Real Love

by Tracy Reed

Kyla walked out. “Good morning, Camille.”

  “Good morning, Miss James. I heard there was a little mix up at the front desk this morning. I apologize.”

  “About what?” Kyla asked. “Oh, this is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Zoë Prescott and the handsome man serenading us with his snoring, is Sean’s brother, Jordan.”

  “Good morning. I’m sorry about the mix up. The front desk neglected to inform housekeeping of your arrival time. Your room will be ready in an hour. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

  “Camille, it’s fine,” Zoë jumped in. “It gave me time to chat with Kyla.”

  “Miss James and Mr. Prescott were adamant that you be able to rest up before the party.”

  “Camille, it’s okay,” Kyla patted her arm. “Take a deep breath.”

  She exhaled. “Miss James, may I speak with you?”

  “Sure, let’s go out to the terrace.”

  She and Kyla stepped out onto the terrace. “Again, Miss James, I’m sorry about the mix up.”

  “Camille, it’s not your fault, they got in early.”

  She let out a sigh. “I thought I let you down. Okay, things are going to move pretty quickly. Housekeeping will be here soon to clean up, followed by engineering, and Butch and his team. Here’s the key to a suite downstairs, it’s on me. I thought you might want a little privacy to get ready.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know Mr. Prescott is concerned about the budget, so here’s a revised copy of all the expenses paid out so far.”

  Kyla read over the paper. “We’re on budget?”

  “As unbelievable as it seems, yes. Even with the extras for your parents. Call it Godly favor. My manager did some things, so as far as your bill with us, you’re on budget.”

  “Wow, even with the DJ and the gelato. Thank you.” She hugged her.

  “If you have any questions, you know how to reach me.”

  “Thank you, Camille.” She started toward the door. “Oh, Sean and I were talking about it and we want you and your fiancé to come tonight. I know it’s a work thing for you, but…”

  “We’d love to. That way I can show him what I want. Thank you.”

  “We’ll talk later.”

  They walked back inside and as Camille opened the door, the sound of barking dogs startled her. “This must be Simon and Winnie.” She bent down to greet them. “I have heard so much about you two from your mommy and daddy.” Simon and Winnie barked again.

  “Good morning, Camille.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Prescott.” She stood up. “I’d better get going.” She turned and started down the hall. “Perfect timing, here’s breakfast.”

  The room service attendant walked in pushing the cart in front of him, and placed everything on the dining table, and then quickly left.

  “How was your walk, Baby?” Kyla asked.

  “Good. Miss Winnie took her time. She’s sort of like her mother, moving at her own pace.” He kissed her. “Zoë,” he walked over and hugged his sister-in-law. “What’s up, how was your flight?”

  “Good.”

  He walked over and popped Jordan across the head. “Wake up ole’ man.” Jordan waved him off. “Wake up dude.”

  Jordan slowly opened his eyes and stretched his arms up. “Who you calling old? I can still kick your butt.” He stood up and hugged his little brother.

  “See Baby, the older you get, the more sleep you need.” Sean laughed.

  “Watch it. You’re just a few years behind me.”

  “Key word, behind. Come on, Ky ordered breakfast. Where’s my nephew?”

  “With Zoë’s folks. This is a short business trip.”

  “Our engagement party is business?” Sean asked.

  “Where’s the restroom?” Jordan asked.

  “Over there.” Sean pointed out the door for the rest room.

  Jordan went to the restroom and returned a little more alert. He sat down, blessed the food and they began to eat. He took a sip of coffee and let out a long sigh. “That’s good. As I was saying, I’m also here on business. I’ve been offered the job as head of cardiology at Long Island Memorial.”

  “What?” Sean sounded stunned.

  “They called me right before the holidays and now they’ve made a rather generous offer. It’s a chance to revamp the department. They’ve been given a huge endowment that will allow them to make the cardiology department one of the best in the state.”

  “Wow, way to go big brother. I’m proud of you. When do you start?”

  “If my meeting goes well on Monday, we’ll be New Yorkers again in a couple of months.”

  “That soon?” Sean asked.

  “Yep and this way, whenever you two decide to get married, we’ll just be a phone call away…provided I’m not in surgery.”

  “Which would mean, I’ll need an interior designer,” Zoë said to Kyla, “and I don’t have a problem using my family discount.” She smiled.

  “No problem,” Kyla smiled.

  “Seems the Prescott boys are together again. That’s what I’m talking about,” Sean smiled.

  Chapter 78

  SEAN WALKED UP BEHIND KYLA and whispered, “It’s beautiful. You did an amazing job.”

  “Thank you.” She turned to face him and he presented her with a small dark blue box with a red ribbon. “What’s this?”

  “Happy wedding day,” he smiled. “Remember I told you I had a wedding gift for you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well…”

  “Can I open it?”

  “Sure.”

  She recognized the “HW” initials on the box, Harry Winston. She opened the lid and gasped. She lifted the long, delicate platinum chain sprinkled with diamonds out of the box. “Sean, it’s beautiful.”

  He took the chain and placed it around her neck. “I went to get you something else, but Suzanne showed me this and said it was more versatile. Something about it looking good with jeans and a t-shirt or something more formal. I just thought it looked like you.”

  She walked over to the mirror admiring the necklace. “Zoë was right. You have great taste in jewelry.” She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.

  “Wow…maybe I should have gotten two.”

  “Let’s just say that was the down payment. I’ll really thank you later, when I give you your gifts.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.” She kissed him again. “Did you tell Jordan?”

  “Yes.”

  “And?” The door opened and Zoë and Jordan came barreling in.

  “Break it up, you two.” She pulled Kyla and Sean apart and stood between them and looked at Sean not smiling. “Is it true?”

  Sean looked at Kyla. “Is what true?”

  “Sean Myles Prescott, just because I love you, doesn’t mean I won’t hurt you. Answer me.” She looked around to see if they were alone. “Is it true you and Kyla are getting married?”

  “What are you talking about?” Sean asked.

  “Jordan told me you and Kyla are getting married tonight,” Zoë replied.

  “I’m sorry man, she wore me down, and I had to tell her,” Jordan winked at Sean and Kyla.

  “Yes.” She socked Sean. “Ouch Zoë!”

  She turned to Kyla and hesitated before hugging her. “Congratulations, girl.”

  “She gets a hug and I get socked, what’s with that?” Sean asked.

  She turned around, waited a beat and then smiled. “Brother-in-law,” she wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Zoë.”

  “I’m sorry, man, she’s been running hot and cold like this for a while. I told her she was pregnant.”

  “Jordan, stop it.” She pulled back and looked at her watch. “Okay, it’s three o’clock and we have to get the show on the road. Sean, kiss your fiancée and get out of here. We have a wedding to get ready for.” They all laughed at her giving instructions.

  Kyla r
ushed to answer the door. She patted her chest and took a deep breath before opening the door. “Mommy, Daddy, look at you two.” Nadine and Percy stepped inside as Kyla closed the door. “Mommy, you look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, baby.”

  “Daddy, you look very handsome.”

  “Thank you, baby girl. Is everything all right?” Percy asked.

  “Have a seat,” Kyla pointed to the sofa.

  “We don’t want to get wrinkled,” Percy announced.

  She stood facing them like when she was a little girl wrestling with a confession for something she’d done wrong. She cocked her head, swallowed hard and continued with her confession. “Sean…uhm,” she looked at her parents, and a sweet smile appeared on her face. “Sean and I are getting married… tonight.” She looked at her parents, waiting for their reaction, but nothing. “Did you hear what I said…Sean and I are getting married.”

  Her mother covered her mouth with her hand and kept blinking, trying to fight the tears sitting on her lower eyelids. She leaned back into Percy’s chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

  “Mommy, say something,” Kyla urged. She stepped closer to her, and Nadine threw her arms around her neck and started crying.

  “Nadine, get a hold of yourself.” She stepped back and sat down. Percy reached forward and wrapped Kyla in his arms and hugged her. “Congratulations, baby girl.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  He sat next to Nadine. “Sweetheart, are you okay?” Nadine looked at him, nodding. He handed her his handkerchief.

  She wiped her eyes, cleared her throat, and let out a sigh. She looked up at Kyla, smiling. “My baby.” She stood up and brushed Kyla’s bang to the side. “God has truly gone beyond what we expected.”

  “What are you talking about?” Kyla asked.

  Nadine looked at Percy and he stood up and wrapped his arm around her. “We’ve been praying you’d wake up…see that you’re a precious thing.” He stroked the side of her face. “This relationship with Sean is way more than your mother and I expected. And now you’re getting married…wow! We couldn’t be happier.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Okay, baby, what can I do?” Nadine asked.

  “Help me get dressed and oh, Daddy, will you give me away?”

  “You didn’t even have to ask.” He smiled.

  “Thank you.” She turned and went back to the bedroom.

  “Percy, call Corianne and tell her what’s going on,” Nadine called out as she followed Kyla into the bedroom.

  “Yes, dear.” He dialed Corianne. “Hey, baby girl.”

  “Hi Daddy, we’re on our way. Dexter got home late.”

  “Baby, your sister is getting married.”

  “What!” she shouted.

  “She and Sean are getting married tonight.”

  “Why didn’t she tell me?”

  “They wanted to surprise everyone.”

  Corianne cut Dexter a sharp look. “When Daddy?”

  “Hold on. Kyla baby,” he called out. “What time is the ceremony?”

  “Six thirty. Why? What’s going on?”

  “Your sister is running a little late.”

  Kyla came back into the living room. “Hand me the phone. Cori, where are you?”

  “Sitting on the expressway. Dexter got stuck at the hospital. We are probably about an hour away.”

  “What?” She looked at her dad’s watch.

  “I’m sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?” Cori asked.

  “We wanted to surprise everyone.” She looked at her dad. “I’ll push the ceremony back thirty minutes.”

  Cori looked at Dexter and hesitated before answering. “No, don’t do that. We’ll get there as soon as we can.”

  Kyla sensed her sister’s disappointment. “I’ll hold off as long as I can. Be careful.” Kyla handed the phone back to her dad and went back into the bedroom.

  “Cori.” She started rambling and crying. “Cori, calm down.”

  “But Daddy…”

  “Cori, Cori…let me talk to Dexter.” She handed him the phone. “How far away are you?”

  “Realistically, about forty-five minutes,” Dexter replied.

  “Call me back in fifteen minutes and let me know where you are.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Be careful.” He ended the call.

  “You didn’t know they were getting married?” Dexter asked.

  “No.”

  “If I’d known, I…”

  “What, would have changed your schedule?”

  “Yeah.”

  She shook her head and turned away. The thought of possibly missing her sister’s wedding infuriated her. She couldn’t hold her anger in any longer.

  “Dexter, I don’t understand what’s going on with you. You’ve known for a while that I wanted to come a day early.”

  “And I told you to go and I’d come later.”

  “You also knew I wanted to do a family dinner with my parents and Kyla and Sean.”

  “You could have done that.”

  “How could I, when part of the family was working?”

  “All you had to do was tell your family I was working and coming later. They would have understood.”

  “I’m tired of explaining your absence from family functions.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “How was your surgery?”

  “What are you talking about?” He looked at her waiting on a reply but was treated to the back of her head. He turned his eyes back to the highway. “Corianne, answer me,” he demanded.

  She turned and looked at him trying to figure out who this man was, because the man she loved and married would never have been so callous. “I called your office and Nancy said you left because your surgery had been postponed.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “Where were you and why were you so late getting home?”

  “Oscar called before I left and asked me to cover his lecture because he had to do an emergency appendectomy.”

  “Why didn’t you tell him to get someone else?”

  “Because I owed him.”

  “You owed him?” She shook her head and turned back to the window.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “No, apparently there’s something on your mind.”

  “I don’t want to talk about this now.”

  “But I do.”

  “You do?” She turned back to face him.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” Burning the side of his face with her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me your surgery was postponed? Or better yet, why didn’t you tell Oscar you had family plans and to get someone else? Or hey, here’s an idea, it’s Friday, give the students the afternoon off. But I think the question I really want answered is…forget about it…I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

  “No, you started this, so let’s finish it.”

  “Eighteen months, Dexter.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Nothing. You’re right, I should have ridden in with my parents.” She turned back to the window, dabbing the tears rolling down her cheek.

  Corianne was in the marriage prison her aunts talked about. She wondered why Kyla wanted to get married. She had everything, and now she was giving it all up to become a slave to some man who would probably stop appreciating her…stop loving her. Eighteen months…that’s how long it had been since Dexter made her feel loved. She cried harder.

  “Cori…Cori…” Dexter looked over and patted her hand. That was the most physical contact Dexter had given her in eighteen months. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. We’re almost there. See, the traffic is opening up. See, God heard my prayer and is making a path for us. We’ll be there soon. Please, stop crying.”

  She didn’t look at him.

  Percy paced back and forth praying for both of his daughters. He knew Kyla was making the right decision, but it
was Corianne he worried about. She hadn’t been her normal upbeat self for a while. Call it parental intuition, but there was something going on with her.

  Nadine tapped him on the shoulder. “Honey, are you okay?”

  He turned around and kissed her. “Yes. Is she ready?”

  “Kyla baby, come out.” Kyla walked into the parlor and stood still. Percy grabbed his chest smiling.

  “Wow.” He walked toward her and kissed her on the cheek. “Baby girl, you’re absolutely stunning. I changed my mind.”

  “About what?” Nadine asked.

  “Giving her away.” He took Kyla’s hands in his. “I can’t do it. I like Sean, but I just can’t do it.”

  Kyla smiled, thinking to herself, it was a little late for her dad’s comment. She was already Sean’s wife and in less than an hour, everyone would know it. The knock on the door broke the overwhelmingly emotional tone in the room. “Daddy, please get that.”

  He walked over to the door and looked out the peep hole. “It’s Zoë.”

  “Let her in.”

  He opened the door and Zoë walked in full of energy and rambling. “Everyone is here. The photographer is finishing with Sean.” She looked over and saw Kyla. “Oh, girl, you look beautiful.” She started fanning herself. “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry any more. I think I cried in every picture.”

  “How are Belinda and Russell doing?” Kyla asked.

  “They were shocked, but very excited. Are you ready?”

  “Uhm,” Kyla looked at her mother and then at Zoë.

  “What’s wrong?” Zoë asked.

  “My sister is running late. Would you mind stepping in if she doesn’t make it?” Kyla asked.

  “Are you kidding…we’re sisters.” She walked over and air kissed her. “Okay. The photographer will be here any minute.”

  Kyla paced back and forth.

  “Are you all right, baby girl?” Nadine asked.

  “I’m fine. I just forgot to write my vows.”

  “Baby, just say what’s in your heart,” Nadine replied.

  “That could take all night,” she joked.

  Chapter 79

  SEAN WALKED DOWN THE AISLE with all the grandeur of King David. He smiled at the handful of guests carefully selected to attend this intimate gathering. He looked ahead and off to the right at Ryder and his band. The soft soulful tune reminded him of his and Kyla’s roof top date.