Reclaiming What Is Mine

by Sheena Binkley

  "That's why we were called in; no progress was being made regarding the case. Now, we know why," Dwight said.

  Bryon untied me then hugged me. He breathed into my hair and sighed.

  "You don't know how scared I was for you," he whispered.

  "I can imagine."

  "Baby, I don't want to ever feel like that again. I love you too much to lose you."

  I looked into his eyes and smiled. "You won't ever lose me."

  We were staring at each other when someone cleared their throat. We looked over and saw Dwight staring at us.

  "Hey. Are you okay?" he asked.

  "Yeah, I'm fine."

  "Do you need medical attention? I know Maxine is going to the hospital."

  "I'm fine, but thank you."

  "You might need to go, just to be safe."

  "Dwight is right; you probably should," Bryon added.

  "I just want to take a shower and sleep this day away."

  "You might have to hold off on that. I'm sure the station will need for you to make a statement," Dwight said.

  "Do I have to now? I really don't want to."

  Dwight nodded. "I'll see what I can do."

  He held out his hand, and I placed mine into it. He squeezed it with a smile.

  "Is it okay if I talk to you alone, please?"

  I looked at Bryon, and he went to talk with one of the officers.

  "A, I probably shouldn't bring this up here, but at this point, I think I've realized that you are with the better man. I saw the way you looked at Bryon when he came in. Even though we've been through a lot, I know where your heart is."

  "Don't do this now, Dwight."

  "Asia, there's never going to be a good time to talk about this. I just wanted to say that I don't regret the years we've spent together, but we have grown apart. With me lying and then cheating, you couldn't trust me anymore, which I can understand. Like I told you at my aunt's, I won't stand in the way of you filing for a divorce. You deserve happiness, and I think Bryon is part of that."

  "What about you?"

  "What about me? I'll be fine, Asia. But I was hoping that after the divorce is finalized, we can still be friends. "

  I smiled. "I don't know, Dwight. Can we really be friends, considering our history together?"

  "I think we can. We both have kind of moved on with our lives, so it's possible."

  "Are you really with Tonya?"

  Dwight scratched the nape of his neck and nodded. "Yeah. As much as I tried to deny it, I can't. I really do care about her. I cared about her even before I knew about you and Bryon." "

  Wow. Well, good luck with that, D," I teased with a smile.

  He laughed. "Yeah, she's a bit of firecracker, but I can handle her."

  "I'm sure."

  He smiled. "Take care, A. Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

  "Sure. And don't be too surprised if I ask for spousal support, since you did lie about your job for the past 10 years."

  Dwight nodded. "We'll work something out."

  He pulled me into his arms and gave me a tight hug then left. Bryon walked over and embraced me.

  "What was that about?"

  I smiled. "Just saying good-bye; for real this time."

  He nodded. "So, with everything that's happened, what does this mean for us?"

  "I think we should start over. What do you think?"

  "I think that's a great idea," he agreed with a smile.

  "Hi, I'm Asia Alexander, soon-to-be Asia Smith," I said, extending my hand.

  Bryon took my hand and caressed it. "I'm Bryon Gibson. Nice to meet you."

  He brought me closer and kissed me so passionately kiss that he literally swept me off my feet. He held me tightly.

  "You know I'm not letting you out of my sight anymore."

  I smiled. "I won't mind, because I feel the same way."

  "Let's get out of here," he suggested, leading me to the door.

  I never would have imagined that in the past six months, my life would be such a roller coaster of emotions. From trying to hold on to my marriage to meeting someone who instantly changed my life, I couldn't have fathomed the outcome of everything. Now, I was actually happy, something that I hadn't been in a long time. Over the past few months, I'd done something I was proud of: reclaiming my life. Now, I was stronger and wiser, two elements that had been missing in my life. I'd found my independence along with my real soulmate. While Bryon was unpredictable, he did make life a bit more interesting. And that was something I was definitely looking forward to.

  Epilogue

  Bryon

  One Year Later....

  "Is everything ready to go?"

  Jason rolled his eyes at me and sighed. "Everything is good to go, little bro. You better be glad I'm letting you use this place for your announcement."

  "You're letting me use this place? I'm part owner of Dad's beach house."

  "But he gave it to me since I'm the oldest."

  "You two, hush! Now, Jase, be happy about your brother's huge announcement," our mom said to us, placing a plate onto the table. I smelled the aroma of crawfish etouffee which made me smile. I knew then that this night would be perfect.

  "I am, but he should give credit where credit is due."

  I shoved him, and he almost fell on the table. Our mom glared at us then swatted me on the arm.

  "I'll will never help you again if you mess up this table. I put in hours decorating it!"

  "Sorry, Mom," I apologized while Jason laughed.

  "Anyway, you have everything else that you need?"

  "Yes. Maxine and Isha are bringing A over in another hour, so everything is set. Now, I just need you two to go hide somewhere so she won't see you."

  "We will. Is her dad coming?"

  "He should be here soon," I replied. Right after I said that, the doorbell rang. I opened it to see Paul standing on the other end.

  "Hey. I'm glad you could make it," I greeted and gave him a brotherly hug.

  "Of course. I wouldn't miss this. It's an important moment for you and Asia."

  "It definitely is. And thank you for the talk."

  "You're welcome, Bryon. Just know that I'll be watching you."

  "No doubt you will. Believe me when I tell you I won't hurt your daughter."

  "I know you won't."

  While Paul went to greet my mom and Jason, I went back outside on the patio and took a deep breath. After what had happened with Tyrone and Warren, Asia and I decided to take our relationship slowly. We did start over, telling each other everything that had occurred in our lives, from childhood until now. We didn't want any secrets between us, especially after everything we'd gone through.

  Asia did divorce Dwight; it was finalized a month ago. Since the two didn't have any property, the divorce was amicable and the two walked away with what they had before the marriage. Even though Asia could have asked for spousal support, she didn't, mainly because she didn't want to prolong the process. Despite the fact that Dwight had lied about his profession, and it would be a clear-cut win for Asia, she didn't care. She just wanted to move on.

  During the divorce proceedings, Dwight revealed he and Tonya were expecting a child in three months, which didn't surprise Asia. Dwight did want him and her to be friends, but she didn't think it was a good idea, and I agreed. Although I'd had to work with him during the entire Tyrone fiasco, there was no way I was going to be around him when I didn't have to be.

  Tyrone, Warren, and Commissioner Franklin were indicted on various charges between them, including kidnapping, fraud, drug possession, assault, and even murder. Commissioner Franklin was, of course, stripped from his position and was now sitting in a prison cell with his partners-in-crime.

  The new commissioner of the police department did reach out to me and offered me my detective position back. Even though I was tempted for a spilt second, I declined. I didn't want to risk my life anymore, especially if I wanted to start a family with Asia, so I moved on fro
m that part of my life and focused solely on my marketing firm. Business had been booming, and I was glad for the new financial increase; it meant I didn't have to work two jobs to keep things afloat. Asia no longer worked for the agency, but she did help with projects on an as-needed basis. She was now living her dream of writing full-time. When I told her she didn't have to work, she was a little skeptical, but I assured her that everything would be fine. Now, she was working on two new books with her publisher and preparing to release an indie novel through her own publishing company.

  When she announced she wanted her own company, I was excited for her and even provided funds to help the first author release her book. She still couldn't believe she was a business owner now, but I could. Since I'd known her, she had always been determined, so I wanted to help in any way I could.

  She was now in her own place after staying in Jason's loft for a few months. But hopefully, after tonight, the two of us would be under one roof.

  Jason was talking on the phone as he walked to me. He ended the call and patted me on the back.

  "That was Maxie. She had to check on Delia before heading here; she should be here in about 10 minutes."

  "Delia isn't giving her grandma any trouble, is she?" I asked, referring to Maxine's mom.

  "Nope; she's asleep."

  I smiled and took everything in one last time before grabbing my suit jacket. I still couldn't believe Jason was a father. A week after the incident, Maxine brought Delia Avery Gibson into the world. It was a proud moment for the entire family, especially my mom, who was instantly smitten. When she and Jason told us our dad's name was Delia's middle name, my mom became even more emotional.

  While I wanted to stay away from the force, Jason decided to remain as a detective, but lightened his workload so he could spend more time with Maxine and Delia. He'd taken some time off but would be back with a new case in the next couple of months.

  Once I got myself together, I waited patiently for the girls to arrive. I stood by the table, surrounded with Asia's favorite meal and flowers, praying she would enjoy this evening and the surprise I had for her.

  A minute later, the door slowly opened. I saw Asia walked in, looking sexy as hell in a cream-colored minidress. Her hair loosely framed her face and fell around her shoulders; her cream and gold heels gracefully clicked against the hardwood floor. She looked at me as she opened the patio door and came outside.

  "What is going on?" she asked, looking from me to the romantic set-up on the patio.

  I smiled. "Why does there have to be an occasion to celebrate?"

  "I don't know; I guess the fact that there's this romantic set-up with a beautiful view, not to mention you look too good right now."

  "Don't I always look good?"

  She put her arms around me and smiled. "That, you do."

  I gave her a quick kiss before guiding her to the table. I pulled out her chair and she sat down.

  She smiled, "This reminds me of the time we went to Galveston."

  "It does, doesn't it?"

  "Why did you want me to come here? There has to be a reason for all of this."

  "Besides me showing you how much I love you?"

  "That's nice, but I'm sure there's more."

  I nodded. "There is, actually. It's been a month since you've been divorced."

  "Yes, it has."

  She stared at me, while I placed her hand into mine.

  "Asia, it has been a year and three months that we've known each other, and I can't see not having you in my life."

  "I feel the same way, Bryon."

  "A, you have made me so happy since I've met you. You made me believe in love and showed me how to love someone. I'm glad you're the one who made me change my ways and made me become a better man."

  "Bryon –"

  "I want us to spend the rest of our lives together, and I was hoping we can start tonight."

  I got up from my seat and walked to Asia. I pulled the ring box out of my pocket and bent down on one knee. Tears were streaming down Asia's face as she looked from me to the ring box.

  "Asia, when I first met you at that coffeehouse, I was already into you. You had this presence about you that made me want to know you. Your eyes drew me to you. They were filled with passion and determination, but most of all, sadness. I wanted so much to take that away from you. As days went by, I realized I had to be the one to do that, because I didn't want you to walk out of my life. Now, here we are, a year later, together; but I don't want us to be just boyfriend and girlfriend. I want us to be so much more. I want us to be husband and wife, living in a house with a white picket fence and have lots of kids running around. I never wanted that, but since I've been with you, it's all I want. I can't wait to have all that with you."

  Asia was speechless. I held up her ring, which was custom made by Isha, Maxine, and me. The platinum setting shined brightly against the candles.

  I looked into her eyes with a smile.

  "Asia Smith, will you marry me?"

  She wiped the tears from her cheeks and nodded. "Yes, I will marry you, Bryon."

  She pulled me up then hugged me. I let go of her and put the ring on her finger. She shook her head, like she couldn't believe what was happening.

  "Damn, I can't wait for you to be my wife."

  "And I can't wait for you to be my husband. We're going to have a really great life, Bryon."

  "I'm counting on it. I love you, Asia Gibson." She grinned and hugged me again. As soon as we were about to kiss, everyone gathered onto the patio.

  "You all were here?!" she exclaimed.

  "We couldn't miss Bryon proposing to you, which by the way, was so romantic," Isha replied with a smile.

  "Congrats, man," Jason said, hugging me.

  "Sis-in-law," Maxine greeted Asia and embraced her.

  While everyone hugged each other, I looked up to the sky, wishing my dad was physically here to see this. When I looked over at Harold, he was wearing a pleased smile. He came over knowing my thoughts and hugged me.

  "Your dad would have been proud of you, Bryon. Always remember that."

  I nodded and Asia came our way.

  "Thank you for inviting everyone here to share in your proposal."

  "I wanted everyone to celebrate this night. It's going to be even better when we say I do."

  "It definitely will, and I can't wait."

  "Me neither. Let's do it tonight. We can fly everyone to Vegas, and do it there."

  "We need a marriage license."

  "We can get one there. We can have a big wedding later, but I want us to be married as soon as possible."

  Asia laughed. "Wow, you sure are persistent, Mr. Gibson."

  "You should know by now that I always get what I want," I said then kissed her neck. "Our wedding night is going to be so much fun."

  "Hmm, yes it will. Let's do it," she agreed.

  I kissed her cheek and yelled out to everyone. "Pack a bag everyone; we're heading to Vegas to get married!"

  "What the hell!" Jason shouted.

  "We need flights, and I have to call Raymond," Isha said.

  "We'll get things situated, but this woman said she's ready, and I'm ready, so we're going to do it, and we all want you there, so we're going to make it happen."

  "Okay, let's do it then," Jason said, then he and Maxine headed out.

  "Let's all meet back here in an hour."

  Everyone was excited as they left. When Asia tried to leave, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to me. She looked at me, confused, and I laughed.

  "What's so funny?"

  "Nothing; it's just that you don't have to go anywhere."

  "Why not?"

  "Because I already have everything you need here, courtesy of Isha and Maxine."

  I went to the living room and grabbed her bag.

  "So you knew I was going to say yes?" she asked with a laugh.

  "Why wouldn't you?"

  She playfully shoved me, and I chuckled.

  "S
o, if you already had my things together, why did no one else?"

  "Because it gives us time to enjoy this place to ourselves. Besides, I've already set up everything. We're leaving in five hours," I said then picked her up. She giggled as I carried her upstairs.

  "What about the patio?"

  "We can deal with that later; right now, I have to have you."

  "Before the wedding?"

  "You're not superstitious, are you?"

  "Not at all," she replied and kissed me.

  We fell onto the bed, and I took her in. I still couldn't believe everything that was happening. In a few hours, she would be my wife, and I couldn't wait.

  "I love you so much, Asia."

  "I love you too, Bryon."

  From the time we first met, I knew Asia was the one for me. From becoming friends to co-workers and eventually lovers, we'd had our share of ups and downs, especially when we were apart. But no matter what happened, our love was too strong for our relationship to falter; that's why I knew we would be together forever.

  Now, we were about to embark on a new life together, and I couldn't wait. I couldn't wait to be married and continue as one.

  I never imagined my life would be like this, but I was grateful. I'd reclaimed something that I hadn't even known was missing: a renewed sense of hope. Before I met Asia, I didn't believe in love. I went through different women, and I didn't care who I hurt. In actuality, I was hurting myself. Asia helped me see that what I was doing was wrong.

  Now, she was all I wanted and needed. I had found my soulmate, and I prayed we'd will never grow apart again.

  Now that Camille, Trevor, Tia, and Charles have their happy endings, it is now their kids' turn to experience life and love as the new series, The Love Chronicles, makes its debut in Winter 2015!

  Here's what it's about:

  Andrea "Andie" Williams and Dexter Robinson have known each other since they were in diapers. While their parents are the best of friends, the two are barely acquaintances. While Dexter is the most popular guy at Williamson High School and only cares about which girl he will sleep with next, Andrea is focused on getting into her dream college, Yale.