My driver, Henry, had the task of following her around for the few weeks after she broke into our house. She hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary. Every day, she got up and went to work and was back home by six p.m.
I had asked Henry to search her house when she was at work and was relieved when he reported seeing feminine pads in her trash can. The thought of her being pregnant with my child had been driving me crazy. I thanked Henry for coming through in the clutch like he always did. Still, even with the relief of knowing she wasn’t carrying my child, I knew she had to be dealt with.
Chapter 20
Jacob
Double the Trouble
Our rehearsal dinner began immediately after we practiced our first dance. It seemed that the perfectionist wedding coordinator made us practice every move we would make. By the way Carlas conducted rehearsal, he would probably blow a gasket if I had to scratch my nose or sneeze during the ceremony.
After the stress of getting every minute detail right for two hours of rehearsal, I stood by the fountain watching my soon to be wife glide across the floor beside her mother celebrating the big day on the horizon. They looked divine as they laughed and enjoyed the evening.
Of course, I didn’t want to have an average rehearsal dinner. We made it into a small party with a few invited friends. Since I had no intention of having a bachelor party, this was it for me.
I grabbed a glass of sparkling water from the drink table and was about to go cut in on Ms. Clara when I stopped in my tracks.
“So you’re really going to marry her,” Justine picked up a bottle of water off the table and said.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding! What are you doing here, Justine?” I asked through tight lips. Justine being at this dinner would ruin the night for Destiny. I gently took her by the arm and said, “Step out in the hallway with me.”
“Jacob, I am over you and Destiny. At this point, I just want to forget we ever were lovers,” she said once we were in the hall.
“That would be in your best interest,” I admonished.
“I finally agree with you Jacob. You found the woman you love and I’m moving on too. I apologize for all the trouble I caused you two. I’m sorry for attacking her, sorry for sneaking into your house and making the sweetest love to you. Sorry for it all. If it will give you any consolation, I want you to know I’m not pregnant so we can both go on and forget that day in your house ever happened.”
“It’s a good thing you aren’t pregnant. I will never forget how disgusted you made me feel that day,” I said with contempt. “I’ll tell you what you can do with your apology. Take it and start trucking out the door and down the street with it. If you’re lucky, you’ll find someone far away from here who wants it. Just stay the fuck away from us!” I spoke in a low tone. It was a challenge to get my point across to her without alarming our guests.
“I’m trying to tell you that I come in peace,” Justine said throwing her hands up.
“I don’t want you to come in peace or war. If you keep coming around, you won’t have to worry about a court system. I’m going to handle you myself. Now, I think it’d be best if you found a quick exit,” I said, nudging her toward the door.
“Stop! I’m here with a date, Jacob. I’m Montie’s plus one,” Justine said as Montie stepped out into the hall.
“Is everything alright out here?” Montie asked.
“Everything is just fine, Montie,” Justine said with a fake smile.
“I see you two have met. Tracye, you probably know of Jacob. He’s the big cheese here in Miami,” Montie said, jokingly patting my shoulder.
“So you told him your name was Tracye?” I asked, even though I wasn’t shocked she was up to her old haphazard shenanigans.
“You two know each other?” Montie asked with a look of confusion creeping onto his face.
“Unfortunately, this is the woman that attacked Destiny. This is Justine, my ex.”
“The one who put her in the hospital?” Montie asked. Every ounce of cool left him as his head whipped around to face Justine. “The fuck kind of game you been playing with me?”
“Montie, I swear I haven’t been playing with you.”
“The hell you haven’t. You told me your name was Trayce,” Montie said yanking his arm away from her when she attempted to touch him.
“I didn’t tell you my real name because I was afraid you would judge me before you got to know me. But everything that’s happened over the past two weeks has been real. You have to believe me.”
“You know what, I don’t want to hear anything you have to say. I would never knowingly bring anyone around the mother of my kids who tried to hurt her. Jacob, I meant no disrespect bringing her here,” Montie said looking sad.
“That’s alright Montie, man. I know you didn’t mean any harm. Justine is a cold piece of work,” I admitted.
“You would know better than anyone, Jacob,” Justine said with high insinuation.
I wringed my hands together as a reminder of how they almost choked the life out of her the last time they touched her. “What I know is that you better get out of this reception hall.”
“Montie, are you going to let him talk to me like that? I’m still your invited guest.”
“You need to call a cab and get out of here, Justine.” Montie waved his hand and walked off leaving Justine standing with me.
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it hard. “You heard the man. Get out of here and don’t think about coming close to us again…ever. I’m not the nice guy you think I am. Do not play games with me any longer,” I said, releasing her hand.
She looked at me with contempt before storming out the door. I readjusted my tie and ran my hands down the front of my jacket.
“Oh, there you are my love,” Destiny said coming out into the hallway. “It’s time for us to practice our dance.”
She looped her arm in mine and I smiled at her. “Let’s do it then,” I said before looking at the door one last time to make sure Justine was gone.
Finale
Destiny
Merger of the Hearts
I got up and left Tasha’s house headed to the chapel. I was so anxious to get there and get set up in the bridal quarters that I left a couple hours early. “Are you sure you don’t mind getting Junior and Montana ready? I could take them with me,” I told Tasha.
“Girl, for the fifty eleventh time, I got them. You just need to worry about getting yourself ready to become Mrs. Billionaire Jacob Turner.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Tasha. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“That’s because I’m not going to let you find out. Now, go ahead and get out of here so you can go and get all dolled up.”
“Thanks so much, sis. I’m really in a good place right now.”
“Hell, if I were marrying a billionaire, I’d be in a good place, too.”
“No, I’m serious. The way I feel has nothing to do with money.”
“I tease you, but I can see the radiance shining from you. I can see the contentment in your life. I mean, I’ve seen you happy before but never have I seen you smiling nonstop, even in your sleep.”
“That’s because I didn’t know Jacob.”
“Ugh… well, I just hope one day God sends me half the man that Jacob is to you.”
“Girl, God will not send you half of any man. He will send you a man that is whole and who will be everything for you and your unborn children. I already see it in the cards, the day when I will be picking up the train to your dress because a man who loves you unconditionally has asked you to take his hand.”
“Awe, a woman can dream,” Tasha said clasping her hands together.
“And dreams come true every day. I’m living proof. A year ago, I was just going through the motions and today I’m completely alive.” I could feel every nerve ending in my body dancing around with excitement. Tasha stood up, took my hand, and led me to the front door.
“Thanks for being such a
great cousin and friend. I love you,” she said.
“I love you too.”
“Now, get out of here and get ready to walk down the aisle into your future.”
“I am honored to do that with you on my side as my maid of honor,” I said as I hugged her. I left Tasha’s apartment feeling so good about my life.
I drove through the streets of Miami soaking in the beautiful scenery, the sun, and the liveliness of people going about their business. In a city where hundreds of thousands of people woke up headed in different directions daily, I knew everyone was searching for peace and happiness. The kind of peace and happiness that, after all was said and done, I’d found with Jacob.
“You’re marrying Miami royalty,” I said aloud in the car.
I wanted someone, anyone, to pinch me if it was all a dream. I turned on the radio and listened to some rhythm and blues and within minutes I was pulling into The Beachfront Chapel. I never in my wildest dreams would’ve imagined having such a fairytale wedding day.
The scene outside the chapel was so natural and serene. However, the inside was absolutely fabulous. I wanted to help with the decorations and planning, but Jacob was insistent that I let the professionals handle it. After seeing the magic, Carlas made happen, I was one hundred percent satisfied.
I walked around the reception hall admiring the details of the design. The setup was more than decorating; it was exquisitely designed to fill the angelic scene with cream and beige and a splash of lime that I requested.
“Ah, look at our lady of the hour,” Carlas said as he strolled over to me with a hand on his hip. “The lime colored daffodils are coming right at noon, so they will be fresh for your two o’clock on the dot wedding. Everything will be ripe and in order when the time comes, I assure you,” he added.
“Carlas, you are doing a fabulous job. I don’t have one complaint. As a matter of fact, I was just admiring the scenery. I can’t believe this is all for me.”
“And why wouldn’t this be for you, hunny? You caught the eye and captured the heart of Jacob Turner. You deserve it all and then some.” Carlas laughed. “Now, let me take you to see the beachfront. Prepare to be blown away,” he said as he adjusted his bowtie.
Gloating as we walked out the reception hall, I looked back at the beautiful scene and tears welled in my eyes. I deserved to be happy and so did Mama. I couldn’t wait until she saw how wonderfully everything was prepared for our day.
At precisely two o’clock, the wedding began. After the small wedding party walked out onto the sandy beachside, I walked down the aisle followed by Mom. We both took our places next to our grooms.
“We are gathered here in the presence of these witnesses for the purpose of joining in marriage of Destiny Baker to Jacob Turner and Clara Baker to John Turner today. We celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of hearts and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite these couples in marriage.
“If there be any among you who know of any reason why this should not be done, let them speak now or forever remain silent,” the minister said.
Mama’s eyes met mine briefly as we smiled happily at each other. I had chosen to wear a beige dress with a splash of lime and Mom wore a lime dress with a splash of beige. Our makeup, hair and everything was immaculate.
Then, I looked up at Jacob as he looked upon me with so much love in his eyes. I couldn’t believe this day was finally upon us. After a pause, the minister began to speak.
“All being in accord…”
“Wait,” a voice shouted out from the back of the sheer tent.
All eyes turned in that direction as Jacob’s mother, Tammy Turner came waltzing through the aisle in a Vera Wang black dress.
“Tammy, what are you doing here?” a shocked John Turner sputtered out.
“Mom, I know you didn’t come here to make a scene!” Jacob growled through his teeth. He was as shocked to see his mother waltzing through the crowd just as Mama and I were.
“I hope ain’t no shit gon’ to start today,” Mama muttered throwing and angry glare towards Tammy. “Excuse me pastor,” she said acknowledging the pastor.
“I am not here to start any trouble,” Tammy spoke up as she came face to face with us in front of the church. “Destiny,” she said looking at me straight in the eyes. “I haven’t been fair to you and Jacob. I did everything in my power to break the two of you up. I am so sorry,” she said as a tear slid down her cheek. “I know I may never be forgiven for the horrible things I have done, but I had to come here today to make amends for my behavior and I wanted to do it at this time so the whole world would know how sorry I am.”
I opened my mouth to try and speak, but she held up her hand to stop me.
“I am not through. Please hear me through while I have the nerve to say these words. John,” she said turning towards her ex-husband. Her voice trembled as she continued. “Please, forgive me for not loving you enough. Forgive me for cheating you out of forty years of being with the woman you truly love. One thing I did get out of our marriage that I will never regret is our wonderful son, Jacob. Our whole marriage was worth it because of him.”
“Tammy, I don’t know what to say,” said John as he looked at his ex-wife in wonderment.
“Don’t say anything, just accept my apology,” Tammy said.
“Does that mean we have your blessing, Mom?” Jacob asked. I hadn’t realized before that moment how important her blessing had been to him.
“Yes, you each have my blessing and so much more,” she said her voice thick with tears.
I couldn’t believe Tammy asked for forgiveness in front of all of these people. She must have truly had a change of heart.
“I forgive you,” I said stepping to face Tammy. “I can’t help but to forgive you. Your commitment created the man I love. He’s a part of you. Therefore, we are connected.”
Before I knew it, Tammy pulled me into her embrace and held on to me for dear life as she sobbed all over my precious wedding dress. I didn’t mind her tears. I knew each of us was going to be all right, even if we had to take it one day at a time.
Once the ceremony resumed, I knew love indeed conquered all.
THE END
Author Note:
Even after finishing typing the last word, I still feel like Justine needs to get her life together. SMH. Maybe she’ll get a spinoff somewhere and get it right…or maybe she left out of the rehearsal dinner crying hysterically, ran out to the curb to hail a cab, tripped over one of the bridesmaid’s lost flower bouquets and stumbled in front of an 18-wheeler going full speed.
Either way, I hope you enjoyed my first stab at an interracial romance. Living with these characters for the past six months has reminded me of something I felt all along, love is love and crazy is crazy. Skin tone doesn’t matter in the equation, so continue to love hard, unapologetically.
I want to thank David Weaver for helping me develop this idea and for publishing it for your reading pleasure. Special thanks to the entire TBRS & Nayberry families for their love and support of this series.
Again, thanks for reading the Breathless series. Your engagement and reviews give me – and the characters – life! So be sure to return to Amazon and tell me what you think of book 3. It might inspire my next book.
Until my pen meets your imagination again, be well.
Shani
Contact Me:
For Book Updates and other goodies “like” my Facebook Fanpage
Friend Me on Facebook.com/shanibooks
Tweet Me @shaniwrites
I also do a little something on Goodreads, so make sure you stop by and rate my books there!
Now, check out a fellow BWWM alpha male romance writer, Amarie Avant. All three books of the Fear series are out on Amazon now.
Breathless 3: In Love With An Alpha Billionaire Page 13
