When Renee got home, she was feeling much, much better than she did that morning. She was in the refrigerator debating what to cook for dinner that evening. Elliott came in shortly thereafter and slipped his arms around her waist. He kissed her and said “Thought you were going to take it easy.” She stood on her tiptoes and quickly kissed him and said, “I’m feeling much better. You’re home early.” He led her into the living room and they sat on the sectional. He said, “Are we alone?” She smiled, sat back, and said, “Yeah. What did you have in mind?” He leaned in and kissed her again and said, “You know I love you, Renee. More than you can imagine.” She said, “I know, baby. I love you too. I’m always going to love you.” He said, “This time, I want us to do everything right. No stones left unturned.” Before she could speak, he was removing a small box from his jacket. He opened the ring box and inside was a simple, elegant diamond. Tears ran down Renee’s face. “Will you marry me?” He took the ring out of the box and placed on her left ring finger. She looked at him with those beautiful brown eyes of hers and simply said, “Yes.”
Later that night, he said to her, “Wow, baby, we got really lost in our own little world tonight, huh? I forgot to ask you how apartment and furniture shopping with Kay went today.” She propped herself up on her side and said, “Well, she and Mik officially have their own place now.” She explained how they had the money they needed, signed the paperwork, and that Kayla would move in over the weekend. “It’s a beautiful place, and it’s not too far from here.” He said, “So, did she find any furniture that she liked. “Oh,” she said, “it’s already furnished. Actually doesn’t cost that much more than an unfurnished unit, plus since they’re students, they get a discount. Baby, she’s so excited. It was so fun watching her today. She’s a real grownup now.” Elliott let out a resigned sigh and said, “Well, I’m happy that she’s happy. That’s all that matters, I suppose.” Renee kissed him and said, “She is beyond happy, she’s ecstatic.” He said to her, “So, how soon can we get married? I want to do it soon.” She said, “Well, I could plan a big to-do, or we could just go to the courthouse. Wonder which one sounds more appealing?” she teased. He playfully tickled her stomach and said, “Definitely not the big to-do.” She replied, “Okay, then we just have to find a judge to marry us. I don’t know how long that’ll take, but I can start researching it tomorrow.” Elliott said, “Or, and I’m pretty sure this is how it’ll go . . . I could make one phone call, cause you know, I’m an attorney and all, and set it up in less than two seconds.” She laughed and said, “Okay, okay, you got it. Just let me know when and where.” He pulled her close and kissed her and said, “It’s already done. Next Saturday at 5:00. Judge Nichols.” She looked at him and said, “Damn, baby, you’re good.”
The following morning Kayla woke up early so that she could go to her grandparent’s house and get the remainder of her clothes so that she could move into the apartment. She enlisted Matt’s and Simon’s help, as she really did need it, plus it would give Matt a chance to see hers and Mik’s new place. Matt called Sonya to see if she would like to go with them. “Sure. Just let me get dressed and I’ll be over in a few minutes.” Once everyone was ready to go, Matt and Simon loaded Kayla’s suitcases into Simon’s SUV and they went to Kayla’s apartment. Once inside, Kayla gave them the grand tour. “This place is beautiful,” Sonya said. “What does Mik think about it?” Kayla replied, “You know how men are, as long as I’m happy, he’s happy. But he does have an idea of how it looks. He visited the website and did the virtual tour.” Matt and Simon went out onto the patio. Simon asked Matt when he was planning on returning to New York. “My flight is scheduled to leave tomorrow at 9:00 in the morning.” As he was saying this, Kayla and Sonya were joining them. Matt quickly added, “I’ll be back soon, though. I’m driving Mom’s car here.” He locked eyes with Sonya. He asked her if she would be free to have dinner with him that evening. “Yes. Maybe your parents and grandparents want to come along as well since you’re leaving tomorrow.” Matt said, “No, just us. Besides, I’ll be back soon enough to see them.” They agreed upon a time and Matt said, “I’ll pick you up at 8:00.” There was a knock at Kayla’s door. Her parents and grandparents were standing on the other side. “Lena said, “This neighborhood is very nice and it’s not too far away.” Kayla hugged her grandparents and gave them and Elliott a tour of the place. “Dad, I hope you and Granddad like it.” Ben gave Kayla a hug and told her that he was very proud of her. Ben and Lena left Elliott alone with Kayla. She said to him, “I know you’re not thrilled about me living with Mik. But, Dad, I’m . . . Elliott said, “Kayla, as long as you’re happy, I am too. I won’t like and say that the idea of you living with a man is completely okay with me, but I can see that you both have feelings for each other so . . . “ Kayla stood on her tiptoes and kissed her dad on his cheek. “Thank you,” she said. They joined the others in the living room. Matt introduced Renee and Elliott to Sonya. Renee remembered what Kayla said, and she was right. Sonya was ridiculously cute with a petite height and frame, skin the color of mahogany, thick, curly shoulder-length hair, almond-shaped, light brown eyes, and full pouty lips. She said, “It’s very nice to meet both of you.” They talked for a bit before Elliott excused himself and joined the others. Sonya said to Renee, “I recognize you from Beautifully You. I have read really great reviews on the products and the salons. Do you think you’ll be bringing them here, or even globally?” Renee thanked her and said “I am working through some things and maybe sometime soon the products and salons will be more widely available.” They talked on a bit with Renee asking Sonya about her work as a registered dietician. “You know, you have such thick, pretty hair. It’s a lot like my texture. I have some products with me if you want to test them.” Sonya thanked Renee and said that she would definitely love testing the products. They eventually moved back into the living room where Elliott motioned for Renee to come and sit beside him on the sofa. As they were talking and drinking tea, someone rang the doorbell. Kayla told them that maybe it was a package delivery or maintenance. When she opened the door, there stood Mik. She squealed with delight and he pulled her into a tight hug as everyone watched. “I thought you were getting here next week,” she said as she led him into the living room. She reintroduced him to everyone. They were just as surprised as she was at his early arrival. “I was able to change my ticket to today and I wanted to get out here as soon as possible.” Ben offered to treat everyone to dinner, but Matt already had plans with Sonya and they all knew that Kayla and Mik wanted to be alone in their new place.” Ben said, “When Matt gets back into town, we’ll do something then.” They all said their goodbyes to Mik and Kayla and set out to their separate destinations.
Later that evening as Elliott and Renee sat on the couch, he asked her if she was excited about next Saturday. “Of course I’m excited. And the sonogram is tomorrow at 2:00. Will you be able to be there?” He laced her small fingers with his much larger fingers and said, “Nothing could stop me.” He leaned over and kissed her and ran his hands over her stomach. She asked him, “Are you okay with not saying anything to anyone about the baby or the marriage. Because if you want, we can tell them.” He said, “I thought about it at first, but I think you’re right. If we tell them now, there will just be a bunch of fanfare and right now I want things as calm as possible. I have to admit though, I can’t wait to see their faces when we do tell them.” She smiled and rested her head on his chest and agreed. She leaned over and kissed his lips and said, “I’m going to call Liza.” He watched her walk into the bedroom and decided that while she was on the phone with Liza that he would call E. After his call ended, he went into his office and started reviewing some paperwork for an upcoming case. After he finished reviewing his paperwork, he went into the bedroom. He went into the master bathroom and found Renee running a bath. “How’s Liza?” He asked. “She’s great. She said to tell you hello.” He watched her as she removed her robe and sank into the fragrant citrus-scented b
ath that she created. He swallowed hard and asked, “What did you two talk about.” Renee looked at him sheepishly and said, “I couldn’t resist telling her that we’re getting married. She was so excited and kept telling me how she knew she was right about us getting together. I wish she and Joe could be here, but she said they are both so busy with work, that it would be too hard.” He nodded and said, “Mmmm, well it is such short notice, so it’s understandable that they can’t go to the courthouse with us.” Renee looked so disappointed and sad. “I really want to see her. I mean we do talk just about every other day, but it’s not the same. Oh well, I guess when everything kinda slows down, maybe we can go to New York for a few days? I have been keeping in contact with Genie and everything at the office a couple of days a week and attending conference calls, but I really should put in an appearance at some point.” He took the washcloth and gently washed her back. After he finished, he reached into the tub and pulled the plug. He helped Renee out of the tub and wrapped her in a plush oversized towel. She finished drying herself and applied a light moisturizer to her warm skin. She went over to Elliott’s drawer and pulled out one of his T shirts to sleep in. While she was drying off, Elliott went into his office to make sure that he received the email that he was expecting. He read through it and then shut down his computer. He came back into the bedroom and found Renee already in bed. When he came in, he said, “If memory serves me correctly, and it always does, I believe I was promised a night of me and you doing things to each other that may or may not be legal in all 50 states.” Renee laughed and said, “Don’t you want to wait until after we’re married? I mean, you do want a good girl, right.” He got in bed and slipped his T shirt over her head. “I just finished giving the mother of my children and the sexiest woman in the world a bath, and you’re asking me if I want you to be a good girl? Trust me, I already know how good you are.” He was on top of her and kissing her, making her writhe in pleasure. Right before he entered her, she said, “Okay, this time. But then no more until wedding night.”
The next morning Renee and Elliott got up early and went over to Ben and Lena’s. Matt was leaving later that morning for New York and everyone was meeting over there to see him off. Lena said to Renee, “You sure are glowing these days. So which is it, sex or pregnant?” Before Renee could say anything, he gave Renee a kiss on the cheek and said, “Lena, stop teasing. I mean, who says they’re sharing the same room over there anyway?” As he was saying this, Ben clapped Elliott good-naturedly on his back as they walked into the kitchen. In the living room, Renee was admiring the Lena’s hair had turned out since using the Beautifully You hair lotion. “It makes such a huge difference. It really does what it says it will do. I only have to apply and twist my hair overnight, take it down the next morning and it stays moist and curly for a week! Really, you have got to get these products here and open a salon. Are you working on that?” Renee laughed and said “Yes, I have some things in the works.” Renee explained to her that her that she still owned the company, and that her business associate, Genie, would oversee operations and sales and that Renee would manage accounting and marketing. “In the meantime, I have been looking at possible locations for a salon.” As Renee was explaining to Lena that the products are sold exclusively at her salon, Elliott and Ben were entering the living room. Ben said, “Have you thought about selling the products online?” She said, “I have toyed with that idea in the past, and since coming here, I think it would be a good idea.” While they were talking, Matt and Sonya and Kayla and Mik let themselves in. As they were taking their seats, Elliott asked Matt if he wanted him to take him to the airport instead of the shuttle. “No, thanks though.” Renee said, “What time is the shuttle coming to get you?” Matt shifted in his seat a bit and said, “It’s coming for us at 10:00. Sonya is coming with me.” There was a moment of silence and then Sonya said, “I’ve always wanted to see New York, and when Matt said he would show me around, I thought it would be a good idea. Plus, Matt won’t have to drive back here by himself.” Lena said, “Oh, you’ll really love it there. It really has everything you could ever want and need.” They sat and talked until the shuttle pulled into the driveway. As they were walking outside, Renee said to Sonya, “You should have Matt to take you to the newest salon. There are products and stylists there, if you’re interested.” Sonya said “That is going to be the first thing I do when we get there. Thank you.” Kayla and Mik went back into the house with Ben and Lena and Renee and Elliott went back to their house.
Chapter 24
On their ride back home, Elliott said, “Sooo, Matt and Sonya, huh?” Renee explained to him about the falling out that Matt had with Victoria. “So, I guess we’ll just watch and see what happens next.” He said, “You got any big plans today?” She said that she didn’t and when they got home, she was going to lie down for a bit. “You feel okay, baby?” he asked. She said “Yeah, I feel fine, just a little tired, though.” When they got home, Renee put on a pair of pajamas. She went into the bedroom and called Liza, but her phone went to voice message. “It’s me. I’ll give you a call later.” Elliott walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed. “Sure you’re okay? Can I get you anything?” She picked up her Kindle off the nightstand and said, “I’m fine. I tried to call Liza, but she must have her phone off, so I left her a message.” He kissed her and said, “It’s Saturday. Maybe she’s with a client.” Renee said, “Mmmm, I didn’t think about that. Oh, well, I’ll catch up with her later this evening or tomorrow.” She pulled the covers up to her legs and propped herself up on the headboard. “I’ve got some paperwork at the office that I need to go over. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” She kissed his lips and said, “What would you like for dinner this evening? I was thinking about making some sort of salad.” Elliott said, “If you’re up to it, I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner. Maybe that steakhouse up the street. I know you don’t eat steak very much, but they have chicken and fish, too.” She said, “Okay, that sounds good. I’ll be ready when you get back.” He kissed her again and left.
It was 3:00 in the afternoon when Renee woke up from her nap. She was obviously much more tired than she thought she was, but when she woke up she felt great. Elliott had not come back yet, so she decided to get into the shower. After she had finished drying herself, she heard Elliott come into the bathroom. “Looks like I got here just in time,” he said as he pulled her close. They were standing there kissing, getting each other all worked up. Renee placed her hands under Elliott’s T shirt and gently raked her nails down his back. As he was leading her into the bedroom, she said, “Elliott . . . remember, we said no more sex until Saturday.” He laid her onto the bed, looked into her dark brown eyes and said, “I remember you said no more sex until Saturday, but I don’t remember agreeing to it.” He kissed her again. “But, I am, if nothing else, a man of honor. And if the lady requests no sex until Saturday, then I will go along with it. I don’t want to, but I will.” He sat up, taking her with him and she kissed him softly and sensuously. She smiled and said, “Believe me, I want you so bad right now, I can’t stand it.” He reached for her again, but she said, “You promised me dinner tonight, remember? I’m going to get dressed now, okay?” He groaned and stood up as she went into the closet to get a pair of jeans and a black mock turtleneck sweater. As she finished zipping her ankle boots, the doorbell rang. Elliott was in his office on the phone and as she was walking to the door to answer it, she popped her head into the office and said, “Are you expecting anyone?” He said that he wasn’t. She got to the door and opened it. “What took you so long to answer? You two need to come up for air sometimes.” It was Liza and E. Renee squealed in delight at the sight of her very best friend. They hugged and hugged some more as E and Elliott quickly embraced and retrieved luggage. Once they had gotten their initial excitement out of their system, Renee gave E a big hug. Renee said, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I tried to call you earlier today.” Liza said, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Did you really thi
nk that you could just tell me, your best friend, that you’re getting married, and I actually wouldn’t show up?” E said, “Yeah, you guys don’t waste any time, do you? Anyway, once Elliott told me, we started making plans to come out here.” Renee said, “Wait, what? So you all concocted this plan and I knew nothing about it?” Liza laughed and said, “Boy, nothing gets past you, St. Claire. And you know nothing gets past me. So tell me, when are you due?”
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