His father grinned broadly. “Don’t wait too long. I am an old man. God may call me home to be with your mother when we least expect it. I can only hope that you and Roshawn will be married well before then.”
Angel shook his head from side to side. “She is an incredible woman, Papí. There is nothing meek or mild about Roshawn. She is all fire. A man could get burned easily with that one.”
“A man who does not have her heart may get burned. You have her heart. What you need to remember, hijo, is that Roshawn is not a woman you can dictate to. She has her own mind and she will speak with her own voice. Not yours. She is like your mother that way. She will keep you challenged. You will have to be an honorable man to hold tight to a woman like that. A very honorable man, indeed.”
The younger man nodded his understanding. The two sat quietly for just a minute more as both thought about the women they loved and loved hard. Israel smiled as he stared toward his son, the boy a mirror image of his mother. His mother would be proud of him and she would be proud that he had found the likes of Roshawn to give his heart to. He reached into his shirt and unlatched the clasp of the large gold chain that hung around his thick neck. An intricately carved gold band hung from the length of it and he shook the ring loose and into his hand.
“What are you doing with Mommy’s ring, Papí?” Angel asked, watching as his father replaced the chain around his neck sans the ring, the jewelry still floating against his palm.
“I have been waiting for the right time to pass this down to you. I am happy now that this is the right time.” The old man beamed, his joy radiating through every line in his face. “Your mother wore this ring for me and my mother wore it for my father. It is only fitting that the woman you love should wear it for you. One day I hope that your son will know love and you will pass it down to him. This is as it should be.”
Israel leaned to press the ring into his son’s palm, wrapping his own hands tightly around his child’s. “This ring has been many times blessed. Many times.” He smiled and leaned back against his chair, satisfaction brimming at the edges of his eyes.
Angel fingered the precious trinket against his large fingers, slowly nodding his head up and down. He locked eyes with his father, the two holding the stare as they reflected on the past and the promising future that lay in wait for them. As he secured the ring in the breast pocket of his suit jacket he smiled his thanks, knowing that there were no words which could ever convey his gratitude. Thanks would come when the ring rested on Roshawn’s finger and he could lay his own child into his father’s arms.
The two chatted for another hour before Angel knew he needed to get to bed to rest up for the game the following day. As they made their way to the elevator, a family of three caught his eye, the father holding tight to an infant, the mother holding on to her husband’s hand. Angel smiled, gladly signing an autograph as he envisioned himself in that position one day, Roshawn and their child at his side.
* * *
Although she was laughing, Roshawn really wasn’t finding any humor in the situation. “I tell you, Jeneva, I am so ready to snatch a knot in that child’s—”
“Now, now,” Jeneva chimed into the receiver, cutting her off. “I can remember you and Chen getting buck wild in your mother’s bed once or twice and don’t say you didn’t.”
Roshawn shook her head. “I swear, Jay, I’m getting too old for this nonsense,” she said sighing heavily.
Her friend laughed. “And you’re thinking about having another one? You don’t know tired yet. It was easy when we were in our twenties, and Ming and Quincy were babies, but take my word for it, being almost forty with a toddler ain’t no picnic. And, I speak from experience. Alexa is wearing me out big-time.”
“Well, you just wait. She’ll be fifteen soon and then I can say I told you so.”
“I still can’t believe you told him you’d have his baby.”
“I told him I would think about it. You know I always thought about having more kids. Now that Ming’s all grown up, I can’t help but think about it more seriously. I can’t help wondering whether or not I’d be even a better mother now that I’m all grown up myself.”
Jeneva smiled. “Yeah, I think when I was pregnant with Alexa I was thinking a lot of that myself. But there’s no denying, Roshawn, you and I did a great job with our kids. We’ve got good children.”
Her friend grinned. “That we do. And I really think I would love to have another child. What I’m not so sure about is if I’m interested in being married again.”
Jeneva shook her head into the receiver. “Ouch! Why not?”
“I don’t know. Marriage requires so much of yourself and I’ve been enjoying my freedom for so long, I don’t know if I’m interested in giving that up to any man.”
“Who says you have to give anything up, Roshawn? You’re just sharing yourself in a whole other way. Make it about what you’re getting in return, not what you might be losing. Besides, we both know that married or not you will never allow any man to confine your spirit. And I don’t care who he is or how much love you have for him.”
“Well, if I do, I’m still not giving up my name. My father blessed me with this name and I plan to keep it. And I can tell you right now it’s going to be a fight with Angel just like it was a fight with Chen.”
Jeneva laughed. “I wouldn’t stress over it. You’ve won the battle before, I’m sure you’ll win the battle again.”
Roshawn nodded. “So,” she asked, changing the subject. “What’s Bridget up to? I tried to call her, but she wasn’t answering any of her lines.”
“I haven’t talked with her much myself lately. There’s something major going down with that law firm she works for. Every time I hear from her she’s working late, working early, or just plain working. I don’t think she’s had ten minutes to herself since you left.”
“And, how’s that brother-in-law of yours? Those two hook up yet?”
Jeneva chuckled. “You know they haven’t! But Darwin’s good. He’s in Los Angeles this week meeting with some folks about doing a television cooking show. This is his third meeting so it may actually pan out. He’s very excited.”
“Very nice! Please, tell him I said hello the next time you speak to him and wish him good luck for me.”
“I will. Look, I’ve got to run. The baby just woke up crying. You take care of yourself, girlfriend. And, we can’t wait to meet this man of yours.”
“Soon. Very soon. I love you, Jay. Kiss Mac, Quincy and the baby for me.”
“I will. Hug my girl and tell her I said to call her aunt Jeneva some time soon.”
Roshawn rolled over and hung up the receiver, falling back against the pillows. She inhaled the scent of her freshly washed sheets, still seething over Ming’s indiscretion. They would definitely be continuing their discussion the minute she saw her child again, she thought to herself. The telephone ringing pulled at her attention.
“Hello?”
“Holá! How did you sleep?”
“Good morning. And I would have slept better had you stayed.”
“I was thinking the very same thing myself when I woke up this morning. I was thinking how much I missed you.”
Roshawn smiled and she could feel Angel smiling back. “So, what are your plans for the day?”
“I’m headed to the stadium now. We have a game this evening. Will you be there?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. You’re going to hit me a home run, remember?”
The man chuckled. “I do, and I will. Then we can do dinner?”
“I’d love to.”
“Good. I will call you later in the day.”
“Please. And hug your father for me. Tell him I said hello.”
The man nodded as if she could see him. “I will tell him.”
After hanging up the telephone, Roshawn lifted her body from its resting spot and headed toward the shower. She had had a long day and, with any luck, an even longer night was ahead of her.
&nb
sp; Chapter 20
Roshawn dropped down into the chair in front of Chen’s desk. He sat staring out into space, a cold cup of coffee perched on the desktop in front of him. Before sitting down, Roshawn had replaced it with a fresh cup, two sugars and no cream, just the way he liked it.
“How did the evening go with your daughter?” she asked, eyeing him curiously.
He nodded, tossing her a quick smile. “We did a good deal of talking. Our daughter isn’t a child anymore, Roshawn. She’s quite a young lady. And she’s just like her mother—spirited, determined and headstrong with a mind of her own.”
Roshawn smiled. “Then we raised her well. But you already knew that.”
“Remember when she was five years old and we took her to China to see my folks? I remember those eyes of hers, how she looked at the world with such wonder and awe. Everything was new and shiny and exciting and that made it new for us as well. There’s nothing like seeing the world through your child’s eyes for the first time.”
The man paused briefly as he drifted back in time. He took a deep inhale of air, blowing it out slowly before he continued. “Don’t you wish we could freeze those precious moments and keep them that age forever?”
“We freeze the memories, Chen. Those we can hold on to. The children we have to let go of so they can continue to experience the wonder and awe of their lives.”
The man shook his head as he sighed. “Yes, I know, but I don’t like it.”
She gave him another caressing smile. “So, why don’t you and Allison have more children?”
His gaze rested on her face, his own expression suddenly reflective. “We’ve talked about it, but I don’t know if I can love any other child as much as I love Ming.”
Roshawn shook her head. “Your heart is big enough for a million children, Chen. And what about Allison? Doesn’t she want kids?”
Chen clasped his hands together in front of him. “Allison does what I want. She will be happy no matter what.”
Roshawn rolled her eyes, the dark orbs spinning to the sky with obvious annoyance. “You really are a piece of work, John Chen. I cannot believe that after all these years you are still as sexist and as arrogant as you are. What makes you think just because you want it that Allison is happy about it? Why would you refuse to allow her to have her own thoughts and emotions?” she chided.
Chen shrugged. “It just is what it is, Roshawn.”
“Well, keep it up and it’s going to be another round in divorce court for you.”
The man stared, contemplating her statement, his head waving in denial against his shoulders. He sighed. “Okay, first my daughter and now you. I can’t take much more. Let’s change the subject. How are things with you and Angel? You both looked pretty cozy together last night.”
Roshawn grinned as she came to her feet. “Let’s just say he’s made me very happy,” she responded, clearly amused.
“As happy as I made you, Roshawn?”
Roshawn laughed. Loudly. The sound vibrated through the room. She eased over to the door, turning to stare back at him. She ignored the question. “I have a lot of work to catch up on, boss. Can I get you another cup of coffee?”
“No. But you can answer my question.”
Her head waved from side to side, the large, double hoop earrings adorning her lobes, clinking lightly. “Let’s just say Angel makes me just as happy as Allison has made you.”
Chen laughed with her. “Well, then I think you and I have finally found where we belong.”
Roshawn nodded, her energy shining brightly from her eyes. “Now that, John Chen, couldn’t be more true!”
* * *
With the morning behind her, Roshawn was anxious to be finished with the afternoon. She had two homes to preview before the first ball was thrown out at that evening’s game and she wanted to head home first to change her clothes. Angel had managed to call her twice to say hello, to see how she was doing, and to tell her that he loved her. Remembering the conversations made her smile and she was grinning foolishly when a delivery man from United Florists stepped into the room, a vase of twelve red roses adorned with a large red bow, clasped between his two hands.
“Excuse me. I have a delivery for Roshawn Bradsher?” he said, nodding in her direction.
“I’m Roshawn.”
He placed the floral container on the desktop then reached into the pocket of a white smock for a small clipboard. “I just need you to sign here, please,” he said gesturing with his index finger to one line on the printed document. “Then we can bring the rest up.”
“What rest?” she asked as she scribbled her name quickly, staring at him with a curious eye.
The young man grinned. “We have ten dozen red roses to deliver. I’ll be right back,” he said as he spun out of the room as quickly as he’d come into it.
Chen stood paused in the doorway, watching the interaction. “Did I hear him right? Did he say ten dozen?”
Roshawn cut her eye in his direction and shrugged. She reached for the gift card that was perched precariously in the center of the flora, the sweet aroma rising like steam to tease her nostrils. Reading it quickly, she smiled, her expression all-telling as she cast another gaze toward Chen.
“I guess I don’t need to ask who they’re from,” he said with a light chuckle.
Minutes later, the delivery person and two other men strolled single file into the office, each carrying the most beautiful bouquets that Roshawn had ever seen. After a second and then a third trip, every empty spot was laden with a crystal vase, flowers spilling over every square inch of the room. The scent was breathtaking, the view spectacular, and Roshawn couldn’t help but grin and grin broadly as everyone within gossiping distance peeked a head in to inquire about them.
At half past four, Nina came bursting through the office door. Spinning her body around to take in the view, she laughed excitedly. “So, the rumors are true. You nailed the crown prince.”
Roshawn laughed. “I did not nail him.”
“Whatever. I heard that you went away with him this weekend and you didn’t even call me when you got back to give me the details.”
“What details?”
“Details like the man sent you your own private rose garden? Details like that smile on your face is so wide that he must have been packing a bat the size of…of…a bat?”
“You’re a fool.”
Nina dropped down into a chair. “So, how was it? Is he as beautiful naked as he is with his clothes on? Give a friend something to work with. I’m desperate.”
“Why are you desperate?”
The woman shrugged and rolled her eyes. “Patrick’s been cut off until further notice. The man’s a lying, cheating snake and I’m about to sever him where it hurts the most. His wallet.”
Roshawn shook her head. “What happened this time?”
“Nothing. I just don’t like his attitude and I am so tired of all the women who keep hanging on to him like he’s a hook in a meat market. I’m just frustrated and he refuses to understand.”
“That man loves you and you keep giving him grief over nothing.”
“You just wait. I’m sure the first time Angel pushes you aside to deal with one of his fans, you’ll have plenty of your own grief to be giving him. So, what color are we wearing in the wedding?”
Roshawn laughed again. “What wedding? The man and I are just getting to know one another.”
The other woman rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you know everything that’s important. He sends good gifts, he’s cute, he’s rich, and unless I’m misreading your good mood, he’s got great moves in the boudoir. Marry him quick before someone starts whispering prenuptial in his ears.”
Roshawn laughed. “He can have a prenuptial agreement. I’m not interested in his money.”
“I didn’t say you had to be interested in it. But you should at least make sure you get half, just in case it doesn’t work out. I know I’ll be getting my fifty cents and then some.”
�
��You’re being cynical. I’m more of an optimist, I think. I don’t need half. I have my own.”
“But half of his could be your own and it sure wouldn’t hurt you none.”
Chen’s entry interrupted the conversation. “Nina, hello. How are you?”
She shifted in her seat to sit straighter. “I’m doing very well, John. How are you?”
The man nodded. “Good. I’m good. Thank you for asking.” He turned to Roshawn. “Are you and your rose garden leaving us soon?”
Roshawn smiled. “I’ll be out of here in about ten minutes. And I’m only taking half of my rose garden home.”
“Well, let me know when you’re ready. I can help you and Nina take them down to your car.”
She nodded as he disappeared into his office, closing the door behind him.
“So,” Nina said, sinking back down in her seat. “What’s on your agenda?”
Roshawn glanced down to her watch. “I have an appointment in thirty minutes, then I need to swing by the house to change into something comfortable before I head over to the ballpark. Are you going to the game?”
“Of course. Patrick won’t know how mad I am if I don’t show up.”
Her friend shook her head. “Leave that man alone. He loves you and you do love him.”
Nina grinned. “I know. That’s why I’m enjoying every minute of making him squirm.”
* * *
As the real estate woman navigated her Jaguar convertible from downtown Phoenix into the valley, Roshawn was only slightly disappointed that the first home they’d viewed had not been what she’d thought Angel and his father would want. Having a good sense of what the family was looking for, she was determined to find the exact piece of property that would meet their needs and thus far, none of the homes she’d seen had panned out.
Interestingly, she thought as she stared out the passenger side of the vehicle, the afternoon sun beaming down over her shoulders as they rode with the top down, with the last home she had not only thought about Angel and his father, but also herself. She had invisioned herself in the space with them, at Angel’s side, doing and being for him the way she imagined he would want a wife to be. The memories of their time in Santo Domingo had fueled the fantasies and Roshawn had known instantly what type of home she would want for herself and for Angel if they were able to live harmoniously as two halves of a whole.
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