My Forever (Over Forty And Loving It)

by Ancelli

  “Zara what's wrong?” Dan pushed himself off the desk toward her.

  She grabbed her purse, “I have to go home.” Zara didn't have time for Dan's nonsense.

  Dan grabbed her wrist, and wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever it is, it will be okay.” He inched back and caressed her cheek with his fingers, and slowly moved his head toward hers.

  “What do you think you're doing?” Zara placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away. “I'm happily married Dan!”

  “This thing between us,” he pointed at her and then at him.

  “What thing?” she snapped. “Are you crazy? There is nothing between us. We are both married. I would never hurt Sam like that.”

  “Zara,” his eyes rolled over her body. “I know you dress like this for me.”

  Her chest heaved up and down. Zara was wearing a black shirk suit with a sheer pink shirt, exposing a bit of her cleavage, but it was classy. “I dress to please myself and no one else. You have crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed. I can't work with you any longer.”

  “You can't work with me because you're afraid of what might happen between us?” He said with a smirk.

  “I am refusing to work with you out of respect for my husband.” Zara rushed out the office feeling guilty for forgetting the love of her life. Sam called her a few times, but didn’t say much. He was waiting to see if she remembered, she knew her husband better than she knew herself. Why didn’t he just tell her? Because he was pissed at her. Zara needed to stop at the jewelry store and get him something special representing their life together. She pressed the elevator button, and then her phone rang again. Zara dug into her purse, it was her friend Shelby.

  She first met Shelby when they were stationed in Virginia twenty-years ago. Shelby worked alongside Sam for about four years. They hit it off as soon as they met at a command social function. Years later they lived in the same city, and their friendship was stronger than ever. “Hello.”

  “Happy anniversary lady!” Shelby squealed. “What did you do or did I interrupt?”

  Zara started sobbing. She couldn’t believe she forgot.

  “What's wrong?” Concern threaded Shelby’s voice.

  “I forgot.” The elevator doors opened and Zara stepped in wiping her face.

  “Oh God,” Shelby joked.

  “It's not funny,” Zara leaned against the metal wall. “I need to slow down and pay more attention. He gave me hints all day, and my stupid ass missed all of them. Why didn’t you remind me?”

  “Relax dear,” Shelby chuckled. “That man worships the ground you walk on. He'll forgive your mishap as soon as he sees you. Zara are you still at work?”

  She grabbed her fob and opened the car door. “I'm leaving. My whole family is mad at me,” she stated sadly.

  “You owe him a week of nasty, kinky sex,” Shelby continued laughing. “No headaches. Stop by the lingerie store and grab a little barely there, black, silky thing. He'll forgive your ass in less than a second.”

  “Bye Shelby, I can't with you.”

  “Seriously, you have a love that I yearn for,” Shelby said. Shelby had never been married, not from lack of trying. All her relationships failed, but in her defense it wasn’t her fault. She was too much of a woman for those losers.

  “One day my friend. I was lucky to find my soul mate early on.” She got in her car. “You are a treasure and God is making sure he finds you the right man to adore you.”

  “You always find a way to make me smile, that’s why you’re my bestie,” Shelby mentioned. “The day is not over you can still celebrate your anniversary. Give him head until you lock your jaw,” Shelby laughed out loud. “Break the headboard.” She hung up.

  Zara tapped her finger against her steering wheel as she drove to the mall. She parked and texted before exiting the car. “I'm going to make it up to you Sam. To twenty-five years more. I love you to infinity and beyond a trillion times over.”

  ~~~

  Zara ran up the pathway to their house. It took her longer than expected at the jewelry store, she had the platinum watch she bought him engraved. There were confetti and streamers all over the grass and welcome mat. She unlocked the front door, pushed it open and was greeted with a multitude of decorations everywhere around the house, balloons, streamers, and a large banner that said Happy 25th Anniversary Dad and Mom. She placed the fancy jewelry bag down next to a bouquet of red roses and a white box. Zara sighed assuming it was her gift from Sam.

  She walked further in to the house looking from the living room to the family room and no one was around. Zara continued down the hallway to the kitchen, and stopped when she discovered a small intimate table in the middle of the dining room set for two with rose pedals and white candles. Their antique dining set had been moved to one side of the room and a romantic ambiance was set for two.

  “Sam!” Zara entered the kitchen. Where were they? “Sam, I’m so sorry.”

  “You just missed them mommy,” Zoe said coming through the back door with Adrianna crying in her arms.

  “Mama.” Adrianna reached out for Zara. “Papa leave me. I want Papa.” she continued crying as she rubbed her eyes. It was way past her bed time.

  “What do you mean?” Zara asked taking her granddaughter from Zoe. She planted a kiss on her temple. “Your dad left too?”

  She nodded her head. “They said you took too long,” Zoe said nonchalant. “So they decided to start celebrating without you, but they did say if you felt up to it, you can meet them at club Venus.”

  “They went to a club?” Zara arched an eyebrow as she rocked Adrianna to sleep. “That’s the big surprise?”

  “Mom,” Zoe was about to take a bite of a chocolate covered strawberry, and stopped staring at Zara. “We had this romantic evening planned for you too,” she waved the fruit at Zara, “but you showed up almost three hours late and daddy was looking like someone stole his puppy, so Andrea and Samantha came up with the silly idea at the last minute to make you and daddy have fun even if you two didn't like it. Daddy agreed, he's all dressed up looking like he's twenty-one,” Zoe giggled as Zara’s lips thinned. “He sprayed on your favorite cologne, smelling good. I bet all the young girls at the club will be drooling over him,” Zoe nodded her head. “So mommy, are you going to get your man?”

  Zara stared at her last born. She was the spitting image of Sam. “What do you think?”

  Zoe grinned showing off her deep dimples. “I knew you would say yes. I laid out a sexy outfit on the bed, and I'm going to do your hair. The way daddy loves it.”

  “Yes ma'am,” Zara was amused at how giddy Zoe was. “Let me put Adrianna down,” she walked down the hall to the guest bedroom and laid Adrianna in the middle of the mattress. “Love you princess.” She kissed her forehead and ambled out the room toward hers.

  ~~~

  “Mommy,” Zoe stared at Zara’s reflection in the floor length mirror. “You look fabulous,” Zoe added a black rose to the side of her head. “Perfect.”

  “Thank you,” Zara ran her fingers through her now silky strands as she ogled herself. She looked years younger than forty-three. The flawless make-up Zoe applied looked amazing, and the dangling gold earrings gave her outfit an extra sexiness. Zara smooth her hands over her ass, “Zoe don’t you think these skinny jeans are a little too tight?”

  “Nope, you look perfect.” Zoe beamed still watching her. “Daddy will be pleased.” Her daughter fixed Zara’s collar. “And this shirt shows off one of your many assets.”

  Zara felt uncomfortable wearing the black shirt that exposed her cleavage. “This is too much.”

  “Really mom, for a woman that forgot her anniversary,” she cocked her eyebrows and then began laughing. “Just kidding.”

  “Not funny at all,” Zara slipped her feet into a pair of black and white pumps. “I guess I’m ready.”

  “Have fun,” Zoe picked up her clutch off the bed and handed it to her. “See you in the am.”

  Zara smiled,
“What would I do without my baby?” She cupped Zoe’s cheeks.

  “You’ll never find out,” Zoe spun her around and gently pushed her out the bedroom door. “Now go before you change your mind.” She wasn’t changing her mind; she had a lot of making up to do.

  “Mom wait!” Zoe said running behind her making Zara stop in her tracks. “I have a question.”

  Zoe leaned against the banister. “When did you know daddy was the one?”

  She smiled as memories of when they were younger flashed by. “I think I knew he was the one when he showed up at your grandfather’s funeral.”

  “Why wouldn’t he, wasn’t he your friend?”

  “He was my friend, but I didn’t think he would fly to New York for the actual funeral,” Zara continued down the wrap around stairs. “We were juniors when grandfather passed away.” She sadly stated. “I’ve always had a crush on your daddy, but I never expressed it. We dated other people throughout ninth and tenth grade. He was my best friend, but everything changed the moment our eyes met when he walked into that church.”

  “How did dad get the money to go?”

  Zara smiled, “his father helped him. Your grandfather spoiled your dad from afar. He stayed up with me as I cried myself to sleep, that was the only time my mother allowed him to spend the night.”

  “In the same room?” Zoe’s voice rose.

  “No, don’t get any ideas.” Zara glanced up at Sam’s mini me. “We stayed in my grandmother’s living room. That’s when I knew your daddy was the one. My pain and happiness was his too. I felt his love vibrate through me.”

  “I wish I can find a love like that, because I’m late in the game,” Zoe expressed. “You guys were fifteen when you met, I’m two years late.”

  Zara chuckled, “You’re too young to be thinking about love. Get an education first.”

  “Really, mom” Zoe twisted her lips staring at her. “You were married at eighteen,” she continued walking down the stairs. “Don’t worry mommy I have my future planned out and it doesn’t include a husband anytime soon. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.” Zoe kissed Zara’s cheek. “Have fun, you and daddy deserve it,” she strolled off to the family room, and Zara went out the front door.

  “Samuel, here I come.”

  ~~~

  Prom night, 26 years ago

  Samuel held her tight in his arms. He smelled delicious, Zara inhaled his woodsy cologne. His hair was slicked back, and he wore all black. Her man reminded her of the center fold picture in a model magazine. Zara swayed from side to side dancing in the middle of the dance floor at their prom. He made the night memorable.

  He kissed the side of her neck, and whispered. “Marry me?”

  Zara leaned back her eyes widen in surprise. Where did that come from? “What did you ask me?”

  “I want you to be my wife before I head to boot camp,” Samuel gazed into her eyes through hazel irises. “Everywhere I go, I need you to be with me,” he cupped her cheeks. “Zara yo te amo.”

  Her eyes stung with tears, “We're too young. Our parents will kill us.”

  “Were adults Z,” he said. “Your parents have been married over twenty years which means that they got married at our age, and my parents were together since they were kids playing on the streets in Puerto Rico.”

  “And look at how that ended,” she spoke quietly.

  He surprised her when he chuckled instead of frowning. “And look at them now, back together. Zara come on, I don't want to leave you, but this is the best decision for me,” he laced their hands together. “For us. You won't have to worry about paying for college; they have programs to help us with education. Please Z, marry me.”

  Zara's chest heaved up and down. She loved Samuel to death, but was this, the right move getting married so young. Was he truly the one, and then all the memories of everything they were to each other resurfaced. He was her best friend, her confidant, her lover. Why not make him her husband too? Her lips curled into a smile, and she got on her tiptoes. “Yes, I'll marry you.” Zara said against his lips.

  He laughed out loud and picked her up. “Mi bella esposa.”

  “Yes,” she giggled. “Your beautiful wife.”

  ~~~

  A week later

  Samuel and Zara stood in front of her family’s pastor saying their vows to each other. She wore a white flowing dress her aunt Kimberly purchased for her and Samuel wore a white buttoned down shirt and white pants. It was a magical day, only the people who supported their decision were in attendance. His mother, her best friend and Zara’s aunt made their day special, they ordered the food and beautiful three tier white cake. His parents didn’t agree with them getting married, but if Sam and Zara were going to go through with it anyway, why not make it memorable. Mrs. Cruz paid for the decorations. Her parents tried to convince her not to go through with the marriage before the ceremony began because they were so young, but their minds were already made up. They loved each other, and that’s all that mattered at the moment. Samuel and Zara were married in an intimate, simple garden close to their home. Carnation flowers surrounded the small gazebo where they exchanged their traditional vows in front of family a friends.

  “Z,” Samuel held her tight in his arms. “I’ll be back for you.”

  “You better we just got married.” She smiled closing her eyes. Zara always felt the safest in his arms.

  “Are you happy?” He leaned back gazing in at her.

  Zara caressed his jaw. “Yes, can’t wait for our new life to begin once you get back.”

  A new life was created that night. Their baby girl was conceived on their wedding day.

  Chapter Three

  Sam glanced at his cell phone, waiting for his wife to call. Zara texted him about an hour ago, “I'm going to make it up to you Sam. To twenty-five years more. I love you to infinity and beyond a trillion times over.” He took a deep breath. Zara had never forgotten any birthday or anniversary. He should’ve just told her.

  “Daddy,” Samantha massaged his shoulders from the back seat. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” She pressed her thumbs down in a circular motion. Hearing her say those words meant everything to him. Samuel and Zara did a good job raising his daughters, regardless of the mistakes they all have done. Their kids were far from perfect, but they were his imperfect girls. Adrianna was a piece of Zara and Sam’s loves for each other that blossomed through their daughter. He never imagined being a grandfather until he held her for the first time, and he couldn’t explain the emotions he felt in that moment. A love for a grandchild was different, he couldn’t quite put it in words, but Adrianna had him wrapped around her finger.

  “I love you too Sammie,” he looked at her through the rearview mirror.

  Andrea cleared her throat, “Daddy, I’m sitting right next to you too.” She glanced his way making him chuckle.

  “I love all my girls,” Sam shook his head. He learned to watch what he said in front of his daughters, they took whatever came out his mouth to heart.

  Samantha laughed sitting back in her seat. “Dad when did you know that mommy was the one?”

  Sam tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “When she got suspended defending me,” he smiled.

  “Mom was suspended from school?” Andrea asked. “I’ve never heard this story before.”

  “You have to share,” Samantha said.

  ~~~

  Tenth grade

  Samuel spoke in Spanish to another Hispanic student in the hallway during a break before the bell rang. He remembered being the new kid on the block and tried to help the freshman as much as he could. “Como te va en la clase de inglés?” He would ask Zara if she could tutor Manuel the way she did with him, however he needed to tell Manuel that she was off limits. Zara got prettier with each passing day; soon he should make his move. But, he was afraid of her rejecting him like some of the other girls in the school. Samuel was great for a good time, but nothing more.

  Manuel was abou
t to answer when a female stepped between them, and pointed her index finger in his face. “I’m fucking tired of you people talking that shit in this school. You are in America, and we speak English!” she raised her voice.

  Samuel chest heaved staring at the brunette, his nose flared as he clenched his jaw. People had learned to leave him alone, after an alteration he had with a football player last year. The jock pushed him for no reason and Sam instantaneously reacted punching the fool right in his nose, breaking it on impact. He remembered the cracking sound that echoed in the lunch room. He was tired of getting pushed around because he was different in their eyes. Sam guessed the girl standing in front of him didn’t get the memo about not fucking with him. He would never touch a woman however his words could cut like a knife. After that day everyone left him alone when he returned after getting suspended for a week, his mother grounded him for a month and Zara was disappointed in him. Her disappointment hurt more than anything.

  The brunette continued yelling for no damn reason, and everyone in the hallway watched them, he was fucking embarrassed. “You have a problem with me speaking my native language?” he spat back. “Guess what I don’t fucking care!”

  “You should care,” she continued to point at him. “If you can’t speak our language go back to Mexico!”

  “Get your finger out my face,” he took a step forward making her back up. “I’m Puerto Rican not Mexican get that straight,” he corrected her. “Who are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”

  “I’m an American,” she held her head up high. “You’re just a we….” She didn’t get to finish her words when Zara pushed the girl.

  “Miley, I dare you to finish that racist comment,” Zara yelled. “I can’t believe you have the nerve to talk to Samuel in that manner. Why are you so angry that they are speaking Spanish? They have the right to speak whatever language they want.”

  Miley crossed her arms over her chest.