I’m pleasantly surprised with what my father has just revealed. I hug him and my mother goodbye as I search for the man who has made me the luckiest girl on the planet.
Cooper’s waiting for me by the door with my red leather jacket in hand.
“What are you thinking about sexy lady?”
“I’m thinking about our first date and how far we’ve come since then.”
“We have come a long way.”
“Yes, Mr. Jackson, but the best really is yet to come.”
He kisses me before pulling off; his hand rests on my upper thigh until we reach the driveway.
Cooper makes us some final celebration drinks. I escape to the bedroom where my overnight bag is located on the bed. Unfastening it, I begin to dig for something a little more comfortable to slip into. Inside I find some provocative lingerie, compliments of Marcia. A note found near it states “Happy fucking, I mean birthday.” Love, Marcia. All I can do is shake my head. I pull out the red lace teddy that hooks around my neck, the matching thongs fall at my feet. I know what needs to happen and fast before Cooper comes to search for me. I slip on the lace teddy and thong, leaving the heels on I wore to dinner tonight. Without the tights my candy apple polish is peeking out of the open toe. Now I wait for my man.
Hearing his footsteps along the hardwood floor, I stand in the sexiest position, making sure he can capture my full ensemble. His eyes scan me from top to bottom, and he immediately sets the glasses down on the dresser. I attack. I kiss him. I run my hands through his hair then I slide him out of the blazer. His hands are on my ass as our tongues swirl around each other’s mouth. He’s working on the buttons of his shirt when I drop to my knees. I have his pants unbuttoned and unzipped in record time. My mouth is met with the crown of his hard cock. I open wide to pleasure him with long strokes. He grips the back of my head with his hand pushing himself even further into my mouth. I taste the sweetness of his pre-cum.
“Damn, baby” he lets out, right before his request for me to stand.
Doing as he asks, I stand to be greeted with his lips, his tongue mixing powerfully with mine. His hand travels down to my vagina, moving my thong to the side, my juices welcome his fingers as he inserts them in and out. I grip his neck harder as each insertion causes my legs to tremble. He pulls his fingers out, but only long enough to rip my lace thong off with intense movement. He frees himself of his pants completely. His hardness, rest against my belly, until he lifts me up and pushes it deep inside of me. I moan loudly, because I am caught off guard by his entry, though my body is screaming for it. My legs wrapped around his waist and he has control of the impact as he slams my body up and then back down on his thick penis. Any moment now I’m going to shatter. He looks deep into my eyes and kisses me, and then he turns around and lays me on the bed.
His hand is rubbing my clitoris with determination before he re-inserts his massive size. I grip the blankets underneath me as leverage. One last deep plunge is all it will take before I succumb to the climax stirring inside of me. It happens at the exact moment his does. We kiss while his warm sperm begins to swim along my ocean walls.
We lay in bed holding each other as Cooper plays with my hair.
“I can’t believe we will be doing this for the rest of our lives.”
He smiles and kisses me. “Yes, we will and I promise to always make you happy.”
“I am going to take a quick shower.”
Yawning and stretching Cooper says, “Okay.”
In the shower I begin to process today’s events. I am engaged to Cooper Jackson. Oh God, I am getting married. Cooper and I never discussed marriage before. It’s wonderful he asked for my parents’ permission, but we should have talked first. What do I know about marriage? My parents have the perfect one, but will I? Will Cooper become tired of me? What about Celeste? She will never experience this. All of a sudden, I feel a tremendous wave of fear. My heart is pounding, my chest hurts, and it is getting harder to breathe. I can’t die like this. I am having a panic attack. Forcing myself to take deep breaths, I calm down and quickly wash. Stepping out of the shower, I realize that Cooper and I must talk. While dressing I am dreading what I have to tell him. I wonder if Cooper is sleeping; maybe I will sneak out and call him tomorrow. No, I have to tell him face to face that we cannot get married.
“A penny for your thoughts,” he says.
“What? I thought you were asleep.”
“How can anyone sleep with you pacing back and forth sighing?”
“I wasn’t aware I was doing that.”
“Carmen, what’s on your mind?”
He sits up and taps the bed for me to sit. I look into his beautiful eyes and my tears escape. Cooper holds me and I tell him that I will not marry him. His body stiffens, but never lets go.
“Why not, Carmen?”
“Because I always let down the people I love.”
He relaxes. “So you do love me?”
Turning to face Cooper, I state, “Of course I love you. I can’t’ fail you like I did Celeste. It is my fault she is dead. I was her big sister and should have known that something was wrong.” The memory makes me smile. “I remember when she was brought home from the hospital. She was so small, I knew I would always love and protect her. My parents let me name her Celeste Nicole Williams. They thought it was so cute that we had the same middle name. We were always close. Leaving for college was hard and we cried like babies, even Marcia.” I close my eyes and Cooper holds my hand. “When Celeste met Jermaine I hated him instantly. She begged for me to be nice to him and foolishly I was. God, I wish I would have listened to my gut. Two years ago she was supposed to come and visit us, but she never came. Marcia and I called her consistently for an hour. So we rushed to Richmond to find her. Before the police arrived at my house I knew she was gone. That bastard killed her and I wasn’t there to protect her.” Cooper wipes my face.
“Baby, what happened to Celeste isn’t your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself.”
He hugs me.
“I think about it all the time, I let her and my parents down. She was my responsibility.”
Cooper grabs my face, “Carmen it is clear how much you love your sister and she knew that. Things happen in life that isn’t always fair, but we have to accept them and heal.”
I kiss him. “Thanks.” He gets up and walks to the closet. He grabs a picture frame and hands it to me. It is a picture of Celeste.
Puzzled I ask, “Where did you get this?”
“When I went to your parents’ house. I want you to choose a place for her.”
I look at him with blurry I eyes. “This means so much to me. I love you.”
He kisses me and declares, “I love you, Carmen. And we are getting married in three months.”
We make love throughout the night.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Who would have known so much goes into planning a wedding. Cooper wants to get married in three months. My phone rings as I arrive to the center, the picture lets me know it’s my mother.
“Hi mom.”
“Carmen, my angel; future Mrs. Jackson. I want you to know not to worry too much, I’m on the job.”
“Mom, that means a lot to me since Cooper wants us to get married—”
She interrupts and says, “In three months, yes dear I know and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the both of you. Cooper told me you and he discussed different places for the ceremony and reception. Therefore, I took the liberty and booked Maymont Park for the glorious event that will occur on June 7th at 3 PM. I just wanted to let you know I’ve had some things sent to the center for you to look over in your downtime. I will try not to bother you every day with the endless details. I just want to make sure both of you have the special day you deserve. I love you and have a good work day.”
“Love you too, Mom.” Hitting the end call button, I start for my office.
My managing staff is at the front desk greeting me with warm applause before they flock t
o me in admiration of the rock that settles on my ring finger.
Giselle can’t resist and says, “Ms. Williams, just how many times do you plan to blind me with that?”
We all chuckle at her comment and I set off to begin my day.
Stepping in my office, wedding magazines are everywhere. I know first-hand this is the work of my mother. Congratulation balloons are found tied to my chair. A dozen white roses are on my desk with a card resting on the outside of the vase. The writing says, For my Carmen. I know immediately who these are from. The card inside is white with red roses bordering the rectangle shape. It says, Because you said yes. Until then. Love, Cooper. I hold it close to my heart as I text him: “Of course I said yes, I can’t wait to be your wife. I love you.”
Putting my phone away, all the thoughts of the wedding start to consume me. I pick the closest magazine up and flip through it. I find a to-do list as I soon as I open it.
Carmen, my expertise in the planning area will leave you with only a few important matters to attend to. A stressful bride is not a happy bride.
It’s times like this I thank God for my mom. She has already begun taking care of the large tasks such as the venue, putting the menu together, and the tedious details of the place settings. A paperclip secures pages towards the back. They hold many different types of wedding invitations. Attached is a note that says
Being that the date has been selected, time is of the essence. We have to let everyone else know who you would like in attendance. Love, Mom.
After browsing through the samples, I have decided on three colors for our wedding scheme: red, silver, and black. Cooper will be pleased with my selection. The invitation is square and a silver damask print is exposed along the edges of the black background. Certain areas of the print are marked with crystal beads. On the bottom edge sits a red ribbon; the satin bow is fastened with a rhinestone clip. The script font will be finished in silver. The only color is the “&” symbol between our names, which will be red. I cannot wait to discuss this when I get back to Cooper’s house tonight. It was his idea to have a big wedding; I would have been satisfied a small gathering of family and our closest friends. The guest list now could go anywhere from 100-150 people. While I’m in full blown wedding mode, I place a call to Pastor Jenkins. I need to check his availability for our wedding date. “My schedule is all clear, Carmen.” Those words bring a great deal of relief and joy to my ears. He was the pastor when I used to attend Sunday services with my parents.
Hours later, Giselle knocks. “Would you be interested in Chinese for lunch? We will be placing the order in fifteen minutes.”
I tell her what to order me and hand her the cash. My phone rings as soon as she leaves. It’s Marcia.
“Hey lady, Giselle asked if I could come by the center today, she said Chinese was being ordered. I will be there in twenty minutes.”
Smiling I say “okay” and hang up. This will be the perfect time to get them both on board with the wedding. Hell that’s probably the reason for them eating lunch in my office today. Once they are both seated, chop sticks in hand, they are ready to hear all the details.
“Spill,” Marcia demands.
“Yes, and don’t leave anything out,” Giselle counters.
“Well ladies, I’m glad you both are here. Cooper and I have set a date and location. We will become husband and wife on June 7th at Maymont Park.”
They clap.
“Is there anything we can do to help?” they sweetly ask.
“My mother is already on it, but actually there is something you both can do.”
“What is it?” Marcia says.
“Will you Marcia do me the honor of being my maid of honor, and you Giselle as my bridesmaid? It would mean a great deal to me if you both accept.”
They rush over to hug me.
“I thought you would never ask, of course we accept. This is so exciting!” Giselle exclaims.
Marcia simply says, “Well I better have one hot dress to wear, but other than that I have no special requests.” She smiles.
“I’m so happy you both agree, therefore I need you both to clear your schedules in two weeks. We’re going to New York to shop for our dresses. Beverly and my mother will be coming as well. I just have to make sure they are free and then I will be making the appointment tomorrow.”
They are like children in a candy store, jumping for joy. I go over the colors I have picked out with them and they become even more excited. As my work day comes to an end, I decide to call my mother and Beverly so they can clear there schedule for the upcoming trip. My mother immediately accepts so I phone Beverly next. She picks up after the second ring.
“Hello Carmen. How are you? Timothy and I are thrilled we are going to have you for a daughter in law!”
“Hey Beverly, everything is going great so far. I can’t wait to walk down the aisle to marry Cooper. But first things first, are you free in two weekends? The girls and I as well as my mom are going to NYC to pick out our dresses. I figured we would make a weekend event.”
I have my fingers crossed she has no prior engagements.
“No. I’m clear and excited to come along. I appreciate you including me.” She replies.
“That’s great news. Ok, so I will be calling the Vera Wang Bridal House tomorrow, I’ll be in touch. Thanks Beverly.”
After hanging up I gather the wedding magazines, shut down my computer and head to my man’s house.
“Hey you,” he says as I walk up the steps.
“Hey, baby. How was your day?” He kisses me and then we step inside.
Cooper hands me a glass of Moscato and we take a seat on the wrap around leather couch. I go over everything that has happened today. He loves the invitations and color scheme so I make note to let my mom know to go ahead with the order. His schedule is also clear to meet Pastor Jenkins this weekend, so I will call tomorrow to schedule a meeting with him Saturday afternoon. We then discuss our engagement announcement, and set April 4th for our portrait to be taken. The park has several options for a wonderful engagement photo outside if the weather permits. My mom has already hired Lindsey to do photography, who did an excellent job with Cooper’s birthday party.
“It seems you are right on top of things.” He kisses my forehead.
“I am just doing my part. I want our day to be magical.” I smile and kiss him softly. “And guess what?”
“What, beautiful?”
“Both girls came to the office today and happily agreed to be part of the wedding party. We are going to be planning a weekend trip to New York in two weeks. Beverly and my mother will be in attendance as well.”
“That sounds like a fun trip. I’m glad you mentioned the wedding party. I talked with David today and he will be my best man. I also contacted my cousin Liam from North Carolina, that way both sides are even.”
“I’m glad everything is going smoothly so far.”
“You know you can count on me if you need me anything.”
“Funny you should say that.” I grin sheepishly at him. “There is one thing you could help me do this evening, before you put me to bed that is.”
“Anything for you, my Carmen.”
“Okay, well grab your laptop. I will begin registering us at Crate & Barrell, and you will be in charge of the Nordstrom registry.”
Without hesitation, he does as I ask. I mark another check through the list. For all his help I decide to please him as a token of my appreciation. Before bed, he jumps in the shower. Removing all my clothes, I sneak in through the shower door. His eyes are closed as he rinses his hair of the shampoo. When he sees me standing there naked, his dick hardens.
“What a pleasant surprise,” he says reaching for me to come closer.
Without allowing him to touch me I get on bended knee and begin to make him completely aroused. His hands go wild in my hair as he pushes my face closer. I fondle his balls as I continue taking all of him.
“Oh, Carmen.” He sighs. “Please stand
up and let me have you.”
My pussy begins to flow. I’m standing in front of him within seconds as he picks me up pressing my body against the shower wall, he thrusts into me. I grab his hair as he pounds harder and deeper, sending me on the brink of another beautiful orgasm. He starts grinding working his pelvis as his penis continues to hit the exact point of my g-spot. I cum in a record timeframe and he joins me shortly thereafter. He washes my hair and body thoroughly afterwards. We fall asleep cuddled in each other’s arms.
Getting dressed for work the next morning, I go over my accomplishments since yesterday. I decide to call my mom on the way into the center to fill her in on the details. She is pleased with my progress and willingly takes a few things off my agenda. She will be calling New York to schedule the upcoming appointment for the five of us. She also advises me the rehearsal dinner is booked for June 6th at 7 PM following the wedding rehearsal at 5 PM. The dinner will be held at Maggiano’s. We hang up as I pull in the parking lot. I plan to call Pastor Jenkins around lunchtime. My mother sends me a quick text before I get out of the car. Appointment booked two weeks from this Saturday at 3 PM. My excitement level continues to rise. I’ll be in touch soon. I love you. I reply, Thanks mom, I love you too.
Work keeps me busy most of the day. I reach Pastor Jenkins in the afternoon and we have a meeting set up for this Saturday at 2:30. I shoot Cooper a quick text to let him know. He responds: My Carmen, I can’t wait for the day you are my wife. Sending my love until then.
I can’t wait to marry him.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Time flies and before I know it I am packing for my weekend trip with the ladies. We have a late flight to NY tomorrow. When we arrive in New York, we don’t have to worry about renting a car as Cooper has already taken care of making arrangements. Even though New York is the city that never sleeps, we check in at The Plaza Hotel and do just that.
The next morning we order room service in our master suite. Everyone has mimosas with the breakfast of their choice. Then we shower and get ready.
Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story Page 15
