Scarlett sighed. “Wow.”
“Scarlett I don’t think my son could have found better if he tried.”
Scarlett exhaled. “Wow.”
“You are just the person I always wanted for him. Just keep him on his toes for me ok?”
“That won’t be a problem at all. And I would love for you and Christopher to be in our lives. The kids love you and so do I.”
“I do too.” They looked at the door and Jayla walked in.
“I figured you two were still talking. Once you get Scarlett started she can talk your ear off.”
Scarlett threw an air punch towards Jay. “You talk just as much as me.”
“Well we do need to talk about these two weddings that will be going on? Have you guys thought about when or where you want your wedding?”
“Summer!” Scarlett and Jayla both laughed as they said it at the same time. Someone knocked on the door.
“Helen you know the men are wondering why you kidnapped their women?”
Helen laughed as she saw her old time friend.
“Jayla and Scarlett let me introduce you to my soul sister in the flesh Sandra D.”
Scarlett beamed as she shook her hand. Sandra took Jayla’s next. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you both.”
Jay looked at her. “Finally?”
“Yes Helen has been telling all about you.”
Scarlett and Jay looked at each other.
“Don't worry it was nothing but good things. She said that she saw you girls together and she knew guys were destined to be sisters. Just the way you are with each other. Its how my best friend and I are she told me this would happen.”
Jayla sat back in her chair.
“Told you what would happen?”
“You guys would be her daughters. She said she knew you girls were perfect for her sons.”
Scarlett sat next to her. “She did?”
Helen who was slowly walking towards the door stopped and stood in front of it and turned away.
“Thank you so much sandy.”
“My pleasure.” Sandy grinned and took a seat. The three women all staring up at Helen smiled. Helen cleared her throat.
“To understand this you guys should know our history. Sandra is a woman I met while I dated Christopher. She was so much like me I wouldn’t have made it to where I am now if it wasn’t for her. We actually went on our first dates with Christopher and his still till this day best friend Brian. We fell in love with men who only wanted us and we only wanted them. Not their money or their power just the men who we fell in love with. We were happy and having kids together and growing with our husbands has brought us even closer. When Chris brought Jay home, I admit I was skeptical of that relationship, Chris knew without a doubt in his mind she would be his wife. But he also knew that I wasn’t that easy to please and to be honest I was fine with that because I knew my son would never commit to a woman unless his brother committed to one as well.”
With Helen’s back to the door, she didn’t hear nor see it open. Chris and Christian placed a finger to their lips to ensure the women’s silence. Helen continued.
“Chris was always the most driven and because he was that made Christian work just as hard. What I love about my boys is how instead of competing with each other it was never about winning it was about working together. They had their interests and hobbies that made them wonderful men. But Chris knew if he got married, until his brother met someone steady he would have to deal with me and dealing with me alone no one can win. I knew you loved him because you were so patient Jay. But I was Scared that if he married you he wouldn’t need me. That’s why I encouraged Christian to date Amber. She wasn’t wife material and Christian wasn’t ready to settle down, which meant that neither was Chris. He didn’t like her hell I don't even like her. But she was a means to an end. If Christian stayed with her he wouldn’t get married and neither would Chris. And that had worked too until I walked into my son’s office and saw him kissing Scarlett I didn’t know who she was or what was going on but I knew he was a goner.”
Scarlett gasped and covered her face. “You saw that?”
Jay gasped. “You kissed Christian the first day you met him? Why didn’t I know?”
“It just happened? Hey let her finish the story.”
Scarlett shook her head and looked back at Helen trying to keep her eyes away from Christian’s.
“I walked away gave you a few minutes to catch yourselves then walked in again like I didn’t see a thing. I told him to stay away from you. That I knew he would hurt you because I knew that would attract him to you more. I didn’t know how serious his feelings for you were until the dinner party. I was out of line and I can’t really explain why I said what I said it just came out.”
Jay frowned.
“I just don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness I was petty and mean and I am so sorry. But I am not sorry that you guys bonded. Even at the hospital the first thing out of Christian’s mouth was I got to call Jay, Scarlett is going to need her.”
Helen felt tears come to her eyes.
“Scarlett I need you to know that I never spoke negativities to your mother. After the Ball when I saw Christian looking at you I knew he was in love. I knew that my son had found his wife. So I went to Shrines and I bore my soul to your mother. I needed her to know that I was sorry for the way I treated you Scarlett. She told me that the daughter she raised would see that I was just a mother trying to protect my son. And she knew that once I realized how wonderful you were that I would know you were the one for him. Scarlett she was so proud of you that is what I was trying to tell you in the hospital. She knew Christian was the one for you the moment she met him. And she knew like I do now that you guys were it. I promised her we would make you stronger and help heal you.”
Scarlett felt her eyes water as she looked at the door.
“You never told me you met my mom?”
Helen wiped her eyes as she looked at the door.
“What are you two doing in here?”
“Listening to a very interesting story.”
Scarlett stood up.
“Christian why didn’t you tell me?”
He walked over to her. “I was going to. That’s why I was late coming from the site. I was at Shrines. I wanted your mom to get a look at me give me her once over.”
“And?”
“And she told me that if I was half the man that you and my mom said I was then she knows I could make you happy. She told me that you deserved the best and if I wanted to be with you then I needed to acknowledge that you were this incredible woman and needed to be your rock.”
“She said that?”
“She did and she wanted me to tell you that none of this was your fault. You had strength in you that even when everything looked bleak you still held strong. She was proud of you and she didn't blame you she never did.”
“Oh Christian.”
Scarlett hugged him tight.
“I love you so much.”
Chris grabbed Jayla to him and frowned.
“You know that whole making you wait thing while it sounds bad it’s true. My mom knows us better than anyone does. Christian and I did everything either together or around the same time. I know it sounds bad but I wanted you to have someone too.”
“I get that now. Didn’t get it before but now I do. And everything seems to make sense.”
Christopher wrapped his arms around his wife. “Well I hate to break up this bonding moment but there is a party going on out there.”
Everyone laughed as they walked into the Living room. The waiter went around and handed out champagne flutes. Scarlett grabbed hers as Helen lightly tapped her glass with a knife.
“We would like to thank everyone for being here. I am extremely blessed to be celebrating not only gaining another daughter in law but also some pretty amazing kids. When Christian chose Scarlett as his bride he couldn’t have chosen a better w
oman. So congratulations to the both of you. Cheers!”
Everyone lifted their glasses as Christian pulled Scarlett to him and kissed her.
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Epilogue
Happily Ever After…
Five Years Later…
Christian opened the door as Angel ran into the house after three and a half year old CJ. Angel chased him into the living room as Shane jumped out and picked him up. CJ squealed with excitement.
“Shane!”
“CJ, why are you running from your big sister?”
“Cuz!”
Shane mocked him tickling him.
“Cuz, Cuz!”
They both laughed as Angel went to hug him.
“When did you get here Uncle Shane we were only gone for a few minutes?”
Christian walked into the room. Shane smiled.
“I only just got here Devon let me in before he and Maggie left in his graduation gift.”
“I told Christian he was spoiling Devon with that brand new BMW.”
Shane looked towards the top of the stairs as Christian ran to a very slow 8 month pregnant Scarlett. She tugged at her black sundress pulling it down more over her stomach as Christian helped her down the stairs.
“I told you to wait for me. You need to be taking it easy.”
“Christian if I am late to my brother’s graduation because I can’t waddle fast enough I will never forgive myself so let’s get this show on the road.”
As Scarlett reached the bottom of the stairs Shane handed CJ to Christian and hugged her.
“You are practically glowing. How are you feeling?”
“Like a whale.” She laughed. “Where is Zoë? Didn’t you bring her?”
“Yes she dropped me off because she felt the need to grab more gifts for our God children.”
“When are you going to have some kids of your own?” Shane smiled.
“Well we just found out that she is three months pregnant.” Christian high fived him as Scarlett let a few tears fall.
“Congratulations. Now I am really glad you moved your practice here. And I love Zoë she is perfect for you.”
“Party over here!”
Scarlett laughed seeing an equally pregnant Jayla walk into the door. Chris walked in after her holding their 4 year old daughter Ebony.
“Ain't nothing over here, you better stop shaking that thing before you shake my son right out.”
Scarlett and Jayla moved to hug each other but laughed as the bellies touched. Scarlett laughed. “How about a high five instead?”
They high fived and Chris and Christian exchanged ebony and Cj. Jayla looked around.
“Where is the graduator?”
“He and Maggie left early his new car. He wanted to talk to her about moving away for school this year alone.”
Shane smiled. “So she’s transferring to Yale.”
“Yes and while I hate to see her go I am so proud of her. She worked so hard these last two years to get them to change their mind and admit her and they did.”
Christian smiled then walked to the door.
“Alright let’s get this show on the road! My wife doesn’t want to be late and she is pregnant and scares me so let’s go. Mom and dad are already there holding our seats.”
Shane took Ebony from Chris as everyone walked to the door as Scarlett looked at the family picture on the side table in the hall. Christian walked over to her as tears fell from her eyes.
“Are you ok?”
Scarlett wiped her eyes. “I miss her. She should be here.”
“I know and she is here. She has always been here and when our daughter gets here she will have been kissed by your mother just like CJ. She is a part of this family because she is a part of you.”
“She would be so proud. Of all of us. We have all come such a long way. I can’t believe Angel is starting high school, and Devon graduating from college. These last five years have been so wonderful. Being your wife, and working with you at the company instead of for you.”
“Bringing you on as CEO was a brilliant move on our part. And your master’s in business helped too.”
“I can’t believe Devon starts work Monday. He is very lucky to have a brother like you looking out for him.”
“I think we all of lucky because of you. Now are we going to go or what?”
“Yes just give me a minute ok.”
Christian kissed her cheek and walked out the house. Scarlett held the picture close to her heart and sighed.
“Thank you Lord for my family. I am so blessed and proud to have so much love. Mom we miss you every day but I know you are happy and at peace. I love you.”
She placed the picture down and walked out the door. The last five years were only the beginning as far as she was concerned. With Derek and Darrel serving time for possession of drugs and violating the restraining order she knew she never had to worry about them again. Christian was madly in love with her and she him. She closed the door and walked to the car ready to start yet another chapter in her happy life.
Coming early 2014
Undercover Love!
Rontora Nolan
EXCERPT
Arrissa stared at the beaten body on the floor. She tossed the baseball bat to the floor looking at her blood stained shaking hands. Fear crept inside her soul as her vision blurred and tears appeared. She kicked the lifeless body confused. How could she be responsible for hurting anyone unless she feared they would hurt her? She backed up to the wall as she felt like the room was getting smaller. With every breath she took it because harder to breathe. Lights lit up the dark room and she began to panic. If anyone else came in the rooms she would never be able to get free. She stood looking at the door and gathering the courage to run.
Arrissa ran away from the house as fast as she could. There was no way she would stay and allow something worse to happen to her. As she ran she couldn’t remember why she used the bat. Was she crazy? Was it self-defense? If she wasn’t sure herself the police wouldn’t help her. She ducked and dodged through the bushes trying to run as fast as her legs could take her.
Sensing someone was on her heel she sprinted faster seeing a clearing ahead. Before she reached it someone tackled her to the ground. She screamed loudly as she fought off her attacker.
He covered her with his body his placing his knees on her hands. She used all her might to jerk him off of her. She felt her left hand get free and she pushed him off her right.
“Get off of me let me go now.”
“Hold still this won’t hurt that much.”
He tore at her shirt as she clawed at his arms and face.
“Let me go.”
He pushed her further on the ground placing a kiss on her lips. Arrissa held her lips tight as his tongue tried to sneak though the crack. He pulled his face back and looked at her. She closed her eyes and tried with all her might to break away from him but he was too strong. He laughed at her bitterly.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way…which do you choose?”
“Let me go.”
She screamed loudly as she reached for his neck clawing again feverishly at his face and neck. He went to kiss her and this time she allowed him to kiss her. As his tongue entered her mouth she bit down as hard as she could. He jerked back pulling at her already tearing nightshirt. He leaned back spitting blood from his mouth.
“Now you’re gonna die.”
His heavy hand landed on her chest and she screamed expelling whatever air was left by force. She tried to block his punches by covering her face and praying. Praying to the Lord, that he would send her help. She tried to push him off of her as his hands curved around her neck. As his hands slowly squeezed the life out of her she heard a shot and the man went limp on top of her. Arrissa could feel the coolness of blood run down her stomach and she began to scream again this time out of fear she was next. A shadowy figure lifted the lifeless man off of her and m
oved closer to her. He bent down to her and reached for her hands.
“Ms. Are you ok?”
He helped her up and pulled his coat off and wrapped it around her. She glanced up as his tall stature searching his eyes for familiarity but not finding any. He held her closer felling her shake beneath his coat.
“It’s ok you’re going to be ok.”
He pulled out a cell phone then looked at her.
“Let’s get you somewhere safe.”
As they walked to his car side by side, Arrissa felt as if she was being jerked back
And forth. She held on tight as she could to her protector trying to fight the feeling of being forced from him. She looked up to him seeing his eyes vanish and not feeling his warmth on her anymore. Fear became a reality when she realized she was all alone.
As Arrissa opened her eyes, she saw her best friend waking her.
“Girl you need to get up I heard you screaming all the way down the hall.”
“Liyah I had that dream again.”
Coming early 2014
If only I could
Rontora Nolan
Love you again
EXCERPT
Abby rested her head on Briston’s shoulder allowing him to take her fingers into his hands. Pryce walked into the living room with Jackie and smiled when he saw his baby sister Suzy.
“Look at my beautiful little sister. Jerome was a fool.”
“I know.” Suzy smiled widely. Her brother always knew how to make her feel better even if she wasn’t sad.
Briston pulled Abby up with him and she was taken aback the moment she saw Pryce. She knew those golden brown eyes and high cheek bones and dimples anywhere. Abby’s’ mouth immediately went dry. She tried to swallow but couldn’t move the lump that formed in her throat. It had to be a dream. She closed her eyes and opened them several times hoping it was a dream but knowing it wasn’t Pryce was there right in front of her.
A Passion Rekindled Page 32
