by Skylar Ward
“One other thing,” Mr. Kwateng said. “May there be many brothers and sisters for Yasmine.”
“I want to toast, too,” Yasmine said.
“What would you like to say to your parents,” Mr. Kwateng asked taking his seat.
“I want lots of brothers and sisters,” Yasmine replied, “but more sisters.”
“Ohhh!” Efia leaned closer to Yasmine. “Come here, you, give mommy a kiss. Daddy and I will see what we can do, okay.”
“Okay, Mommy,” Yasmine said.
Ace smiled.
“Kofi, that was beautiful,” Rosina said with a catch in her voice. “All that is left to say is: May God bless the union of Kwateng-Davenport.”
“To Kwateng-Davenport,” the grown-ups replied.
“Let us eat before this food gets cold,” Mr. Kwateng said.
After spending time eating and conversing, Efia and Yasmine helped Rosina remove the items from the table while Ace retreated to the living room. He opened his eyes when Efia entered and dropped beside him on the leather couch.
Ace took Efia’s hand entwining their fingers. “I love you, Mrs. Davenport,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you too, Mr. Davenport,” Efia whispered back.
“Ace, may I have a word with you?” Mr. Kwateng said, disturbing the pair.
“Certainly!” Ace turned to Efia and whispered, “If I am not back in fifteen minutes, call 911.”
“I will,” Efia snickered.
Ace followed Mr. Kwateng out of the living room through the kitchen, and down to the basement. Mr. Kwateng went over to a cabinet in the basement, removing a bottle of Akpeteshie, a Ghanaian liquor, and two shot glasses. He poured a generous amount into each glass and handed one to Ace.
Mr. Kwateng lifted his glass, clacking it to Ace’s glass. “Here’s to Family.”
“To Family,” Ace said, and downed the liquid in one take. He placed the glass on the small counter. “This drink has a nice kick.”
“I agree,” Mr. Kwateng said, placing his empty glass next to Ace’s glass. “You have a good palate. Most non-Ghanaians can’t handle it straight.”
Ace smiled.
“I figured you could use a stiff drink after all the heavy food,” Mr. Kwateng said.
“Your daughter has been feeding me well,” Ace said. “I am getting used to it.”
Mr. Kwateng meandered a short distance and turned. “We have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I make no apologies.”
“None is expected,” Ace said.
A ghost of a smile crept across Mr. Kwateng’s face. “You are not afraid to show your love for Efia, and as Efia’s father, I appreciate that.”
“It was bad timing when I met your daughter, but I loved her from the beginning.”
My wife is an excellent judge of character,” Mr. Kwateng said. “She sensed your decency from the inception.”
“Thank you for saying so,” Ace said. “It means the world to me.”
“We have a home in Ghana,” Mr. Kwateng said. “It’s been a while since Efia visited and Yasmine has never visited the continent. Taking a trip there would be educational for Yasmine. She needs to know her full heritage.”
“I agree,” Ace said. “It would be an honor to visit Ghana. Thanks for the invitation and the drink.”
Mr. Kwateng clasped Ace’s hand in a firm shake. “You are welcome.”
Jesus! So, this is where Efia got her bone-crushing grip. Pushing the pain aside, Ace grinned as he accepted his father-in-law’s overture as a deposit on their future relationship.
Chapter 11
Later that night after Efia had ended her call with Ashley, she entered the bedroom where Ace lay listening to classical music. Efia climbed into bed. Ace lowered the volume with the remote control.
“Ashley met someone in the Bahamas.”
“Is it serious?”
“I think so.” Efia smiled. “Ashley sounds happy.”
“Well good for her,” Ace said.
Efia checked her cell phone and frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
Efia handed her cell phone to Ace.
“I told my YouTube subscribers that I am no longer the only person making decisions for Yasmine. Therefore, I won’t be vlogging anymore. Now one of my subscribers is killing me.”
Ace sat up in bed. He took the cell phone from Efia, scrolling through the comments.
“Which subscriber?” he asked.
“Livetolove999.”
‘“Bitch, you are making bank now, so you don’t have time for us. Well, good riddance to you too,”’ Ace said, reading the post aloud.
“See what I mean?”
“I guess Livetolove999 is in her live to hate phase today,” Ace said.
Efia chuckled.
“Here is someone coming to your defense.” Ace looked at the name and shook his head. “Sweetness10, says, ‘“We love you Efia and Yasmine. Ignore that troll. That bitch @Livetolove999 needs to get a life and change that damn handle while she is at it.’”
“Let me see that,” Efia said, reaching for the phone. “This comment is getting a lot of Likes.”
“Feel better?” Ace asked.
“A little,” Efia replied.
“Seems like people take this stuff seriously.”
“They do,” Efia said. “Once you invite someone into your sanctuary, they think of you as their family. Now, it’s like losing a family member.”
“I understand,” Ace said, “but you did the right thing. The security of our kids is of paramount importance.”
“I agree,” Efia responded. “What’s the name of the song you are playing?”
“It’s Figaro’s Aria, The Barber of Seville.”
“It’s upbeat,” Efia said. “I like it.”
Ace smiled pulling Efia closer. “I want Yasmine to be exposed to all types of music.”
“She already knows more Jazz artists than I do,” Efia said. “She can sit in the basement with my dad for hours listening to music.”
“Good,” Ace said, “because I am looking forward to doing the same with her. On a change of topic, Piper sends her love.”
“What did she say about our marriage?”
“Piper believes the pressure will be on her, now that we have taken away my mother’s dream of a wedding full of pomp and circumstance.”
“Your sister is hilarious,” Efia said.
Ace nuzzled Efia’s neck. “She is one of a kind, there is no doubt about that.”
“I will text her,” Efia said. “Next time she is in town, we can get together.”
“Ace lifted his head from Efia’s neck. “Playing hooky, Efia Kwateng-Davenport.”
“What’s the point of having a, “in,” with the boss, and not using it?”
“Damn straight,” Ace said, lifting Efia on top of him. “And since I am the boss, I expect you to work overtime tonight.”
“In that case, let me prepare myself.” Efia tapped Ace’s nose before standing. She released the sash of her robe, pushed the garment off her shoulders, and dropped it to the floor.
Ace groaned, rose from the bed, and quickly discarded his silk pajamas, throwing them beside her robe. He turned Efia’s back to his front and draped a hand across her breasts.
Feeling the length and width of his excitement, Efia gasped.
Ace ran his other hand between her thighs, forcing them apart. Efia squeezed her eyes shut and widened her stance, giving him unfettered access. Ace worked a finger in and out of her body before adding another, and yet another opening her up further. Efia whimpered. Ace removed his fingers, running them over Efia’s lips. He turned her face slightly. He kissed her hard, parting her lips. He ran the tip of his tongue over hers. Lifting his head, he caught a glimpse of their reflection in the dresser’s mirror.
“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked.
Efia shook her head.
“Open your eyes and see.” He cupped her breasts, tweaking each peak.
> Efia inhaled deeply, and her body sagged into his. Ace lowered his arm, holding her around the waist.
“My Efia, my wife,” he whispered. “Thank you.”
“What did I do?” Efia asked.
“You said, ‘yes.’ Yes, to life with me.”
“It is called love,” Efia said.
Without effort, Ace carried her over to the tufted chaise lounge by the window. He sat down. Efia turned her back to him, and he guided her over his shaft. When the tip contacted her wetness, they groaned loudly. As Efia bobbed up and down on his cock, Ace drove up, filling and stretching her insides.
“Oh, God,” she hissed. “It’s too good. I can’t take it anymore.”
Ace slowed his movement. “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, yes.” Efia raised herself up and drove down hard. “Don’t stop. Why are you stopping?”
Ace bite his lip, planted his feet firmly on the floor, held her hips, and delivered a succession of rapid moves, going deep into her core.
“Yesss!” Efia roared. “I am coming!”
A deluge of wetness accompanied her declaration, followed by hot streams of liquid shot from Ace’s body. His arm tightened around Efia. He gritted his teeth. He clenched his jaw. His body spasmed and he fell back against the arm of the chaise lounge, clutching Efia to his torso.
Chapter 12
Saturday morning in the Kwateng-Davenport household, the place was quiet as Ace finished his cereal and grabbed a spoonful from Yasmine’s bowl.
“Here, Daddy,” Yasmine said, from her seat beside him. “Have some more.”
“Thank you, princess. I will have one more bite.”
“I can make you something to eat,” Efia said, sipping her Earl Grey tea on the other side of Ace.”
“Don’t trouble yourself, I am meeting Drew and a few of the employees at Chelsey Pier. We’ll grab something.”
Efia arched her brow. “You haven’t told Drew yet, have you?”
“I plan to speak with him today.”
“I don’t think he likes me,” Efia said.
“He likes you, and he respects you,” Ace said, “but he had hoped I would be available to revert to our single days.”
“Tell that man, he is too old for this nonsense.” Efia put her cup down. “He needs a real woman, it’s about time he settles down.”
Ace stood.
He kissed Yasmine. “Will you take care of your mommy and the baby until I return?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Yasmine beamed. “I will listen to the baby’s breathing.”
“The baby is lucky to have you as a big sister,” Ace said.
<>
When Ace arrived, Drew was already shooting hoops with a few other guys on the indoor court. Drew chucked the ball to one of the fellows, and left the court, meeting Ace just outside the doorway. They shook hands.
“What the hell?” Drew said. “Is that what I think it is?”
Ace nodded. “Efia and I exchanged marriage vows in a civil ceremony. We are expecting our second child.”
Drew pulled Ace into a bear hug. “Congrats, guy! I can be a ball buster at times, but you deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks,” Ace said, patting Drew’s back. “My wife asked me to tell you to cut the running around out and find a woman.”
Drew laughed as he and Ace traveled toward the court.
“I don’t know, guy,” he said. “I can’t seem to find anyone to hold my interest beyond two weeks.”
“When was the last time you took a vacation?”
Drew shrugged.
“A few days away and little self-reflection might do the trick,” Ace said.
“I will think about it,” Drew responded.
They joined the game in progress and continued to play ball until both were sweaty, tired and ready to go home. As they stepped off the court, someone tossed the ball to them. Ace received the ball and dribbled it down the court.
He shot the ball.
“Damn, pops,” Drew said. “What’s with the Airball? Is this how you plan to teach your kids to play basketball?”
Ace elbowed Drew in the chest. “Now, it’s on.”
“Let us pick up the pace,” one of the players yelled. “Davenport is ready for some street ball.”
Chapter 13
August 2016
“Yasmine will be happy to find you here when she awakes,” Efia said, welcoming Leyland into the great room.
“I am not staying.” Leyland handed Efia a large package. “I wanted to drop this off.”
Efia took the package, placing it on a side chair. She hugged Leyland. “Thank you. Do you mind if I open it?”
A few minutes later, Leyland removed the paper, placing it on the coffee table and handed the painting to Efia.
“Oh, my God, this is mind-blowing,” Efia said. “Yasmine appears so real here, I can feel her presence.”
Ace entered the room and moved beside Efia. “You captured every detail of her face. It appears as though she is coming off the canvas.”
“Do you like it?” Leyland asked, his gaze directed toward Ace.
“Hell, yes,” Ace said. “I love it. You did a fantastic job. Thank you.”
Leyland waved his hand. “It’s nothing.”
Ace approached Leyland and stood before him. “Don’t underestimate your talent, Leyland. You did a terrific job. If I had commissioned someone to do a portrait, and this was the result, I would have had the same reaction.”
“Thanks,” Leyland said. “I am glad you are not disappointed. I am meeting a friend at nine o’clock, I better be going.”
“Aren’t you staying with us?”
“I will be in New York for a week. I will stop by to see Yasmine later in the week.”
“Are you sure?” Ace said. “About staying with a friend, I mean. We have plenty of space here.”
“My counselor set up an AA meeting for me while I am here,” Leyland said. “My friend recently celebrated ten years of sobriety.”
“Okay, stay in touch.”
Leyland extended his hand to Ace. “I will.”
Ace eyed Leyland’s hand for a few seconds before hugging him tightly. “I am proud of you, guy.”
“That means a lot to me, coming from you.”
“I mean it.”
“I know,” Leyland said, picking up his backpack.
“I don’t know if you like African food, Leyland,” Efia said, “I am cooking Ghanaian Jollof rice with chicken on Wednesday. If you are not busy, why don’t you come by.”
“Don’t think I have ever eaten African food, but I am always up for trying something new.”
“Good,” Efia said. “I am expecting you.”
“I will see you out,” Ace said. “If you need me, don’t hesitate to call.”
When Leyland exited, Ace closed the door and pressed his back against it, seemingly deep in thought.
“Do you think, he will make it?” Efia asked.
Ace pushed off the door and moved closer to Efia.
“Six months ago, I would have said, no,” he replied. “Now, I am hopeful—very hopeful.”
“How did your session go today?” Efia asked.
“It went well,” Ace said. “I no longer have to punish myself if I forget a date that has some significance to Jodi or Emma Francis.”
Efia smiled.
“Life is strange.” Ace half-laughed. “The odds Leyland and I would wind up in counseling at the same time.” He shook his head. “You just can’t make this stuff up.”
“I am proud of both of you for seeking help.”
“Thank you, I owe it all to you.”
Efia beckoned Ace with the crook of her finger. “Let us hang the painting.
<>
In the great room, Efia removed a painting from the wall, replacing it with the new one. “What do you think?”
Standing behind Efia, Ace ran his hands over Yasmine’s portrait. “Leyland even captured the movement of Yasmine’s curls.”
“Do you notice anything else?”
Ace squinted. “What am I looking for?”
“Don’t you see how Yasmine is looking up?”
“Yes,” Ace said. “So?”
“Look at the clouds above her head.”
Ace moved from behind Efia, examining the photo. “My God, is that Emma Francis?”
“That’s her.”
“How?”
“I asked your mother to give Leyland one of the pictures she had of Emma Francis.”
Ace ran his hand over the surface of Emma Francis’s face. “This is … this is …”
“Precious,” Efia said, hugging Ace. “Do you still love the painting?”
Ace removed the portrait from the wall. “My two daughters, how could I not love this?”
“Not quite,” Efia said.
Ace squinted. “What are you talking about?”
Efia pointed to another cloud. “Focus on this cloud, Davenport?”
“Is that a baby in the womb?”
“Yes,” Efia said, pointing to the other clouds over Yasmine’s head. “These two empty clouds are for our future kids. Leyland will fill them in as needed.”
“This painting is going straight into my office.” Ace rested the painting on a chair. “Now, all I have to do is commission a portrait of my wife to join this one.”
Ace looked at Efia tenderly. “Thank you for not giving up on us. I have accepted that I cannot change the past, I can only honor it.” He kissed the side of her neck. “My undivided attention, I pledge to you and my kids. And I promise to never take your love for granted.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I love you, sweetheart.”
“I know,” Efia said. “And I love you, right back.”
Several minutes later, Ace touched his fingers to his lips and ran them over the image of Emma Francis. “Rest in peace, my sweet, baby daughter.” He hugged Efia. “Ready?”
Efia dabbed the corner of her eye.
“Let’s check on Yasmine,” Ace said.
In Yasmine’s room, he went over to her bed. He leaned down, kissing his daughter’s forehead “Good night, my sweet princess.” He ran his hand over her wild curls spread across the pillow, smoothing them into place. “Daddy loves you, princess.”
Efia adjusted Yasmine’s comforter before kissing her on the lips. “Good night, sweetie.”
