Claiming His Christmas Inheritance

by C. J. Carroll

  “Okay, Professor,” Zed quipped.

  “Ah. You got jokes. But I plan to have a PhD in Zed.”

  Her statement caught him off guard and he realized Tasha’s power to unexpectedly disarm him. He wasn’t sure how he felt about her effect on him.

  Tasha started to put on her coat. He went behind her and held the garment for her. “Thanks,” she said.

  He scanned her studio apartment again. Her place was certainly a reflection of her—a mixture of vintage and modern, contrasting colors and patterns and textures. Getting to know her was like the thrill of hunting for hidden treasure.

  When they reached his vehicle, she turned to him with a surprised look on her face. “Wow, I’m impressed you parallel parked your truck on this street.”

  “What can I say? I’ve got skills. It’s a gift.”

  “And so is your humility,” she quipped.

  “Ha ha.” He opened the door for her and shut it behind her. After circling the car and climbing into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and smoothly maneuvered the truck from the space onto the street.

  “Quiz time,” Tasha announced. She flipped a cue card. “What’s the story about my father?”

  He flicked on his turn signal and guided the truck into a main intersection. “There is no story. He was never there.”

  “Good.” She started to turn the card.

  “Wait,” he said.

  “What?”

  “I want to know a bit more about that.”

  Her open expression closed. “Why? There’s nothing much you can add to that.”

  Zed sensed there was more to the story, so he pressed through, wanting to know more about her. “Did they date and he abandoned your mom?”

  Tasha’s jaw tightened as she took in the view of the neighborhood’s 1940s bungalows rolling by through the window. “My mom didn’t like to talk about it much. Bottom line—he didn’t love her. Or me.”

  His heart turned at her obvious pain. “His loss.”

  She blinked quickly and avoided his scrutiny. “Thank you. You were very blessed to have your family. And your amazing house.”

  He stared straight ahead. “Everything that glitters isn’t always gold.”

  She looked surprised. “My mom and I always imagined a happy family lived in your home.”

  He bit his lip. “Sorry to disappoint you. If you like your version of my life better, go with it.” He sighed. “Look, I don’t want to make it sound like my parents didn’t love each other. They did. In their own way.”

  He put on the brakes as a yellow light quickly switched to red.

  She shuffled the cards. “Okay, let’s move on. What’s my favorite color?”

  He thought fast. “When you were a kid, it was yellow. Now it’s purple.”

  She grinned. “Wow, I’m impressed. Yours is pink because it was your mother’s favorite. But you’ll never admit that, for fear of your man card being rescinded.”

  “Good memory,” he replied. “However, I’m going to let your implicit bias slide.”

  By the time they arrived at his friends’ house, dusk was rolling its deep royal blue carpet over the sky.

  Zed parked, jumped out and lightly sprinted around to open her door.

  “Thanks,” Tasha said as she got out. He watched her take in the nice ranch house, painted in two tones—chocolate brown and tan. Lights gleamed from several rooms. The yard, bushes and trees were well manicured. Rossdale, their neighborhood, was in between Tasha’s place on the north side of Vista Peak and Avenue Parkway and Town Square on the south side of town.

  “I’m nervous,” she said.

  “Don’t be. They’re going to love you.”

  As they climbed the front steps, the door swung open.

  “Play-aaa!” His best friend grabbed him in a bear hug.

  When they disengaged, Zed turned to Tasha.

  “Anton, this is Tasha Jenkins. Tasha, this is my best bud, Anton Grimes. Anton and I have known each other since college.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m a hugger. Can I give you a hug?” Anton asked.

  “Sure.”

  Anton gave her a light, respectful side hug. “My wife, Maya, has been waiting by the window like a kid waiting for Santa. That’s how I knew you guys were here before you knocked. Come on in.”

  A dark brown-skinned woman with a short afro greeted them inside. “Tasha! So nice to meet you. I’m Maya.”

  “Nice to meet you both. Zed speaks highly of you.”

  Maya’s luminous brown eyes observed him. “That’s nice. How funny. He hasn’t told us much about you at all.”

  “Sweetie, be nice. Don’t grill the girl the minute she comes in the door,” Anton cried.

  Tasha gave Anton a grateful glance.

  “At least wait until she takes her coat off,” Anton added.

  Anton and Maya burst into laughter.

  “All right, Frick and Frack. Enough,” Zed ordered.

  Anton’s expression turned apologetic. “Sorry, Tasha. I was just playing with you. You’ll soon learn that Maya and I are jokesters. In case you didn’t know, Zed’s a package deal. He comes with us. No refunds, no returns.”

  “I guess that makes me a blessed girl.”

  Pleasure warmed Zed’s chest at her words. What was up with that?

  He watched Tasha as she took in the home. He’d always liked Maya and Anton’s homey furnishings, from the rust-colored L-shaped sectional that took up most of the living room, to the soft yellow walls and wall art, all in vibrant fall colors. A sixty-inch flat-screen television was positioned along the center wall, over a stone fireplace. A bright fire gently crackled and spit.

  Scores from an in-progress football game rolled across the television screen, capturing his attention.

  “Babe, why don’t you turn off the game for a little bit. We’ve got company.”

  “But, sweetie, it’s tied in the fourth quarter.”

  Zed saw the quick silent exchange between his friends. Sometimes he thought it was true that married couples could almost read each other’s minds.

  Anton switched off the television.

  “Have a seat, you guys,” Maya said, pointing to the couch.

  He and Tasha obliged, and Maya and Anton sat across from them.

  Zed enjoyed the light, friendly conversation his friends engaged Tasha in. Maya brought out snacks and beverages and seemed to take extra care in making Tasha feel comfortable. However, he knew his crew well, and it was only a matter of time before the light banter turned more serious.

  After refreshing their beverages, Maya’s dark eyes scrutinized Tasha closely. “So Tasha, I have to know what made you decide to follow Zora’s wild plan?”

  “In a word, money—it’s all about the Benjamins.”

  Zed saw the quick look of worry exchanged between his best friends. While he’d explained his inheritance would be protected with their prenup, he guessed they might have thought Tasha was like a few of the ladies in his past who were gold diggers. While Maya wanted love for him, maybe she feared Tasha would hoodwink him into staying married, not out of love, but for his money.

  He laughed nervously. He needed to lighten the mood. “You have to understand, Tasha’s a jokester. You don’t know her like I do.”

  “I guess seventy-two hours would give you an advantage,” Anton quipped.

  Zed stifled a chuckle.

  “Maya, how did you and Anton meet?” Tasha asked, in an attempt to change the subject, he guessed. He could have kissed her. Or maybe not.

  Maya’s concerned expression softened. “We met in college.” Her eyes glowed as she observed her husband. “I chased after him until he caught me.”

  Anton chuckled. “Ah, now the truth comes out.”

  “He wasn’t used to a challenge,” M
aya continued. “The ladies fell at his feet like limp spaghetti. I liked him first, but I wasn’t about to let him know that. So, I pretty much acted immune to his flirting. Drove him wild.”

  “I guess maybe that was my problem,” Tasha said. “I never knew how to play the game. I wore my heart on my sleeve. And guys used my sleeve to wipe their mouths after they pretty much ate my heart for lunch.”

  “Oh, honey, while your metaphor is off the chain, I’m so sorry,” Maya said.

  “Thank you,” Tasha replied.

  Maya looked at him and back at Tasha. He saw the wheels spinning in her mind. And he didn’t like where those wheels might be taking her thoughts.

  “Tasha, don’t give up hope,” Maya declared.

  Tasha tried to smile, but it fell short. “I think hope gave up on me.”

  Zed’s heart turned at Tasha’s words. He felt bad for her. Though Tasha had agreed to his plan and was going to benefit, would he end up becoming just another man who hurt her?

  Chapter Four

  Later, in the car, Tasha turned to Zed. “Did I say something wrong tonight? When Maya asked me about why I agreed to all this and I said money, you could feel the mood temporarily shift in the room.”

  “I’m sorry, Tasha. Maya and Anton are good people. They just love me. A lot. They’re like family and very protective of me.”

  “Oddly enough, I totally get her fierce mama-bear attitude. I’d be the same way about my best friend. The money is important to me—you know that. But I sensed there was more to it with your friends, like maybe they were worried I was a gold digger or something.”

  “Even if that were true, the prenup will protect us both.”

  She decided to put her worries aside about the visit with Zed’s friends and gathered her composure as Zed drove her home to repeat the same meeting with her friends. A glance at her watch showed it was almost eleven o’clock, which meant it would be almost six o’clock in London. Both Kelly and her husband were early risers, and Tasha was sure they would be up, most likely having coffee.

  When they arrived at her studio, she hurriedly removed her brightly colored Christmas pillows and Milo from her couch for Zed to sit.

  She took his coat and removed her own, hanging both on her wooden coat rack before joining him on the couch.

  “Are you ready for this?” he asked.

  “I think so,” she said. Tasha was grateful that her BFF was out of the country. She’d known Kelly since middle school, and her friend would have lots of questions.

  She’d already practiced fielding Kelly’s questions, so she was semiconfident she’d be able to reasonably convince her friend that what she was doing wasn’t a bad idea.

  Zed sat on the love seat with her, obviously trying to keep a respectable distance, which was a little hard on the compact piece of furniture.

  “Ready?” she asked. Zed stared at her, and her heart took off for an imaginary finish line.

  “Do we need to discuss anything before the call?” he asked.

  Tasha considered his question. “I think it best to let me do most of the talking. You can just look pretty next to me.”

  Zed’s deep chuckle filled the room. “I’ve never felt so much like eye candy before. Are you sure I’m not just your trophy?”

  Tasha peered into the beautiful eyes she’d come to admire. “Welcome to how girls are often made to feel as soon as they hit puberty. Like our worth is directly correlated with our looks.”

  Zed’s lighthearted expression turned serious. “For all us sometimes boneheaded men, I apologize.”

  His words both surprised her and turned her to mush. Who was this man? Afraid her feelings would show, she shifted her eyes from his. Pulling up Kelly’s number on her cell, she hit the video call button.

  Zed’s arm slipped around the back of the couch behind her, and she could feel the warmth emanating from him. She involuntarily shivered.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  Just the opposite. Lord, help. “I’m okay.”

  On the third ring, Kelly answered.

  Excitement trilled through her as her best friend’s face appeared on-screen. “Kelly!” she cried. She truly missed her bestie.

  “Tasha!” Kelly’s phone went herky-jerky as it refocused on Kelly’s husband. “Jaden, it’s Tasha.”

  “Hey,” Jaden said. His face appeared, with his full brown cheeks, short hair cropped on the sides and fuller on top and beautiful smile.

  “Where are you guys?” Tasha asked.

  The camera swung back to Kelly. “Having breakfast on the veranda and waiting for sunrise.”

  “I’m so jelly,” Tasha declared.

  “Awww, honey,” Kelly said. “I miss you!”

  “Me, too.” Tasha took a deep breath. I might as well not waste time and just dive in. “Kel, I’ve got news.”

  Kelly’s dark eyes instantly narrowed with curiosity.

  Tasha knew her friend had realized something major was up. Kelly had always been able to read meaning from the tone of Tasha’s voice.

  “What’s up?”

  Tasha had debated whether she should ease into her announcement, but she decided to go full throttle. “I’m getting married!”

  Kelly’s features froze in place. “Whoa! Wait—what? No way!” The video went shaky again as Kelly turned away from the phone’s camera. “Jaden, Tasha’s getting married!”

  Tasha waited patiently. She knew her friend well. The serious reality of the situation would hit her soon. And then the interrogation would begin.

  Tears spilled down Kelly’s high cheekbones. “I feel like I’m dreaming! I mean, how...when? I need details! Just a month ago, when I last saw you, you weren’t even dating anyone.”

  Tasha was ready for the questions. She’d already rehearsed her response, like a lawyer stating their case in court. “Just so you know, Kel, this is a bit of a unique situation.”

  “How so?” Kelly said.

  “Zed and I have a special arrangement.”

  “His name is Zed?” her best friend inquired.

  “Sorry. In all my excitement, I can’t believe I didn’t introduce you first. Here he is.”

  Tasha swung the phone toward Zed, squeezing in so her image could still be seen, too.

  “Hi, Kelly and Jaden.” His tone was warm and extra gracious.

  Kelly wiped away fresh tears. “Nice to meet you.”

  Tasha told her friend the story of meeting Zed and their three-month arrangement. When she was done, she observed her bestie and her husband. They both looked stunned.

  “Kel, I know you’re probably in shock,” Tasha hurriedly said.

  “To say the least,” Kelly said. “I guess when I thought of this day, I expected to be overjoyed for my BFF, sharing in her happiness at finding love and a man who adored her. I thought of giggles together, planning the wedding, listening to you waxing lyrical about this man who could corral the stars and tame the sun—all for you.”

  Touched, Tasha pressed her hand to her chest. Would she be selling herself short by marrying Zed on his terms?

  Jaden leaned into view. “Okay, guys. What’s done is done. Let’s cut to the chase. When’s the big day?”

  Tasha’s heart hitched. “We’re getting married this week.”

  Jaden’s jaw dropped. The phone swung back to Kelly. “Wait, what?” she cried.

  “The will stipulated a deadline for us to be married,” Tasha sheepishly announced.

  The silence on the other end was ominous. Kelly’s happy expression turned concerned. She saw her friend look to her husband and then back at the phone. “You guys, please don’t take this wrong. Zed, Tasha’s my homegirl. She’s like the other half of my heart. I love her. This is just all happening so fast.”

  The waterworks from Kelly started up again. Jaden patted her cheeks dry as
Kelly composed herself. “Tasha, I don’t mean to be negative. You must admit it’s a lot to take in. I guess the bottom line is that I’ve got to trust you. You’re a grown woman. Sweetie, I just hope you’re not giving up on the real thing someday. And have you thought how this arrangement might affect your singles’ ministry? People might think you have a callous, cavalier attitude toward marriage if you get divorced so soon after tying the knot, since they won’t know about the arrangement.”

  Tasha’s pulse ricocheted. Kelly’s concern about her not giving up on the real thing was years too late. That ship had sailed, buoyed by the winds of rejection. As for Kelly’s second point, Tasha hadn’t thought about that. But it didn’t matter now, because she’d made up her mind and given Zed her word.

  She started to speak, but Zed gently squeezed her hand. “Let me,” he mouthed. He gently swayed the phone toward him. “Kelly, I agree that we’ve thrown a bombshell your way. And then we acted as if you should just accept us rocking your world. I’m truly sorry for that.” He looked at Tasha. “You’ve known this lady much longer than me. Where I think we can agree is that she is beyond incredible. I promise you, she will be safe with me and I’ll protect her reputation.”

  Kelly’s eyes stared intently through the screen. Her husband hugged her, his face resting against her shoulder. “I’m not going to lie, Zed,” Kelly said, “this is hard to process. However, I trust my friend’s judgment. At the end of the day, you’re both consenting adults. And you’ve made your decision.” Kelly paused. “Tasha, I love you to the moon.”

  “And beyond,” Tasha added, repeating their favorite phrase.

  “Where are you guys getting married?” her best friend inquired.

  Tasha looked to Zed before she answered. “The courthouse.” She winced, awaiting Kelly’s response.

  Kelly started to speak, but Jaden interrupted her.

  “We wish you guys the best. Don’t we, honey?” he said. When Kelly didn’t answer, he repeated the statement.

  Kelly looked resigned, but she nodded. “Hey, guys. We’ve gotta go. We signed up for an early yoga class. Love you, Tasha.”