Bella Baby

by Renee Lindemann

  “You weren’t a source of income. You think that pitiful social security was enough to raise a child. I had to put my own money with that to take care of you. Bella you don’t have no kids. Kids are expensive. I am asking if you can send me something.”

  “Okay Auntie, I will drop a money order in the mail tomorrow. However this will be the first and last time I do so.” Bella wanted to slap herself for folding but she really wanted off the phone with her aunt. The woman made her feel like that scared kid again with her guilt.

  “Thank you Bella but could you bring me cash. I do not have a bank account to cash a money order or check. You should bring your fiancé to meet us. He looks cute on this picture. Milton trying to put a family reunion together.”

  “Oh I can’t do it this week. We leave for Vegas tomorrow. When we come back from Vegas, I will bring the cash. Is that okay?”

  Mary Anne did her best to contain her joy. She was sure if Bella saw her current living situation she would give her more money. “Yeah next week is fine. Thank you Bella. We all the family we got. We have to look out for each other. Congratulations on your wedding. We will watch it on the computer.”

  “Thanks Aunt Mary Anne. I will talk to you soon.”

  Bella recounted these conversations in her head as she walked to her room. The thought of taking Chaz to meet her family was daunting at first. After everything that happened in the last twenty-four hours, she couldn’t wait to show him the home where she once lived. Bella wanted him to understand that she had not escaped her childhood unscathed. His life was horrible but her life had not been easy street either. Bella took a steadying breath to cleanse her mind of those bad memories. She was about to marry the man she loved.

  The satin gown was an elegant creation that accentuated Bella’s long legs. The sleeveless dress featured a drape cowl neckline that she was sure Chaz would appreciate, as it displayed his favorite toys without being indecent. Bella took into account both of their tastes when she chose her wedding dress. The sash at the waist emphasized the curves of her hips without making them look bulky. The sweeping train of the gown, made Bella feel both beautiful and sophisticated. Kennedy and Julie were the only individuals privy to the gown.

  The luxurious ivory fabric of the dress caressed Bella’s body. Kennedy pulled the zipper up to the top as the tears fell. Julie helped her to affix her veil as she too cried. Bella kept her shoe simple with a low heel. She had an unnatural fear of tripping.

  “You look simply beautiful Bella,” Kennedy stammered. Julie shook her head in agreement. The best friends looked beautiful in lilac sleeveless organza cocktail dresses. The knock at the door jolted them from their admiration. It was Juanita wanting to have a few words with Bella. Thankfully she was by herself as Bella wanted to make a grand entrance. Kennedy and Julie gave themselves the once over before leaving the room.

  Juanita took Bella’s hand and began her speech. “Chaz told me what he did last night Bella. I know it was a very stupid thing for him to do and I told him as much. No matter that I just met him that was a terrible thing to do. I just wanted you to know that with the General’s and my genes running threw his body he is bound to make many mistakes. I too tend to be self-destructive, or I used to. It’s not one of my most endearing traits ask Carl. People like Chaz and myself tend to have a difficult time processing happiness. We think we deserve less so we do not know how to be happy sometimes. I know I have no right to ask but I want you to forgive Chaz and stick by him. Bella he loves you so much and I know your reunion would be short-lived if he thought for one second that he was hurting you. Carl and I have had some really rough patches where I let my insecurities almost cost me the only man to truly love me. Chaz was the only child I was able to give birth too. A surrogate carried my twins and it angered me that I was denied the opportunity to have any additional children. It’s a wonder Carl didn’t take the twins and leave me. Now I know that Chaz was my crowning moment. I love my twins and they are my world but now that world includes Chaz and you. Please Bella before you leave this room, leave any anger behind. Love my son, I promise he is going to return that love a million times over.”

  Bella tried to fight the tears and show her appreciation for Juanita’s words. The tears and a nod of her head would have to suffice speech was impossible right now. Juanita wrapped Bella up in a huge hug murmuring thanks.

  “You have no idea what you have done. I have a son and now a daughter. I am one blessed woman.” Juanita said, as her own tears fell. “Alright, let’s get you married.”

  Bella and her bridal party made their way to the chapel. Walking threw the casino drew a lot of stares and offers of congratulations.

  “You are simply beautiful,” a lady checking in at the front counter remarked. Bella was sure to thank everyone for the compliments. The coordinator ushered Bella to the bridal suite to avoid being seen by Chaz. After a few quick instructions, the no nonsense woman was ready to proceed. Kennedy, Julie, and Juanita gave her quick kisses to the cheek before taking their places. Erik and Julie walked down the aisle after Chaz. Kennedy and Horatio took their walk as the photographer and videographer went to work. Juanita and her family were on the groom’s side along with Pops and his family. Pops had counseled Chaz over the last few hours on marriage. They were receiving some pampering with massages and other body treatments. Carl was sure to put in his two cents before Chaz took to the altar.

  “You and my wife are complicated creatures Chaz. I know I have no right but I just want you to remember why you are here when this moment passes. Bella deserves to be happy and not have ‘your’ complicated past complicate your future together.”

  Chaz extended a huge hug to the man, which perhaps on some other plain, would have been his stepfather. “Thank you Carl. I promise to do just that.”

  Bella did her best to contain her emotions as she made the walk to the chapel with the wedding coordinator. At the closed doors the coordinator adjusted the train on Bella’s dress and gave her time to collect her emotions before opening the door. The slight nod of Bella’s head indicated she was ready. With a bright smile and a few tears Bella made her grand entrance. Chaz lost control of his emotions as Bella walked down the aisle. Horatio grabbed his shoulders giving them a quick squeeze. The collective gasps from Bella’s friends and Chaz’s let her know she had chosen well with her gown. Chaz silently cried as he watched his soon to be wife walk down the aisle. Kennedy took Bella’s bouquet so that the bride and groom could hold hands. The wedding officiate began the ceremony and in less than thirty minutes Chaz and Bella were pronounced husband and wife. Tenderly Chaz lifted Bella’s veil taking her face in his hands as he kissed his new wife. Those in attendance gave a collective gasp as the two passionately kissed.

  “You look so amazingly beautiful Bella,” Chaz murmured against her mouth. “I love you.”

  Bella fought her tears as she prepared for a second kiss. “I love you Chaz. You look so damn good in that tux.”

  The tux made Chaz look like a male model or someone who should be on the arm of a super model. The lilac bowtie accentuated the black material of the tux. Horatio and Erik looked equally as dapper in their tuxes. Chaz and Bella made their way out of the chapel to cheers followed by their bridal party. The remaining guests met the couple in the vestibule as they posed for pictures. The cameraman snapped pictures of them in another passionate kiss. The bridal party posed for pictures with both the bride and groom and as couples. Bella made sure to include the guests in the picture taking. Bella had a picture of her and the five friends. Chaz took pictures with his mother and his siblings. The best picture was of Chaz and his brother, who had taken a supreme interest in Mia, much to her delight. The fact that he was like five years younger did not matter, at least here in Vegas it didn’t matter. Martinez and Callie looked cozy as he affectionately doted on her. Ava had a wild night with the stripper from the party and hoped he could meet up with them tonight.

  Chaz and Bella basked in the congratulations from
everyone in attendance. They were whisked away by limo to get their official marriage license. Inside the limo Chaz found it hard to stop kissing his new wife.

  “Damn Bella, you look so beautiful. I love this dress on you, very good choice.”

  “I thought it was perfect for you. I love you Chaz.” Bella beamed as he placed kisses on her exposed shoulders. When they exited the limo and walked to the building they received more congrats and attention. Bella was sure the females thought Chaz was someone famous as they openly gawked like he was a celebrity. With their marriage certificates in hand they made their way back to the hotel.

  “You clean up nice big brother,” Candace said taking Chaz’s arm. He placed a brotherly kiss on her forehead. “Looking beautiful yourself Candace. I am so glad you guys are here, my family.” They walked into the restaurant area to have dinner.

  The Chef prepared a scrumptious four course meal that was delivered tableside. The tender carved roast beef was served with garlic smashed potatoes, green beans, and four-cheese macaroni.

  “Oh my God this is so freaking good,” Mia exclaimed. She took in a fork of the potatoes as Marcus slipped a hand to rest on her thigh. Mia immediately sat straight up and reluctantly pushed his hand away.

  “I am so hungry,” Bella admitted as Chaz fed her a forkful of macaroni. The cheese dripping off her lip he kissed away. The kiss deepened and they apologized to their wedding party for overindulging. No one paid them any attention, as they were engrossed in the food. Individuals in the restaurant were watching the wedding party with fascination, as the servers and chef continued to bring out food. When the Chef wheeled out the three-tier chocolate wedding cake, everyone applauded. Bella insisted that anyone wanting a slice of the decadent cake partake. Chaz and Bella fed small bites to each other as Juanita snapped a million pictures. She was so proud of her son, having only met him ten hours ago. The house would soon be covered in pictures of Chaz and she couldn’t wait to introduce him to the rest of her large family. The party bus was heavily decorated with wedding adornments. The wedding guests and family boarded the bus.

  On the bus Bella and Chaz took a seat canoodling. Chaz kissed Bella’s shoulders moving to her neck before taking her mouth once more. Bella moved her lips to Chaz’s neck for a short time before returning to his lips. Bella appreciated the softness of Chaz’s fingers touching her exposed skin. He ran a finger over the swells of her breasts and Bella gasped into his mouth. Her soft hands caressed his face as their tongues mingled together. Chaz openly sucked Bella’s bottom lip and moved down her neck to the swells of her breasts. Bella pulled his face back to her mouth as they continued to kiss. Their open and extensive affections did not go unnoticed by Juanita and his new family.

  “You get used to their openly affectionate nature,” Callie said noticing their concern. Ava and Mia laughed at the memory of Chaz and Bella having sex in the hallway of a hotel. Juanita blushed, “They really are in love.” Carl shook his head adamantly.

  The music started and the reception on wheels began. Drinks were flowing as they talked, danced, and laughed on the bus. Marcus and Marisa were snapping pictures left and right posting on social media sites about their big brother and his new bride. Bella loved the way they doted on each other as if they had grown up together.

  “Are you crunching on my brother-in-law Mia?” Bella whispered into her ear. Mia shook her head and Bella noticed her brother-in-law giving Mia that panty-crushing smile. Bella laughed and tried to comfort a sulking Ava who wanted to have her stripper by her side. He had a job to do and would try to meet up with them later.

  “Bella, you are a stunning bride. My son is a lucky man,” Pops said giving Bella a hug.

  “Your son is quite the catch Pops. Look at his handsome self,” Bella gushed as she looked at her husband. Marcus and Chaz were posing together while Juanita snapped up more pictures. Horatio and Kennedy were busy enjoying each other and feeling the wedding bug biting them both. Kennedy had made up her mind to move in with Horatio when they returned home. She loved him so much and knew he would protect and love her properly. Horatio was so grateful for Kennedy’s presence in his life, like Chaz it gave him a reason to tame the reckless behavior. He wanted to have a life with Kennedy.

  “Damn man you almost didn’t make it. I would have had to kill you myself,” Horatio said to Chaz. They were sitting in the back of the bus watching the guests enjoy their mobile reception. Chaz moved his head in the affirmative. “I would have welcomed a bullet if she decided not to marry me.”

  “You didn’t do it? Tell me that you didn’t.” Horatio said with temporary anger. Chaz shook his head to indicate he didn’t. “I could only think of Bella and what that would do to her. I came close but my body only wants my wife.”

  Horatio cuffed Chaz upside the head for the transgression. “Chico, you need to stop being so self-destructive. You deserve to be happy, enjoy it dawg.”

  “I know man,” Chaz said sipping his drink. “I had a lot of begging to do and probably still more. She deserves to be happy.”

  “The woman found out that the evil Emily was not your mother. She found your freaking birth mother and set all this up,” Horatio said indicating their surroundings. “You owe her a lifetime of happiness.”

  “I know Horatio. She is the best thing to happen to me. My mom is cool as hell too, we have a lot in common besides these good looks.”

  “I saw the video of your reunion, it had me choked up dawg.” Horatio said pushing the emotion down. They clinked glasses as Bella made her way towards them.

  “Can I borrow my husband?” Bella was managing to stay upright without falling by holding onto the pole, as the party bus cruised up and down the Las Vegas strip.

  “He is all yours, good luck,” Horatio joked. He gave Bella a kiss to the cheek and quick hug. Bella took Chaz’s hand in hers and pulled him to her body. He looked down at his new wife loving her so much. Their bodies were barely touching but the heat radiating was palpable. Chaz slipped his tongue into her mouth as Bella moaned softly. Marcus looked at his older brother and then turned his attention to Mia. He raised an eyebrow and she patted the seat next to her.

  “So you had a crush on my brother? I hope I am not sloppy seconds,” he whispered in her ear. Mia’s face registered shock and she wondered who blabbed. “Uh who told you that?”

  “No one, I can tell that we are your type. Considering he just married Bella that leaves only me to satisfy that uh crush.”

  Mia visibly blushed under his confident words. “Wow he really is your brother? You two have a lot in common besides looks.”

  “I am sure we do considering how Bella is practically panting. However, I think my big brother takes after his little brother,” Marcus said confidently. Mia tried to control her swooning as Marcus exuded confidence in his abilities.

  “I probably could teach you a thing or two,” she murmured seductively. Mia was not to be outdone by a nineteen year old. Marcus laughed and slapped his hands together. “Oh okay if you think so.”

  The rueful smile on his face told her, he was going to show her a few things, hopefully tonight. “What are you like seventeen?” She purposely butchered his age. He shook his head and explained. “I’ll be twenty in a few months. Age doesn’t matter its knowhow and natural talent that matters.”

  Mia gave an exasperated sigh, “You may not think age matters but I am sure your mother and father would think differently.”

  “I am sure your parents feel the same way. And tonight that has no bearing on this celebration. We are having a good time right?” Marcus was going to have Mia by the end of the night. He would not be sleeping at the time-share. He hoped she had her own room and was not sharing with one of her friends.

  “Yeah we are having a good time. I guess it could get better. I am not sure how your family or big brother Chaz would feel about that.”

  “If you think that my brother and I have a lot in common then you already know how he would feel about um us hooking up.
Because that’s what this would be right? You live in one place, I go to school in another place. I plan to visit my brother and his strip club for sure but that would be the only time I could continue teaching you.”

  Mia laughed loudly at his audacity but secretly cheered his amazing confidence. She was going to fuck the shit out of the young Mr. Marcus if she had the opportunity. The five-year age difference was negligible to her, especially with his looks and confidence turning her on majorly. They continued to exchange sexually charged words as the bus rolled down the strip.

  Chapter 24

  Bella and Chaz danced in the loud nightclub at a nearby casino as people looked on. They moved so well together especially Bella maneuvering in her elegant wedding dress. Chaz kept a protective hand on his wife at all times. Not having his gun for additional protection made him nervous. Candace, Charmaine, and Marisa were exploring the parts of the casino open to underage guests. Mia and Marcus doubled back to the party bus after everyone disembarked. The adults were now enjoying a round of expensive drinks in the nightclub watching Chaz and Bella on the dance floor.

  “They look really well together,” Juanita said. Carl, Walter, and Susanne all agreed. The VIP area of the club afforded them a perfect view of the couple.

  “Thanks Walter for stepping in these last few years to mentor Chaz,” Juanita said over the music.

  “He is an amazing young man. It was easy to make him family. I love my son,” Walter replied, Suzanne nodded in agreement. He wanted them to know that Chaz was still his son in his eyes. Carl gave a curt nod to indicate he understood and appreciated his love for Chaz.

  At the next stop Bella and Chaz made one cursory walk around the crowded nightclub, admitting the crowd was a little older then they were. The parents were in heaven as they danced to “their kind of music”. Slipping out the door they made their way to the bus for some alone time.

  “Oops,” Chaz replied covering his mouth. Mia was straddling Marcus and thankfully not naked. However they were locked in an intense kiss. Mia tried to get off his lap but Marcus held her firm, as he was visibly aroused. Bella blushed and gave a soft giggle. Chaz took Bella’s hand leading her to the back of the bus. Mia looked embarrassed as she buried her face in Marcus’ neck. When she turned to offer an explanation Bella and Chaz were locked in their own passionate exchange. Marcus watched as his brother, using kisses, made Bella whimper. “Yup they had a lot in common,” Marcus thought. He resumed kissing Mia when Ava and Mario interrupted the party. Mia did not stop kissing Marcus this time and offered no explanations. Eventually all the couples, except the parents, were on the bus in a state of making out. Chaz paused his attention to Bella as he watched Mia fall for his younger brother. He did his best to contain his pride, as his brother handled the older woman with precision. Bella turned his attention back to her when Marcus managed one of Mia’s nipples into his mouth.