When It Rains...

by Angie Daniels

  “You found him,” she said softly, hoping she was correct.

  He nodded, tugging her close. The group cheered, and Terraine patted his brother on the back.

  Honey draped an arm around his waist and hugged him. “I’m so happy for you,” she said, her voice choking.

  He planted a kiss on her forehead, thankful for her support and wishing he’d had more faith in her from the beginning.

  Everyone started asking questions all at once. A chuckle started deep in Jay’s throat and came out in a burst of laughter. His usual warm and relaxed manner had returned. “J.J. is doing just fine,” he said, loud enough for those nearby to hear. “However, his doctor is keeping him in the hospital overnight for observation.”He looked over at his brother, who was smiling at him, and winked. “The police are questioning the woman who took him. So I’ll be able to answer your questions later.” He looked down at Honey. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, the way he liked it, and his eyes grew pensive. “I can’t stay. I just dropped by to get something.”

  Scooping Honey into his arms, he moved toward the door. One arm around his neck, she used the other to wave as they pushed through the crowd. The room burst into applause so loud that Honey and Jay could barely hear as the family promised to meet them at the hospital.

  Resting her head against his chest, Honey tried to catch her breath, but her heart raced with excitement and joy. She lifted her head and stared into his beautifuleyes as he stepped out into the cool wind. “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “I’m taking you to meet someone who’s gonna be a very important part of your life,” he murmured against her lips, then lowered his mouth to settle on hers.

  Terraine couldn’t contain his smile as he watched them pull out of the driveway. “About time my brother came to his senses.”

  Sasha nudged her husband in the ribs and said teasingly,“I told you so.”

  Shaking his head, he turned to his wife with a wide grin. “Yes, you did.”

  Twenty-six

  Honey carried the slumbering baby boy to his crib and carefully lowered him onto the mattress, then pulled the blanket around him. Staring down at the preciousdarling, she stroked his soft, shiny black curls with the back of her hand. He was beautiful. J.J. Andrewslay at peace, without a worry in the world. He would never know how scared his father had been.

  According to the police, Ledora’s son had died of SIDS only a week before the abduction. Made irrational by the double loss, she had blamed Jay for both her husband’s and son’s deaths, and had come to St. Louis seeking revenge without the slightest idea how she would exact it. Ledora had just started a position with the temporary nursing pool when Kendra went into labor. The rest was pure luck.

  Hearing footsteps behind her, Honey anticipated his warm breath at the back of her neck.

  “I see he’s finally asleep.”

  She looked over her shoulder at Jay, put a fingertip to her lips, and signaled for him to lower his voice. Speakingsoftly, she asked, “How’d things go with Kendra?”

  He smiled. “Piece of cake. After that stunt she pulled, she didn’t have much choice. The judge awarded me full custody.”

  Honey returned his smile and said, “That’s wonderful.”

  “I’m so glad this shit is finally over. Now we can get on with our lives.” Jay nuzzled her neck and found that Honey smelled like baby powder—and his son’s sweet scent. Now he was certain he couldn’t have a better woman in his life.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, and they both stared down into the crib. After a brief silence he said, “There’s only one problem.”

  Honey swung around in his arms, her eyes wide with concern. “What’s wrong?”

  His dark eyes twinkled. “J.J. is now without a mother.”

  She playfully slugged him in the arm for scaring her. “He doesn’t need a mother with a wonderful father like you.”

  He dropped his head and kissed her, then said, “Then his father needs a wife. Will you marry me?”

  She searched his face. Something in his gaze told her he was serious. The laughter was gone. His eyes were solemn.

  Honey loved her some Jay. He was her soul mate. If Walter and Kendra had never stepped into their lives, if things had been so very different, she would have shouted hell yeah at his proposal of marriage. However,she couldn’t hide her rape and infertility any more than Jay could pretend Kendra and J.J. didn’t exist. Both occurrences would always be a part of their lives. Each would come to the other with excess baggage.Honey knew she wasn’t ready yet for marriage and a part of her didn’t believe Jay was either.

  Her sessions with her therapist were going well and hopefully in time she would discover her true self. But that was still a long way coming. Besides, she and Jay needed time. Time to love. Time to learn to trust. They needed to strengthen their relationship before she could even consider the package deal. Because she knew that package would include not only J.J. but Kendra as well.

  “I love you, Jay, but I don’t think we’re ready to take that big step.”

  Jay reached up to cup her chin, his eyes determined. “Boo, I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t ready.”

  “And you’re only asking now because of J.J., but I’m okay with that. I just need more time to finish discoveringwho I am and all I ask is that you try to do the same.”

  Jay was quiet for a long moment and even though her rejection hurt, he realized she was probably right. They had both been through quite a bit. He loved Honey and wanted her to be a permanent part of his life, but deep down he knew he still had issues to work out between him and Kendra. She was J.J.’s mother, and even though he had sole custody, she would always be a part of their lives. Part of him wanted the bitch to stay as far away from him as possible, while the other half, mainly his dick, was pleased she would still be around.

  While sitting in the courtroom, he had watched Kendra sitting with her lawyer on the other side of the room. Each time she ran her tongue across her juicy red lips, his dick jerked. Instead of listening to the judge, his mind had wandered off with visions of her down on all fours with her head bobbing up and down at his crotch. Honey he had yet to school in the art of giving good head, while Kendra already had a master’s in the subject. Would he ever be free of his sexual attractionto her? If the situation presented itself, would he be able to resist? He was a man and his dick, his weakness. After all the bullshit she’s put you through, are you ever going to learn? That was something he couldn’t answer yet.

  Lifting Honey into his arms, he whispered against her cheek, “Everything is gonna work out. ’Cause I love you and there ain’t no way in hell I’m ever lettin’ your fine ass go.”

  “Good, ’cause I plan to stick around for the long haul.” Honey gave her man a long, wet kiss, then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close.

  Staring out the window, Honey saw the sun peeking out behind a cloud and she smiled. It had been raining on her world for far too long, but she had a strong suspicionall that was about to change.

  Want more Angie Daniels? Turn the page for a preview of IN THE COMPANY OF MY SISTAHS, TROUBLE LOVES COMPANY, and CAREFUL OF THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

  Available now wherever books are sold.

  In the Company of My Sistahs

  One

  Renee

  “What the hell do you mean you can’t find your birth certificate?”

  “I thought it was in my desk drawer, but when I looked a few minutes ago, it wasn’t there.”

  I took a deep breath, drawing on the lessons bestowedupon me. Patience is a virtue is right up there with do unto others as you want done unto you. Shit, I’ve been flunking both for years.

  “Why the hell did you wait until it’s time to leave to look for your damn birth certificate?”

  “I thought I had it,” Nadine mumbled.

  See, this is a prime example as to why I have very few female friends—because they are either catty or doing some stupid shit, like l
osing a damn birth certificate.

  I told my sister Lisa this wasn’t going to work, but she refused to hear me. So listen to what I am about to tell you. Four women can’t spend a week in Jamaica together.

  Nadine, who I’m on the phone with now, is a notorious procrastinator. I’ve been telling her big titty behind for almost three months that she needed a birth certificate.I even went as far as to instruct her to put the damn thing in her suitcase so she wouldn’t forget it. Now she wants to call me just as we’re getting ready to roll down to St. Louis to say she can’t find the damn thing.

  “Renee, what am I going to do?” I heard her say.

  “I don’t know what you’re going to do, ’cause I told your ass!” What she needed was a miracle and my name sho’ in the hell wasn’t Helen Keller.

  Glancing over at the digital clock on my nightstand, I noticed it was already after five and rolled my eyes. “If you had taken the time to look for it an hour ago you could’ve ran downtown to Vital Statistics and picked up another copy.”

  “What time they close?”

  “They closed five minutes ago! See, that’s why I don’t fool with you.” Breathing heavily into the receiver,I tried counting to five but that shit wasn’t working.I had problems of my own. My ex-husband was supposed to have picked up his kids at one o’clock. As usual his tired ass was late.

  You know what? I ain’t got time for this shit.

  “My advice to you is to keep looking and call me back.” Without bothering to say good-bye, I punched END on the cordless phone, then tossed it onto my bed. I wasn’t even about to worry about her right now.

  Besides, Nadine ain’t even my friend. She’s my sisterLisa’s homegirl.

  It doesn’t matter that Nadine and I used to blow spit bubbles together or the fact that her funky-ass feet used to be in my face when she slept at the bottom of my bed. So what if I used to fart and pin her ass to the mattressso she had no choice but to smell it. None of that shit counts. She’s still Lisa’s friend, not mine. I just hang with Nadine from time to time ’cause she doesn’t have too many friends. After my sister moved to Texas her ass was acting all lonely and shit, so I felt sorry for her. But regardless of how you want to look at it, Nadine ain’t my friend. She’s Lisa’s homegirl.

  With her dilemma still fresh on the brain, I reached under my bed, pulled out my suitcase and decided that after all that ranting and raving I better make sure my passport hadn’t expired. I believe it’s good for ten years. My second husband was in the Army, and we lived overseas, but that’s another story.

  I found it between my vibrator and a box of magnum-sizecondoms (hey, a sistah’s gotta be prepared) and just as I thought, my passport was still good for another two years. I tossed it into my purse and reached for my deodorant on the dresser.

  Hearing footsteps coming down the hall, I looked up to find my thirteen-year-old daughter, Tamara, entering my room, followed by our schnauzer, Nikki.

  “Mom, you need some help?” she asked me as she took a seat on my bed.

  I shook my head. “No, Princess. Are you all packed?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “You got your toothbrush?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Plenty of clean underwear?”

  “Mom,” she groaned, “you already asked me that this morning!”

  “And I’m going to keep on asking, smart-ass,” I retorted.Who the hell does she think she’s talking to? I don’t know what’s wrong with kids today. If I had spokento my mother that way she would’ve knocked my ass clear into next week.

  Nikki jumped on top of my open suitcase. Spoiled-ass dog. “Get down, Nikki,” I ordered. Luckily, she obeyed and jumped down, taking a seat near my daughter’s feet; otherwise I would’ve thrown my shoe at her. Don’t get me wrong. I love my dog. We all do. She’s been in our family for almost nine years, and I consider her part of the family. Nevertheless, her ass is spoiled. Have you ever heard of a dog that sleeps in the bed under the covers with her head on a pillow? Rotten.

  I looked over in time to see Tamara reach into my suitcase and pull out a size-ten bikini I found on clearanceat Wal-Mart.

  She turned up her nose. “Mom, I hope you ain’t wearing this.”

  “Shoot! I don’t know why not.”

  “’Cause, your stomach is too big.”

  “Whatever,” I mumbled as I snatched it from her hand. I don’t care how big my stomach is, not this week, anyway.

  All four of us agreed that whatever happens in Jamaica,stays in Jamaica. So if I want to wear a bikini and show my childbearing stretch marks, then that’s my damn business. I will never see any of those people again. Besides, my stomach ain’t that bad. I’m the stomach-crunch queen. I just have a little pooch, nothingmore ... well, maybe a little more, but not that much. Nevertheless, after two kids, I still look good. Smooth caramel skin, hazel eyes, small firm breasts (my shit don’t sag), big legs, and a phat ass—ssshittt, you better ask somebody.

  I put the bikini back in my suitcase and took a quick inventory of its contents. I had a swimsuit for all five days with flip-flops and butt wraps to match. There were also sundresses, tops, and shorts. Yes, you better believethis sistah was prepared. “Princess, can you go get my blue-jean shorts out the dryer?”

  “Aw’ight.” She slid off the bed. “Come on, Nikki.” On command, her dog rose and happily followed her down the hall.

  Before she got too far, I called after her. “Before you do that, go call your dad.” The sorry bastard.

  I’m sorry. I’m probably coming off as a bitch and I apologize. I just have a lot on my mind these days. A great deal of stress. When I get back from Jamaica, I have to make what I consider one of the biggest decisionsof my life. I have been putting it off for months and time has finally run out.

  By the time I inventoried my suitcase, my phone rang. I looked down at my caller ID and saw it was my girl Kayla Sparks.

  “Whassup,” I greeted.

  She smacked her lips as she spoke. “Gurl, Nadine says she can’t find her birth certificate.”

  “I know, she already called and told me.”

  “What’s she going to do?”

  “I don’t know what she’s gonna do. I’ve been telling her the same damn thing for weeks and it went in one ear and out the other.”

  “She’s ridiculous.”

  I clicked my tongue. “Tell me something I don’t alreadyknow.”

  Obviously there wasn’t shit else she could tell me that I didn’t already know, because she changed the subject.

  “I’ve already dropped Kenya and Asia off at my mom’s. My bags are packed and I’m ready to go.”

  “So am I. That is, as soon as Mario’s sorry ass gets here.”

  “How much spending money you taking?” Kayla asked.

  “Not much. My car insurance was due. I got enough to cover my half of the room and buy everyone a gift.”

  Kayla paused a second too long. “I thought you were paying for our rooms with your credit card,” she finally said.

  “Excuse me? I reserved our rooms on my credit card. You need to pay for your half of the room when you get there.” My statement was followed by another long pause. Uh-oh, not another one. I lowered onto the bed. “You do have money for your room, right?”

  “No-o-o. I thought you were paying for them and we were paying you back later.”

  “Y’all are fucked up! I’m not First National Bank. I specifically said I would hold the rooms on my card. I never said shit about paying for them.”

  “You’re silly.” Kayla had the nerve to sound appalled.

  “No, y’all bitches are crazy,” I spat. My other line beeped. “Hold on.” I clicked over. My older sister Lisa was calling me from her cell phone. She and her husbandMichael arrived from Texas last week and have been staying with his parents.

  “Hey, you ready?” she asked.

  “Almost. I got Kayla on the other line, but check this shit out. Nadine called; she can’t find her birt
h certificate.”

  “What?” Lisa screamed. “Just the other day she told me she had it.”

  “Well, she lost it. The way her house looks I ain’t the least bit surprised.” It was no secret Nadine’s house was a damn pig sty. She saves every doggone thing she gets her hands on because she’s afraid to throw anythingaway. I tried once to help her organize her shit. Even brought over a paper shredder, but she refused to part with anything. Which was fine with me because I don’t have to sleep there. However, I did tell her nasty ass not to even think about inviting me over again until she cleaned her damn house.

  “Man, this is unbelievable,” I heard Lisa say.

  “You right. She called right after Vital Statistics closed.”

  “If she had bothered to look yesterday, she could have gone down with me.”

  “I know. To top it off, Kayla thought I was paying for both rooms with my credit card and y’all were payingme back at a later date.”

  “Damn, both my girls are trippin’.”

  “Hell yeah, they’re trippin’.” Especially since my credit card was maxed out. Shit, I couldn’t even use it to pay for my own half of the room. “You ready to roll?”

  Lisa cleared her throat. “Actually, I was calling ’cause Michael wants me to spend the evening with him. I’ma go to the boat tonight.”

  “Bitch, whatever! You gonna end up missing the plane.”

  “No, I won’t. You know I get up that early anyway.”

  “Uh-huh,” I returned with straight attitude. My sisterowns a bakery in San Antonio and yeah, she does get up early, but that’s beside the point. The four of us had made plans for the evening that obviously now had changed. Leave it to some damn man to rain on my parade.“Yeah, whatever.”

  “What’s wrong with you?” Lisa asked.

  “I need some dick. I’ll call you back.” I clicked back over to the other line in time to hear Kayla’s pissed-off sigh through the receiver. “Ho, don’t even try to get no attitude, ’cause you’re always putting me on hold.” Returningto the problem at hand, I asked, “So, do you have money or what?”