in as she squeezed herself in with the group, dragging Flower along with her. Willow gave her a hug and Flower did as well though more subdued. She didn’t think it was because she was against them but missing something of her own.
The dance floor was set up with lights strung around. People were dancing to old school hip hop, shouting the lyrics to “Rapper’s Delight” and pop-locking like it was yesteryear. She knew soon the cha-cha slide would break out because what gathering worth its salt did not have a cha-cha slide? major eye-roll. “FADE,” she giggled as he drug her forward to dance. “Come on Didi, you know this.” He grinned and her heart unfurled in an explosion love. She pulled herself together in time to perform the moves and not embarrass her very smooth partner. She couldn’t have it said that FADE’s girl couldn’t dance. Nope. Plus, she could dance. Had even won some little group dances at
the local talent show back in middle school.
Eventually the tune changed to get everyone to catch their breaths after a three track back-to-back slide remix. She knew her back was wet from the exertion. She moved but stopped when she heard the first strands of “This is Why I Love You” by Major. It felt like a reckoning. It felt like an indictment. Everything seemed to freeze in that moment. Her heart was reverberating. She could see the rise and fall of her own chest as she struggled to control herself. Then the firm hand gripping hers registered. Her gaze trailed down to the tendons of brown flesh encasing her — holding her. He’d always held her hadn’t he? Lifted her. Steadied her. Loved her.
She turned into him, wrapping her free arm around him. She pulled him down so she could bury her head into his neck. She kissed him. Inhaled the powerful masculine scent of him, the clean, crisp only him scent. She wanted to bring him into her. “I found love in you too, FADE.” She blinked as the tears came unchecked. “I found love with you twelve years ago. Then I hated myself so much for living when he died. He was so good. And next to him, you were what I loved most. I was scared I’d loose you too. But you never let go. You never gave up on me — on us.” She pulled back to look into his eyes and what she saw there gave her hope like never before to go on. “I may never be worthy—”
“No, don’t say that. You’re more than worthy. Love is not about being worthy, baby. Love is about existing. I love you because you are you. You are here. I loved Justice because he was here and I will love him forever. You and me are forever too.” He cupped her face and smoothed away the river of tears streaming down her face.
“We are forever,” she whispered into his kiss.
Epilogue
Just Always
“The wedding of the century?” Delightful turned to her sister with a look of complete shock. “Why would you say that? People are going to be comparing us to Harry and Meghan. This ain’t no royal wedding!”
“Ohmygosh you know she’s upset if she’s slipped into AAVE,” Flower peeled with laughter falling over herself on the overstuffed chaise.
Lyric shushed her, “Behave.”
“Shut it,” Lovie-Belle warned. “You’re not our sister yet.”
“Not true, technically she became our sister when they signed the marriage license,” Miracle chimed in looking at her reflection. Delightful cut her eyes at her youngest sibling, knowing who she was trying to make sure she looked good for.
“She’s been our sister since we were little.” Delightful winked at Flower, handing her the phone to put away. She knew she could rely on her not to get it lost. Lovie-Belle would be networking as she did at all social events. The others would be having too much fun at the reception. Flower would be reliable.
“Y’all are the worst bridesmaids, by the way. You’re supposed to keep me calm before I walk down the aisle, but now I’m going to be concerned with being the self proclaimed, 'Wedding of the Century’”. She air quoted for emphasis dead-eyeing her all of her sisters both related by blood and not because every woman there held a significant place in her heart.
“It is the wedding of the century for the culture.” Willow came to sit on the edge of the sofa. “FADE is the king of hip hop. Back on top, with his beautiful powerhouse in her own right queen.” She nodded for emphasis.
“I don’t like queen, too cliche,” Delightful grumbled though she was wearing a tiara.
“Empress then,” Lyric soothed. “Now come and put on these magnetic lashes.”
Letting that thought settle in, Delightful finished her trousseau with her all sisters at her side.
“You see that rainbow?” Her dad whispered as they stood at the back of the church. There indeed was a rainbow shining over the arch where FADE stood by his father who was officiating, Ghadi, Sadiq, Marchellis, Hasan and Kris at his side.
“Yeah,” her throat was already clogged with tears.
“That’s J, baby. He’s so happy right now, he asked the Lord to do something special for y’all.” He took her hand and kissed it. “There was nothing he’d have wanted more than you and FADE to find each other again.”
She took the handkerchief he offered and quickly wiped her tears as the wedding march began.
Slow, steady steps and her father holding her arm for support were the only things that kept her from running headlong into his arms. Again he was looking like a god or fallen angel come down to earth in a white tux, opened collar and the top three buttons loose with his thin platinum chains nestled within. The one that had been absent an engraving now had a D and F intertwined. He’s told her when he presented her with the matching pair that he’d kept them safe for her until she was ready to receive them. Twelve years he’d held them in safe keeping for her. They lay now against her heart. He had his hands clasped in front and she had an inkling why because the dress Lovie-Belle and Flower helped her pick was gorgeous hand sewn lace and it curved to her figure like a glove. Like literally because the designer was there to make sure her couture masterpiece fit as designed. Yeah, she saw him bite his lip.
When she got to the altar one look was all it took. One look was all she needed to know that it was forever. He looked down at her with love shining in his eyes she knew he could see reflected in hers. A love that was the epitome of patience and kindness. He had not only lifted her but her family, he’d never dishonored her even when he had every right to, he’d protected her, trusted her, and in the end believed in her, his love never failed.
Finally, they would be one.
“No more running.” He dipped down and pressed his head to hers.
“I’m here.” She looked into his amber eyes, seeing triumph flicker.
“Just forever,” he murmured.
“Just always,” she promised.
“Dearly beloved…”
Acknowledgments
First to my husband, Christopher aka #HimDownStairs, thank you for creating the life and space that allows me to reach for my dreams. My kids aka #The3 keep being who you are. My siblings for being the first to listen to ideas and believe in me, I love you all.
Naima Simone, who told me that I have the perfect voice for Contemporary Romance, thank you for encouraging me and always being there lifting me up.
Cheryl Morgan Kennedy, who is always there sharing your incredible knowledge and critical thinking with me, I appreciate you!
La Quette, who is always there with words of wisdom, encouragement and TRUTH, you are wonderful!
Holley Trent, Adriana Herrera who read the first few pages and gave me excellent direction, y’all are the best!
The members of TheKGB thank you for giving me a place to share my love for books.
Every author, blogger and friend who has shared and supported this book, you are amazing!
Black Girl Joy Forever
THANK YOU!!!
About the Author
Kenya Goree-Bell lives in Madison, Alabama with her former warrior husband and three kids. Writing as Karis Bell, she is the also the author of The Harem Diaries Series. She is a life long bibliophile and loves to talk about books. Her purpose in writing is show women as adventurous, smart and passionate. Kenya believes that Happy Ever After belongs to everyone and writes about worlds where everyone has a chance at love. She is always excited to hear from her readers!
xoxo
Kenya
https://linktr.ee/kenyagoreebell
Also by Kenya Goree-Bell
Adored: The Haren Diaries Book One
Rapper's Delight: The Mogul Series Book One Page 17