by Joy King
"Girl, I can't believe Andre was on the `Oprah Winfrey Show'," Shari said, shaking her head as she and Chantal sat in the living room watching the program.
"Yeah, that shit was good though," Chantal said, turning the power off on the remote as the show's credits rolled.
"It's amazing how shit can change in six months. You're living in Beverly Hills, married to T-Roc. Tyler and Andre are walking down the aisle tomorrow. Are you going to the wedding?"
"Hussy, shut up. But actually Tyler did send me an invitation, but T-Roc threw it in the trash."
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"He doesn't want to admit it, but he still hung up on her. Or maybe his ego can't take that Andre won the so-called prize. But whatever it is, he'll get over it."
"Well, you look happy and he seems to be treating you good."
"No doubt. You can never call T-Roc cheap. He's very romantic and Melanie adores him. And guess what?"
"What?"
"I'm pregnant, with twins!"
"Chantal, are you serious?"
"Yep, and T-Roc is thrilled. This will be his first child, I mean children, we are having two."
"How far along are you, because you're not even showing?"
"You know I carried small with Melanie and I'm damn sure going to do the same with these two. You know my body is a commodity and the snap-back will still be in affect after I give birth."
"Bravo to you, bitch. You have done it. It looks as if we're both officially going from Hooker to Housewife. I'm so proud."
"What you mean `us'?" Chantal was perplexed.
"You haven't noticed, but I've been keeping my hands hidden because I wanted to surprise you. Here, take a look." Shari extended her engagement finger and a monstrous, clear emerald-cut diamond decorated her finger. "Jalen proposed last night."
Chantal just stared for a few moments without uttering a sound.
"Chantal, say something."
"Didn't I call it? I knew your spaceship had landed. Girl, get over here and give me a hug." Shari scooted over to Chantal and the girls embraced, and then Chantal pushed her back. "You ain't pregnant are you?"
"Nope, I'm saving that for after the honeymoon."
The ladies did their signature pinky shake, gossiping and laughing for the rest of the day.
"Can I come in?" William asked, knocking on the half-open door to T-Roc's office.
"Of course, I always have time for my favorite director."
"Sorry to barge in but nobody was at the receptionist desk."
"Don't worry about it, it's Friday. I let everyone go home early."
"So how do you like having your headquarters and living full time in Beverly Hills now?"
"I'm enjoying it. The weather is great and New York is only a private jet ride away."
When William moved closer to T-Roc's desk he noticed he was holding a section of today's paper with the headline, Wedding of the year.
"I'm having a hard time letting go too," William said, catching T-Roc off guard.
T-Roc didn't understand what he meant until he looked down and realized he was still holding the paper that gave all the details about Tyler's and Andre's wedding. "I'm fine, really."
"Are you sure?"
"I guess I don't sound too convincing. William, you know Tyler almost better than anyone. I just want to know why?"
"Why what?"
"Why Tyler chose Andre. She could've had you, me, but she chose him. Why?"
"That is the same question I've asked myself many of times. And I've come back to the same answer. You can't decide who you fall in love with, it just happens. I wish I could stop loving Tyler but I can't. What I can do is move on with my life and wish her nothing but happiness. I advise you to do the same, and I don't mean going through the motions. Really focus on your new life."
"And I do have a lot to focus on. Chantal is pregnant. I'm going to be a father for the first time and she's having twins."
"Congratulations. That's wonderful news. Having those twins will be your biggest j ob and greatest accomplishment yet."
"I think so too."
"With two new babies coming and a movie that is bound to catapult you to the top, you have a lot to smile about."
"Have you come up with a title for the movie yet?"
"As a matter of fact I have."
"What is it?"
"The only title befitting... `Superstar'."
"Tyler, you look amazing," Ella gushed as the stylist made a last minute alteration to her Christian Dior haute couture creation.
"I can't believe it's my wedding day. In less than an hour I will be Mrs. Andre Jackson." Tyler stared at her reflection in the full length mirror. Her life had come full circle. "Someone's at the door," Tyler said, startled by the knock.
"Calm down, I'll get," Ella said, patting Tyler's arm trying to soothe her nerves.
"But what if it's Andre? He can't see me in my dress yet."
"Then I won't let him in. But looking at the time, Andre should be at the altar waiting for you."
"I'm ready." Tyler touched her veil which looked like a confectionary of tulle.
"Daddy, come in," Ella said as she opened the door. "Maybe you can help Tyler to relax while I go take my position for the ceremony." Ella kissed her father on the cheek and left the room.
He stood looking at Tyler for a few seconds in complete silence. "You are simply breathtaking. A father couldn't have asked for a more beautiful daughter. I'm so proud of you." A tear slid down her father's face and Tyler wiped it away.
"Daddy, don't cry. You're supposed to be my rock as I have the breakdown." Tyler smiled and her whole face lit up.
"I know, but I never dreamed that I would be the one to walk you down the aisle on your wedding day. These last few months I feel as if I've been reborn, and that's because I have you and Ella back in my life."
"I feel the same way."
"Tyler, you look simply breathtaking. I'm so proud to have you as a daughter," Maria said, walking up from behind them. She then turned to look at her ex-husband who she hadn't seen in many years. "I hate to interrupt this father and daughter moment, but Carter, can I have a word with you?"
"Maria, I don't have time. This is Tyler's day and whatever you have to say to me can wait."
"It will only take a few minutes."
"Daddy, its fine. We have a few minutes to spare. I'll go check myself in the mirror one last time before my big moment." Tyler walked off leaving the former couple alone.
"What do you have to say, Maria?"
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry, for what? That I came back for my daughters?"
"No, that I kept them from you. Back then I truly believed I was doing what was best for my girls, but now I know I was doing what was best for me. You know how hard it is for me to admit my shortcomings, but I was wrong and I hope one day you can forgive me."
"I'll never get back all those years I lost with my girls. But I'm grateful that I'm still alive and have the opportunity to be a part of their lives. They are both remarkable young women. You did a great job raising them."
"I can't take credit for that. Honestly, Carter, both of them inherited your kind spirit, and I thank you for that."
Carter gave Maria a silent nod, letting her know that time truly heals all wounds and all was forgiven.
"Come on, Daddy, we have to go."
Maria gave Tyler a kiss and rushed off to her seat, and Tyler and her father embraced. "Now come walk me down this aisle."
Tyler and her father walked into the foyer of the Le Chateau Rose in Bel Air. The stunning private mansion was the perfect place for a fairytale wedding. A circular front courtyard with a fountain and 65' waterfall greeted you, and if that wasn't inviting enough, the magnificent ocean view and the original Baccarat crystal chandeliers from an 18th century chateau would cause even the most anti-marriage couple to hear wedding bells.
The music filled the room and the outstretched branches of one-hundred birch trees arched over the ai
sle as Tyler made her entrance with her father right by her side. There were three hundred and fifty attendees to witness the exchange of vows in the winter wonderland filled with 25,000 white roses, hydrangeas, and lilies of the valley.
When Tyler's father handed her to Andre, she became locked in his eyes, becoming spellbound. She could see their next fifty years flashing through his eyes; children, grandchildren, and growing old together.
The couple listened as the minister presiding over the ceremony read a scripture from the Bible. Tyler and Andre then exchanged vows before they were pronounced man and wife. Before the minister could say you may kiss the bride, the two lovebird's lips were interlocked.
Tyler Blake had taken the road less traveled and found her way. She had it all-love, eternal fulfillment, and was now a bonafide superstar!
Joy (Deja) King was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in California, Maryland, North Carolina and New Jersey. Ms. King represents a new breed of writers producing young, hip and sexy novels that introduce readers to street life in all its complexity and also takes readers behind the velvet rope of the glamorous, but often shady entertainment industry.
Ms. King attended North Carolina Central University and Pace University, where she majored in journalism. Emerging onto the entertainment scene, Deja accepted an internship position, and immediately began to work her way up the ranks, at The Terrie Williams Agency. She worked hands-on with Johnnie Cochran, The Essence Awards, The Essence Music Festival, The NBA Players' Association, Moet & Chandon, and other entertainment executives and celebrities.
Following a new chapter in her life, Ms. King attended the Lee Strasburg Theater Institute before accepting a job as Director of Hip Hop Artist Relations at Click Radio, where she developed segments featuring the biggest names in hip hop. Ms. King pushed her department to new levels by creating an outlet that placed hip hop in the forefront of the cyber world.
Ms. King made her literary debut with Bitch, and followed it up with the bestselling sequel Bitch Reloaded and The Bitch Is Back. The saga continues with Queen Bitch. A prolific writer, King is also the author of Dirty Little Secrets, Hooker to Housewife, Superstar; Stackin' Paper, Trife Life To Lavish and Stackin' Paper 2 Genesis' Payback which she writes under her pseudonym Joy King.
For more information visit www.joykingonline.com and www.myspace.com/joyking
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