Truly Madly Deeply

by Knox, Sara S.

  “Ambi, I am sure we all agree that you have a nice body but that swimsuit is too distracting. Why don’t you look in the shopping bags that I brought and find you another swimsuit? I am sure you will find something to your liking.”

  “Does that mean Daesha has to change?”

  “A booty shorts are fine but dear what you are wearing leaving nothing to the imagination.”

  “What if I refuse?”

  “Have you forgotten who you work for?”

  “Is that a threat?”

  “I don’t make threats. If I do, you better believe I will follow through. Either change or suffer the consequences.”

  Ambi was about to respond when Tahj stopped her. “Just go change, dear.” He said in a too calm voice.

  “Cabin 1.” Persefani said with a smile in her voice.

  Ambi walked away fuming but knew she needed to keep her job and not make any enemies with her bosses. Ambi flipped through the bathing suits and finally found one to her liking. It was bright orange with a gold ring in the center that she was hoping would draw all eyes to her breasts and the seamless low rise booty shorts bottom matched perfectly. When she emerged this time, everybody was more relaxed.

  All the men were wearing swim trunks of various styles and colors. Everybody was relaxing and enjoying the caviar and Cristal champagne. Sitara was talking to E.J. about how strenuous her rotations in medical school would be in September. Laertes and Persefani were having an intimate conversation. Ambi was focused on trying to figure out what Rahjah and Daesha were conversing about. Tahj was just calm and relaxing in the sun. Daesha was lying on her stomach on the lounge chair.

  “Daesha, I think Ambi feels out done by your sexiness. She can’t take her eyes off the two of us.” But he knew the real reason she was staring so hard.

  Daesha glances back at her with a smile that angered Ambi. Daesha laughed. “It is sad. I won’t get into a competition with her. I wore what was comfortable for me.”

  “You are still sexy as hell.” Rahjah stated giving her rounded bottom a gentle caress.

  Ambi could not take it anymore. She rushed over to them. “You make me sick, Daesha!”

  “What!” Daesha turned over to face her.

  “Stop acting so phony with Rahjah! You are only doing this to make my husband jealous! Leave him alone!”

  “You are crazy!” Daesha stood up.

  “You are the one that is crazy in love with my husband! You will do anything to torture him because he chose me!”

  Tahj rushed over to them. “Ambi, stop it. Now is not the time.”

  “Tahj, I won’t allow her to continue ruining our lives. She needs to move on with her life.”

  “Ambi, it is amazing how you twisted this for your gratification. You seem to need to be the center of attention. I was hoping to get to know you and your daughter better so I could move on with my life. You have ruined any hopes of that. It is funny how you seem to think that you are the only victim in this situation. I was completely in the dark about your marriage to my steady boyfriend at the time. I get the shock of my life when I come home for the summer assuming I would be spending quality time with my boyfriend. You are right about Tahj choosing you. Take some time to really think about why he chose you. Yes, I still love him but I plan to go on with my life. Rahjah has been a wonderful friend to me during this entire situation. If he chooses to touch me then it is between the two of us. It is amazing how you have shed a whole new light on this entire situation. You are truly unhappy and have to deal with it. I truly wish you a wonderful life with Tahj and your daughter. Now that you have caused an embarrassing scene for all of us, I will rectify it by asking if there is any music to liven things up.”

  Ambi started to speak but E.J. stopped her. “Ambi, do us all a favor and keep your mouth shut the remainder of this outing so we can have some fun and you can keep your job.”

  Persefani turned on some slow music so that everyone could dance close. Ambi was surprised when Tahj pulled her into an embrace.

  “Let all of this go. We are going to be together and be happy. We can make things work if we really try. We have a wonderful future ahead of us. You just have to let go of this situation with Daesha and hold onto us.”

  “Do you really mean it, Tahj?”

  “I mean it. I am willing to try if you are.”

  “We can give it our best shot.”

  All heads turned when they heard Persefani squeal. “Laertes just asked me to marry him.”

  “Well?” he inquired as he slipped a five carat diamond ring on her finger.

  “Yes!” she jumped into his arms.

  All the women were admiring her ring. Tahj looked down at Ambi’s left ring finger and an idea sprang into his head. He walked over to her and turned her to face him. He looked into her eyes.

  “Ambi, will you marry me again in a formal ceremony?”

  Ambi was so stunned at first. “Yes, of course.” She responded with a bright smile before he kissed her.

  Rahjah and Daesha had to both force smiles on their face as they congratulated both couples. Ambi looked at Daesha with a smile on her face.

  “Daesha, I want to truly apologize for my behavior. I want to show you that I can be the bigger woman by asking you to be my Maid of Honor.”

  Chapter 29Daesha was dumbfounded at first but quickly recovered. She decided she would not allow Ambi to win. “I would love to be your maid of honor as long as I get to pick out my own dress.”

  “Of course.” She said with a smile as she turned back to her husband and hugged him lovingly.

  Rahjah pulled her over to the side to speak privately with her. “I thought you were not going to get into a competition with her?” Rahjah asked softly.

  “The bitch does not play fair.”

  “Exactly. I am sure she is up to something. Don’t do this.”

  “I think I can handle her.”

  “What is this going to prove?”

  “That I can go on with my life.”

  “By being in their wedding?”

  “Yes with you as my escort.”

  “No, I won’t do it.”

  “I wasn’t asking.” Daesha whispered to him and before he could respond she was calling out Ambi’s name to get her attention.

  “Yes?” Ambi responded turning to face Daesha.

  “I want Rahjah to be my escort at the wedding.”

  “Sure.” She had to force a smile this time. She looked at Tahj. “Can we have the ceremony before Daesha has to return to college?”

  “Sure. When would you like to have it?”

  “Since I don’t want a huge wedding party, how about next weekend.”

  “I will see what I can arrange.”

  “Daesha and I can go look for dresses tomorrow.”

  “Sounds fine to me.” Daesha replied giving Ambi the same look of fake content she was giving her.

  Amaia and Aahsod were taking a nap when there was a knock on their bedroom door.

  “Yes?” Aahsod inquired.

  “Dad, its Aahmod.”

  “Come on in son.”

  “Aahmod, what are you doing here?” Aahsod inquired as he stood up off the bed when his son entered the room.

  “Mom dropped me off. I might have to come live with you.”

  “What is going on? This does not make sense. Monica could at least sit down and make arrangements.”

  “Mom has been sick for some time. She won’t tell me what is wrong.” Aahmod lied. He hated lying but he had to protect his mother. “She had to go see a specialist and said she would not be back for some time and that I needed to see if I could live with you. She is going to have some experimental treatments done.” Aahmod broke down crying because what he was saying was true. He just could not tell them about her illness.

  Amaia got off the bed to comfort him. She held him close as he cried. “Aahmod, we need to at least talk to her at some point before school resumes to make sure you are properly enrolled in school.”
He just nodded against her shoulder.

  “Come on son; let’s go play some chess to get your mind off of this.”

  Aahmod nodded and followed him out of the room. Amaia let out a sigh before the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Mom, you are not going to believe what has happened.”

  “Daesha, where are you?”

  “Leaving the port after being on the Karmikell’s yacht.”

  “What is going on?”

  “Tahj asked Ambi to marry him again in a formal wedding ceremony and she asked me to be her maid of honor.”

  “Daesha that’s freaky. What did you say?”

  “I said yes with the stipulations that I get to pick out my own dress and have Rahjah as my escort.”

  “Honey, I think you might be playing with fire.”

  “I can handle this, Mom.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I am on my way back so we will discuss all of today’s drama when I get there.”

  “Okay, see you soon.”

  After hanging up, Daesha was smiling to herself when she thought about her day with Ambi tomorrow. Ambi was beaming with excitement in the vehicle as her and Tahj headed home. She was on her cell phone talking with her parents. They agreed to stay another week for the wedding ceremony. Her father assured her that he would handle everything with acquiring a church for his daughter. Her sister in law agreed to be one of her bridesmaids and her niece Raevyn would be the flower girl. Rahjah’s sister Sitara would be her other bridesmaid. Eleven year old Aahmod would be have to be her ring bearer. Tahj was praying that this wedding would cause some of the tension between families to die down. He would call his mother for an invite to the wedding when he arrived home.

  Daesha was at Sierra’s house explaining everything to her as Sierra rocked RoRo.

  “Have you lost all sense God gave you?”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Ambi is up to no good. You better watch your back.”

  “I am watching my back. I’m going to miss you when I go back to Miami.”

  “I hate that your are leaving me. There is no telling when I will see you again since your crazy ass plans to live in Miami after you graduate. I can’t believe you would allow Tahj and his bitch ass wife to make you move to another state so far away.”

  “I am doing it for my sanity.”

  “Daesha, you should have gotten a little taste of his handsome cousin, Rahjah. That dude can make a woman moist with just his looks.”

  “How can you even say that while holding your son? And Rahjah is just a friend.”

  “RoRo doesn’t understand.” She said as she kissed him on the mouth making him squeal with delight.

  “You really shouldn’t worry about anyone making you wet but Roman.”

  “Oh believe me, Roman makes me plenty wet.”

  “TMI! I better get going.” Daesha stated leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek as RoRo pulled her hair. When Daesha stood up, Roman was entering the bedroom.

  “Hey, Daesha, what’s up?”

  “Nothing much, how about you?”

  “Got some good news for my wife and son.”

  Sierra stood up with RoRo on her hip. “What’s up, baby?”

  “I just got word that I have been picked for the NFL draft with the Miami Dolphins baby!”

  Sierra squealed and wrapped her free arm around his neck. He pulled back and kissed her first then RoRo. “I love you both, ma.”

  “We love you too, daddy.”

  “I am happy for the two of you.” Daesha stated with a big smile.

  Sierra turned to her. “This works out for the two of us. I’ll be in Miami with you!”

  “Oh my God! That’s right!” Daesha declared with excitement.

  Sierra handed RoRo to Roman so that she could hug Daesha. When their hug was over, Daesha congratulated them again and departed so they could celebrate as a family.

  Chapter 30Monday came at a rush. All the women were with Ambi. Deva had even brought Ambi’s niece Raevyn. Ambi had picked out a beautiful slinky antique beige wedding dress with plunging neckline and fishtail skirt in white satin. Ambi would not be wearing a veil. Her father agreed to buy her a French inspired gold tiara with diamond hearts and pearl centers. Daesha had picked out their dresses which were a Venetian gold full-length v-neck Chiffon gown with empire waist, rhinestone pave buttons at back waist and matte satin bodice. Raevyn’s dress was an emerald green jewel neckline matte satin flower girl dress with empire waist and medallion. The dress that Ambi would change into was a midnight blue tea-length v-neck dress with cap sleeves and matching ribbon belt. When everyone was satisfied with what they would be wearing, they headed home. Amaia was in the living room with the twins when Daesha arrived. She showed Amaia the dress and matching shoes.

  “Beautiful. Hair up or down?”

  “Up because that is how she is wearing hers since she will be wearing a true diamond tiara.”

  “I still hope you know what you are doing.”

  “Mom, it will be over with soon and I can move on.” She said heading upstairs to put her dress away.

  Tahj’s mother agreed to come for the wedding and bring Joi and Juan with her. Her husband was away in Japan on business. Joi and Juan were happy to see their older brother.

  “You look handsome son.” She said as she hugged and kissed him.

  “Thanks and you are lovely, mother.”

  “Where’s my granddaughter?”

  “With her other grandmother and her mother in the bridal suite.”

  “Joi and I will go say hello.”

  Ambi was a vision off loveliness when Jovita and Joi entered the bridal suite.

  “Ambi, you are beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Jovita. I am happy you could all make it. This is my mother, Arion Dalal.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Arion. May I hold my granddaughter?” Jovita inquired of Arion Dalal.

  “Of course,” she handed the baby to Jovita.

  The women from the bridal party entered and Daesha hugged Jovita and Joi immediately.

  “We better go so everyone can finish getting ready.” Jovita stated handing the baby back to Arion.

  Once everyone was seated in the church, the processional music began. Daesha was escorted by Rahjah. Sitara was escorted by E.J. Deva was escorted by her husband Tandu. After Raevyn and Aahmod had entered, the pastor asked everyone to stand for the entering of the bride. Here comes the bride began playing and Judge Dalal escorted his daughter down the aisle. Tahj could not get over how beautiful his bride was. Neither could Rahjah wishing it was him she was being escorted to. Daesha was thinking the same of Ambi but forced herself to continue to smile as well as Rahjah. Once the wedding was over and the reception was going full blast, Ambi had changed into her other dress. She was in the bathroom with her mother talking when Daesha walked up to the door and heard the conversation.

  “Ambi, I just do not understand why you had Daesha in your wedding. You have to look at those pictures every day.”

  “I know mom but so does Tahj and he will remember that he asked me to remarry him in front of Daesha. I want her to always remember this day as well so that she can remember that he still chose me over her.”

  “I don’t like the way your mind is lately.”

  Ambi was about to respond when Daesha opened the door. “Mrs. Dalal would you please give us some privacy.” Daesha’s face was holding a too calm expression.

  “I don’t think that is such a good idea. Ambi come back to the reception area.”

  “I can handle myself, mother. Go on back the reception area.”

  Arion Dalal departed with some hesitancy. Once her mother was gone Ambi gave Daesha a wicked smile.

  “Did you really think that I was truly burying the hatchet?” Ambi asked with a depraved smile.

  “Yes in my back. Did you really think I wasn’t aware? Especially after that stunt you pulled with the Jim Bean.”


  “Then why are you so upset?”

  “I really haven’t had the opportunity to talk to you alone.”

  “There is nothing that you can say that would matter at this point. Tahj is still married to me. He went above and beyond to show you that he chose me. You need to get a life.”

  Daesha got face to face with her. “He only chose you for his daughter’s sake. If you did not have her, you would not have him. Tahj loves me and will always love me. I gave him something rare and beautiful that I know you did not give him. I gave him my virginity out of love. That will burn in the back of his mind for eternity.”

  “Yet he sleeps with me every night.”

  “Sleeping is one thing but making love is another.”

  “He makes love to me.”

  “While thinking of me.”

  Anger made Ambi punch Daesha. Daesha staggered back and regained her composure too quickly for Ambi. She punched back. They were in a deep brawl by the time Tahj entered pulling Daesha off of Ambi.

  “Are you okay, Daesha?” He asked looking her torn dress and bruised face.

  She pulled out of his grasp. “I’m fine.”

  He helped Ambi up. “Thanks for the concern, dear husband.” She stated as she touched her swollen bloody lip and bruised eye.

  “You told your mother you could handle her so why should I be concerned?”

  Ambi slapped him. “You bastard, you have not right to talk to me like that in front of her!”

  “Ambi, I heard the entire conversation outside of the door. I came when your mother told me you decided to have a private conversation. I only entered when the two of you started fighting.”

  She started crying. “How can you be so cold to me? I thought you loved me. You said you wanted this to work.”

  “I do love you and I hope as time goes by that I will eventually fall in love with you. We have a child together that we have to think about. This game playing you are doing is stupid. Daesha has chosen to go on with her life so allow her to as I am.”

  His words shocked Daesha back to reality of the entire situation. She started crying herself and ran out of the bathroom. Tahj ran and caught her. Ambi broke down crying worse when her husband departed leaving her alone in the bathroom.