Vanessa extended her hand to Martin’s eldest daughter. “Hello, Regina. I’m Vanessa.”
Regina ignored the hand, hugging Vanessa instead. “Gosh, you’re pretty. Uncle Josh is very lucky to have you. Where is my cousin?” she queried, not pausing to take a breath.
Vanessa gestured to Martin. He stood in the middle of the living room with what appeared to be a crowd of people. There were two women whose resemblance to M.J. was startling, and she knew these were Joshua’s half-sisters. More than a dozen young people ranging in age from mid-teens to early twenties stood together, talking excitedly.
“Your father has her,” she told Regina.
“Daddy’s a mush for little girls.” She walked over to her father and whispered in his ear. Martin placed the baby gently in her outstretched arms.
Regina looked down at the infant girl who claimed a head filled with dark, curly hair. Emily yawned and opened her eyes, staring back at her older cousin, while Regina shifted her delicately arching eyebrows.
“Excuse me. Miss Thang has Uncle Josh’s green eyes. Watch out world—she’s here!”
Vanessa couldn’t keep track of all of the names and faces as she was introduced to Joshua’s half-sisters, their husbands, and children. One of his sisters had become a first-time grandmother, giving Sammy and M.J. great-grandparent status.
It took more than a quarter of an hour to seat everyone in the formal dining room. Joshua sat beside his wife, but periodically found himself glancing over his shoulder at his daughter sleeping in a cradle that had once belonged to M.J.
His life was good; he had let go of the bitterness, replacing it with peace, peace and love from his family.
There was a moment of silence as everyone at the oversize table bowed their heads to say grace before the meal was served.
“Am I too late to meet the new princess?” asked a tall man with a melodious voice, breaking the silence.
“Must you always come late, David?” M.J. admonished softly.
Joshua leaned closer to Vanessa. “That’s my youngest brother.” She arched her eyebrows at the sensually attractive man with a wolfish, dimpled grin. “He’s quite a character.”
Vanessa met David’s gaze, smiling when he sat down opposite her. Her smile widened when he winked at her.
Joshua had told her many tales about the Coles, but after seeing them for herself she realized they were quite extraordinary. Quite extraordinary indeed.
* * * * *
About the Author
Rochelle Alers has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today’s most prolific and popular African American authors of romance and women’s fiction.
With more than sixty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Ms. Alers is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.
She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to Europe, and countries in North, South and Central America. Her future travel plans include visits to Hong Kong and New Zealand. Ms. Alers is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. She is currently taking instruction in the art of hand quilting. Oliver, a toy Yorkshire terrier has become the newest addition to her family. When he’s not barking at passing school buses, the tiny dog can be found sleeping on her lap while she spends hours in front of the computer. A full-time writer, Ms. Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Vows Page 29
