At that moment Shay heard the music to the song Brian had written for her when he proposed.
“Ready?” asked her uncle. Shay couldn’t speak; she just nodded.
As Marcus sang the words written just for her, Shay slowly made her way down the aisle. She was glad her uncle was at her side, because it was his strong arm that kept her from running down the aisle to her man. To her, Brian was so handsome and perfect for her. His six-foot-four-inch, two-hundred-forty pounds was everything she wanted and his baldhead, an added bonus. Besides being satisfied with his physical attributes, she felt in her heart without a doubt he loved her with his whole heart and loved God even more.
On the front row Julia and Alysse were having a serious mommy moment that included tears and tissues.
“Girl, look at our babies,” Julia started.
“Lord, where did the time go?”
“I hope I taught her everything.”
“My baby boy is all grown up. Lord, what am I going to do?”
Waiting on the platform, Reggie in his white official clergy attire had a few tears of his own. But Brian had enough tears for everyone.
“I know why I’m crying; why is he crying?” Alysse asked Mark.
“He’s in love.”
“Does love make you cry like a wimp in front of everybody?”
Mark shook his head at his wife. “Alysse, I love you and sometimes you make me want to cry.”
Alysse twisted her face at him. “I’ll deal with you later.” She turned her attention back to Brian. When she thought they’d made eye contact, she mouthed, “Man up.”
Brian ignored his mother. Shay looked like an angel to him, in the white off-the- shoulder beaded gown with extended train. With her blonde hair pinned up the way it was, she looked like royalty. To Brian she was simply beautiful. The best part was that she was his. “My Shay,” he mouthed to her.
He took her hand from Uncle Jonathan and assisted her under the archway. Brian couldn’t help himself and neither could she. They wrapped their arms around each other and held each other until Reggie whispered, “We’re not there yet?”
They had written their own vows, but both were too excited to remember them. Instead Reggie had them recite the traditional vows.
When Reggie asked Shay if she took Brian as her husband, the audience laughed when Shay yelled, “I do,” before Reggie could get the complete question out.
After Brian placed her wedding band on her finger, Shay made a fist in the air and yelled, “Yes!”
Reggie finally pronounced them husband and wife. When they kissed, Brian squeezed her so tight that he literally lifted her off of her feet.
“I love you,” Shay whispered when their lips parted.
“I love you more.” Brian kissed her again.
Halfway down the aisle, marching out, Shay looked up toward heaven, raised her hand and yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!”
***
Brian and Shay walked around the reception hall greeting their guests and handing out wedding favors. Every five minutes or so someone in the room would tap the glasses to get the bride and groom to kiss. The newlyweds didn’t have any problems accommodating every request.
Brian and Shay gave Marcus a sideward stare when they saw that he was sitting next to Shannon. Marcus either didn’t see them or pretended not to, and continued talking to her.
“I wonder where that’s going to lead,” Shay whispered to Brian.
“I have no idea, but I’m sure Marcus can handle it.”
The traditional Father and Bride dance was another example of how far the blended family had grown together. Shay took turns dancing with her uncle Jonathan, Reggie and Mark. Brian did the same for Alysse and Julia.
“Mama J, I am forever indebted to you,” Brian told Julia.
“What are you talking about, baby?”
“First, you gave me my dad and if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have a beautiful wife.”
Julia hugged him. “Just be good to my baby.”
Brian looked over at Shay with his dad, and answered, “Always.”
“I guess I can really call you ‘Dad’ now,” Shay said to Reggie.
“If that’s what you like,” he answered, “I’d be honored.”
Shay looked at him seriously. “You know, Dad, if Brian is half as good to me as you are to my mother, I know we will be happy. Thank you for being so good to my mother—and to me.” Shay knew Reggie didn’t know what to say; she kissed his cheek and continued dancing.
The DJ announced it was Simone family praise dance time and the dance floor flooded with the Simone family and friends. Brian and Shay led the group in the simple step similar to the Electric Slide. They were in the middle of the second song, when Shay took Brian by the hand and kissed him. “Happy Birthday, Mr. Pennington.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Pennington.” He returned the kiss. “Are you ready to leave? I’m ready for my present.”
More Books by Wanda B. Campbell
First Sunday in October (Simone Family Series #1)
Illusions
Right Package, Wrong Baggage
Silver Lining
Liberation (Simone Family Series #3)
Unresolved Issues (Simone Family Series #4)
Kayla’s Redemption
Doin’ Me
Back to Me, Coming November 2014
Excerpt from Liberation
Marcus and Shannon’s story.
Chapter 2
Marcus stood at the entrance of Shannon’s workstation and watched her head bop as she sang to his CD and typed on the computer. She had her back turned so she didn’t notice him standing there. As he studied her, he noted that he had never seen her so relaxed and natural. He had to admit he liked the new Shannon. The short dark brown sugar sassy young woman was simply beautiful in his eyes. She was insecure, but beautiful nonetheless. Every time he tried to talk to her, she hung her head down and nervously played with her hands. He had no doubt that if she knew he was observing her now, she would try to crawl underneath her desk and hide.
He had asked her out once before, but she turned him down and had avoided him since. He accepted her brush off as final, but now watching her, he changed his mind. He was up for a challenge and no doubt Shannon would prove to be a worthy opponent.
Marcus quietly and purposefully stepped to the front of her desk. “I’m glad you enjoy my music so much,” he said when the song ended. He leaned against the door opening and observed her gasp then glanced downward and straighten her clothing before rubbing her tongue over her teeth to remove any lipstick. Something his sister, Staci used to do when meeting a guy she liked.
When she turned to face him the tables turned and he became concerned about his appearance. His dark brown slacks and matching leather jacket seem inadequate for the woman before him. He opened the jacket, revealing a cream turtleneck that accentuated every muscle in his upper torso.
“Hello, Marcus. Ms. Julia is not here. She’s at the Jack London Square worksite. Would you like to leave a message for her?”
To his surprise Shannon’s voice was full of confidence. It’s amazing what sitting behind a desk can do for a person, Marcus thought. “No, just tell her I came by, she’ll know what it’s about,” he answered without taking his eyes away from her face. Five – four - three, Marcus mentally counted the seconds before she would start playing with her fingers.
“Would you like for me to autograph the CD for you?” he asked still focusing on her dark brown eyes.
Shannon turned her head and rubbed her hands together then removed papers from the printer and placed them in a company envelope. Her hands shook the entire time; she was about to lose control.
“Marcus, do I look like a groupie to you?”
Marcus recognized her tactic and smiled. “No, miss sassy, but you do look like someone who could use a break.”
“Sorry, I don’t have time for a break. I need to get this lease agreement over to the new tenant, MS Computers, befor
e the end of the day.” Shannon stood and reached for her jacket.
Marcus knew she was trying to brush him off again, so he decided to play along with her. He walked around her desk and assisted her with her coat “I’m headed in that direction, mind if I make the walk with you?”
Shannon wanted to scream NO, but answered, “As long as you can keep up.” She grabbed the envelope and headed to the elevator without giving him a chance to respond. He followed behind with a big smile on his face.
Marcus studied her every move. Once they were outside in the plaza, Shannon’s whole demeanor changed. The confidence and power that she had moments earlier were long gone. She held her head down and refused to make eye contact with Marcus or anyone else for that matter. He tried to entice her into stopping at a couple of stores, but she refused. He offered to buy her a drink or something to eat and again she declined.
When they passed by the flower shop, a young lady recognized Marcus and asked for his autograph. Shannon paused briefly, but when Marcus grinned at the tall, fair-complexioned model-type woman, she continued walking. He caught up with her just as she stepped under the ladder the workmen were using to put up the new MS Computers sign.
She reached for the door, but Marcus grabbed it and held it open for her.
“Thank you,” she said without making eye contact. She stepped inside and Marcus followed.
“Marcus, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be inside, especially since the store hasn’t officially opened yet.”
Marcus pretended to look around. “I don’t think the owner will mind.”
“But-,” Shannon didn’t finish. A middle-aged gentleman wearing a light blue shirt with the MS Computers logo on the left front pocket approached them.
“I have the purchase orders for the new flat screens and laptops. They’re on your desk.”
“Thanks,” Marcus answered. “’I’ll sign them before I leave.”
The confused expression on Shannon’s face was enough to make Marcus bend over with laughter. Shannon stood stone-faced.
“Shannon, let me introduce myself,” Marcus began. “I’m the MS in MS Computers.” Shannon didn’t respond so he continued. “MS: Marcus Simone.”
“You own this store?” she asked, incredulously.
“Yes I do.”
“But you’re a musician.”
“True, but before I became a musician I earned two degrees. After graduation, my father helped me open my first store in the South Bay. I ran the business until my sister, Staci completed her Masters. Now she runs the business for me so I’m free to pursue my passion - music.” Marcus held his arms out. “This store is our third expansion.”
“You have two degrees? How old are you Marcus?”
Marcus shook his head. “Now, Shannon, if I were to ask you your age, you would call me rude, but I’ll tell you anyway. I just made thirty.”
She appeared impressed. “Wow, you’ve accomplished a lot in a short period of time.”
“I double majored in undergrad,” he said matter-of-factly.
Shannon folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. “So, Marcus, you’re the owner of this company?”
“Yes.”
“So you could have signed this agreement back at the office instead of having me walk all the way down here.” She held the company envelope out.
He took the enveloped and gestured for her to follow him. “True, but then I wouldn’t have the opportunity to spend time with you.”
She reluctantly followed. “Marcus you didn’t have to trick me to spend time with you.”
He opened the door to his office and quickly cleared a space for her to sit in one of the chairs. After she was seated he replied, “Yes I did, because every time I try to talk to you, you brush me off, like I have some kind of disease.”
Shannon lowered her head. “Sorry,” she said softly.
“Don’t worry about it. You can make it up to me by having dinner with me.” He searched his congested desk for a pen and waited for her refusal, but her reply surprised him.
“Marcus, why do you want to go out with me?” Shannon lowered her head once again and started playing with her fingers as she waited for him to answer.
Marcus signed the last page of the documents before he walked over to her and squatted down in front of her. With his fingertips, he lifted her chin so he could look directly into her eyes. “Because I think you’re a beautiful woman and I would like to get to know you better.”
“No one has told me that before. You’re joking, right?” she smirked.
“No, but even when I’m joking, I mean what I say. You have a beautiful face without all that crap you used to paint on it.” Then as an afterthought he added, “Shannon you should hold your head up more often.” He sensed how uncomfortable she was and tried to lighten the mood. “Woman, hold your head up and stop watching your feet; they are not going to run away.”
It worked, Shannon smiled. “I’ll try to remember that.”
“Does that smile mean that you’ll finally have dinner with me?”
Shannon hesitated before answering. “Marcus, I need to make sure we have a clear understanding before I accept your invitation.”
“Okay,” he said slowly.
“Marcus, you do know that I’m a Christian now and I don’t, well, I don’t sleep around.”
“That’s too bad,” Marcus pretended to sound disappointed. “Not even if I buy you an expensive meal and jewelry?”
Shannon was serious. “No, not even if you bought me a house, car, and a dog.”
“Good, because I don’t do booty calls anymore either,” he stated in a firmer tone than he anticipated. “I not only sing gospel music, I live it.”
“In that case I will have dinner with you, just once.”
Marcus started to correct her, but decided to wait until their fourth or fifth date to throw that statement in her face. What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow’s not good for me; it’s my niece’s birthday. Actually, Marcus, I have class every night except Wednesday and Friday. Or course Wednesday is Bible Study, so that leaves only Friday or Saturday.”
“Saturdays I’m usually at the studio,” he said. “That leaves Friday and today is Friday.”
“So it is.” Shannon rubbed her hands together.
Marcus stood upright. “What time and where do you want me to pick you up?”
“Today is not good. I usually don’t get home until after seven, by the time I get dressed it will be well after eight and I really don’t want you in my neighborhood that late on a Friday night.”
She’s making excuses again. “Why don’t I pick you up when you get off at five and we can walk over to Chevy’s. That is, if you like Mexican food?”
“It’s my favorite,” she admitted.
“That settles it. I’ll see you at five and I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Okay,” Shannon agreed and stood to her feet and followed Marcus out of the cluttered office. Just as they reached the front door, Marcus’ sister, Staci, entered the store.
“Hey, big bro; hello, Shannon,” Staci said. Her surprise at seeing Marcus and Shannon together was evident on her face.
“Hi ,Staci. I was just leaving,” Shannon said.
“Don’t leave on my account. You can stay around as long as you want, if you promise to keep Mr. Slave Driver smiling like that.”
Marcus could tell Shannon was uncomfortable by the way she blinked rapidly, yet, when Shannon turned to say goodbye to Marcus, she held her head high. “I’ll see you later,” she said and left the store.
“Oh my.” Staci turned to her brother. “What’s going on Mr. Simone?”
“Nothing-yet,” Marcus said and walked back to his office.
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