“I know. I couldn’t wait to see you.” Dwayne slid an arm around her waist and crushed his mouth against hers in a greedy, demanding kiss.
“Hellooooo! I’m still here.”
Valencia tore her mouth away. “Oh, my goodness. I forgot I’m on FaceTime with my friend. Sorry, Leah.”
“Yeah, yeah. All that moaning and groaning is making a sistah jealous.”
Dwayne laughed and eased the iPad from Valencia’s hand. “Hey, Leah. I’m Dwayne. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here. I heard you have a brother. He’s not married, is he?”
“Leah! Really?” Valencia snatched the iPad back.
“What? I’m just asking.”
Dwayne leaned over. “He’s single and so are a few of my cousins. The family is having a little something at my parent’s house today and you’re welcome to join us if you don’t have any pla—."
“Oh, nooo, I am totally free.”
“Great.” He gave her the address. “Valencia and I are heading over now.”
“They’re only fifteen minutes from me, so I’ll meet you there.”
Valencia stared at her friend doing a little shimmy dance. The grin on Leah’s face was so wide, it barely fit in the screen. “I’ll see you in a little while, wild woman.” She ended the call. “That was really nice of you to invite her. Are you sure your parents won’t mind?”
“Positive. By the way, you look absolutely gorgeous.” His gaze made a slow path down her body and back up. “I think I’m going enjoy peeling those jeans off you.”
Her pulse skipped and her core throbbed in anticipation. She cleared her throat. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.” Dressed in all black, the man looked good enough to eat. “Let me get my jacket and purse.”
Laughing with Dwayne about Leah had taken her mind off meeting his family, but her nervousness returned the moment he took her hand and led her up his parent’s driveway. The two-story house was located on a tree-lined street with stately homes and immaculately manicured lawns, and overlooked the hills. He unlocked the door and gestured her forward. She stepped inside and didn’t know where to settle her gaze first—the highly polished wood floors in the foyer leading to an elegantly furnished living room with deep tan plush carpeting, the vaulted ceilings, or the formal dining room off to the left holding a table with seating for ten. “This is gorgeous. I see where you get your taste from now.” It reminded her of Dwayne’s four-bedroom house. She’d fallen in love with his place the first time he’d taken her there.
He smiled. “I let my mom and sister do the decorating.”
“I thought I heard voices.”
Valencia turned and met the smiling face of an older woman with features so reminiscent of Dwayne’s she had to be his mother.
“Hey, Mom.” Dwayne bent and kissed her cheek. He introduced Valencia.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Albright. You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you. And I’m very happy to meet you, Valencia. Please make yourself comfortable. We’re all in the family room and patio.”
All of a sudden, Valencia heard thundering footsteps. Then two boys who looked to be around six or seven came barreling around the corner. They were twins, Valencia realized.
“Uncle Dwayne!” they chorused, launching themselves at Dwayne, and tackling him to the ground.
“You can’t hold me down,” Dwayne said, wrestling and growling with them.
“Yes, we can.”
Mrs. Albright shook her head. “At thirty-six, he still rolls around on the ground like he did when he was six.”
Valencia couldn’t do anything but laugh. She’d never seen this side of Dwayne, but the sight touched her heart and she instinctively knew he’d be a great father.
“Jalen Allen McCall and Justin Aaron McCall, get off your uncle!”
The boys froze and so did Valencia. She spun around and saw a frowning chocolate-skinned woman with her hands on her hips.
“Aw, come on, Shelby,” Dwayne said. “We’re just having fun.” He ruffled the boys’ hair, then stood with them in his arms. “Valencia, this is my baby sister, Shelby. And, as you heard—and everybody else in the neighborhood—these are my nephews.”
An embarrassed look crossed Shelby’s face. “I’m sorry. Hi, Valencia. Nice to meet you.”
She divided a speculative glance between Dwayne and Valencia and Valencia wondered what it meant. “Nice to meet you, too, Shelby. Your sons are adorable.”
Shelby shook her head. “Rambunctious is more like it. And this one here,” she said, playfully shoving Dwayne, “makes it worse.”
Dwayne dropped a kiss on his sister’s temple and set the twins on their feet. “Party pooper.” He took Valencia’s hand and followed his mother to the back of the house where music and laughter greeted them.
The laughter and conversation stopped abruptly when they saw Valencia. She wanted to hide. A man, who she assumed to be Dwayne’s father, came over and draped his arm around his wife’s shoulder. “Who do we have here, Phyllis?”
The smiles they shared reminded Valencia of her parents.
“Dad. I’d like you to meet Valencia Townsend.”
“Welcome to our home, Valencia.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”
"Alright, everybody,” Dwayne called out. “This beautiful woman is Valencia Townsend. For all my single cousins, she’s mine. That means a polite hello and a handshake. That’s it.”
Laughter broke out and a few of them yelled out comments.
“You’re lucky you said something.”
“I guarantee she’ll like me better.”
Valencia placed her hand on her hip. “Are you out of your mind?”
“Yep. Out of my mind in love with you.”
She had no comeback for that one. A young woman dressed to kill in a body-hugging red dress, shot Valencia a glare and stormed out of the room. She opened her mouth to ask Dwayne about it and her cell chimed. She dug it out of her pocket and read the text from her friend. “Leah is outside.”
“Okay.”
They went to let her in and another round of introductions ensued.
Leah whispered to Valencia, “Girl, there are so many fine men here.”
“Yes, there are.” But she only had eyes for one. She chatted with his sister and brother-in-law for a few minutes, then Dwight came over.
“How’s it going, Valencia?”
“Good. You have a big family.”
Dwight glanced around the room. “We do. I’ve never seen my brother so happy. Whatever you’re doing, don’t stop.” A grin tilted the corner of his mouth.
His smile took her by surprise and softened the usually hard lines bracketing his handsome face. “He makes me happy, too.”
“I know you’re not over here hitting on my woman.” Dwayne draped an arm around Valencia’s shoulder and kissed her temple.
Dwight just shook his head and walked away.
“You two must have done that to a lot of girls growing up.”
“I plead the fifth,” he said with a straight face.
Valencia laughed.
“Let’s go outside on the deck for a minute.”
They left through the kitchen’s sliding glass door and stood at the railing overlooking a huge backyard with a gated in pool on one side and outdoor kitchen on the other. The temperatures had warmed to the sixties, so it wasn’t too cold. Dwayne stood behind her with his arms around her waist. “Your family is off the hook.” The love that flowed between them was evident.
“We are a lively bunch, but I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world.”
Valencia glanced up at him over her shoulder. “And the woman in the red dress?”
“Her name’s Leticia and she’s a family friend. I’ve known her practically all my life and she’s like a sister. In fact, she and Shelby are best friends.”
“Does she know that?” She recalled the hurt and angry look on the woman’s face
.
“Yes. I’ve never led her to believe that she was anything but a friend. I’m sure she’ll be okay after I talk to her.”
She doubted it would be that easy, but since he knew the woman better, she’d let him deal with it. They fell silent and she was content to stand there with him. She didn’t know how much time had passed before he stepped back.
“Valencia.”
She shifted slightly and he dropped down to one knee. Her heart started pounding so hard, she thought she would pass out. He held the same colored box as the other gifts, but this one was smaller. He opened it to reveal a princess cut diamond solitaire that had to be at least two carats surrounded by two rows of baguettes. Yep, I’m going to pass out.
“I don’t even know where to begin sharing the feelings in my heart. If you could see inside, you’d find a depth of passion and a love so strong it overwhelms me. Nothing in my life means as much as you, Lyn. You are my missing piece, the better part of me, my everything. I want to spend all my midnight moments with you from now until eternity. Will you marry me?”
Valencia barely let him finish the words before she yelled, “Yes!” She was crying and bouncing up and down as he put the ring on her finger. Dwayne stood, swung her up in his arms and kissed her with a passion she felt through her entire body. A roaring cheer went up, startling her. She whipped her head around and saw everyone crowded in the door. Leah was crying and pumping her fist in the air. “Mom? Dad?” She stared questioningly at Dwayne.
He shrugged. “I talked to your father last night.”
“You planned all this?”
Dwayne nodded.
“I can’t…I don’t even have words right now.” Her emotions welled up with such force, she couldn’t utter a word.
“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
When she finally found her voice, she asked, “So, when do you want to do this?”
“Today works for me.”
“Today?” Once again, she found herself momentarily speechless. “We can’t get married today. Don’t we need blood tests, a license, or something? And who’s going to perform the ceremony?”
“We don’t need blood tests, we can petition to get an amended marriage certificate since we don’t have a license, and we can have a bigger ceremony later. As far as someone to perform the ceremony…I’ve got that covered. So, what do you say?”
Valencia’s head was spinning. When Dwayne said he was done with all the secrecy, evidently, he meant every word. It’s not like you don’t want to be married to the man, so why are you hesitating? her inner voice asked.
“Did I point out the two benefits to saying yes?”
“What benefits?”
“Two wedding nights and two honeymoons.”
That sealed it for her. “Well, since you put it that way, there’s no need to let all this winter white I’m wearing go to waste. Let’s do it!” Their families cheered again.
Dwayne threw his head back and laughed. “Uncle Gene, are you ready?”
A man stepped outside with a small book in his hand.
Valencia’s gaze flew to Dwayne’s.
“Sweetheart, I’d like to introduce you to Judge Eugene Albright.”
His uncle chuckled. “Valencia, you’ll learn that in this family, we don’t do anything by half.”
“I see.”
“All we need is a maid of honor and best man and we’ll be set,” Dwayne said, gesturing for Leah and his twin.
Once the two attendants took their places, Valencia and Dwayne spoke their vows. The love she had for this man overflowed in her heart and she couldn’t stop crying. She’d found her soulmate and she looked forward to every one of their midnight moments. From now until eternity.
Other Books In The Series
New Year Bae-Solutions Series
Eight Naught Nights by Nicole Falls
Seven Month Drought by Sherelle Green
Six More Minutes by A.C. Arthur
Five Midnight Moments by Sheryl Lister
Four Page Letter by Angela Seals
Three Wrong Dates by Kelsey Green
Two Hot Kisses by Yahrah St. John
One More Drink by Elle Wright
Do Me Excerpt
Ugh! I hate weddings. Londyn Grant moved back as far as the crowded dance floor allowed, but it still didn’t create enough space between her and her dance partner. The mixture of cologne, smoke and alcohol was enough to make her nauseous. She couldn’t believe she was the only one from the office here. Her coworkers—all five of them—had backed out of attending the wedding at the last minute, citing one reason or another and leaving Londyn as the only attendee at their administrative assistant’s daughter’s nuptials. Her sole reason for accepting the invitation had been because she had counted on having her two male colleagues to create a buffer between her and the constant flow of wannabee suitors. She had declined several of the celebrations over the past year because she’d begun feel to like prey in a nightclub, as if she wore a neon sign posted on her forehead that read, single and lonely. Okay, so that might have been the truth, but since her disastrous relationship ended a couple of years ago, she’d crossed men off her list. She’d take loneliness over a broken heart any day.
Another song came on and the man raised his hands in the air and did a spin move. Londyn took advantage, and while he had his back turned, snuck off the dance floor. Fanning herself, she headed to the bar for something cool. Out of her periphery she noticed a man dancing with a teen. Her steps slowed and she stood transfixed by his movements. He seemed to be enjoying himself, if the smile on his face was any indication. Tall, rich, brown skin with close-cropped dark hair, a beard riding his jaw like a shadow—giving his handsome face a dangerous edge—and a smile that would probably make the strongest sister weak. He’d discarded his suit jacket and even in the white dress shirt, she could tell he had a fabulous body. Yeah. Sexy. Londyn shook herself. What am I doing? No men, she reminded herself as she continued to her destination.
Minutes later, Corinne came toward her with a wide grin befitting a proud mother of the bride. “Oh, Londyn, thank you for coming.” They shared a quick hug.
“It was a beautiful ceremony and they look so happy.” She’d spoken with the bride and groom briefly to offer congratulations.
“Wasn’t it? I’m so excited for them. My baby girl has married into a wonderful family. They’re all so warm and friendly. Have you had a chance to meet some of our family?” She winked at Londyn and whispered conspiratorially, “Quite a few of these handsome devils are single from what I understand. My nephew just moved here from Florida. He’s joining a law practice here. I could introduce y—”
“No,” Londyn said quickly. She forced a smile. “I mean, I’ll just mingle for a while, if you don’t mind.” She didn’t do match‐making, either. “I’ll probably only stay a little longer.”
“Okay, but let me know if you change your mind.”
She wanted to tell the woman she didn’t plan to change her mind in this century or the next, but kept the comment to herself.
“I’d better go. My sister needs something. If I don’t talk to you before you leave, I’ll see you on Monday.” Corinne rushed off.
Thank goodness,” Londyn muttered. She went back to her assigned table and sipped her ginger ale while the party continued in full swing. The DJ played a mixture of old and new school songs that had everyone either up on the floor or bobbing their heads in their seats. This was how she had envisioned her own wedding—full of love, laughter and the promise of forever. Tears burned her eyes and the old sadness bubbled up inside her, but she forced it back down. She refused to shed another tear over her ex. The jerk.
She continued to scan the room, smiling at a senior couple out on the dance floor grooving to Usher’s “Yeah!” Eventually, everyone relinquished the floor to them and let out a series of whoops when the woman did a little shimmy.
“Go, Grandma!” a woman called out.
&n
bsp; Everyone around the room had gotten into the action, except the man she’d seen dancing earlier. He sat a table with a heavy scowl lining his face. She wondered why. Maybe she wasn’t the only one who hated weddings. Curiosity got the better of her —as a psychologist, she had an interest in human behavior—and she found herself crossing the spacious ballroom to his table.
“I thought I was the only one who hated weddings.”
He glanced up at her and slowly rose to his feet. “Why would a beautiful woman like you hate weddings?”
“Probably for the same reason you do.”
He lifted a brow. “Is your mother so determined to marry you off that she’s bringing a string of guys around and letting them know you’re single?”
“Not quite, but they’ve been coming anyway. May I?” Londyn asked, gesturing to the empty chair next to his. She’d spent the past two years telling herself she neither wanted or needed a man, that she had no time in her busy schedule for romance. She had devised so many excuses that she’d become adept at keeping any and every man at bay. Yet, tonight, she had purposely sought one out. A man whose mother thought he needed help. Men who looked like him didn’t stay unattached long and could take his pick among women. Just from his mannerisms he seemed to be a good catch. She couldn’t recall any man she’d dated standing at her approach. So why, she wondered, wasn’t he seeing anyone?
“Please.” He seated her then reclaimed his chair.
“Braxton.” He extended his hand. “And you are?”
His large hand closed around her smaller one. Strong and warm. And since he seemingly wasn’t interested in relationships, safe. “Londyn. Bride or groom’s family?”
“Groom. He’s my cousin. What about you?”
“Bride. A member of the family is my colleague.”
Braxton opened his mouth, then closed it. His lips settled into a grim line.
Londyn followed his gaze and saw a woman she assumed to be his mother, a look of determination on her face, approaching with another woman. She chuckled.
Five Midnight Moments: New Year Bae-Solutions Page 6