Not My Type
Page 21
By four-fifteen the wedding party resided in the two large dressing tents, set near the main wedding site, one each for the men and women. Mika was pumped! With their dresses being simple, it made getting ready easy. Most were just adding on the finishing touches like makeup and jewelry. While the other women fretted and ran around Mika was relaxing and chilling. Just waiting for the wedding planner to signal that it was time to start. As four-thirty hit everything calmed down, and the chatter went from nervous energy to excitement—except for her mother who was walking a hole in the fake floor.
“Mama, would you sit down, you’re making me dizzy. Everything has been done and taken care of. Unless there is a sudden sinkhole the wedding will go off without a hitch.”
“I’m not worried about the preparations. I’m worried about you!” Beverly clutched the pearls at her neck worrying her lip with her teeth.
Mika sighed heavily, rising to take her mother's hand. “Let’s go have some girl talk time.” Mika took her out the tent so they could talk in private.
“Why are you worried about me? I’m fine. I’m getting married, I’m on cloud nine!”
“That’s just it, most brides are nervous. I’m worried you’re not taking this seriously enough! Marriage should be forever Mikala. Not a game or a whim, or an activity you try for a while.”
Mika took a deep breath and thought about where her mother was coming from, before assuming she was purposely trying to be negative. She had seen how hard her mother worked these last few months to make the wedding of Mika’s dreams come true. Beverly was viewing her through a mother’s eye, seeing Mika’s need to do a little bit of everything as indecision, her willingness to jump without looking as impulsiveness. The truth was her mother didn’t understand how being creative and doing new things, brought her daughter joy and excitement. However just because she didn’t understand, didn’t mean she didn’t love her.
“I know you just want the best for me, for me to be happy. I realize that now. And I’m sorry I didn’t always appreciate how you tried to protect me, from the things you thought would hurt me.”
“I certainly do. You’re my only child, my shining star. I want you to have a good solid marriage like your father and I. Someone you can grow old with, start a family...when you’re ready. A husband to love and support you—and before you start I’m not talking about money.” Beverly gave her daughter a searching look. “A blind person can see you have sexual chemistry up the wazoo. But do you have a love that runs as deep?”
“You can rest easy mama. My love for Robert is deeper than I thought I could ever love a man. I know it seems sudden but Robert is the ying to my yang. I’ve never felt as safe as I do with him. He loves me in the skin I’m in, and I love him just the way he is too.”
Mika took her mother's hand again. “I know you don’t know him well yet. But if you did, you’d know Robert takes everything super-seriously. He is not a fly by the seat of your pants type of man. He grounds me, and I help him fly every once in a while. He would not have asked me to marry him if he wasn’t sure, he doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean. That’s why when he asked, I said yes. I love him Mother, and he loves me. We're both ready and that’s why I’m not nervous. I’m just excited and ready to start the rest of our lives.”
Beverly squeezed her baby’s hand. “That’s what I needed to hear. Okay, I’m so happy and sad at the same time. But that’s just how parents feel at weddings. Let’s go get you married!”
Mika gave her a kiss before pushing her towards the tent. “Go on inside and give me five minutes, I’ll be right behind you.”
Once her mother was gone she inhaled deeply taking in the fresh air. Mika thought about how much of her life she’d judged her mother outward stances, instead of looking at the actions towards her as love, same with her cousins. Yet here she was marrying a man that she had instantly been attracted to, but disliked on sight. She realized she had done what so many men did to her. Judged him by his outward appearance only. She was so thankful fate had thrown them together again and couldn’t wait to become his wife!
MEANWHILE OVER IN THE men’s tent, Robert was super quiet as the rest of the guys joked and fooled around with each other. They had about twenty minutes to go before the wedding would start. Robert refused to talk much for fear of throwing up. He played it off as if he was just tired from the night before. That had started a round of teasing about why he might be so tired. He’d ignored them mostly, but they were only adding to his agitation. Standing he started to pace.
“You alright there son? If you’re getting nervous it’s pretty natural.” Reginald smiled at him from across the room but Robert didn’t smile back. This exchange caught the attention of the others in the group and his cousins all walked over to him.
“Robert, you okay? Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you some water.” Thomas commented, trying to get him to sit.
Robert shook him off and kept moving. His nerves were so worked up that he actually had a light sheen of sweat on his skin.
Cam stepped in front of him stopping his movements. Placing both hands on Robert’s shoulders, looking him dead in the eyes. “What do you need me to do?”
Robert finally focused, his mind settling just long enough to respond. “Get everyone out.”
Cam didn’t hesitate turning to the room and announcing, “Everyone out. Give us some space.”
“Aww hell, I knew he was going to fuck it up!”
“Shut up Darrell!” About five voices responded, while Edward pushed his brother out of the tents entrance as everyone exited.
When everyone was gone, Cam focused on the groom. “What’s going on?”
Robert loosened his tie. It felt like he was choking. “Man, what the hell did I think I was doing? I’m not husband material.”
“Whoa, easy now. Where is this coming from?” Cam was honestly confused. Up until now Robert has been steady as a rock. He’d never gotten upset or annoyed with all the wedding planning, like any sane man would. He’d been more than fine through all of last night, only getting pensive a little over an hour ago.
“I know you love her.” Cam stated, coming out of his musing.
“I do and that’s the problem. I’m not good enough for her. She’ll realize it down the road, then it will be hell on us both.”
Cam quietly chuckled. “Look this has to be nerves, you talking crazy. I meant what I said last night. You are the best man I know. I’m proud to call you my friend, my brother. Mika will be proud to call you her husband. She loves you.”
“Love,” Robert said the word on a sad sneer, before turning his back. “Cam, sometimes love is not enough.”
“He’s right on that one,” Johanna confirmed, walking in.
Cam turned relieved to see her. If anyone could get through to Robert it was his mother. He gave her a thankful smile as she patted his arm.
“Why don’t you go on outside with the others Cam. That lovely wedding planner came to get me, since I’m walking in with Robert and we’re almost ready to start.”
Cam nodded in understanding and left.
Johanna waited silently, giving her son a little more time to organize what he was feeling in his head. He had always been a deep and thoughtful child, and that had carried over into his manhood. When she thought the time was right she spoke. “Talk to me.”
The desolate look on his face when he turned broke her heart.
“Mama, I made a mistake. It’s not going to work so we might as well end it here.”
“Hmm. Is it because of what you said...you don’t think love is enough?”
“It wasn’t for you and the man who donated his sperm to make me,” Robert said resentfully.
Johanna snorted. “No son, it wasn’t. But that’s because only I was in love. It takes two hearts to be fully committed to make a marriage work. You love Mika and she loves you. Your relationship will be nothing like your father’s and mine. Heck, it's already on a better foundation than mine was.”
Johanna took his face in her hands. “Robert Lorde, now you listen to me. Have I ever lied to you, even when things were rough or downright bad?”
He shook his head no.
“So believe me when I tell you, you are nothing like your daddy. The only thing you have in common with him is your handsome face. It’s what I fell for. I thought inside he had what it took to be a good husband and father...but he didn’t. But you Robert...you have what matters inside.”
She poked at his chest. “You have a good heart, a strong backbone, and a nimble mind. You are lucky enough to be blessed with a woman who loves you back, waiting for you to take her hand in marriage. I’m saying this as your mother who knows all your faults and your strengths. You are an exceptional man, and you will make an outstanding husband and excellent father when it’s time.”
Robert closed his eyes absorbing his mother's words. She never lied to him. He felt something shift and settle in his mind. He would be okay.
“So,” Johanna asked. “What are you going to do? It’s decision time. Are you getting married to the woman you love today or not?”
“Yeah, I’m getting married. Thank you Mama, for talking some sense into me.”
“No thanks needed, I just told the truth. Now, let's get you fixed up.” She readjusted his tie and smoothed down his shirt. “Use those baby wipes on that table and wipe that sheen off you. Then come on outside. I’m ready to get my daughter-in-law!”
He watched his mother leave before following her instructions. He loved that woman dearly, as dearly as he loved the amazing woman waiting for him in the other tent. He wouldn’t let last-minute, irrational fears make him lose the best thing to ever come into his life.
THE WEDDING STARTED on time at 5:00 pm, with Robert and his mother entering first. Robert kissed her cheek seating her before taking his own place. Next came the wedding party procession who came to a stop on either side of him. The kids came next. They had decided that his niece would hold the ring bearer’s hand and walk down with him.
Then the music changed and Mika was framed by both her father and mother walking her to the groom. At first Beverly had balked at the idea, but Robert had seen that she was secretly pleased and honored at being included in this way. These were passing thoughts as his eyes locked onto Mika.
To his eyes she was stunning. She held his stare sure and steady as she walked proudly towards him. He saw no hesitation only happiness, a little mischief and a dose of challenge directed his way. Looking at her now it was hard to imagine how he had almost let anything—even his own internal demons—keep him from her. He answered her challenge with a smile of his own, full of promise for what the future held for them both.
MIKA BIT HER LIP, PRETENDING to listen to the officiant but she couldn't stop looking at Robert. This magnificent man standing next to her was all hers! She never should have agreed to the traditional wedding language. She just wanted the end part where they said “I do”. After what seemed like an eternity it was finally time for the vows. Robert and Mika turned to each other clasping hands, as Robert went first.
“Mika ‘Trouble” Harrison, I didn’t see you coming. Though you had my complete attention as I walked behind you into that restaurant.” He ran his eyes up and down her body, and the crowd twittered at the innuendo. “Your energy, your light, grabbed ahold of me and wouldn’t let go. You challenged every assumption I had about you, and what I wanted in a woman, what I wanted out of life. Hell you just challenged me period by being you. I realized how much fuller my life could be with you in it. I'm blessed that you are going from being my Princess to my Queen. The best investment I ever made was investing in our love. I love you. All that I have is yours. I can’t wait for you to be my rival in sports, the mother of my children, and the love of my life forever.”
Mika leaned forward ignoring protocol and gave Robert a sweet, gentle kiss on the lips, then a smile full of love before she begin her own testimony.
“The second I saw you across the aisle on that plane I knew you were not my type. Later I found you to be arrogant, a stalker, frugal, and high-handed yet also loyal and so kind. Giving in ways that were more important than money could ever be to me. The fact that you’re a secret romantic was the cherry on top. You pushed me to confront that I needed companionship, stability, and real love in my life. You made me take the risk of a lifetime by opening my heart to you. You saw me for who I was, and wanted me just as I am. God laughs when it comes to what we think we want, then gives us what we actually need. He gave me you. A strong man to handle a strong woman. To support me, lift me up and take care of me when I don’t even know I need it. I plan to do the same for you. I love you Robert Lorde, just the way you are. You are just the type of man I need as my husband, and I look forward to driving you crazy for the rest of our lives.”
Epilogue
THERE TAMARA WAS FULL circle back to thinking of her job, which in turn made her glance over at the wedding taking place. Giving up on reading she packed her bag and made her way over to the white tent. There was a line roping off the side and around the back, but nothing to really stop her from coming into the space. The fancy tent had decorative side windows and she could see all the people happily listening to what was being said. Making her way to the back she ducked under the rope, then slipped between the open flaps while all eyes were upfront. The couple were gazing into each other's eyes, so she stood and quietly watched.
The wedding was certainly colorful and full of flowers that was for sure. From the wedding party and guests to the couple tying the knot, color and life abounded. The bride looked beautiful! Face beaming with love and joy as she looked up at the very handsome, dark-skinned brother who was looking down into her eyes.
Even with the job Tamara had she was still a sucker for love and weddings. Something about the pure joy of the moment kept a little kernel of hope alive in her heart. She listened to the couple’s vows and admitted that her eyes got a little watery. Although she didn’t know the couple she laughed along with the crowd at their heartfelt, funny and uplifting words. The bride went last, and Tamara listened as she recited a list of the groom’s faults and assets, all with the biggest smile on her face. Tamara relaxed, this marriage might be one of the lucky ones to make it.
Here was a woman going into a marriage with no blinders on. No fairytale visions of what her mate was supposed to be. Instead, she saw him clearly for who he was. Accepted his faults and praised his good points, and loved him for both. Yeah, they just might make it. Strangely she really hoped they did. Their energy and vibe were infusing her with happiness. Guess her heart wasn’t completely dead after all.
She heard a sound to her left, turning her head to see a man standing on the other side of the tent. He seemed relaxed, like he had been there for a while. How had she not noticed him? He was a fine man of medium complexion, dressed in a lightweight grey and white t-shirt with an open white shirt over it. He had on white linen pants and what looked to be leather sandals. He had a full beard, though it was cut low along his jawline. More importantly than all that, he was looking right at her.
A slow smile spread across his face, his generous lips stretching wide, showing off ridiculously straight and white teeth. Tamara caught her breath, then lost it again as he brought one finger up to his lips in the universal sign of “shhh, don’t say anything”. His gesture surprised a smile out of her and she responded by zipping and locking her lips, which only made the stranger across from her smile harder. They were jarred out of their game by the claps and cries of “congratulations” up front. Apparently they had both missed the end of the wedding. As she joined the rest of the crowd in clapping, fine guy to the side made his way over.
“It’s good to see I wasn’t the only wedding crasher here today.”
His voice was warm and playf
ul and he stood at least five inches over her 5’6” frame.
“I plead the fifth on any allegations of being a wedding crasher,” Tamara responded in kind.
He gave an easy shrug, stepping slightly closer as the noise in the tent continued to rise in jubilation. “Well I’ve already told on myself, so I can’t take it back.” He held out his hand. “I’m Ben Thompson, first time wedding crasher. You?”
She hesitated just a moment before taking his hand. It was big, a little rough, and almost swallowed hers completely. “Tamara Reed...nice to meet you.”
Click for a book club guide: Not My Type
Thank you for supporting African-American Independent Authors. If you enjoyed the book, please consider leaving a REVIEW on the platform you bought the book from or on Goodreads. Reviews are an easy way you can help any author and in particular Indies get noticed. Reviews can be a one-liner or in depth overview of your thoughts (no spoilers please ☺) or even just a positive “star” rating.
Join Us For A New Series
“Vacation Love Series”
Winter 2019
Crashing In On Love
After crashing a wedding in Jamaica can two strangers find love?
TAMARA REED SPENDS her days seeing the worst that love has to offer as a divorce lawyer. Yet she still finds herself drawn to weddings, and a secret part of her heart still believes in love. Crashing a wedding while on a much needed vacation finds her meeting a tempting man. He not only catches her attention but sets her blood on fire! After an intense night with him, she sneaks home to forget her vacation fling. That’s easier said than done as memories keep her up at night, and her vacation boo tracks her down. Is she ready to take a chance on love?
Benjamin Thompson went on vacation for a little work and a lot of relaxation. Who knew when he took a detour to watch a random wedding, he’d get a chance to “play” as well? The woman he meets takes his breath away and knocks his socks off in the sheets! Barely exchanging any info before having the wildest sex of his life, he wakes up to find his sexy siren gone. Hooked after one taste, he tracks Tamara down only to find that she wants to keep their passionate night a one-time deal. As a successful Realtor and Property Investor he’s accustomed to tough negotiations. But he’s determined to close this deal no matter what it takes.