I looked ahead to see Kia standing outside. She was watching the scene with tears in her eyes. She gave a supportive smile and I nodded.
This would take some time for me to fully forgive my mom, if I even did at all, but this was a start in the right direction. I really did miss having her in my life.
“I guess we better go inside. I’m sure everyone is waiting on us, so we can eat.”
Melissa smiled. “Let’s go.”
I went up to the door, as Kia gently touched Melissa’s shoulder as she went inside. Kia was about to follow her when I stopped her.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For never stopping believing in me, even when I’m a stubborn asshole.”
Kia laughed. “Well, that was one of the reasons that made me attracted to you. Besides, I knew there was a soft spot under that hard exterior.”
“Don’t say that out loud or that’ll ruin my rep.”
Kia laughed even harder. “I’m just happy that you’re reconnecting with your mom. I know that took a lot for you to do.”
“It really didn’t. I realized that in order to live a positive life, I have to let go of the past.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Now, I know this Christmas is a good one. Maybe it’ll be the first of many.”
“I hope so.”
“It’ll be the first of many for us too.”
I gave a sexy smile as I looked up, seeing what was hanging above the door. “That wasn’t there before.”
Kia smiled. “I kind of put that there when you were talking to your mom.”
“You didn’t have to put up a mistletoe to kiss me.”
“I know, but it’s much funnier.”
“Come here,” I said as I gently grabbed her hips. Our lips connected, feeling that spark that I’d been experiencing since the first time I’d kissed her outside of Visions.
Now, I knew Christmas would be special. Not only had I finally let go of the resentment I had with my mom, but I was able to spend it with a special woman in Kia. Although we met in a crazy way, I wouldn’t have changed how things went between us. Maybe now I could believe in the spirit of the holiday again. It’d still take me some time, but at least it was heading in the right direction.
30.
Kia
A Year Later…
It had been a year since I arrived in Tyler, and I had to admit, I loved it here. I had officially settled in and became familiar with everything in the city. I actually could drive around and not get lost, which was wonderful since I was on a regular basis.
Since Christmas a year ago, a lot had changed for everyone. Since I’d moved, Brooke and Robert had been visiting me almost every weekend, which I didn’t mind at all. I was able to keep up on the latest tea in Houston, including at the clinic. My dad also had made various appearances as the two of us had been rebuilding our relationship. I had returned to Houston a few times to visit and during one of them, my dad and I went out to visit my mother’s grave. It felt good to go there and talk to her. I missed being able to, but I know she’s hearing me in heaven. I missed her in the physical form, but I knew she was with me each and every day.
As for Cory, two months into Amanda’s separation, the two found out she was pregnant, but the child turned out to be her husband’s. Although that occurred, Cory and Amanda did end up getting married after her divorce became final. When I heard that, I was a bit surprised but figured if Cory was happy, then so was I. I could care less to what Cory was doing. All I could do was wish him the best with his life.
While deciding on my career path, I did choose to go back into the medical field. Since things became official with Cane, I quit Visions and got a medical assistant job at Philmore Clinic, but I decided to go even further and applied into the nursing program at the University of Tyler School of Nursing. I was accepted and started courses during the fall semester. It was a bit of an adjustment getting back into the habit of taking courses again but, with the support of my family, friends, and Cane, I knew I could do it.
After the new year, Cane did go back to work but, after six months of working on grueling new accounts and trying to be at Visions more, he decided to quit his job to focus on his club. His heart wasn’t into being an ad exec, so he knew it was for the best.
When he asked for my advice, all I could tell him was to follow his heart and do what’s best for him. No matter what he decided, I’d support him 100%. Now, he’s investing his time at Visions and planning to open a new club in the city.
Since he was focusing on his second club, he appointed Karla to oversee the daily operations for Visions, which I was so proud of. Cane couldn’t have picked a better person to handle his business, so I was happy when he acquired Karla to have a more lucrative role.
Of course my relationship with Cane is stronger than ever. The two of us have really become close and discover something new about each other each day. He has been pressuring me to move in with him, but I told him I’ll only do it if we become husband and wife. I had done the shacking up thing with Cory, so the next time I move in with another man, it has to be my husband.
With all the changes that has occurred in my life, I’m excited for what else is in store. I’m just happy and blessed, which is something I haven’t felt in a long time.
I approached the parking lot of Hawthorne’s in really good spirits. I had just took my last final of the semester, so I was ready to enjoy the break spending it with Cane and my family.
I walked in, wondering why the place was empty. It’s lunch time, so it’s normally packed. I took a seat at the counter, seeing if Stella would appear when I heard someone clearing their throat.
“Is this seat taken?”
I looked over to see Cane standing beside me, wearing the same outfit he wore when we first met at Hawthorne’s. I gave a curious look, wondering what’s going on.
“What’s going on, Cane?”
He smiled as he sat down beside me. “It has been a year since the first day we met. And of course it was here when we met.”
“How could I forget?”
“I know you haven’t, just like I haven’t. Especially how beautiful you looked that day.”
I blushed. “So, you rented out the entire place to celebrate the first day we met?”
“I had to since it’s our anniversary.”
“Technically, that would be in two days.”
“I had to take whatever day Stella gave me. She barely wanted to do this, but she did it because she likes you.”
I smiled. “I knew I liked Stella.”
“But, let’s enjoy our meal before it gets cold.”
“And what is that?” I asked with a curious smile.
Cane went to the kitchen to bring out a plate of burger and fries and the “Cane Special.”
I giggled. “You even brought out the meals we had?”
“I had to do it right,” Cane said.
Once we ate, we talked about the holidays when Cane took my hand.
“Come on, I want to show you something.”
I nodded and followed Cane outside. I didn’t know why we were going through the back of the diner, when I saw all of our family and friends standing outside.
“What the…” I mumbled. I looked at everyone, from Brooke, Karla, Stella, Lucas, Aaron, my dad, Melissa, Cane’s dad, and Elle all standing together as Cane came over to me.
“A year ago, I wasn’t looking for anyone. Hell, all I wanted was to find my next fling; but, when I saw you in Hawthorne’s, I knew you would be something special.”
“Even though I was a thorn in your side.”
Cane laughed. “You were definitely that, but that was one of the reasons that made me fall in love with you.”
“Cane…”
“Kia, I was scared to fall in love, but you made me see that it’s okay to be in love. You showed me that it’s okay to forgive and to be happy. That’s something that I want to continue doing in my
life, but I want you to be by my side, sharing that with me.”
I was close to tears when everyone cleared out the way to reveal the message, “Will you marry me”, written in fake snow. I smiled as Cane came closer to me.
“One of the things that I will always cherish is how much you have turned my life around. I want us to continue making new memories with each other. I want us to grow together and just be happy together.”
“Wow, Cane.”
I put my hands over my mouth as Cane pulled out a black ring box. He got down on one knee, which made everyone smiled.
“Kia Denise Collins, will you marry me?”
My smile became brighter as I heard Cane say my full name. It was sweet seeing Cane nervous because I had never seen him act like this. But, he had always been unpredictable; that’s one of the reasons why I love him.
“Don’t leave me hanging, Kia. I need an answer,” Cane said while smiling.
“I should let you sweat a little longer, but I’ll happily answer with a yes. I’ll marry you, Cane.”
“Yes!” Cane exclaimed. He got up and picked me up. I yelped while everyone began to cheer.
“I love you so much,” I whispered.
“I love you too, baby.”
As he put me down, everyone came up to us to congratulate us. Karla tightly held me in her arms, telling me she’s happy for us, while Stella was hugging Cane telling him it’s about time he found someone to tie him down.
As everyone continued to give their congratulations, I stared at Cane as he gave me a wink. My heart fluttered, realizing that a year ago I didn’t expect to meet my future husband in a diner in a strange city, but I did and I wouldn’t trade that day for a second.
Once my dad hugged me, Cane came over to me and swept me in his arms.
“I can’t believe I’m engaged. I wasn’t even thinking about marriage a year ago,” he said.
“I’m sure you were only trying to find the next woman to bone.”
Cane laughed. “You’re right, but I found someone better. I finally found someone to love.”
I smiled. “Just like I did. I love you, Cane.”
“I love you too, Kia.”
As we sealed our love with a kiss, I realized that life is all about taking risks, and I’m glad I took a risk. Now, I’m living my life like I should and I couldn’t be happier.
About the Author
Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment.
To date, her best-selling novels include In Love With My Best Friend, Love Unbroken, Something Just Ain't Right, and The Love Chronicles.
In April of 2016, Sheena launched her own publishing company which focus strictly on romance books. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.
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The Love You Give Page 17