by Skylar Ward
“Hey, sweetie, where are you going?”
“We are giving the grown-ups some adults time sans the kids,” Piper said. “Mom set up entertainment and refreshments for the young ones in a separate room and volunteered me.”
“Why don’t you go on ahead, I will there shortly,” Piper said to her entourage.
They left, leaving Piper and Yasmine behind.
“Well, look who is here,” Piper said as Leyland made his entrance.
“Cousin Leyland!”
Ace pursed his lips as Yasmine dashed across the room to greet Leyland.
Efia rubbed Ace’s arm. “She loves him.”
“I know,” Ace said. “I don’t want him to hurt my daughter.”
“What do you mean?” Efia asked.
“He is not reliable. He tends to disappear.”
“Yasmine seems to be having a positive effect on him,” Piper said. “He is wearing a tux, and he looks wonderful.”
“We will see how long that lasts,” Ace responded.
“Let’s go,” Piper said when Yasmine and Leland appeared.
After Piper and Yasmine left the room, Leyland extended his hand to Efia. “I owe you an apology.”
Efia couldn’t mask her surprise, but she took Leyland’s hand. “Apology accepted.”
“Thank you,” Leyland said. “Your fiancé brings out the worst in me. I can’t guarantee you I won’t make an ass of myself in the future, but I will try to behave myself in your presence.”
Ace frowned.
“I am holding you to that,” Efia said.
Leyland smiled. “And who is this lovely, young lady?”
“This is Rosina Kwateng, my mother.” Efia turned to Rosina. “Mom, this is Ace’s cousin Leyland.”
“Nice to meet you,” Rosina said. “You have a lovely family.”
Leyland glanced sideways at Ace. “Yeah, I suppose.”
“We don’t get to choose them,” Rosina said with a kind smile, “but we must love them.”
“Well, it is always nice to meet another family member,” Leyland said sounding sincere. He faced Efia. “Is it okay if I do a portrait of Yasmine?”
Ace’s face tightened and the pulse at his temples throbbed. “I am warning you, Leyland, don’t play with my daughter’s emotions.”
“What the hell are you getting at, now?” Leyland retorted.
“I don’t want Yasmine getting attached to you and two months down the road, I have to explain to her I don’t know where you are.”
“You are wound too tight, cousin,” Leyland said. “Relax and enjoy the presence of your beautiful fiancée.”
Ace moved.
Efia stepped in front of him. “Today is our happy day, Ace.” She adjusted his already straight bow tie. Let’s worry about two months from today when the time comes.”
“You should listen to your woman,” Leyland said and stalked off.
“It is my job to protect Yasmine,” Ace said forcefully.
“I know,” Efia said, “but it was gracious of Leyland to apologize. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“Why don’t we go over and say hello to Kofi?” Rosina said. “He has that worried mask on his face.”
<>
When Efia reached her father, she gave him a kiss before greeting Bonnie, Steven, and Mr. Patterson. She was Proud that Mr. Patterson had bounced back from his short-term second marriage to Candice.
“It has been a while, Mr. Patterson,” she said. “How are you?”
“All is well, my dear,” Mr. Patterson said, placing his hand on the lower back of the curvaceous woman next to him. “This is my lady friend, Miss. Jones.”
“Nice to meet you,” Efia said, shaking Miss Jones’ hand.
“God bless you my child,” Miss. Jones said. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you.” Efia smiled and reached for Ace’s elbow. “This is Ace Davenport, my fiancé.”
After Ace, Miss Jones, and Mr. Patterson had exchanged civilities, Efia said, “Thank you for driving with my parents, Mr. Patterson.”
“I couldn’t let Kofi drive all this way here,” Mr. Patterson said. “Plus, Ashley said, I had to be here to represent her.”
“Isn’t Ashley here?” Ace inquired.
“No,” Efia said. “Since Maria is in New York training for my Job, Ashley didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot with her new boss. We plan to have a girl’s only day, next time she is in town.”
“Doesn’t Efia look beautiful, Kofi?” Rosina said.
Mr. Kwateng beamed. “She looks as beautiful as her mother.”
Rosina pushed Kofi’s arm good-humoredly. “Oh, stop it.”
“I have to agree with Kofi, Bonnie said. “The likenesses between you and Efia are striking.”
“It’s true,” Steven added. “Now, we see where Efia got her looks. Steven draped one arm around Bonnie’s neck and raised the glass of champagne in his other hand to Mr. Kwateng. “We both married up, Kofi.”
Mr. Kwateng grasped Rosina’s hand, kissing it. “We certainly did, Steven.”
What has gotten into my dad? Efia found it hard to reconcile the father before her was the same person who wanted nothing to do with their betrothal celebration. She reached for Ace’s hand, knowing if Rosina hadn’t set down the law, her father would not have made the trip. Efia smiled, grateful to Ace’s parents for opening up their home to her parents since her father had refused to stay in Ace’s mansion.
“Come on,” Ace said. “Let us go through to the ballroom. I want to introduce you to my friends.”
When they reached the ballroom, Efia stopped short, soaking in the glamorous setting, the women dressed in gowns and the men in tuxes. Even the wait staff, weaving their way with trays of champagne and hors-d'oeuvres wore tuxedos and white gloves.
“My God, Ace,” Efia whispered. “When your mother said, ‘This would be an intimate gathering,’ I expected twenty people, fifty at most. There must be a hundred people here.”
Ace chuckled. “Wait until our wedding.”
“Are you kidding me?” Efia shook her head, unable to imagine such an ostentatious wedding day.
“This is our wedding,” Ace said. “Therefore, I defer all decisions to you. If you let my mother take charge of your moment, she will run with it. Remember this is your day, not Bonnie Davenport’s. Do you understand me?”
“Yes,” Efia replied, “I understand perfectly.”
“Good,” Ace said. “Here comes Drew.”
“Holy Smokes,” Drew said, his attention on Efia.
“Close your mouth, Drew,” Ace whispered, “It isn’t polite to gawk at your best friend’s fiancée.”
<>
After having a wonderful celebration with family and friends, Ace and Efia retreated to his mansion. Though the TV was on, neither appeared to be watching it.
“Tired?” Ace asked.
“Mmm.”
He leaned over, kissing the top of Efia’s head. “Since Yasmine has decided to stay with our parents, you can sleep in tomorrow.”
Efia yawned. “I felt bad sending Dominic back to your parents with her clothes.”
“I know this lifestyle can be a bit overwhelming, but you have to get used to it.” Ace turned Efia’s face to his.” Dominic started out driving for my dad. He has been with us a long time. He would be the first person to tell you it is his job.”
Efia nodded. “I love and appreciate what your mother did for us today, but I am leaning toward a small wedding.”
“How small?”
“Just the three of us.”
Ace sat up. “What about your parents?”
“My mother is hoping for a traditional wedding back in Ghana. I would love to do that next year. The family can come together then.”
I am not sold on this, Efia. Your father hates me already. Won’t he consider this as a form of disrespect?”
“Of course, he will, but the alternative is worse.”
“How so? ”
Ace asked.
Efia took Ace’s hand and rested it on her stomach. “I don’t want to be walking down the aisle, busting out of my dress.”
Ace’s eyes widened. “Are you saying what I think you are saying?”
Efia nodded.
Ace got off the bed and lifted Efia, who immediately locked her feet around him.
“How do you feel? How long? When did you find out? When is the due date?”
“Whoa, one question at a time.”
“How are you feeling?” Ace asked.
“Don’t worry, I am fine,” Efia said, sandwiching Ace’s face between her hands. “I found out yesterday. I am about six weeks or so.”
Ace held her tightly. “I love you,” he said before kissing her passionately. When he lifted his head, he added, “Are you positive you only want the three of us there?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Then I will make it happen,” Ace said.
<>
The following morning, Ace and Efia entered Yasmine’s room and sat on her bed.
“I want to show you something, sweetie,” Efia said.
Yasmine scooted closer to her parents. “What is that, Mommy?”
“This is called a pregnancy strip. Do you see these two red lines?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, it means that you are going to have a baby brother or a sister. Mommy is pregnant, isn’t that nice?”
Yasmine touched Efia’s stomach. “You have a baby in your tummy, Mommy?”
“Yes.” Efia smiled. “Just like when you were in there.”
Ace placed his hand over Yasmine. “Are you excited, princess?”
“I think so,” Yasmine said, sounding none too pleased.
Ace glanced at Efia.
Efia pushed Yasmine head back and kissed her forehead. “You will always be my big daughter. The baby is lucky to have you as a big sister.”
“Can I teach the baby how to read and how to ride the scooter, Mommy?”
“Yes, sweetie, as soon as the baby is old enough.”
“Do you want to go with your daddy down to the gym, princess?” Ace asked.
Yasmine rested her ear against Efia’s tummy. “No, I want to stay with, Mommy.”
Chapter 10
One week later, not even an overcast sky could have dampened Ace Davenport’s mood. Dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and solid red necktie, he entered the former governor of Massachusetts’ office with Efia, Yasmine, and Dominic to serve as a witness and videographer.
During the civil ceremony, Ace’s eyes never left Efia’s face as she stood beside him, outfitted in an ivory knee-length, off the shoulder dress, and a killer pair of neutral, crisscross red soles shoes.
“My love, my strength, my wife, I fly because you have mended my wings, and given me hope,” Ace said before saying his ‘I do’s.
When the former governor ended the simple civil sermon with, “I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride,” Ace lowered his head, kissing Efia soundly.
“Are you married to Mommy now, Daddy?” Yasmine asked.
Ace reluctantly tore his mouth away from Efia’s and glanced down at Yasmine, clothed in her white two-piece skirt suit and patent leather black shoes.
“Yes, princess, your mother is now officially Efia Kwateng-Davenport.”
“Yeah,” Yasmine said. “Mommy has the same name as me.”
Efia leaned over cupping Yasmine’s cheek. “I do, sweetie.”
“Mommy, you said, “I do, already.”
Everyone laughed.
“When are we going to play a few holes of golf?” the former governor asked.
“Soon,” Ace promised.
“Good, I am holding you to it,” The former governor said, before turning to Efia. He shook her hand. “Congratulations, Efia, I have known Ace for ages, he is the real deal.”
“Thank you, Governor,” Efia said.
“Congratulations,” Dominic said, passing Efia her Sony Action Cam.
“Our personal YouTube moment,” Ace whispered, hugging Efia.
“Yes.” Efia smiled. “Only ours!”
“Come on, let us get out of here before someone tells my parents,” Ace said.
When they exited the governor's office, Ace removed a pair of sunglasses from his jacket’s inner pocket, slipping them on.
“I like your sunglasses, Daddy,” Yasmine said.
“Oh my God,” Efia said. “Are those the Versace I gave you?”
Ace nodded. “Do you remember what I said to you back then?”
“You would forever treasure them.”
“That’s right,” Ace said. “So, what do you think?”
“You still look like a mogul,” Efia said, playfully.
Ace laughed. “Come on, Mrs. Mogul, let us get to the airport. Later this evening, we will visit with your parents. I don’t want our daughter to break the news before we get a chance to.”
<>
Around 6:00 P.M that evening, Efia, Yasmine, and Ace arrived at her parents’ home in the Bronx as Mr. Kwateng was coming home from his job. When they exited the town car, Mr. Kwateng waited on top of the stairs.
“Grandpa!”
“Pumpkin,” Mr. Kwateng said, “I wasn’t expecting you.”
Efia took Yasmine aside. “No telling, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy,” Yasmine said, pretending to zip her lips and throw away the key.
“Good girl,” Efia said. “Now go to your grandpa.”
As Mr. Kwateng and Yasmine disappeared into the house, Ace turned to Liam. “See you around nine.”
“Will do,” Liam said.
“Where is Yasmine?” Efia asked when she and Ace entered the home.
“In the bedroom watching TV,” Rosina said.
“Good,” Efia said. “Mom and Dad, we need to talk to you.”
“Can I wash up first?” Mr. Kwateng asked.
“This won’t take long, Mr. Kwateng,” Ace replied.
Mr. Kwateng and Rosina moved ahead of Ace and Efia into the living room.
“Have a seat,” Mr. Kwateng said to Ace and Efia.
After everyone had taken seats, Ace said, “Efia and I were married today in a civil ceremony.”
“Oh?” Mr. Kwateng said barely above a whisper. “Why the rush?”
“We are still open to an elaborate ceremony in the future,” Ace replied. “However, this was a moment we wanted to keep for us.”
Rosina’s gaze settled on Efia’s stomach. “How far along are you, my child?”
Efia pressed her lips together and glanced sideways at Ace. Ace reached for her hand, squeezing it.
“About seven weeks,” Efia replied.
“What’s seven weeks?” Mr. Kwateng asked.
Rosina shook her head. “Kofi, I know it has been years, but you have to know your daughter is in the family way.”
Efia made a face, hating the terminology.
“We are pregnant, Mr. Kwateng,” Ace said.
Mr. Kwateng narrowed his eyes at Ace. “You are expecting, too?”
“Oh, no,” Ace said. “It’s just a figure of …”
Mr. Kwateng waved his hand. “Relax, Davenport, that was for my wife’s benefit.” Mr. Kwateng laughed. “My wife thinks she is the only one in the family with a sense of humor.”
“I must be rubbing off on you,” Rosina said with a smile. “It’s about time.”
Efia and Ace laughed.
“Excuse me while I make myself presentable for dinner,” Mr. Kwateng said, leaving the room.
Everyone stood, and Mr. Kwateng left.
“How is Yasmine taking the news?” Rosina asked.
“So far, not bad,” Efia replied. “She has a new thing where she places her head against my stomach to listen to the baby.”
“She is used to being the center of attention,” Rosina said. “Don’t forget that.”
“I know.” Efia grinned. “This entire process will be a family affair, and we will always remi
nd her she is our big daughter.”
“We will continue to shower her with loads of attention,” Ace added.
“That’s important,” Rosina said.
“Do you think Dad is okay, Mom?”
“He is fine,” Rosina whispered. “He had prepared himself for a December wedding, now, he needs a few minutes to process this news.” Rosina embraced Efia. “I love you my child, and I am proud of you. Don’t worry about your dad, everything will be all right.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
Rosina released Efia and hugged Ace. “Welcome to the family, Ace. Now that my daughter has a reliable partner, I can sleep at night without worrying about her and Yasmine.”
“Thank you, Rosina,” Ace said. “And if you ever need me, I am here for you as well.”
“Thank you.” Rosina released Ace. “I hope you don’t mind leftovers.”
“Leftovers are fine,” Ace said.
“In that case, you both can set the table.” Rosina headed toward the kitchen. “I will reheat the dishes and fry some plantains.”
<>
Forty-five minutes later, Ace surveyed the table, brimming with serving platters.
“This is leftovers? he whispered to Efia.
“Mom made a bunch of dishes while she was off yesterday. She likes to have food around in case someone stops in.”
“I don’t know what half of this stuff is, but it smells wonderful,” Ace said.
Mr. Kwateng, Rosina, and Yasmine entered the dining room, interrupting Efia and Ace.
“Let’s eat,” Mr. Kwateng said. “I am hungry.”
“Me, too, Grandpa.”
After everyone had taken a seat, and Mr. Kwateng blessed the table, he stood and lifted his cold glass of Sobolo, a drink made from sorrel. “I would like to make a toast.”
Everyone at the table put their utensils down, picked up their own glass of Sobolo, and lifted their eyes to Mr. Kwateng.
“To my daughter, Efia, and my son-in-law, Ace,” Mr. Kwateng said. “May your anger never simmer through the night. And may the embers of your passion forever burn bright. And most importantly, may you be blessed with good health, and be always surrounded by love. Cheers!”
“Thank you, Dad,” Efia whispered.
“Thank you for your kind words, sir,” Ace said. “They mean a lot to us.”
