by Tiana Laveen
“Hi!” said a woman from behind the counter. “What can I help you with today?”
“Well…” Suri rearranged the cozy body wrap that fell from her shoulder to around her waist, moving King Jr.’s head. Their son had been sleeping for most of the trip. “We are looking for a new crib for our baby. The one we have doesn’t really match his room well, so we wish to replace it.”
“Of course, come right over here. We’ve got a few new models in stock.” As Suri went to the right side of the store with the saleswoman, he headed to a wall of books. Maternity books, children’s books, and then one got his attention: ‘All About Fathers.’ He picked it up and began to flip through it. The kind dedication to the author’s son and daughter made him smile, and then the words of wisdom that followed.
Life had been a whirlwind. A welcomed change. So many things had happened.
Suri now volunteered for a battered women’s shelter, and had been promoted to 911 Communications Manager. Shane was engaged to a woman who was oddly quiet, drama free, and peaceful. His complete opposite. Mom and Chris were doing well, especially since Chris cut some of his work hours to spend more quality time at home. Lucas had a girlfriend, and they were dating, getting along well. Tomas had entered rehab several times since he’d last seen him at the courthouse, this last stint the longest. He said he was determined to beat his demons. He’d also written King a long email, the bulk of it containing apologies regarding some of the situations that had occurred when they were younger, and how he was receiving therapy, trying to start over.
Things weren’t perfect; he’d relapsed several times, but King rooted for him no matter what. He did confess that he’d illegally sold Chris’ car to a dealer. It was recovered, but in poor condition. The repair work would cost thousands of dollars, which Tomas vowed to provide as soon as he got full-time work. Suri’s mother was dating a new guy after taking a chance at Suri’s urging, a Trinidadian man she’d met online. Suri still hadn’t gotten together with her brother and sister, but discussions at least had begun amongst the three.
Her father’s business was doing well, too, and they were spending more time together, especially since he came by often to visit with his grandson. And that, of course, was King Elijah Chrysalis. Their newest addition. He was barely three months old, and the light of their lives. When they’d gotten married, they had decided to wait and see about having children, but then, one day, they both decided to just go for it. They chose to build an empire together.
After two months of actively trying, Suri became pregnant. It was a beautiful time for him, purposefully creating life. He’d wanted what he painted in that picture, so long ago. Mãe was over the moon ecstatic to be a grandmother. She’d even thrown the baby shower in her home. Chris spoiled the baby rotten, and Brian was no better.
In fact, his father often brought gifts for the baby, as if making up for what he’d wished he’d done for him as a child. Regardless, he and Suri welcomed the love and affection from everyone in their family. A baby could never receive too much.
King tucked the book under his arm to purchase, and made his way over to his wife.
“What do you think of this one, King? I like that one, too.” She pointed at another crib a few feet away.
“They’re both nice. Whatever you want, baby, but the second one I think would fit better in that corner where we keep his dresser.” She nodded in agreement. King Jr. began to stir. He placed the book on the store counter. “Here, let me take him, Suri.”
He strolled around the store, cradling his son and bouncing him gently. The baby cooed, making cute noises. King stood by the storefront window, observing all the people walking past. Then, he looked into his son’s big brown eyes. The child was a perfect blend of him and his wife. Black wavy hair, eyes like his mother’s, ears and lips like his.
“Look at this world, son. It’s so much bigger than what you can see. I used to hate the world because I thought it hated me. But then, I met your mother and she reminded me how I used to be. I had to get back to that. The source. She didn’t browbeat me, try to change me; she just showed me by example. Her life wasn’t a daily walk in the park, either. But she is always determined to make the best out of the worst situation. It’s good to be realistic, but it’s even better to be realistically optimistic. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d meet someone like your mãe. She’s an amazing woman. So unique. So beautiful. So good for my soul. She’s a great mother, too. I know you agree.” He smiled down at his son, falling in love with him more and more. “And look what she did? She risked her life, and gave me you.” He placed a tender kiss against King’s forehead. Eu te amo… and I know you love me, too.”
The Deviant Artist had met his match. His Brooklyn Queen.
She gives me so much strength, and yet she is forever my weakness.
It never felt so good to be brought down to my knees…
~The End~
MUSIC DIRECTORY FOR THE DEVIANT
I have included a music directory to be used as an aid in the enjoyment of this novel. Sometimes, re-reading the scenes you appreciated with the songs that are mentioned, provides a whole new layer of satisfaction and understanding.
Please bear in mind that songs listed below may not be in the exact same order as they appear in the book. If you enjoy any of the songs listed, please purchase a legal copy of the tune and support the artist(s) whom created it. I am certain they’d appreciate it.
1. Lianne La Havas – ‘Bittersweet’
2. Robert Glasper – ‘Better Than I Imagined’ ft. H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello
3. Kaiit – ‘Miss Shinny’
4. Kamauu – ‘Mango’ (featuring Adeline)
5. Sinead Harnett (acoustic version) – ‘If You Let Me’
6. Jordan Rakei – ‘Alright’
7. Tere$▲jenee – ‘Eroplane’
8. Iman Omari – ‘Just The Beginning’
9. Michael Alvarado – ‘Slow Love’
10. Bill Withers – ‘Lovely Day’
11. Hiroshi Suzuki – ‘Romance’
12. Gallant – ‘Gentleman’
13. The Sun Drop Garden – ‘Four Years’
14. Sebastian Mikael – ‘Exit’
15. Lion Babe – ‘Different Planet’
16. Amerie – ‘Talkin’ To Me’
17. Outkast – ‘Liberation’
18. Kwabs – ‘Last Stand’
19. Xavier Omär – ‘SURF’
20. White Snake – ‘Here I go Again’
21. Janelle Monáe – ‘PrimeTime’ (featuring Miguel)
22. Zo! – ‘Make Luv 2 Me’ (featuring Monica Blaire)
23. Anthony David – ‘Sweet Pain’
24. Darrius Willrich – ‘Can’t Get Enough’
25. Lucky Daye – ‘Love You Too Much’
26. Mint Condition – ‘U Send Me Swingin’
27. Lany – ‘Pink Skies’
28. Michael Alvarado – ‘Slow Love’
29. Disclosure, Kehlani & Syd – ‘Birthday’
30. NAO – ‘Girlfriend’
31. DUCKWRTH’ – ‘Kiss U Right Now’
32. AlunaGeorge – ‘Kaleidoscope Love’
33. Seinabo Sey – ‘I Owe You Nothing’
34. Sinead Harnett – ‘Stickin'’
35. Dj Day & Miles Bonny – ‘Still Miles,’
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author Tiana Laveen writes resilient yet loving heroines of color and the alpha heroes that fall for them in unlikely happy-ever-afters. An author of over 50 novels to date, Tiana creates characters from all walks of life that leap straight from the pages into your heart.
Married with two children, she enjoys a fulfilling life that includes writing books, drawing, and spending quality time with loved ones.
If you wish to communicate with Tiana Laveen and stay up-to-date with her releases, please follow her on social media platforms as well as visit her website.
Tiana Laveen website: www.
tianalaveen.com
