Redemption (Iris Series)

by Lynn, Rebecca

  And just at that moment, the ‘sneaky little bastard’ got home. He used the back kitchen entrance carrying in a few bags.

  “That wasn’t long enough,” April complained.

  “Well, it’s not like I had to go to Connecticut for the groceries, Ma.” He looked at both of them. “So, how did it go?”

  “It was very enlightening,” Ayanna said with a twinkle in her eye.

  Jon looked at Ayanna, then gave a look to his mom and began shaking his head. “Let me guess. She told you when I was fourteen she needed to attend mass all year to survive me.”

  “Hey, I thought it was important she know that you can be a pain in the ass sometimes,” she stopped and crossed herself again, then continued. “Although I think she may know that already.”

  Ayanna was cracking up and then stood to help Jon unload the bags. “I love your mom, JBG.”

  “Why does that not surprise me?”

  “What does JBG mean?” his mom asked.

  “Great,” JBG muttered.

  “Well, what it means doesn’t seem to apply to your son anymore. You see, when I first met him...well, let’s just say I thought he was kind of a goody goody. So my nickname for him was Johnny Be Good.”

  “Love it.” That came from his mom across the room.

  “Lord, help me.” Jonathan was muttering as he put away the food.

  “I’m not so sure that nickname fits anymore given all the stories I’m hearing.”

  “Hey, I told you that was your nickname for me, not mine,” Jon said, pinning Ayanna with a heated look.

  “You never did tell me what your nickname would be, champ,” she said so only he could hear. They stood at the counter organizing the food.

  “Maybe I’ll tell you later,” he said with promise in his eyes.

  Her own eyes widened. “Not under your mother’s roof, you won’t,” she whispered. “Plus, I have my period, remember?”

  He cocked an eyebrow and licked his lips slowly. “We’ll see, babe,” he said, then he continued putting away the food.

  The gauntlet had been thrown, it seemed. Ayanna looked back at his mom and called out, “April, what time would you like to have dinner tonight?”

  “The judge should be home at five o’clock. He wanted to get home early because he knew you guys would be here. Why don’t we aim for six?”

  “That’s great. Do you always refer to your husband as ‘the judge’?”

  “Yup. It used to drive him nuts, but he’s used to it now. It’s kind of my pet name for him.”

  Ayanna smiled.

  “How long will you need to make the dinner, baby?” Jon was talking while raiding the tortilla chips on the counter.

  “About 45 minutes. I’ll just plan on starting to prep at five.”

  “Okay. I’ll be your sous chef.”

  “Sounds good. You can work the grill,” she said, sticking her hand in his bag of chips and grabbing one, then finally seeing the package of Oreos on the counter. She chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Do you want a snack or anything, April?” she called over.

  “I would love a glass of water.”

  “I’ll get you some,” Jon said. He filled up a glass from the fridge’s water dispenser and brought over a glass. After sitting next to her, his mom reached over and took his hand.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, sweetie.”

  “Me, too. Did you and Ayanna have a good talk?”

  “Yes.”

  Ayanna walked over and joined them. Before she could sit on another chair, Jon grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. She loved how affectionate he was in front of his mom, but she had to admit, she felt a little awkward. He, however, wasn’t fazed a bit.

  April beamed.

  “Ayanna, have you met Emily yet?”

  “Yes! She’s great.”

  “Isn’t she though? I love that girl to bits and miss having her here. She’s like a daughter to me.” April sighed. “Such a strong girl. But a sweetie, too, you know? I hope she’s able to find a guy down there who can see her softer side. I wish she didn’t hide it so much,” she mumbled while shaking her head.

  Ayanna thought back to the night at the restaurant when Emily didn’t want to cry in front of anyone when she’d heard about April’s heart attack.

  “So,” April cleared her throat, “tell me how you two met.” Her eyes were twinkling.

  Ayanna groaned.

  “Ayanna is best friends with a colleague of mine from school. My friend was moving into my building, and when I went down to welcome her, Ayanna was there.”

  “And how did that go?” his mom asked, already anticipating.

  “Not the way I planned,” Ayanna grumbled.

  “We both wanted different things at the time, which turned out to be best since we weren’t ready for each other yet.” Jon stroked her hair. “Then as we continued to bump into each other, I stopped being a jerk and she was on her own journey kind of discovering herself, and we started becoming friends. One of the best days of my life. The rest is history.”

  “I’m glad you stopped being a jerk, Jonathan Adam White,” his mom said. April turned to Ayanna. “When I was unconscious, he told me about you. About a beautiful woman who chose to love him. And he was going to do everything in his power to always be worthy of that love.”

  Ayanna swallowed down the lump in her throat and looked at Jon.

  “Nourish that love, you two. Don’t ever take it for granted. You need to wake up every morning and choose to love each other. That’s how it works.”

  Jon looked into Ayanna’s eyes and brushed the hair away from her face. “Thanks, Ma.” He squeezed his mom’s hand. “That’s the plan.”

  ……

  A few hours later, Ayanna was in the kitchen, April was resting, and Jon was in the shower. They had spent the afternoon talking to Jon’s mom, then unpacking...in separate rooms. Ayanna insisted upon it even though Jon said his parents wouldn’t care at all, but she felt awkward and didn’t want to disrespect them. He told her he was still going to sneak into her room later.

  Ayanna absolutely loved his mom. She was so warm and easy to talk to. And Ayanna was thrilled to cook for the family. She had on April’s apron over her fitted sleeveless button down cotton blouse, coupled with her skinny jean capris. She came down to the kitchen wanting to get a head start on the vegetables, so she was at the butcher block slicing and dicing when the kitchen door swung open.

  There stood a younger version of Jon with slightly darker hair and no glasses, but the resemblance could only mean this was his younger brother, Mark. He definitely had that twinkle in his eye and he gave her a very obvious appreciative once over.

  “Well, hell-o. Are you Cammy’s replacement?” He walked over with a boyish grin.

  Ayanna knew his type, so she handled him like she would any man who ogled her.

  “You must be Mark,” she said with a smirk and wiped her hand on the apron to shake his. “I’m your brother’s girlfriend, Ayanna.” He took her hand, a little stunned.

  His eyes had nearly popped out of his skull and he gave her another appreciative look. “You’re Ayanna?! Wow. Big brother did well for himself.”

  “Yes, he did. And so did I, by the way. And if you want to eat dinner tonight, I’d suggest you keep your eyes up here,” she said redirecting his attention away from her breasts to above her neck.

  His eyes twinkled. “Sorry. I’m just a man. Shit, he said you were gorgeous, but I thought he was just being a lovesick fool.”

  Ayanna gave him a look, just as big brother entered the kitchen.

  “I am a lovesick fool. And watch your fahckin’ language around my girlfriend,” he smiled, his Boston accent coming out now that he was back in his home environment. He pushed his brother, giving him the typical not-really-a-hug-man-hug, then turned to Ayanna and dipped her, kissing her dramatically. “You handled him perfectly. Put him in his place as often as you see fit.” Then he turned back to his brother. “If I catch you checking
her out again, I’m gonna knock the teeth out of your head.”

  “Dude, how the hell did you even get her to agree to date you? I don’t get it,” Mark shook his head.

  Ayanna felt like putting little brother in his place again so she grabbed Jon, laid a huge kiss on him and wrapped her arm around his neck. “Because he’s spectacular.” She kissed him again then turned to Mark. “And if I catch you checking me out again, I’ll knock the teeth out of your head.”

  Both Mark and Jon barked out laughs and Ayanna got back to work.

  “Ooh, I like you,” Mark said to Ayanna. Then he turned to his brother. “You are seriously gonna have your hands full with this one, bro,” Mark shook his head. “And it’s going to be very enjoyable to watch.”

  “Yup, and I couldn’t be happier.”

  “Alright, boys. Time to get out of the kitchen and let me work.”

  “I thought I was going to be your sous chef.”

  “Go entertain your brother instead. I got this. I’ll let you know when the chicken needs to go on the grill.” She slapped him on the ass and he grabbed her to kiss her, just as the kitchen door opened again.

  “Mark, I’m gonna beat you senseless if you park in my spot again.” The man stopped when he saw them all in the kitchen.

  This, she presumed, was the judge. The butterflies let loose in her stomach. He was a tall imposing man, with graying dark blonde hair, and light colored eyes.

  “Hi,” he sputtered with a sheepish smile. “You can’t possibly be my son’s girlfriend. You’re entirely too beautiful.”

  “What is it with you people?” Jon was shaking his head.

  “I know! I said the same thing, Pop.” Mark was grinning from ear to ear.

  “You,” Mr. White said, pointing to Mark. “Go move your car.” Without waiting for a response, Mr. White walked over and put out his hand to shake hers. “It’s so great to meet you. It’s Ayanna, right?”

  “Yes, sir.” Ayanna shook his hand. It was a firm no nonsense handshake.

  “Please, call me Ethan. What on earth are you doing cooking?” He turned to Jon. “Did Cammy finally quit?”

  “No, Mr. White. I’m still here,” Cammy said as she walked in with April, her arm around April’s waist supporting her.

  Ethan immediately went to them to take over for Cammy.

  “Hello, your honor.” April leaned up to kiss her husband. “I thought I heard your voice. Did you put away any bad guys today?”

  “Yes, ma’am. How are you feeling today? Are you being nice to Cammy?”

  “Yes, sir,” Cammy answered. “She’s always nice to me. The best patient ever,” Cammy said tongue in cheek.

  A snort came from Mark.

  “Go get your car out of my space, and then put mine in it,” Ethan said without even looking at his son, tossing his keys to him. “Now.”

  “It doesn’t sound like you put bad guys away today. It sounds like you’re in a bad mood.” Mark snagged the keys.

  “That’s because when I come home, I like to park my car in my parking space, thank you very much.”

  “Ayanna, please forgive them. They’ve apparently forgotten how to act in front of beautiful women.” She turned to her husband. “And I got my hair done today. Were you going to say anything about it?”

  “I haven’t had a chance yet.” He lifted up his hand in defense. “It’s perfect.” Ethan ran his hand over it, giving her a loving look. “You’re right. We don’t know how to act in front of beautiful women. We get all tongue tied. I’m sorry, baby.” He turned to Ayanna. “Ayanna, forgive us.”

  Ayanna had been giggling through the whole exchange. “I think you guys are great! No forgiveness needed, so don’t worry about me. I’m just gonna keep chopping over here.”

  “Thanks for the nights off, April. I’ll see you in the morning.” Cammy looked at Ayanna. “Have fun with this crew.”

  Ayanna chuckled. “Thanks.”

  Cammy was out the door with Mark following her to go move his car.

  Ethan helped April sit in the family room then sat next to her holding her hand. He looked up at Ayanna. Because of the design of the kitchen and family area, it was easy for her to be a part of the conversations while beginning to cook. She sighed happily. Although she was still a little nervous, she was now in her element, in the kitchen doing what she loved for a family she loved.

  “Ayanna, I can’t tell you how happy April and I are to get to know you. You’re all Jon talked about a few weeks ago. Neither of us could wait to meet you. Thanks for making the trip.”

  Ayanna was tickled pink by the judge’s words.

  “It’s my pleasure. Thank you for inviting me. Jon speaks very highly of both of you and I was really looking forward to meeting you guys too.” Jon had walked over while she was talking and put his hand on her back, rubbing it.

  “Well, Jon speaks very highly of you. I feel horrible that you’re cooking though. I know that you’re a chef, but we could’ve order something in.”

  “I asked to cook. It’s what I love to do. And it would mean a lot to me if you would allow me to do this. As a thank you for your hospitality.”

  “No thanks necessary. Thank you for cooking. I know you made my wife happy. All due respect to Cammy, but she hates Cammy’s cooking.”

  “Well, I told her it was still going to be healthy cooking. My dad has taught me well what patients should be eating after heart surgery.”

  “That’s right. Your dad is a heart surgeon. And your mom? Did Jon say she was a lawyer?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wonderful. We’d love to meet them. As soon as April is better, maybe we can plan a trip down to the City.”

  Ayanna couldn’t believe she had a boyfriend and that she was talking to his parents planning a potential meet and greet with her own. Unbelievable. Amazing what a few weeks will do.

  “I think that would be great. Jon actually met them last weekend. He was a great help to me by being there when I had them over for dinner.”

  “Really?” April’s interest perked up. “How did that go?”

  Jonathan was still standing in the kitchen with her, and told them how the night went. She could tell he wasn’t sure how much of her relationship with her parents he should divulge, so she jumped in while she was mixing things into the pot on the stove.

  “My parents and I haven’t always had the greatest of relationships, but we’re working on it.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Ethan said. “I hope things get worked out. Life is so short.” He murmured, stroking his wife’s hair. April leaned into him cuddling into his hand. Ayanna almost got choked up watching it.

  “Well, we’re working on it. I have a younger brother and we’ve both decided it’s time to start moving forward. And just so you know, they liked Jon very much. He was wonderful, talking to them while I was cooking. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner that night.”

  April beamed. “I’m glad he was a help to you, Ayanna. And I’ll say a prayer for your family tonight.”

  Ayanna wouldn’t necessarily call herself religious, but she respected the spiritual nature each human possessed and was touched Jon’s mom would pray for her situation.

  “Thank you, April. That means a lot.”

  Mark bounded through the door and made eye contact with his dad. “The car is now moved, your honor. Back in its rightful home.” He tossed the keys back, and said, “When are we gonna start drinkin’? We’re celebrating here, aren’t we? I mean Jonathan has finally found a woman who likes him. Where’s the champagne?”

  Ayanna chuckled. Cammy was right. She was definitely going to have fun with this crew.

  ……

  Dinner had been a smash. Everyone loved the food and true to Jon’s comments in the car, Ethan and April wanted to hire her. It made her laugh and feel wonderfully loved.

  After dinner, Mark stayed for about an hour. He was a hoot. She had asked him how he and Emily got along, and Mark said with glee that t
hey usually fought like cats and dogs. Somehow that didn’t surprise her considering Mark was very similar in personality to Detective Michael Callahan.

  At the end of the night, as they were all heading up to their rooms, April winked at Ayanna then turned to her son and said, “Be mindful of that squeaky board in the floor outside the guest room, would ya?”

  Ayanna turned three shades of red, understanding the implication.

  “Don’t worry, Ma. You won’t hear a thing,” he chuckled.

  April took Ayanna’s hand then hugged her. “Thank you so much for dinner. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to cook up tomorrow night.” Then she took Ayanna’s face in her hands. “I can see why my son is in love with you. You’re perfect for him.”

  Ayanna blinked back a sudden rush of tears. “Thank you, April. And just so you know, he’s perfect for me, too,” Ayanna smiled.

  “Have a good night.” She turned to Jon. “Good night, baby.”

  “Night, Ma. Night, Pop.”

  “See you in the morning, you two,” the judge said, and then they were gone.

  Before Ayanna could follow, Jonathan grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close.

  “You were great tonight. My parents already adore you, and my brother is half in love with you.”

  “Well, if I remember correctly, my brother was half in love with you,” she grinned. “So we’re even.”

  He plowed his right hand into her hair holding her still so he could pluck at her lips with his own. “I feel like I haven’t kissed you in forever,” he murmured, licking into her mouth and taking his sweet time enjoying the melding of their mouths.

  She hummed and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

  “I’m sleeping with you tonight, Yan,” he whispered in between kisses. “My mother won’t be offended. I promise. So, consider yourself warned. I’ll be in the guest room in 10 minutes.”

  “Jon,” she groaned quietly. “I don’t want to disrespect her!” she whispered.

  “Did you hear the joke she made about the creaky board? Trust me on this. We’re not 16. It would be different if we were. So.” He nibbled on her ear. “Ten. Minutes.”

  Jon left one of the family room lights on, and took her hand to lead her upstairs.