“I cannot believe what a wonderful time I’m having!” Camryn exclaimed as Darryl removed the rest of his clothing.
He nodded in agreement. “Even after everything that’s happened?” he questioned as he leaned to kiss her forehead.
“Most especially after everything that’s happened,” Camryn answered. A sly smile illuminated her face as she brushed her hand across his chest.
Darryl moved in the direction of the hotel’s bathroom and the shower. “We have a long day tomorrow,” he said, tossing the comment over his wide shoulder.
“You still haven’t told me what we’re doing tomorrow!”
Darryl grinned, pausing in the doorway. “I know. But trust me. It’s going to be a very long day,” he reiterated.
She shook her head as he disappeared inside the bathroom, the door closing just a fraction behind him. Minutes later she could hear the water running and Darryl singing Christmas carols loudly. Laughing to herself, Camryn kicked off her shoes and slipped out of her own clothes. She tossed them over an upholstered chair and slid her body across the bed. Sprawling out comfortably in the center of the mattress, she let out a deep breath. Darryl’s rich baritone voice rang merrily through the room, bringing a bright smile to her face.
Had someone told her that she and Darryl would still be in London on Christmas Eve, she would have told them they were crazy. But here they were on Christmas Eve, still enjoying London.
The decision had been all Darryl’s and it had been impulsive and spontaneous. Camryn had balked at first, insisting they had too much to do back home. Darryl had responded with a resounding “To hell with it,” insisting that they both needed a break and a break was what they were going to have. She was thankful for it.
Despite the short days and dreary weather, exploring London over the holidays definitely had perks. They’d spent the morning at Trafalgar Square, taking photographs of the massive holiday tree. Then Darryl had insisted on them hitting the outdoor ice rinks for skating. At the Somerset House they’d glided on blades alongside the facade of the grand neoclassical building and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. Between spinning freely in Darryl’s arms, falling flat on her behind and laughing hysterically with him when he’d tumbled down on top of her, the two had had the best time together. Afterward they’d relaxed along the river Thames at the Mayflower pub, enjoying an early meal of beer-battered haddock, chips and mushy peas. By the second pint of ale, Camryn wasn’t thinking about anything or anyone except herself and Darryl. She grinned as she rolled over onto her side, thinking back on her trip.
Their morning arrival in London had been event filled. As they’d checked into the hotel, Asia and James Landry had been checking in, as well. Darryl had greeted the old man politely.
“Mr. Landry, how are you, sir?”
“Darryl, it’s good to see you, son. And I’m very well. These long flights are starting to wear me down, though.”
Darryl nodded in agreement. “They can be quite taxing.”
“Of course, it helps to fly first class,” Asia interjected as she looped an arm through her father’s. “Isn’t that right, Daddy?” She cut an eye at Camryn before turning her attention back to the handsome man. “Hello, Darryl,” she said sweetly.
Darryl tossed her a quick nod of his head. “Asia.” Darryl slipped an arm around Camryn’s waist, drawing her to him. “Mr. Landry, let me introduce you to my fiancée. This is Camryn Charles. Camryn, Mr. James Landry.”
Camryn extended a manicured hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Landry. My father speaks quite highly of you, sir.”
“It’s very nice to finally meet you, Ms. Charles. I am a big admirer of yours. How is Kenneth?”
“He’s doing very well. Thank you for asking.”
The man looked from her to Darryl and back. “And congratulations to you both. When is the wedding?”
Darryl and Camryn responded simultaneously.
“New Year’s Eve.”
“December 31.”
Asia rolled her eyes, her face twisted in annoyance. “Well, that’s so soon! It must have been hard to pull all those plans together on such short notice. Let’s hope it all turns out well,” she said facetiously.
Her malevolent smile made Darryl cringe. Camryn’s own smile back was just as hostile and her eyes were narrowed as she glared at the other woman.
“Well, again, congratulations and happy holidays to you,” the patriarch chimed as he pulled Asia along behind him, leading her to the bank of elevators that led to the upper rooms.
Darryl and Camryn tossed each other a look. She shrugged, pushing her shoulders skyward.
“Well,” Darryl said, “maybe the sheikh did fly us all the way to London to tell us we didn’t get the job!”
Camryn laughed. “Aren’t you proud of me? I didn’t even think about punching her in her face.”
“Very proud, baby!” Darryl grinned. “Very proud.”
Camryn sighed deeply at the memory. She rolled back to her other side, Darryl’s singing pulling her back to the moment. It was clear that his spirit was lifted and in that moment everything in his world was bringing him joy and happiness. He broke out into another chorus of “Silver Bells” and Camryn’s mouth lifted upward. Everything about the man made her smile.
* * *
The water felt good falling down against his shoulders and chest. Darryl enjoyed the flush of warm air and the heated spray washing over his body. He felt relaxed, not an ounce of tension in any of his muscles. He tilted his head forward into the spray, the warm water raining down over his head.
He and Camryn had been moving nonstop since arriving in London. There had been meetings with the sheikh and his people, dinner with the monarch and his wife, an encounter or two with Asia and her father, and then a much-needed break from all of it.
He had been thoroughly enjoying their mini vacation. The first day, he had taken her to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. They’d ridden a Ferris wheel and a carousel, seen a circus show, walked through the German market and Bavarian Village, and wasted much money on kitschy gifts for the family.
On the second day, he’d insisted on all inside activities and they had toured the British Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Theater season was also in high gear in London, so they’d seen The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. When he’d discovered that Camryn liked big glitzy productions, he’d finagled tickets to a late-night performance of Cirque du Soleil at the grand, red-velvet-draped Royal Albert Hall. In between it all they had nibbled their way through Borough Market, enjoying mulled wine, pudding, mince pie and other seasonal treats. The second day had been a good day.
Today, after spending the afternoon ice-skating, Darryl had to finally admit that he was officially exhausted. And they still had Christmas Day ahead of them. He sighed, closing his eyes tightly. After taking a moment to catch his breath, he whispered a quick prayer and then started singing.
Minutes later Camryn’s voice broke through the moment.
“Are you going to leave me any hot water?” she asked as she stepped into the shower with him, leaning her naked body against his back.
Turning an about-face, Darryl wrapped his arms around her and spun her into the water. He leaned to kiss her lips, his mouth skating easily over hers.
“I’m done,” Darryl said. “I was just about to get out.”
Camryn chuckled softly. “You looked like it, too.”
He tapped her on the bottom, the smack resonating loudly in the enclosed space.
“Ohhh,” Camryn said with a grin. “You got me all tingly!”
He shook his head. “Finish your shower and come to bed. Let me see if I can’t do something about that tingling for you!” he said with another slap on her buttock.
“Ouch!” she said
, rubbing the sting out of her flesh.
She watched as Darryl eased his way out of the shower, reaching for one of the plush white towels to wrap around his waist. Closing the bathroom door securely behind him, he left her to her own devices.
As he closed the door, Darryl heard his cell phone ringing against the dresser top. Noting the caller ID, he was grateful for the timing. He took a quick glance over his shoulder before answering the call.
“Hello?”
Maitlyn greeted him cheerfully. “Hey there! We just landed.”
Darryl nodded his head into the receiver, forgetting that she couldn’t see him on the other end. A wide smile pulled at his full lips. “Did you all have a good flight?”
“We did. Does she suspect anything?”
Darryl grinned. “No, Camryn doesn’t suspect a thing!”
Chapter 20
Camryn could hear a telephone ringing. It jangled harshly, sounding as if it were off in the distance somewhere moving toward her fast. The fog in her head seemed to be lifting slowly as that ringing telephone got louder and louder. She reached her hand across the bed for Darryl, mumbling for him to make the ringing stop, but then realized he wasn’t there. Lifting herself upright in the bed, Camryn suddenly realized that Darryl was nowhere to be found. The hotel room telephone was still ringing.
“Hello?”
“Merry Christmas, sleepy-head!” Darryl chimed into his end of the receiver.
“Merry Christmas! What time is it?”
“Almost two o’clock. You’ve slept half the day away.”
Camryn reached for her cell phone, eyeing the digital readout. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“Because you are so beautiful when you’re snoring!”
Camryn shook her head. “Where are you?”
“Getting ready for our big day,” Darryl said, joy resonating in his tone.
“Darryl Boudreaux, what are you up to?”
There was a knock on the bedroom door. A wave of panic suddenly swept over Camryn. She whispered loudly into the receiver. “Darryl, someone’s in the living room. If it’s not you, who is it?” she asked as she pulled the bedsheets up over her nakedness.
Darryl laughed. “It’s probably Maitlyn.”
“Maitlyn? What is your sister doing—?”
The knock sounded a second time, interrupting her question.
“You better let her in before she breaks down the door,” Darryl said, laughing. “Trust me. It’s all going to be okay.”
“Darryl, I don’t understand. What’s going on?”
“Open the door. Maitlyn will explain everything. I love you, baby!” he said as he disconnected the call.
“Just a minute!” Camryn called out as she threw her legs off the side of the bed and grabbed her silk bathrobe. She yanked a hand through her tangled curls, pulling the strands into a loose bun on top of her head. Moving to the door, she pulled it open, and just as Darryl had said, Maitlyn was standing on the other side.
“Merry Christmas!” Darryl’s sister said excitedly.
Camryn’s face was awash with confusion. “Maitlyn, what’s going on?”
Maitlyn laughed as she took a quick glance down to the watch on her wrist. She motioned for Camryn to follow her into the other room. “What’s going on is you are getting married today!”
“What?” Her expression was incredulous as she looked around the living space. All of Darryl’s sisters were waiting for her, their wide smiles greeting her warmly.
“Merry Christmas!” Tarah cheered, rushing to give her a big hug.
“Happy holiday!” Kamaya added.
Camryn looked overwhelmed, widening her eyes like a deer caught in headlights. She looked from one woman to the next, noting the three new faces that she didn’t recognize. The questioning look in her eyes moved them to introduce themselves.
Phaedra Stallion-Boudreaux waved her hand from her seat on the sofa. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Mason’s wife, Phaedra,” she said warmly. “Congratulations!”
“And I’m Dahlia, Guy’s wife!” Dahlia Morrow-Boudreaux introduced herself.
Katrina Stallion stepped forward, extending her hand in greeting. “And I’m Darryl’s sister Katrina. Welcome to the family!”
“Hi!” Camryn said as Katrina leaned in to give her a warm embrace. “And thank you.” Her eyes misted with tears. “Would one of you please tell me what’s going on?”
They all laughed.
Maitlyn explained. “Darryl decided that since you both wanted a simple ceremony with just the family, there was no reason you couldn’t have the ceremony here in London. So we all flew in and in exactly four hours, at six o’clock tonight, you will be getting married in the Garden banquet room, and then we’ll all celebrate by having Christmas dinner. Until then, we have a team of stylists coming to do manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup. And we’re all going to hang out, drink champagne and enjoy the pampering.” She pointed to the buffet of fresh fruits, pastries and cheeses that was laid out for them.
Camryn shook her head in complete awe. “What about my father and brother?”
“Mr. Charles and Carson are hanging out with the men,” Kamaya answered.
“It’s Christmas, so they can’t get in too much trouble!” Maitlyn exclaimed.
“And everything we planned for next week? What’s going to happen?” Camryn asked.
Maitlyn waved her index finger. “Oh, you’re still having a New Year’s reception. Those plans have not changed, no matter what Asia might have tried to do,” she said with a wry laugh.
Camryn laughed with her.
“What did Asia do?” Katrina asked.
“You would not believe—” Maitlyn started before being interrupted. There was a knock on the main door and Tarah moved to open it. Katherine Boudreaux stood on the other side, a large dress bag in her hands.
“Hi, Mom!” the girls all chimed.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Boudreaux,” Camryn said as Katherine passed the bag to Maitlyn and moved to hug Camryn tightly.
“Were you surprised, baby?” she asked.
Camryn nodded. “I’m in shock, actually.”
Katherine laughed. “I just think it’s all so exciting!” she exclaimed.
Kamaya gestured toward the bag in Maitlyn’s hands. “Darryl wanted us to give you your Christmas present,” she said.
Maitlyn held the bag out toward Camryn, grinning widely. Katrina moved in behind Katherine, wrapping her arms around her mother’s neck. Tarah jumped up and down excitedly beside them as Kamaya and Phaedra both moved in closer to get a better view.
“Open it!” Kamaya said.
Camryn looked from woman to woman as she stepped forward and slowly pulled down the bag’s zipper. As it slid low, her Monique Lhuillier gown came into view. The tears that had previously misted Camryn’s eyes suddenly dropped past her lashes, rolling over her cheeks.
From the designer’s spring collection, the dress was called Poet, and it was extraordinary beyond words. Camryn lifted the white silk double-layered Chantilly lace sheath dress from the bag, her hand passing gently over the embellished bateau neck and back. It was her dream come true.
“Darryl was adamant that you have your gown,” Maitlyn said. “You two put me through some things, I’m here to tell you!”
Tarah laughed. “We all know that if we need it done, Maitlyn’s the one to call.”
Katherine shook her head. “Y’all need to do some things on your own. I swear, your sister doesn’t get a break. It’s like you kids can’t wipe your butts without asking Maitlyn what kind of toilet tissue to use.”
Katrina laughed. “Have we gotten that bad, Mama?”
Katherine rolled her eyes, her head bobbing up and down.
Tara
h shrugged. “She shouldn’t be so darn good at everything,” she said.
Maitlyn shook her head. “It’s not that bad. And I just got a very nice break, thank you very much. I had a great time on my cruise.”
“That’s ’cause she met a man!” Tarah exclaimed.
Everyone in the room turned to look at Maitlyn. Her eyes widened at the sudden attention. She gave Tarah an evil eye. “Today is not about me. We’re here to support Camryn,” she said through clenched teeth.
Camryn laughed. “I want to know about your new man, too,” she said with a giggle.
Maitlyn tossed her the same evil look she’d just given her baby sister. “We’re going to change the subject now,” she said. “Let me go hang your dress up for you.”
The women laughed and chattered easily amongst themselves. After downing a bowl of fruit and a cup of coffee, Camryn excused herself, moving back into the bedroom. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, she depressed the speed-dial number on her cell phone, calling Darryl’s phone. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey, baby! Are you okay?”
“You are truly something else, Darryl Boudreaux!”
“You’re not upset, are you?”
“Why would I be upset? The man I love wants to marry me!”
“Yes, I do! And before Christmas is over you’ll be Mrs. Camryn Boudreaux and I’ll be the happiest man in the world!”
Camryn grinned into the receiver. “This is the best Christmas I could have ever had!”
* * *
“Look at him! Look at him!” Guy Boudreaux teased, pointing at his brother.
Kendrick laughed. “He’s just as whipped as you and Mason are and he hasn’t even said ‘I do’ yet!”
Truly Yours Page 16
