by Blue Saffire
“No ma’am we can’t,” I kiss her cheek again and turn to leave the room.
“Wyatt,” she calls. I turn to look at her. “Steve may not be her father, but he will always be there for her. Never let her forget that.”
“Yes, ma’am, I won’t.”
Chapter Twenty Eight
Nellie
I am soaking in a bath filled with roses and vanilla bubbles. I haven’t felt this relaxed since we arrived here in Seattle. I am still curious as to what my mom and Wyatt talked about earlier, but he is being tight lipped.
Once he returned and Steve went back to the house Wyatt just said Mom wanted us to spend the night relaxing. So he poured me a glass of wine, which I am still trying to figure out where it came from. As I sipped the wine in front of the glass fireplace, he disappeared into the bedroom.
When he returns a while later he had that sexy smile on his face that promised all kinds of bliss. Without a word he lifted me from my spot on the rug and carried me through the room to the bathroom. I looked around the bathroom at the lit candles and the rose petals floating in the bubbles. Placing me on my feet he undressed me and gently placed me into the bathtub.
“Thank you,” I whispered as my body sank into the water and started to relax.
He just kissed me on my forehead and turn to leave the room again. He returned with a fresh glass of wine and set up his iPod to allow soft music to drift through the bathroom. Between Wyatt’s pampering and the décor of the spacious bath, including a beautiful chandelier hanging the center, I really feel like a princess.
Steve outdid himself with this apartment. I have to remember to thank him. I know he did this all with me in mind. I sank further into the tub with thoughts of wanting to do something special for Mom and my stepdad.
I have been sitting here since, lost in thought. The sound of Wyatt moving around in other parts of the apartment is lulling me into a greater sense of peace, rather than being a disturbance. It is only when I hear his voice that I start to wonder what the heck he is up to out there.
I sit up and look around for a towel and see they are all gone. I frown knowing there were just a bunch of towels in here earlier. Just as I open my mouth to call for Wyatt he appears in the doorway with a nervous look on his face.
“Everything okay,” I ask.
“Yeah,” he simply smiles and moves towards me with a towel outstretched for me.
“I was looking for one of those,” I smile up at him and stand up from the tub.
I don’t miss the way his golden eyes heat as they travel the length of my body as the water cascades down my skin. He bites his lip, but wraps me in the towel lifting me from the tub and placing me on my feet, on the plush bath rug.
I wiggle my toes as I become nervous too. The nervous energy is rolling off of him. He doesn’t say a word as he dries my body, placing a kiss here and there before he wraps me in the towel once again.
He covers my hand in his large one as he leads me into the bedroom over to the foot of the bed. Where he sits, pulling me between his legs. Wyatt picks up a bottle of my lotion from the bed and pumps it into his hands.
Warming the lotion in his palms first, he starts to rub it into my neck and shoulder, before repeating the process on the other side and moving down my body to my stomach and legs.
“Turn around,” he says in a husky whisper.
I do as he asks and he drops a kiss first to my right cheek, then another to the other. I gasp, moan, and look over my shoulder when I feel his tongue move between my cheeks. I feel a spark of heat warm my belly. He just smiles up at me and places one more kiss to the center of the small of my back. He then continues to rub lotion on the rest of my body.
“Lift your arms,” he says into my ear, his breath warming my skin.
I do as he asks once again. He places a dress over my head and slides it down my body, resting his hands on my hips when he is finished. His lips caress the skin on my neck making a trail to my shoulder and back up to my ear.
“You know the first time I saw you at the airport I thought you looked familiar,” he starts to say in my ear. “I figured it out the night I helped you move into your apartment. It was when you removed your glasses to wipe the tears away as you laughed. You looked up at me with this smile and it threw me back in time.
“It was right before I left for the East coast. You were at the house with Noah and Bean in the backyard. I remember staring out of the sliding glass doors, watching you laugh and smile up at Noah. You weren’t wearing glasses and that smile.
“Noah had come into the house to get you guys something to drink or something. When I asked about you, he told me you were Bean’s other best friend. I asked him to introduce me, but he went on to tell me you were Bean’s age. Which at the time, you were only fifteen or so.
“I remember the feeling I had in my chest. I felt like I was looking at an angel, unattainable, just outside of my reach. I was so confused on how I could be so intrigued by a girl that was five years younger than me and one I never even met before. I just couldn’t get you out of my head for weeks. Once I got busy with school and things I pushed the thoughts to the back of my mind.
“At least until that night when it dawned on me that once again you were right before me, but you were unreachable again, and this time for a different reason. You only saw me for a reputation and a past,” he pauses turning me in his arms and locking eyes with me.
“Now I have you in my arms and I never want to let go. Your mother has given her blessing, which means the world to me. You know how much family means to me. You’re not just getting me, you are getting all the Blacks,” he pauses again and gives me a nervous smile. “Come.”
I follow him to the living room and there are candles everywhere. In front of the glass fireplace are roses arranged in a circle. Wyatt tugs me into the middle of the circle and kneels on one knee.
“My family is a tight circle. We live for each other. They have already invited you into that circle. Now I want to make it official. Lanelle Carla Bryant, will you marry me,” he asks with emotions clogging his throat.
I give him a teary-eyed smile and teasingly say, “I should say no just for you using my full name.”
“Is that a yes,” he swallows hard.
“I’m surprised you are asking and not telling,” I tease again.
He smirks and narrows his eyes at me. Tugging my hand in front of me he slips the large diamond princess cut ring on my finger. I look down at it in awe. The band ropes out from the center diamond into two bands encrusted with diamonds.
Wyatt lifts to his full height and cups my face. “You’re right,” he says with a mischievous smile. “It’s settled we are getting married this Saturday.”
I gasp. “What, are you serious,” I ask as my eyes go wide.
“Everyone will be here by then and you can wear that gown I heard about,” his smile broadens.
“I haven’t even said yes,” I laugh out.
He lowers his head and captures my lips. The kiss is filled with passion and heat. I feel like my lips are being seared right off my face. When he breaks the kiss, we are both breathing hard.
“Marry me, Nellie,” he grins at me with those golden eyes so alight with fire they seem to glow.
“Yes,” I reply breathlessly.
“That’s my Baby, I know a way I would love to celebrate.”
Chapter Twenty Nine
Nellie
There isn’t a dry eye in the room as my mother places my veil on my head. It is a beautiful veil with crystals all over the netting that covers my face. I take a deep shuddered breathe trying to push back my tears.
Cassidy walks over to cover my mother’s shaking hands and helps her fasten the clips in place. A tear slides down my cheek as I look at my mom in the mirror. She is glowing with happiness. If it weren’t for her frail looking body, today you would not know that she is sick.
“You look so lovely,” Cassidy chokes out. “That son of mine, better count
his blessings. He is a lucky one.”
I smile and reach to squeeze her hand. “I’m the lucky one. He makes me so happy,” I say through trembling lips.
“You just don’t go taking your time making us grandmothers,” Cassidy says as she looks over to my mom.
I watch as my mother’s eyes fill with more tears. I see the pain in her eyes, but she quickly covers it. She nods, “I agree. Having you was one of the greatest things I have done in my life. I can’t wait for you to know that joy.”
I laugh. “You two need to talk to Wyatt. The firm has been busy. I don’t know if it is the time to think about babies,” I chortle.
“Nonsense, he’s a Black. Not only do they keep their peckers busy, but they also love to make babies,” Cassidy says with a wide, proud grin.
Everyone bursts into laughter. Heather shakes her head and steps closer. “Now I know why Joe said to keep an eye on you,” Heather teases and winks at Cassidy.
“Joe thinks a wee babe like you can keep me in check,” Cassidy snorts. “My husband obviously still has much to learn. Remember this Nellie, they are never too old to still give some training. ”
We all laugh and I shake my head at Wyatt’s mom. Leave it to her to be able to change the atmosphere in a room. I am grateful to her. Any more tears and they will have to do my makeup all over again.
A knock comes through the door of the guest bedroom in Mom and Steve’s house. Bean opens the door and Steve walks in. He takes one look at me and his eyes mist over. I fight not to start crying again.
I stand up and turn to face him. Steve moves forward giving Mom a kiss on the forehead, before pulling me into a hug. His embrace is so warm and protective. It soothes the pain of my real dad not bothering with responding to my invite to one of the most important days in my life. It was short notice, but I at least expected a reply.
Steve was so happy when I asked him to walk me down the aisle. I break the hug and wave my mom over so that we can have a family group hug. Once we are in the hug, Steve starts to sway us all.
“I love you both so much. I wish I would have found you sooner. My life has been so complete since I became a part of your little family. Giving you away today means so much,” Steve says emotionally.
“I love you both,” I sniffle. “Steve, I couldn’t think of anyone else I would want to do the honor.”
“Thank you, baby girl,” Steve clears his throat and breaks the hug. “Let’s get you down to Wyatt before he comes up here for you.”
Steve winks at me and gives Mom a gentle kiss on the lips. As he helps Mom from the room, my heart bursts with love for him. He has stood by her side for all these years and loved her no matter what. I know in my heart that I have found that type of love too.
~B~
Wyatt
I can’t believe I pulled this off. I have to give a lot of credit to Steve. He helped me out so much. Between accompanying me to buy Nellie’s ring, letting me have the wedding in the backyard of his home, and ordering the chairs, tables, and heated tent for the wedding.
My mom pretty much took over the rest, allowing Steve to finalize things she wasn’t able to over the phone. I look behind me at my brothers and nod. There was no way I wasn’t going to have all my brothers stand with me.
We are all looking our God given best in the charcoal grey Tuxedos, crisp white shirts, and brilliant black silk ties. Like I have said before the Black men are a great looking bunch. Even Toby looks happy to be here.
He has been glued to his phone, but he is here and he is smiling. That is more than I expected. I blow out a breath, I feel like I have been waiting forever for Nellie to walk down that aisle.
“Calm down,” Noah chuckles at me, “I think she should run personally, but I know it is too late for that. She is in love with your crazy ass.”
“Yeah, whatever,” I grumble, but still grin at my little brother. “We’ll see how long it takes you to tie Bean down for good.”
Noah snorts. “Bean already knows this shit is for life. I’m not taking anything less. When we get our shit right, we can talk weddings.”
He gives me a cocky grin and I just shake my head. Music starts around us and Noah’s grin turns into slack-jawed awe. I turn to see what he is looking at hoping it is my girl on her way to me.
What I find is Bean and Heather making their way down the aisle. I have to say they both look amazing. The strapless black knee length dresses compliment both of them.
“Fuck me,” I hear Braxton breathe. All of my brothers chuckle and Ryan pats him on the back. We are all lined up by age, so I have to step up and look down the line to see the look on my second youngest brother’s face.
I swear he looks like he is going to pass out or drool on himself. I chuckle shaking my head and look back toward the aisle. The music changes just as I do and Nellie and Steve appear.
I am sure at that moment I am wearing the same look I just witnessed on Braxton’s face. Nellie is dressed in a simple, but elegant gown that flows over her perfect curves. It is sleeveless, with lace over what looks like silk. Between the thick deep waves in her hair and the sleek style of the dress, she looks like a nineteen-thirties movie star. The long flowing veil that is catching the light and sparkling gives her an ethereal look.
I struggle to breathe; taking in a lung full of air and forcing it back out. I was honest when I proposed to Nellie. I remember the first time I saw her. I thought that day that she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. Her smile had taken my breath away. Right now, I am looking at the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and once again she has stolen my breath with that smile.
My heart squeezes in my chest when Steve lifts her veil and places a kiss on her cheek. I hold my hand out for hers and the moment her soft hand meets mine, I feel complete. A warmth I attribute to our love washes over me. It’s the same warmth I feel whenever she is in my arms.
“You look absolutely amazing. There are no words,” I say loud enough for only Nellie to hear.
Her lips tremble as she whispers. “Thank you.”
I know those two words are for more than the compliment I have given her. I look over her shoulder to see her mother with her own tears running down her cheeks. I say a silent prayer of thanks that she is here. She has been spending more time sleeping than not.
The ceremony is quick. It was something we both agreed on because of her mom. I had my own selfish reason as well. I can’t wait for her to be Mrs. Black. When the officiant says I can kiss my bride, I lift her by her waist pulling her against my body and kiss her so deeply I know I have stolen her breath just as she did me.
Everyone cheers and my brothers pat me on the back in congratulations. I don’t break the kiss throughout it all. Nellie giggles against my lips and only then do I release her mouth. I look deep into her light brown eyes and get lost in the happiness I see there. I commit the moment to memory.
“I love you so much,” I say just for her ears.
“I love you too,” she says breathlessly.
“Alright you two, I’m starving,” Felix grumbles playfully.
I look around at our family and life has never seemed better. Nora catches my eye and blows a kiss at me. I wink at her and mouth, “Thank you.”
Chapter Thirty
Nellie
Watching Wyatt dance with my mom is one of the sweetest moments of the day. Whatever he is saying for her ears only, puts such a smile on her face. I feel the tears prick my eyes, Wyatt Black is my husband and he is amazing.
“He’s a great boy, isn’t he,” Joe Black says proudly as he catches me watching Wyatt and Mom. I turn to look up at him as he twirls me around the dance floor.
“He’s amazing,” I say through my emotions.
“He’s crazy about you, and I mean crazy. He threatened us all. Said if we didn’t make it here he’d kick all our asses,” Joe’s laugh booms across the dance floor as he throws his head back. His eyes crinkle around the sides as they sparkle, reminding me of Wyatt.
I shake my head and laugh as well. “Sounds just like him,” I giggle.
Joe smiles down at me. “You know there was no need for the threat. I can speak for my whole family when I say we love you too. We are here for whatever you need,” I watch his eyes soften with his words and get too choked up to reply.
Joe chuckles. “That means next time he has to go out of town we will still be looking to see you every Sunday. Cass almost killed Missy in your absence,” a deep laugh rumbles in his chest.
“Oh no,” I giggle. “Speaking of which, she didn’t want to come along?”
It had surprised me a little that Missy didn’t come along with Johnathan. Just a little. I look around and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. It is just a small reception with my Mom and Steve, Wyatt’s mom and dad, his brothers, Bean and her parents, Uncle Chase and Aunt Jennifer, Heather and her parents, Uncle Rob and Aunt Faith.
Wyatt had asked me if I wanted a bigger wedding, he promised we could have one as soon as I wanted, but this was all I wanted. The people that mattered most were right here in this backyard.
Joe winks at me, a smile playing on his lips. “I don’t believe she received an invitation.”
I laugh and shake my head again. A large warm hand wraps around my waist and I know it is Wyatt. I turn to find him looking down at me with the biggest smile on his face.
“Dad, do you mind if I cut in,” Wyatt says without pulling his eyes from mine.
“I didn’t think you would stay away this long,” his father teases. Joe places a kiss to my cheek before releasing me into Wyatt’s arms.
I look around for my mom and find Steve slowly leading her into the house. The smile fades from my face and I try to pull away to follow and check on her. Wyatt tightens his hold and pulls me into him.
“Let her husband take care of her while your husband takes care of you,” he whispers in my ear. I melt at his words as it sinks in that he is really my husband now.