Her First

by Mckenzie, Diamond

  Stuttering, Madison replied, “Some things are best left unknown.”

  “Exactly.” He stopped and began walking out of the kitchen. He felt a dishtowel on his back. He stopped, turned around and picked it up. He then threw it on the table, laughed and continued out the door.

  Chapter 32

  The next morning, Madison was awakened by the sound of chirping birds outside her window. She smelled the aroma of meat being cooked on a grill. She stretched. Normally she hated getting up early on Saturday mornings, but today she felt refreshed. Her last memory of the previous night included the warmth of Ethan’s arms. They were watching one of her favorite romantic comedies prior to her falling asleep.

  She ran some bath water and soaked in the tub for almost thirty minutes.

  After going through the closet and her unpacked suitcase, she couldn’t find anything she wanted to wear. She threw on a pair of jeans and one of her sorority t-shirts. She couldn’t find her tennis shoes, so she wore her slippers instead.

  Ethan was in the kitchen when she walked downstairs.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said to her.

  “Good morning. How did I get upstairs?” she asked, admiring how fine he looked in his t-shirt that showed off his bulging muscles.

  “You fell asleep, so I carried you upstairs.”

  “Oh.” She poured a glass of orange juice.

  “I got a surprise for you.”

  She perked up. “What?”

  “I bought us matching outfits yesterday.”

  “You’re going a little too far with this husband and wife thing aren’t you?” She leaned on the cabinet.

  “I can always tell them that we’re pretending if that’s going to be a problem,” he threatened.

  “You wouldn’t.” She stood straight.

  “Not if you continue to cooperate.” He winked.

  “I’ll wear the stupid outfit. Where is it?” She placed the cup on the cabinet.

  “It’s lying across my bed. After I put this other meat on, I’ll go shower and change.” He walked out the back door. “Shut the door for me.”

  “I can really get used to this. If only it was the real thing,” she said as she walked out.

  The doorbell rang before she could reach the top of the stairway.

  She ran back downstairs and yelled, “Who is it?”

  “Frederick,” she heard him yell from the other side of the door.

  She opened the door and Frederick stood wearing a Mavericks’ jersey and jeans. He leaned down and hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. “Hey sister-in-law.”

  “Now you know better,” Madison said, hitting him on the arm.

  “I’m practicing, so that when the family gets here I won’t be caught off guard,” Frederick chuckled.

  “Thanks.”

  “I still don’t see what the big deal is. But hey, if my brother is going along with it, who am I to mess up what y’all got going?”

  “Your brother’s out back.” Madison pointed.

  “Somebody lied and told him he could throw down on the grill. Let me go show him how it’s really done.”

  She watched Frederick walk out.

  “This is going to be a long day,” she sighed as Frederick made his way to his brother.

  Ethan was surprised to see Frederick. “Man, what are you doing here?” he said.

  “I told you I wasn’t about to miss out on some free food,” Frederick answered.

  “I take it you saw Madison.”

  “Yep. She seemed cool, so I take it she understood the Sarah situation.”

  They were startled when Madison asked, “What situation?”

  Ethan looked at Frederick. He looked away. “Nothing. We were discussing how awkward the entire situation has turned out.”

  “I’m no longer worried about Sarah and neither should you.” She reached up and kissed him on the lips. “Do you need anything from the store? I need to run out and get a few things.”

  “Do you have any brew?” Frederick asked.

  “There’s some in the fridge. Bottom right,” Ethan intervened. He then turned to Madison and said, “Sweetie, bring back a couple bags of ice.”

  “I will. I need to change clothes and I’ll be back shortly.” She walked away.

  Ethan sighed. “Whew that was close.”

  Frederick whispered, “I can tell you guys really care about each other. I would hate to see you get hurt because you weren’t being completely honest.”

  “If she can’t understand, then it’s her problem.” He pretended not to care. “She’s the one going around lying.”

  “So are you, my man. So are you,” Frederick said as he patted Ethan on the back.

  ***

  “Do I look alright?” Ethan asked.

  “You look perfect,” Madison replied then licking her lips.

  “Ms. Allen let’s go do this.”

  She frowned. “You mean Mrs. Campbell.”

  “Sorry. I guess I’m nervous.”

  She looped her arm around his neck and kissed him. “Now you have something else to be nervous about.”

  She sashayed out of his bedroom. He followed her. When they made it downstairs, her brothers were out back.

  They hugged her. “How’s my favorite little sister?” Gerald asked.

  “I’m doing great big brother,” she responded.

  “What’s up, man?” Gerald asked before shaking Ethan’s hand.

  Madison turned to Ethan and said, “I’ll be back.”

  He watched her walk away.

  “If you weren’t already married to my little sister, I would have to break your neck,” Jerry joked as he walked up and shook Ethan’s hand.

  “How’re you doing? Y’all didn’t have any trouble finding us did you?” Ethan asked.

  “No. We found it just fine,” Jerry asked as they all walked towards the grill. “How long have you been living here?”

  “A little over a year. Everything’s not like I want it, but I told Madison she could decorate the inside. I want to make a few more changes out here.”

  “I like the deck,” Gerald commented.

  “I had it added on after I moved in. We have enough land back here for me to get a hot tub installed.”

  “Now that would be nice. Me and the wife might have to drop by more often,” Jerry commented.

  Gerald shook his head. “How are you going to invite yourself over to somebody else’s house? Welcome to the family man.” He reached out and placed his hand on Ethan’s shoulder.

  Madison’s entire family showed up within the hour. The men and kids were outside and most of the women were inside the kitchen and dining room area. Madison walked outside and whispered in Ethan’s ear.

  “I hope I remember where everything is,” she said to him. “They’re pressing me for a tour. I don’t want them to see we live in separate rooms.”

  “I can go with you if you like.”

  “No. Stay out here and entertain the men.”

  She walked back into the house. “Ladies, are y’all ready for the tour?” she asked. “Deposit a dollar in the jar when we’re finished.”

  “Ha ha,” April chided.

  Madison looped her arm through her mom’s and led them back towards the front door. “To my left is the living room.” Since she wasn’t too sure herself what was in the rooms, she ad-libbed as she showed them the living room, den and office downstairs. It was now time to show them the upstairs.

  “Mom, do you need some help?” Madison asked her mother.

  “No, I think I’ll be able to make it up these stairs,” her mother replied.

  They were all amazed at the spaciousness of the house. After showing off the décor of other portions of the house, Madison tried to steer away from the bedrooms.

  Adrienne placed her hand on the master bedroom doorknob. “I want to see the master bedroom.”

  Ethel said, “Maybe she wants a little privacy.”

  “It’s alright, Mom.�
� She walked forward. Adrienne moved out of the way. She sighed before opening the door.

  Everybody was amazed at the high post bed.

  Madison had to admit; this was the one room Ethan had decorated perfectly.

  “This is where I like to sit and read,” Madison said as she sat on the beautiful chaise in the corner by the window.

  “I don’t blame you. This is a nice view of the backyard too,” Pam commented.

  “On this side you can see the front yard,” Ethel noted.

  “I love your bathroom,” Janice stated.

  April added, “It’s a little too manly for me though.”

  “Everybody is not into pinks and baby blues like you,” Adrienne sneered.

  Ethel shot Adrienne a look. “Ladies, I think we’ve invaded Madison and Ethan’s privacy enough.”

  They exited the room and Madison closed the door behind them. Adrienne lagged behind and whispered while spreading her two fingers, “April is this close from me telling her off.”

  “You need to quit,” Madison told her.

  “She thinks she’s the only one who knows how to decorate.”

  Ethel said, “Shh. If I can hear you, she can too.”

  “I don’t care,” Adrienne stated.

  “Please save it for another time,” Madison pleaded.

  Adrienne moved pass everyone and walked outside.

  ***

  The men set up the tables and chairs. The kids sat at one table and the men and women at the other tables. Ethan, Frederick, Madison and her parents sat at the same table.

  Ethan stood up. He looked down towards his right side at Madison and smiled. “Madison and I would like to thank everyone for coming today,” he said. “With my job schedule, I know this is only your second time meeting me, but I feel like I’m part of the family already.”

  Frederick, who was sitting on his left, accidentally spilled his drink. Ethan cut his eyes at him.

  “Mr. Allen, Will you bless the food?” Ethan asked as he sat down and squeezed Madison’s hand.

  Napoleon said, “Hold the person’s hands sitting next to you and bow your heads please.” He paused before praying. “Father, we would like to thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you for bringing my family together one more time. I know you are an all-knowing God. Please bless this union between my daughter and son-in law…”

  Ethan looked at Madison after she squeezed his hands a little too tight. He saw tears flowing down her face. He was tempted to reach over and wipe her face, but he refrained.

  Napoleon continued to pray. “Watch over my grandkids as they deal with issues of this world. Bless this food we’re about to eat. Amen.”

  Everyone said, “Amen.”

  “Let’s grub,” Napoleon said with a smile on his face.

  Everyone piled food on their plates. Light conversations were made in between bites.

  “I could kiss whoever cooked these beans,” Ethan said after eating a mouthful.

  Adrienne blushed. “I’m glad you like them. Madison begged me to make them for you.”

  “I’m glad she did. The barbecue would have been incomplete without them,” Ethan complemented.

  Madison was glad her family and Ethan were getting along great. “I’ll be right back. I need to get the dessert out the kitchen,” Madison said.

  Ethan stood and said, “I’ll help you.”

  Frederick said, “It takes both of y’all…”

  Before he could finish, Napoleon interrupted. “Let them be, son. Newlyweds are strange creatures.”

  Madison and Ethan smiled as they walked into the kitchen. She sighed. “Whew. This has been a day.”

  “You’re doing fine,” he told her.

  “I know, but Frederick almost-”

  “He’s pulling your string. He likes to joke, and if he knows he’s got you sweating, he’ll continue to get in jabs.”

  They both turned when they heard a knock at the door. “Who could that be? Everybody I invited is here,” Madison stated.

  “I don’t know. Wait right here and I’ll go see.” Ethan walked away.

  Madison opened the refrigerator and took out the banana pudding and lemon meringue pie. She was placing them on the table when Ethan walked in with a woman she had never met.

  “Madison, this is Joyce.” Ethan hand gestured. “Joyce, Madison.”

  Madison reached her hand out. Joyce pulled her in for a hug and said, “Girl, we’re like family. Give me a hug.”

  “Nice meeting you,” Madison said.

  “I would have been over here earlier, but my boys had a game.”

  “We’re about to eat dessert, but there’s still food outside, so help yourself,” Madison stated.

  Madison picked up the banana pudding and was about to pick up the lemon meringue pie when Joyce said, “Let me help you with that.”

  Joyce grabbed the pie. Ethan picked up the pound cake and sweet potato pie.

  Everybody was eagerly awaiting the dessert. As they placed items on the table, Ethan said, “Everybody, this is my cousin Joyce.”

  Some replied, “Hi,” as they all dug in and helped themselves to the dessert of their choice.

  The rest of the afternoon went by without any incidents to Ethan’s relief. He didn’t know what to expect after Joyce arrived.

  “Madison, we made it through the day,” he said as he closed the door behind their last guest.

  “I’m exhausted,” Madison responded.

  “Me too. I’ll get those dishes in the morning.”

  “I hate to leave dirty dishes, but I’m emotionally drained right now.”

  “You want to talk about it.”

  “Let me go get out of these clothes and I’ll meet you back downstairs.”

  “Meet me in my bedroom,” Ethan suggested.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

  “I promise. I won’t bite.”

  “Okay.”

  “That is unless you want me to,” he teased.

  Chapter 33

  Ethan was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. He was laying across the bed flipping stations when Madison walked in. She laid down beside him and hugged him.

  “Thanks,” she told him.

  “For what?” he asked.

  “For going beyond the call of duty.”

  “When I agreed to be your husband, I took my duties seriously,” he joked.

  “You’re so silly.”

  “And you’re so beautiful.” His eyes sparkled as he spoke.

  She paused before saying anything. “The tour of the house was a trip. I had to make up stuff. And you know the ring leader, Adrienne, asked plenty of questions.”

  “Did you show them big daddy’s room?” He laughed.

  “Yes, we came in here. Thankfully, I didn’t have to show them the other guest room, because my stuff was all over the bed.”

  “Why not?”

  “Adrienne was about to tear into April and by then everybody was ready to go back downstairs.”

  “April seems cool to me.”

  “She is, but she said something to set Adrienne off.”

  “Well the men folk didn’t have any drama. Your Dad had us laughing with some of the stories he was telling. I’m beginning to love your family.”

  “Don’t go getting too comfortable. In a few more months you’ll be going about your merry way.”

  He turned over onto his back, placed his arms under his neck and looked at her. “Don’t even think about getting rid of me,” he said.

  “I’m not. I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

  He pulled her down to his chest and began rubbing his hands through her hair. “Madison, how many times do we have to go over this? Regardless of our little predicament, we’re going to be together. Who knows? One day you may really become the real Mrs. Campbell.”

  “Who knows?” Madison said before falling asleep in his arms.

  Ethan carefully moved her and placed her under the covers. She reached out
to him throughout the night. He wanted her so much and with her this close, it was making it harder for him to restrain himself. When he woke up, her legs were wrapped around him. He attempted to move without waking her, but as soon as he moved, she woke up.

  She rubbed her eyes and yawned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you up all night,” she said.

  “I’ll accept your apology after I take a cold shower,” he told her.

  He jumped out of bed without giving her a chance to respond and headed straight for the shower.

  This water feels good, he thought as he rinsed the soap off of his body. But it’s not helping my situation. Madison, we need to hurry up and do something about this. I hope things work out with this paternity test. Either way it goes, I’m going to be a man about it and accept my responsibilities. When he stepped out of the shower, he called out for Madison, but she didn’t respond. Good, she’s left the room.

  He wrapped the towel around his waist and was startled to see her sitting on his bed with her legs crossed when he entered the room.

  “I thought you had left,” he told her.

  “No. Then I would have missed seeing you walk out half naked.”

  He looked down and pretended to be covering himself. “I’m shocked.”

  “I’m aroused,” she teased.

  “Madison, leave now or I won’t be held accountable for what I do next.”

  “You promise?” she asked as she stood up.

  “Don’t have me call your momma,” he said as she turned to walk out the door.

  “Don’t have me call yours,” she retorted.

  ***

  Madison looked at the time and contemplated on whether or not she would go to church. She hadn’t attended in awhile. She was lying to her coworkers and family, but she wouldn’t dare go into the church sanctuary with the cross she had been carrying around. People would ask her about her husband and she would be forced to lie. She refused to be struck down on the church premises.

  She poured herself a cup of coffee and began reading the Sunday paper. Ethan walked in the kitchen dressed in a tailor made gray pinstriped suit.