“Goodnight, Mr. Patel.”
“Goodnight, Camille.”
He hung his coat in the closet before heading to the couch where Amaia sat.
“Are you feeling alright?” he noticed she was rubbing her abdomen.
“Yes, I’m fine.” Her voice was stiff.
He let out a soft sigh before sitting down. “We need to talk about the scene you witnessed earlier.”
“I’m not in the mood to hear it right now. I’d rather eat first.” She got up and headed to the kitchen.
He followed her there. Camille had prepared two plates of food. She had made asparagus with hollandaise sauce, rice pilaf and stemmed chicken breasts. Amaia picked up a plate and headed to the dining room. Aahsod followed. They both began to eat in silence.
“Amaia, I can’t sit here in silence like this. We have never been reticent with one another.”
“I’m having trouble comprehending why you never told me about Monica Kellerman.”
“That was a period in my life that I really did not want to relive.” He stated.
“Does Tahj know about her?”
“Yes, but he doesn’t know the full circumstances behind our breakup.”
“Do you mind telling me those circumstances?”
“Of course not, you are my wife and have a right to know. I would not want to purposely keep something like this from you.”
“I’m glad. Please start at the beginning.”
Amaia waited patiently. He let out a soft sigh before he began to talk.
“I had been working at Karmikell’s Enterprises for four years when Monica and I met. She modeled occasionally for Karmikell’s Fashions. We had dated for only two days when we became intimate. That alone should have made me skeptical. Two months later, she became pregnant and I was happy. She stated that she was just beginning a modeling career and a baby would interfere with her plans. She informed me that she planned to abort the baby. This was worse for me that what Jovita had done. She got angry when I would try to convince her to have the child. She stopped letting me touch her. She took joy in telling me that I was not the only man she was having sex with. After some time had passed she informed me that she had already aborted the baby because it absolved any type of commitment with me and allowed her to be more brazen with her affairs. She said she was only with me because of my money but she realized she could get that any where due to her skills in bed. I was so horrified when she finished talking that I told her she was nothing but an atrocity and never wanted to see her again. Our paths have not crossed again until now. I do not believe that her son is mine. I am sure that I am not the only Indian she slept with.”
Amaia sat there quietly. Her silence was nerve racking. Finally she spoke.
“After what she and Jovita put you through, it is a miracle that you didn’t become a misogynist. What are you going to do about this situation?”
“DNA testing to find out if she is telling the truth so she can’t hold Aahmod over my head.”
“I agree one hundred percent. I’ll be right there with you. Why is she doing this now?”
“She said someone paid her five thousand dollars to come tell me about Aahmod. I promise you that I will try to get to the bottom of this.”
Amaia got up from the table and walked over to sit in his lap. “I love you, Aahsod.”
“I love you too.” He pulled her head down for a kiss.
She braced her hands on his chest. When she did, she felt something in his shirt pocket. She broke the kiss to see what was in his pocket. Aahsod grabbed her hand to keep her from removing the picture.
“It’s a picture of Aahmod.”
“I’d like to see it.”
He released her hand to allow her to remove the picture and study it. She took a deep breath before talking.
“He’s part Indian.” Her voice was trembling and tears brimmed in her eyes.
Aahsod reached up and caressed her cheek. “You don’t have to get upset. Like I said, I am sure I am not the only Indian she slept with. Let’s wait until we know the truth.”
“You’re right. I don’t want to become upset during my pregnancy. I have my health and the health of our children to think about. I just have one more question.”
“Which is?”
“You talked about her working for the Karmikell’s and adding up Aahmod’s age. Is the relationship you had with her the reason for the by-laws at the company?”
Aahsod sighed. “Yes.”
“My God! I can only imagine what others think once they saw her there today.”
“Amaia, it was eleven years ago. No one cares.”
“They cared enough to set those by laws.”
“I have changed completely. You changed me a lot in the last two years. I never thought I would find love like this.”
Amaia caressed his cheek. “Neither did I.” she said with a sigh.
“I’m tired. Let’s take a shower and go to bed.” Aahsod stated.
“Yes, let’s go to bed.” She gave him a sexy smile.
“That look tells me that I’m in for a sleepless night.”
She only laughed as she escorted him out of the dining room and upstairs.
Jacob Jennings decided to have along talk with his wife, Naomi. He walked over to her as she sat on the loveseat. He handed her a cup of herbal tea. “Naomi, we need to talk.”
“There isn’t anything for us to talk about, Jacob.” She stated as she sipped her tea before placing it on the saucer on the coffee table.
Jacob sighed and sat down beside her. “Darling, you have to stop betraying your daughter. Amaia was nearly crushed by you not attending her wedding again. Do you really think it is fair that you treat her this way? You have lost so many good years with her. You have to tell her.”
Tears formed in Naomi’s eyes. “I can’t tell her, Jacob.”
“You have to baby. I’m sure she will understand.”
Naomi nodded as her husband pulled her into a loving embrace.
Chapter 13The next day Cayle and Raechel picked up their adopted children from the airport. Acacia Maria Jennings and Esteban Guillermo Jennings were glad to see them.
“We are taking you to meet your new grandmother.” Cayle stated.
“The one that might be angry about us being Hispanic?” Esteban asked.
“Yes. Just don’t get upset if things don’t go well. We love you unconditionally.” Raechel stated.
They both nodded as they followed them out of the airport.
When the arrived at Naomi’s house Cayle got them to stay in the Escalade while they went to talk to his mother. They ran the doorbell and she yelled from them to come in. She was resting peacefully in her recliner when they entered the house.
“Hello, Mom.”
“Hi Cayle. Raechel. What brings you two over?” Naomi asked with a bright smile.
“We have something we need to discuss with you.” Raechel stated.
“Which is?”
“We adopted to orphans while we were in Mexico.” Cayle stated.
“Mexican children?”
“Yes, a boy and a girl.” Raechel responded.
“When can I meet them?” Naomi asked with a sigh.
“They are outside in the Escalade.”
“Bring them in.”
When they entered the house, Naomi’s eyes immediately went to the girls rounded abdomen making her hug her abdomen protectively.
“Mom, this is Acacia. She is seventeen and six months pregnant.” Raechel stated.
“Nice to meet you Acacia.” Naomi stated with a little smile.
“You too.” Acacia replied.
“This is Esteban. He is sixteen.” Cayle stated.
“Nice to meet you as well, Esteban.”
“Same here, Mrs. Jennings.” Esteban replied.
Naomi slowly stood up. “I think it is best for the both of you to call me grandma.” She said stunning everyone in the room. She hugged both of them before everyone sat down to
talk. Jacob just smiled at his son before having a seat.
Amaia was in her office going over the fashion show budget when Aahsod entered.
“Always hard at work.” He stated going behind her desk to nibble on her neck.
Amaia sighed and gave into the pleasure. Her phone ringing broke the tranquility of the moment.
“Amaia Patel.”
“Hi, sis, it’s Cayle.”
“Hi, Cayle, are you in town?”
“Yes, Raechel and I would like to have lunch with you and Aahsod at the Brooch.”
“Is one o’clock okay for lunch?” She asked her brother.
“We will meet you there.”
“We look forward to it.” Amaia stated hanging up the phone.
“I hope you can make it. I did not think to ask you.”
“I am caught up enough.”
“I wonder what they are doing in town.”
“Well we will find out soon enough. Let me get back to work so I can be truly ready for lunch. When are we meeting them?”
“The Brooch.”
“I’ll see you soon.” He kissed her cheek before departing.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Cayle and Raechel were already seated.
“I hope the two of you haven’t been waiting long.” Aahsod stated.
“No, we just arrived shortly before the two of your.” Cayle replied.
The waiter took their orders. “How’s the pregnancy going?” Raechel asked.
“Things are fine for a woman having twins.”
“Twins!” They responded in unison.
“Yes, we found out yesterday.” Aahsod said.
“What are you two doing in California?” Amaia asked.
“Moving here.” Raechel replied with a bright smile.
“Really!”
“We closed on the house today. We wanted to wait until everything was finalized before we said anything to anyone.” Cayle stated.
“Where is the house located?” Aahsod asked.
“About ten blocks from the two of you.”
“You mean the Olin’s house?”
“That’s the one.” Raechel stated with another bright smile.
“That house has five bedrooms doesn’t it?” Aahsod asked.
“Yes. It also has five full baths, living room, dining room, huge kitchen, a library, closed in swimming area, cathedral ceilings, deep mahogany wooden floors, a huge family room and three car garages.” Cayle replied.
“Why such a large house?” Amaia inquired.
“Remember I told you I had a surprise.” Cayle stated.
“Yes, I remember. What is it?” Amaia asked with excitement.
“Well we hope to be grandparents one day.’
“What aren’t you telling us?” Amaia asked.
They looked at one another before Raechel spoke. “We finalized the adoption of a girl and boy who are brother and sister.”
“That’s great!” Aahsod declared.
“When do we get to meet them?” Amaia asked.
“This weekend. We are having their school records transferred today.” Cayle stated.
“Oh, you aren’t getting infants.” Amaia said.
“We don’t need infants with our fast paced lifestyles. With me being a lawyer and Raechel being a radiologist, we wouldn’t have time for infants. They would end up being raised by a nanny.” Cayle replied.
“What are their ages?” Aahsod asked.
“Acacia is seventeen and pregnant. Esteban is sixteen. They are Latino but speak perfect English. They have had a hard life. They were orphaned when their mother died of an overdose of heroin. We met them when we were visiting Mexico and touring the orphanage.”
“If you are happy, then I am happy. How far long is Acacia?”
“Six months,” replied Raechel.
“How do Raeshawn and Caye feel about all of this?” Amaia asked.
“They are ecstatic. They have chosen to stay in New York until they both graduate from college before moving here.”
“Well congratulations and good luck.” Aahsod said with a smile.
“Why don’t you come to the house Saturday and bring Acacia and Esteban with you?” Amaia asked.
“Thanks, sis, we look forward to it.”
Chapter 14Saturday came in a rush. Cayle and Raechel were over with Acacia and Esteban. They were all sitting in the living room. Acacia was very beautiful. She was 5’4” with naturally curly, black, shoulder length hair. She had darkly tanned skin. Esteban was a handsome darkly tanned 5’6” young man. He had naturally curly short black hair.
“Acacia, have you thought of any baby names?” Amaia asked.
“I was told that I am having a boy so I want to name him Mio Salvador. Mio means mine and Salvador means Savior. I think of him as a blessing from God that saved my life.”
“I like the name. You might want to pick out a girl name just in case the doctors are wrong.” Amaia replied with a smile before the phone rang.
She answered on the first ring. “Hello?”
“Hi, Princess. I am calling to check on you.”
“Hello, daddy. I’m fine.”
“I have someone that wants to speak with you.”
“Okay.” Amaia responded confused.
“Amaia, this is your mother.”
“Hi, mom, how are you?” she was trying to keep her emotions under control as she looked over at Aahsod.
“I’m fine. I’d like to see you tomorrow. Can you come and bring your husband?”
“Do you really mean this, mom?”
“Yes. I’m giving your brother and sister in law as well as my new grandchildren a dinner tomorrow. I’d like for you and your husband to join us.”
“As I’m sure you remember that I’m pregnant. I don’t want to attempt an evening at your house if it will only upset me. I have my health and the health of my twins to think about.”
“You are having twins?” Naomi asked in astonishment.
“Yes. Mom, I would really like to know what made you call me. You haven’t spoken to me since before Aahsod and I got married.”
“I’ve been talking with the pastor of my church about my feelings.”
“What did Rev. Perry say?”
“He has been helping me come to terms with my feelings. He wanted me to realize that Aahsod is a human being not a color. I want to change and have a relationship with Aahsod and repair the one we have. Will you come?”
“We’ll be there.”
“I love you Amaia.”
“I love you too, mom.” Amaia hung up the phone with a shaky hand.
“I can’t believe she actually called.” Cayle was flabbergasted. “She said she would but I am still stunned.
“It seems like a dream.” Amaia stated.
“Did she invite you and Aahsod over for dinner tomorrow night?”
“Yes but I forgot to ask what time.”
“Eight.”
“I am glad she is finally coming around.” Aahsod stated.
“How did she react to Acacia and Esteban?” Amaia inquired.
“Amazingly she accepted them. She just stated that we had to give her a little time for her to come to terms with Acacia’s pregnancy.”
“Is Beverlee going to be there?” asked Amaia.
“Yes but ignore her like you always do.” Cayle stated.
“If she decides to start trouble, we’ll just leave. I won’t jeopardize my wife or children’s health due to a confrontation with Beverlee.” Aahsod stated.
“I don’t blame you. We’d better go so Acacia can get her rest. We will see you tomorrow night.”
After seeing them to their car, Amaia and Aahsod went upstairs to get some rest.
Monica was sitting in the hotel room removing her make up when Aahmod tapped on the adjoining door.
“Mom, may I come in?”
“Yes, son.”
“Why are we even doing this?”
“You have a right to get to know your fath
er.” She stood up to face him. It amazed her how tall her eleven year old son was. He was already 5’7”.
“I haven’t known him for eleven years.”
“But that was my fault. We had a bad break up. He did not know about you and I truly thought I was doing the right thing.”
“I just don’t think I need him in my life.”
“Aahmod, you have to have some type of stability in your life when I am gone.”
“Stop talking like that, mom.”
“Aahmod, you know that I am HIV positive. I found out two months ago. You know my t-cell count does not look good. Within the next five years I will be in full blown AIDS. You will need some type of security. Your father can give you that security. Luckily I contracted this after you were born so I don’t have to worry about you or Aahsod having this dreaded disease. One thing I will make sure of is that you are provided for now and when I am gone.”
He hugged her fiercely. “I love you, mom. You are the best mother a guy could ever ask for.”
Monica cried softly as she held her son. She prayed he never had to find out about her horrible past. He had always been the bright spot in her life to show that she was good for something other than lying down with men for money. She pulled back to look her son in the eyes.
“Aahmod, not matter what anyone says about me, I just want you to always remember how much I love you.”
“Mom, no one can ever change my thinking of you. You have always been there for me for everything.”
“It is time for you to go to bed. We have a lot of sight seeing to do tomorrow.”
“Good night.” He left her room to go to bed.
The next night, Amaia was sitting at her vanity table combing the back of her hair when Aahsod walked into the room.
“You are going to comb yourself bald. I know you’re nervous but just remember, I’ll be right at your side.”
Amaia placed the comb on the table. “I just hope everything goes well.”
“I’m sure it will. Let’s go.”
When they arrived, the door was opened by Raechel. “Hi you two come on in.”
They hugged and kissed her on the cheek before entering the house.
“Where’s mom?”
“In the dining room setting the table.”
“I’m going to go introduce Aahsod to her.”
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