November Rain

by Maureen Anderson

  “Is there any room in here for a big brother?”

  “Cliff!” She managed with a rasp.

  Antonio shook Cliff’s hand. “Take some time with your remarkable sister.”

  “Thanks for being here.”

  “She would’ve done the same for me.”

  Cliff eased beside his sister. He was careful not to bump the bed. He could see the pain and discomfort etched on her face. Cliff sat there in silence and brushed his hand across her hair like he did every night when she cried after his father left. He promised her they’d be okay and he would always take care of her. While their mother worked day and night, Cliff lived up to his promise and iced every bruise, placed a bandaid on every cut, combed the web of tangles out of her hair, and dried her tears whenever she curled up beside him. Cliff enjoyed every moment but, her eyes were never as bright as they were right now. Cliff shut his eyes. Torri found her father he had to accept that.

  “So, my sister snuck off and decided to give up a kidney.” He maneuvered past memory lane.

  “Sorry?”

  “No need, I just don’t like seeing you like this.”

  “I am sorry, Cliff. I’m the reason your father left. Deep down, I always knew, I just didn’t know why.”

  “I don’t ever want to hear you say that again. My father left because he was worthless.”

  “I’m not completely convinced of that, but I’ll let it go for now.”

  “Good. I really wish you would have called me before you went along with this crazy idea.”

  “He’s my father, Cliff. And, I didn’t have a lot of time to think.”

  “You’ve always had a good heart. Victor is lucky to have you as a daughter. I can’t say I’d do the same for my father.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “It doesn’t matter. This is about you. I’m happy things are working out with you and your father.”

  Cliff didn’t have the energy to give his father any more thought.

  “Victor’s a good man and finally a part of my life. You can take off the father hat now. You’re my big brother and I’ll always need you. I love you.”

  A fullness filled his chest. His sister was always great at reading him. “You should get some rest.”

  “I’m going to try. First, I have to see mom. Can you find her for me?”

  “Be gentle with her. She really thought she was doing the right thing.”

  Lynette crept into the room. Torri faced the window. Although, they shared a sweet moment before the surgery, Lynette knew they still needed to talk. For over thrity years, Lynette kept them from being a family. Her selfish act almost cost her her daughter.

  “Sweetie, how are you feeling?”

  “I’m much better now.”

  “You didn’t have to do this.”

  “But, I did, mom. If I was selfish like you and I held on to my hurt and pain, I could have lost him. I’ve been so angry at you. So angry that you prevented me from having the childhood memories other little girls hold onto of cherished moments they shared with their fathers. Moments too late for me to share. Then I thought about how special it was meeting him at the airport for the first time, the first time we ate together and all the laughter we shared when he introduced me to the family before he ended up here. Those moments were significant and there are more to come. I’m grateful for that.”

  Lynette grasped Torri’s hand, rested her head on them and cried.

  Torri caressed her mother’s hair with her free hand.“Mom, no more crying. I forgive you.”

  Lynette looked up and smiled through her tears.

  Seconds later Victor’s family spilled into the room. Torri beamed at the sight of bright flowers and “get well” balloons that revived the sterile space and her spirits. Rosa squeezed through with a huge stuffed teddy bear.

  “Sister, I’ve save this for you. Papi gave it to me the Christmas he told me about you. I always believed you should have it. I have so many stories to share with you.”

  Torri reached for the large brown bear. She held it tight and committed the moment to memory.

  “It sounds like a party in here. Is there room for one more? Actually, two more.”

  Antonio wheeled Victor beside Torri’s bed and stepped back. Victor’s caramel color filled his face once again. He reached out and held Torri’s hand. Torri eased up from her reclined position.

  “You shouldn’t be out of bed.” Her voice cracked.

  “As long as I’m alive, I’ll never let anything keep me away from you again.” Victor kissed Torri’s hand.

  A waterfall of tears threatened to gush if Torri uttered another word, but she took a chance. “I love you, daddy.”

  Victor lowered his hand to his side and nodded. “I know, princesa.”

  Chapter Thirty

  San Juan, Puerto Rico

  Nine Months Later - June 23

  Torri meditated in the hotel room transformed into a bridal suite. The aromatic bouquet of white and lavender roses along with flor de maga, Puerto Rico’s hibiscus filled the room. Her abuela insisted she had them in the room for good luck. Torri’s hair and make-up was complete and all that remained was the dress. The bodice of the strapless ball gown embroidered with vintage crystal beadwork was sure to capture the golden rays of the setting sun. The rest of the gown was an exquisite combination of tulle and organza.

  Right on time her bridal party rushed into the room and helped Torri slip into her gown. A collective gasp filled the room. Torri faced the floor length mirror. Warmth radiated through her body. Her heart raced. Lynette stood beside her.

  “You look like a princess,” her mother proclaimed. She attached a silver and diamond rose broach to the bouquet. “I saved this for your wedding day. It was your grandmother’s.”

  Torri fanned her eyes to save her makeup before she hugged her mother.

  “Antonio better realize how lucky he is.” Jasmine handed her friend a tissue.

  Rosa placed a small diamond tiara in Torri’s hair. “What a beautiful sister I have. I love you.”

  Faith handed her future cousin something blue — a box from Tiffany’s. “Antonio asked me to give this to you before the wedding.”

  Her hands shook when she reached for the box. “He already gave me this stunning tennis bracelet. The man is always showering me with gifts.”

  “That brother has years of catching up to do.”

  “Very funny, Jazz.” Torri opened the box and removed a platinum locket similar to the one she wore. She glanced up at the anxious faces surrounding her and opened the locket. “Forever”.

  Jasmine wiped her eyes. “Don’t you dare cry; we’ll do it for you.” Her maid of honor placed the locket on Torri’s neck.

  The door opened. “Is there room for one more?”

  “Miss Gail! Please come in.” Torri motioned for Antonio’s grandmother to enter the room.

  “My grandson doesn’t know I’m in here right now. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not.” Torri took a few deep breaths. She knew his grandmother didn’t approve of Antonio’s relationship with her.

  “I won’t be long. My grandson wouldn’t be happy if I kept you from him any longer.”

  She pulled a small red cloth gift bag from her purse and handed it to Torri.

  Torri opened the bag and removed a light wooden beaded bracelet with a small carved butterfly charm. “It’s breathtaking.”

  “Antonio’s grandfather used to call my daughter, Grace, his beautiful butterfly. He made this for her on her wedding day.” She took the bracelet from Torri and placed it on her wrist. “It’s perfect for you. Now, you’re Antonio’s beautiful butterfly.”

  They hugged while Jasmine moved at a frantic pace to blot the tears from Torri’s cheeks saving her makeup.

  Victor knocked a
nd peeked in. “Ready, princesa?”

  The ladies filed out of the room to take their places.

  Jasmine paused to adjust Torri’s gown. “Leave it you to look like a fairy tale princess.”

  Lynette handed her daughter her bouquet. “See you on the other side of the broom.” She brushed Victor’s hand on the way out.

  Victor stared at his daughter in silent admiration. When he went to New York, he never dreamed it would result in a new kidney that saved his life giving him the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle. His throat burned.

  “I’m so happy you and Antonio decided to get married in Puerto Rico.”

  “Deep down I always wondered if I’d missed out on family tradition. When Rosa told me about this it made perfect sense. Besides, some of my most cherished memories took place in Puerto Rico. You, la familia, and Antonio proposed. It was a no-brainer.”

  “I’m honored.” Victor offered his arm to Torri. “Listo?”

  “Yes, I’m ready, dad.”

  He waited a lifetime for the bright smile on his daughter’s face. He kissed her forehead and escorted her from the room to her future husband.

  Antonio stood beside the minister and his best man, Xander. His soul rejoiced as the most enchanting woman in the world floated down the aisle to marry him. He’d messed up so many times and she still loved him. She was the glue that filled his imperfections and he couldn’t wait to hear the words, ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife’.

  A breathtaking burst of orange and red painted the horizon. A light breeze teased the palm trees and provided a brief respite from the tropical heat. The gentle crash of waves was nature’s background music. Torri attempted to focus on the man she adored through tear-filled eyes. He looked extra sexy in his white tuxedo. She was about to become Antonio’s wife. Torri squeezed her father’s hand. She felt so blessed to have two special men in her life.

  They stopped in front of a flowered arch decorated with purple freesia and white roses. Victor placed Torri’s hand in Antonio’s. “Take care of my princess.”

  Antonio fixed his eyes on his bride. “I promise.”

  The ceremony was short and sweet. The couple agreed fifteen years was long enough to wait. Torri and Antonio declared their love and jumped the broom. Antonio’s cousin’s band, Junior and Concrete Soul, set the reception into motion under a sheer white tent on the beach. He grabbed his bride’s hand and spun her into the midst of their guests on the dance floor. Torri rested her head on his shoulder. The coconut tones tangled in her hair gave rise to a smile on his face. Antonio scanned the space. His father, nine-months sober, celebrated with seltzer water and lemon. His grandmother did a two-step with Marcus. Torri’s parents looked cozy at the family table. Xander worked his brand of magic on Roxie, and Cliff kept Jasmine company.

  “Well, my beautiful bride; we did it.” He spun her onto the dance floor.

  “Yes, we did, my husband.” She leaned into him.

  Rosa ran over. “Hurry. It’s almost midnight.”

  Torri had already changed from her wedding gown to a white bikini complemented with a flowing sheer-white maxi dress for the midnight event. Antonio kicked off his shoes, lifted his bride and carried her across the cool, evening sand. Light drops of rain dotted across the sand triggered sweet memories of the night they first made love. His heartbeat raced as he anticipated replicating the rest of that night’s events in the honeymoon suite. He glanced back toward the shouts and cheers. The wedding guests trotted behind them.

  Within seconds, a crowd of other beach lovers rushed alongside them toward the shore. Although, the hotel reserved a section for their reception, Antonio, charged by the excitement that surrounded them, picked up the pace to secure the perfect position for him and his queen. Torri held on tighter and snuck in a kiss. He was thrilled they agreed on La Noche de San Juan for their wedding celebration. According to his father-in-law, natives across the island celebrated the eve of Saint John the Baptist’s birthday. Torri’s sister didn’t exaggerate when she shared that the tradition lured masses to the beaches for their annual midnight blessing in the ocean.

  At the edge of the water, Antonio lowered Torri. Her parents, accompanied by the rest of the guests, caught up with the newlyweds and paraded into the ocean beside them until the water splashed against their knees. In sync they faced the now empty beach. With their backs toward the moonlit horizon, Antonio embraced Torri’s hand.

  “I’m ready.”

  The countdown to midnight began.

  “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!”

  As instructed, everyone threw their arms up and fell backwards into the refreshing water seven times. Fireworks filled the night sky. The coolness washed over Torri and Antonio. Every ounce of negative energy that once haunted them unleashed into the ocean.

  Antonio gazed at his new bride. He pushed her wet curls from her face just as he did the first night they made love. With everything behind them, the time arrived for them to begin their new life as Mr. and Mrs. Taylor-Martins.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  First and foremost, I thank God. Next, I thank my support system, my family, especially my sons, my beta-readers, my friends and followers. I would especially like to thank my mentor, author Donna Hill, for her patience and continuous encouragement. My husband, Amor, thanks for being my rock and believing in me every step of the way — no words.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading this book. I hope you enjoyed Torri and Antonio’s story as much as I enjoyed telling it. I’m still in contact with many of my friends from high school and it made sense to weave a heartfelt story threaded with the joy and pain of long lasting friendships, especially those that evolve romantically.

  November Rain is the first book in a three-book series. To be honest, that wasn’t my initial intention. One-third of the way through November Rain, it didn’t feel right simply introducing four friends and not getting the chance to know each of them better. You may have noticed something stirring between Jasmine and Cliff. Their story is next and Torri and Antonio’s issues are nothing compared to our next couple. Is Cliff’s heart as open to forgiveness as his sister’s? Is Jasmine ready to move on after the loss of her husband? Prepare yourself for Rayz of Hope. Coming in 2020.

  Ciao for now.

  Peace and love,

  Maureen