His Desert Rose

by Deborah R. Brandon

  Antonio glanced over at her sleeping form. After careful consideration he decided that if he was going to have a marriage of convenience, he should do it with someone like Renee Anderson. He had asked his mother for the family ring that had been passed down from generation to generation to the first born son and she was beside herself with joy.

  Antonio raked his hand through his thick wavy black hair as he mused that it might have been a little pre-mature to get the ring before asking the girl, but he was confident that she would come around.

  Antonio closed his laptop. They would be arriving in Italy soon enough. He had asked Dr. Kristen Belmonte to see Renee in her office as a pre-caution. Renee was probably dehydrated at best, but he still wanted her looked after.

  Chapter 7

  Renee awakened and went and took a shower and dressed in a light weight floral print dress and casual white sandals. She went out and checked on Alyson and Amber as well as the rest of her guest.

  Ms. Nancy who was Donna’s mother asked her, “How are you this morning dear?”

  Slightly better than I was last night thank you so much for asking. My nerves must be in my stomach, this has been a bit much for me,” Renee admitted.

  Ms. Ragsdale, the kids tutor, joined the conversation by saying, “That is perfectly understandable. You and your sister are very close and all each other has left, besides the girls. Your feelings are normal dear,” she finished.

  “Thank you so much ladies for understanding,” Renee replied.

  Renee looked at the twins who were watching television with Dennis. They had already bathed and dressed for the day’s activities. Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale had fed them as well. There was nothing left to do but wait for Antonio to emerge from the shower. Renee sat back in the seat and closed her eyes. Things between her and Antonio would have to change now that he was home. Their friends with benefits roles would be retired, possibly forever, as he prepared to take his proper place beside his father as the new head of the family. She found herself feeling a great amount of discomfort at the thought of another woman sharing his bed, becoming his wife and having his children.

  Renee tried her best to shake off those feelings. She had given up on the notion of “happily ever after” a long time ago. She acknowledged that she had also known the deal when she lied down with Antonio and indulged in the best sex of her life; so many mornings and nights with him. Even though she had known, somewhere along the lines her foolish heart had forgotten.

  The best thing that she could do for herself was rebuild her image, connect with old contacts, and jump start the second half of her life. This time she would be better. She would not be married to her career and would make time for her family. She would live her life with no regrets.

  Renee picked up a pen and paper, and went to work on making a list of things to do. She needed to get Claire Blake-Moore, her childhood friend to write and publish an article, in regards to her fall and her rise. She needed to update her wardrobe which was something that another family friend, Nicole Alexander usually would handle, but she was going to be in Italy. She would have to handle some of it herself. It would be a nice treat for the girls as well. She needed to update her portfolio, and really decide which direction she wanted to take her career. She had a sizeable nest egg from her previous work and investments, there was no rush.

  She smelled his enticing cologne before she saw him. She pulled off her reading glasses and sent him a smile. He threw a thousand watt mega smile back at her that almost caused her heart to stop. He was now clean shaven and sexier than any man had the right to be. He was dressed in black pinned striped slacks, with a white button down business shirt, and a silver tie that matched the stripes in his pants. He laid the matching jacket over a chair. His normally wavy hair, was actually curly while wet.

  “Good morning, everyone,” he said with a heavy Italian accent.

  He received a chorus of Good mornings from everyone.

  Renee placed her glasses back on her face and sat back in her seat. She began to write in her notebook.

  “What do we have here?” Antonio said, removing the notebook from her hands?

  “Brainstorming,” Renee said as he glanced over her notes.

  “Well, you certainly are off to a good start,” Antonio said as he handed the notebook back to her.

  “Ladies, can I speak to you for a few minutes please,” Antonio asked dripping with charm.

  Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale all but swooned in their seats. Jasmine smiled at the two older ladies and gave her attention to Antonio.

  “When we arrive at the airport, which should be in the next twenty to thirty minutes or so, there will be two cars waiting for us. I have made Renee, a doctor’s appointment with Dr. Kristen Belmonte.”

  Renee started to say that it was unnecessary when Antonio advised her, just to humor him.

  Renee sank back into her seat with her legs crossed, clearly irritated with his controlling nature.

  Antonio continued, “The second car will have two members of our family’s security detail, as well as my younger brother Marco, who will protect you and escort you to our family estate. My mother probably has prepared a large breakfast for you and will be insulted if you refuse, so please eat at least a little bit. Our staff has prepared everything for your stay, and or even prepared to handle the children for a while if you two ladies need rest. After Renee’s doctor’s appointment, I will bring her back to the estate, and head back into town for some pressing business. Renee has my cellphone number if you all should require anything else. Ladies, I hope that everyone’s comfortable with my plans,” Antonio finished with one of his charming smiles that displayed perfectly straight white teeth.

  Again, Ms. Nancy and Ms. Ragsdale just simply swooned.

  Renee mumbled, “Oh, I’m going to be sick.”

  Thirty minutes later, they landed on a private air strip and everything went according to plan. Marco greeted her with a kiss to each cheek, before pulling Antonio off to the side. The two men talked for a few minutes before Antonio was given something that he placed in his pocket.

  Shortly there afterwards, Renee was in the car being driven to a doctor’s appointment she neither asked for, or felt was necessary.

  “You’re quite,” Antonio said.

  “Not much left to say,” Renee said making eye contact with him.

  “What does that mean?” Antonio asked, seeing the fire burning within her eyes. She was mad.

  “Antonio the last four weeks have been beautiful. It was what I wanted and needed. You are home now, and it is time for you to start going after what it is that you want,” Renee said passionately.

  “Who is to say that I couldn’t have both? Look I care about what happens too. I enjoy how easy our conversation is. The sex is some of the best I have ever had. I usually grow tired after the conquest, but not so with you,” Antonio responded candidly.

  “What are you saying, Antonio?” asked Renee.

  “Look, don’t give me an answer now. This is so not how I planned to ask you. I think that it would be good for both us for us to marry one another. We both know what we are getting. I don’t have time for games and wooing, this marriage would be one of convenience. Lastly, I recalled that you said that you would do anything to help me. Renee I need your help,” Antonio said.

  “I can’t even believe you,” Renee said clearly hurt. “I am not interested in your proposal as delightful as it sounds,” Renee said sarcastically.

  Antonio swore under his breath. “I know that this proposal lacks finesse, I intended to wait until after your doctor’s appointment,” Antonio said reaching into his pocket and taking a small crushed velvet box out.

  He opened the box and there was a four karat vintage leaf engagement ring, with three round diamonds on the side and one square cut diamond in the middle. All of which was encased in white gold.

  “I had it cleaned and restored in hopes that you would say yes,” Antonio said.

  “Antonio
no, a thousand times no, this will end badly,” Renee said.

  Antonio snapped the jewelry box closed. Why was she being so difficult? It was a mutually beneficial opportunity for them both. Antonio thought to himself.

  The rest of the ride, Renee stared out of the window.

  Chapter 8

  Antonio came around and opened her door for her. She thanked him but she didn’t make eye contact. They walked into the doctor’s office and people greeted Antonio, with so much joy. He spoke to them one and all, answering questions as they made their way to the reception window.

  Renee was taken back immediately. She changed into a patient gown and sat to work on filling out forms for her medical history. The nurse took and recorded her vitals.

  Dr. Kristen Belmonte walked in and greeted them both.

  “I have reviewed my nurse’s notes,” Dr. Kristen Belmonte advised, “So please tell me what the reason is for your visit?” she asked.

  “I have been involved in a highly stressful situation as of lately, but yesterday I started vomiting a lot. I think that my nervous are in my stomach. I am possibly dehydrated as well,” Renee responded.

  “Okay, when was your last menstrual cycle?” Dr. Belmonte asked.

  Renee responded, “Approximately three weeks ago. I had one heavy day and then just spotting from then on,” Renee answered honestly.

  “Are you sexually active?” Dr. Belmonte asked.

  Renee let out a sigh, and responded, “Yes.” Then she turned to Antonio and said, “Antonio, Dr. Belmonte and I have it from here. Can you please go into the waiting room until one of us sends for you?”

  When he looked like he was going to argue, she turned her coffee brown eyes on him.

  “I will be right outside if you need me,” Antonio said before walking out the door.

  Renee let out a sigh of relief when the door closed behind him.

  Dr. Belmonte rubbed Renee’s arm, to comfort her. We are running a urine analysis. The nurse will come back in and draw some blood. I want to start you on a banana bag, which is a multivitamin supplement to counteract the effects of the vomiting. Lay back and try to relax, the banana bag has to run for about four hours or so,” Dr. Belmonte said soothingly.

  Renee lied back onto the very uncomfortable bed. A nurse came in and took her blood and started her IV. Over the next few hours Renee drifted in and out of sleep. Here lately, it seemed like she couldn’t get enough sleep. She initially thought that depression was rearing its ugly head again. With all that was going on in their lives, it was amazing that she got any sleep at all.

  In what seemed like a few minutes, Renee was being gently awakened by Dr. Belmonte. Renee awakened and sat up on the bed. She immediately began to apologize, but Dr. Belmonte assured her that it was okay and even understandable.

  Antonio insisted on helping her to sit up.

  Dr. Belmonte sat down on her stool, crossed her legs and began to speak with Renee and Antonio as she reviewed the charts. I have the results of your urine analysis. It will take me a few more hours to get the results from your blood panel. You are very dehydrated which is not good since the human body uses water for so many things, and water can account for sixty percent of the body. Your urine analysis also indicts that you are about two to three weeks pregnant. Now urine test can give a false positive this early in the game. However, I’m confident that you are with child, which makes hydration, your number one priority, followed closely by eating well and getting enough rest. But, stay away from any stressful situations,” Dr. Belmonte.

  Not knowing what to make of Renee’s shocked expression, Dr. Belmonte repeated key pieces of information to make sure they had been heard. “Someone from my office will call you when your blood work is in and I will rush the results. As you probably know, this pregnancy will be considered high risk since you have miscarried before. In the meantime, drink plenty of cool fluids, get rest, and relax,” Dr. Belmonte advised.

  Dr. Belmonte could tell that the information that she had given Renee was not sitting well with her. So many emotions crossed over her face.

  Renee thanked, Dr. Belmonte as she slid down from the table. Dr. Belmonte stopped her so that she could remove the IV and place a bandage on her arm. Renee walked into the tiny restroom and dropped down on the toilet and just sat there. She couldn’t believe her ears. She was pregnant. Everything within her was at war. She sat on the toilet seat in a daze until Antonio was knocking on the door.

  A voice that she didn’t recognize as her own responded, “I will be out in a minute.”

  She sounded weak and defeated. Trapped, Antonio thought to himself.

  Renee got dressed, wiped her face and opened the door.

  “Are you okay?” Antonio asked.

  “Yes,” Renee responded as she gathered her discharge paperwork, along with a prenatal vitamin prescription and an appointment card.

  “Liar,” Antonio replied.

  “Are you seriously alright with this?” Renee asked.

  “Yes, I am. I asked you to marry me earlier, maybe now you will reconsider now that you know that you are carrying our child,” Antonio responded.

  “Forever the opportunist,” Renee quipped. “So very romantic,” Renee finished rolling her eyes.

  “Look, promise not to stress yourself out over this,” Antonio encouraged her. We will figure out everything.”

  “Together?” Renee asked. “Or will you bellow out orders to me and expect me to follow them without thought?”

  “Woman, I will give you whatever you want if you go back to the house and relax and drink plenty of fluids,” Antonio said.

  “Good let’s go,” Renee said leading the way.

  Once inside the car, Antonio advised her that he had contacted her sister and made her aware that they had safely arrived in Italy.

  “Thank you,” Renee said laying her head back onto the seat.

  Chapter 9

  When Renee and Antonio arrived at the family estate, Antonio came around and opened her door. The cool breeze from off of the Mediterranean Sea, wrapped around her like a lovers embrace. Renee lifted her face to sun and enjoyed its sweet warm caress like a sweet lingering kiss. She looked around at the lush green well maintained lawn, the perfectly shaped round hedges, the angel statue in the center of it all, and the massive ivory pearly white brick two story home, with impressive white columns and wrapped porches. The swimming pool looked cool and inviting. Just as Renee took a step towards the house, the door swung open and Maria and Stefano rushed out inviting and welcoming her in. She smiled warmly at the couple who had been her parent’s best friends. She received a kiss on each cheek from them and thanked them for allowing them into their home on short notice.

  “Nonsense, you are family and you are always welcome here. Open invitation, but you knew this already.” Maria said encouragingly.

  Maria observed Renee, one of her best friend’s daughters. Her shoulder length black hair with natural red highlights was pulled into a tight ponytail, with jumbo Shirley temple curls. Her beautiful expressive coffee brown eyes say that she is still haunted. She wore a light weight floral pretty dress that showed off her rich medium brown skin skin. Renee met her gaze and smiled a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “Come lets us get something to drink and some fresh fruit,” Maria said comforting.

  “Yes ma’am, thank you. Where are the girls?” Renee inquired.

  “All of the children are doing their lessons with Ms. Ragsdale, while Ms. Nancy is taking a siesta,” Maria responded.

  As soon as they crossed the threshold, the sweet heavenly scent of cinnamon, sugar, butter and warm bread filled the air. Renee smiled remembering that her mom used to say fresh baked bread made a house a home. She could feel her parent’s presence here strongly. They had always enjoyed their summer vacations here.

  The table was set with fine chinaware, elegant linens, and properly placed eating utensils.

  Antonio pulled out the chair for her to be sea
ted. Then he moved to her left and was seated. His father, Stefano blessed the table and then everyone began to serve themselves.

  The sweet cinnamon bread was still warm, so the creamy butter spread with ease. There was an assorted fruit tray with orange wedges, grapes, cantaloupe, and cheeses from different regions. There was also, orange juice, coffee with milk and water for beverage choices.

  The conversation flowed smoothly, and Renee truly enjoyed spending time with the older couple.

  As there meal came to an end, Stefano asked Antonio, “What do you have planned for the rest of day?”

  “I am going to town with Marco, we will go over a few reports and I want to visit at least one of the vineyards before returning to take Renee out to dinner if she will allow me,” Antonio finished looking at Renee with playfully raised eyebrows.

  “How can I resist?” Renee said teasingly. At this point, she didn’t know what to think about Antonio. It was like they were playing a card game and the deck was stacked against her. Instead of feeling grateful for his attempt at being an honorable man,” she felt trapped.

  “How do you plan on spending your afternoon,” Antonio asked hoping that she would say relaxation and rest.

  “I am going to drink plenty of fluids while shopping with all the ladies,” Renee said as her phone began to ring.

  She apologized and walked out onto the balcony and closed the door behind her.

  “Hello,” Renee said.

  Jasmine rushed right into her reason for calling, without any of the normal pleasantries.

  “Ethan asked me to marry him, and I said YES,” she swilled with girlish delight. “We will have the ceremony in a month and a half. We also have to purchase a new home. I just wouldn’t feel right living in a house were security protocol was able to be manipulated. I think the girls are going to be excited, they like him so much,” Jasmine said into the phone.