Monty

by Tina Martin

  I only want this to be over.

  Chapter Sixty-Three

  Monty

  I take her to lunch when we leave her mother’s. After we’re seated, she looks at me and says, “Shrew. That was tough.”

  “It was, but you’re tougher. I’m proud of you.”

  She smiles. “Thank you. I don’t know how I would’ve done it without you.”

  “Give yourself the credit.”

  “Nope,” she says shaking her head. “I had so much anger in my heart towards her. Even though I went there to talk to her, to try to convince her I was being truthful, I wouldn’t have been able to forgive her if it wasn’t for the way you forgave your mother. I found so much strength in your example. If you could do it, so could I.”

  “Amazing how that works, isn’t it?”

  “It is,” she says.

  I get up and walk over to sit in the booth beside her. I take her hand, look at the ring I put there and say, “I am profoundly proud of you. In awe of you.”

  “Stop trying to make me cry in this restaurant, Monty. I’ve cried enough for today already.”

  “I’m not trying to make you cry, but it’s true. You came into my life at a time I needed you. I wasn’t aware I needed anyone or anything. That’s the price I paid for being a billionaire. I always felt like I didn’t have to rely on anyone. That I didn’t need anyone, but I needed you. I still do. And today, you showed me a woman with a forgiving heart. You showed me your strength. I know without a shadow of a doubt we can get through anything together.”

  She leans close, pushes her lips to my face.

  “You and your mother have a long way to go, but today was a good start.”

  “Yes, it was. I don’t know if I will ever feel comfortable going back in that house, though.”

  “That’s understandable.”

  “And another thing I was thinking about is, what if Webster bails out of jail and comes after my mother or me?”

  “If she wants, I can have all of her locks changed, install a security system. I can buy her a house in Concord, close to us if she’d be willing to relocate. And as for you, you don’t have to worry about him coming after you. I always protect what’s mine. If that shotgun Ms. Kettleworth had was enough to run him out of your yard that day, then I know he doesn’t want to see what kind of heat I’m packing. In fact, I don’t want you to worry about your mother. I’ll reach out to her today and see what avenues she wants to take to secure herself. Maybe it’s time for a move, especially since that house has so many bad memories for you. You wouldn’t be able to visit her there.”

  “I wouldn’t. It would be good if she was willing to relocate.”

  “I don’t want you to be worried about anything. We have our wedding ceremony coming up in a week. That’s what we’re going to focus on from now until Saturday. Sunday morning, we’re flying out to the Seychelles Islands.”

  “We are?”

  “Yes. I’m ready to travel now, so get ready, travel buddy.”

  She smiles. “You said we’re going where?”

  “The Seychelles Islands.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “There is a cluster of islands off the East African coast in the Indian Ocean. I have an eight-bedroom, oceanfront home there that I’ve only visited once when I made the purchase. I haven’t been back, but I have it maintained regularly. It’s all set for our two-week stay.”

  “We’re staying for two weeks?”

  “Yes. I’ll have you all to myself for two full weeks. No distractions. No interruptions. No business meetings, no work, no mama drama. Just us secluded in paradise. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds like a dream.”

  “Good. That’s how I want to make you feel every day of your life. Like you’re living in a dream.”

  I can’t help but latch on to her lips. The waitress is placing our lunch plates on the table but I can’t let go. They’re too good to let go. She’s too good to let go, and that’s why I know I want an eternity with her.

  * * *

  At home, we go for a swim just for the fun of it and to relieve the tension of the day. Then she naps. While she does so, I go to my mother’s residence to talk to her about the ceremony.

  She smiles as she opens the door. “Hello, son.”

  “How are you doing, Mother?”

  “I’m well…just got off the phone with Siderra St. Claire. They’ve all called me. Gianna, Gemma, Felicity…all very nice people.”

  “I thought you were going to come with us yesterday to meet them in person.”

  “I know. Last minute I decided not to. I wanted you and Major to have your time with them. I’ll meet them at the wedding since it seems they’re all coming. Felicity says her daughter can be the flower girl.”

  “I’m sure Cherish will be okay with that.”

  “Gianna’s bringing cupcakes. Gemma and Felicity are going to get here early to help with the setup. I told them I hired professionals, but they insisted.”

  “Whatever they want to do to help, I say let them. It’ll help make our kinship more real. Plus, most of the women are around Cherish’s age. She’ll need their support and advice as we mature as a couple.”

  “That’s true. How was it meeting them? What is it four of them?”

  “Four cousins, yes, and they’re all married. Magnus was there, too with his wife. We all got along fine. They’re a good bunch of people. Regal suggested the fellas get together to play golf.”

  “Yeah. Some good ol’ male bonding time would be good. Do they all have children? I know at least one of them does.”

  “All the couples have kids except for one. Magnus and his wife are expecting twins.”

  “What about you and Cherish?”

  I chuckle. “No, we’re not expecting twins.”

  “You know what I meant. Are you going to have children?”

  “We will.”

  “Oh, by the way, I fired Paige.”

  I grin. “’Bout time.”

  Mother laughs.

  “What did she do?”

  “I caught her talking down to the staff. Minnie was about to hit that girl over the head with a mop.” She laughs. “I came downstairs just in time.”

  “Yeah, we don’t need that kind of attitude around here.”

  “Funny you should say that. You used to ignore the staff like they had the plague—Naomi, Minnie, Isidora...”

  “I know.”

  “What changed?”

  “You know that changed.”

  “I don’t think I do,” she teases, smiling with her eyes. “Tell me.”

  “I fell in love with a woman who made me realize the way I treated others was a reflection of how I felt about myself. Cherish has really changed my life.”

  “She’s a blessing—that’s for sure.”

  “Yes. She’s a blessing.”

  Chapter Sixty-Four

  A Week Later – The Wedding Ceremony

  Monty

  Her dress is the color of homemade vanilla. It matches the color of my tuxedo. On her, it looks like vanilla pudding against her chocolate complexion. Yes, my mind is going there. I could eat her up right now as she walks down the aisle looking like a fudge sundae, stepping on pink and red rose petals that Rayne dropped there moments ago. My bride is wearing a gold, diamond-studded tiara. Her black hair is curled in long spirals. It’s the first time I’ve seen her without braids. I can get used to playing in all that hair.

  On either side of the aisle are our family and friends – some old, but most of them new. They’re the people who matter to us. The ones who will be a part of our lives as we embark on this new journey of love.

  She steps over to me. I take her trembling hands into mine. She already has tears in her eyes.

  The minister gets to ministering about us. Asks who gives Cherish away.

  Her mother stands and says, “I do.”

  It’s a moment I’m sure Cherish will never forget, especially considering
just a week ago, she was still at odds with her mother.

  We repeat our vows after him and then I have a few words of my own I want to say to her. I didn’t write anything down, didn’t rehearse a speech. I made up my mind I would say whatever came to my heart in that moment.

  Staring in her lovely eyes, I begin, “Before you, I thought my life was ideal. Full. Complete. I thought I had everything I needed. That’s why I was confused when my heart kept pulling me to you. I didn’t understand that, and so I fought it because that’s the only logical thing to do when your mind and heart aren’t in sync. Then I realized how simple it would be to give into the unknown feeling that had taken over me—the overwhelming feeling of needing someone when I thought I had everything. But I didn’t have you, so truthfully, I had nothing. Material wealth can never compare to you. I would give it all away for you…would give my life for you,” I say getting choked up.

  I take a moment, clear my throat and continue, “Thank you for making me see what’s important. For loving me despite my many flaws. For being a positive influence in my life and helping me correct the error of my ways. For being a real woman, my strong, black queen who’ve overcome so many adversities and yet still have the heart to love a flawed man like me. I will always be yours, and you will always be mine—my lover, my friend, my wife, my everything. I love you, Cherish.”

  “I love you, too, Monty,” she says through tears.

  Keeping in line with doing things backward, we kiss before we’re announced as husband and wife.

  As if on queue, we hear three loud pops like someone had planned fireworks. I know mother wouldn’t plan fireworks in the daylight hours. I later find out the noise came from Ms. Kettleworth’s truck backfiring as she parked on the front lawn.

  After we take pictures, she’s one of the first to congratulate us. She says, “You done did it now, Sherrish.”

  Cherish hugs the old lady. She’s happy to see her. “Hey, Ms. Kettleworth. Don’t you look snazzy.” She gives her a hug.

  It’s the first time I’ve seen Ms. Kettleworth in nice clothes.

  “Figured I’d fix myself up just in case Montgom’ry got a single pawpaw hobbling ‘round here.”

  I chuckle. “I don’t, but hey, look around. You never know.”

  “Oh, I plan on it…didn’t shampoo this silver hair for nuttin’. I even wore it down to hide my hearing aids,” she says then winks.

  Cherish laughs.

  We move to the tented reception side of the yard. The decorations are beautiful. The layout, the flowers, the hanging lights forming their own ceiling – I’m amazed at how quickly the grounds were transformed this way for us.

  Before we eat, we get well wishes and congratulatory messages from the family. Siderra and Romulus come by our table with Rayne. I thank them for letting her be our flower girl.

  Regal and Felicity follow, then Ramsey and Gianna with their daughter, Rianne. Carson, their butler tags along with them, and I’ve been watching him eyeing up my mother for most of the reception.

  Royal and Gemma tell us we already look like the perfect happy couple, but in my opinion, we’re rivaling them for that title.

  Magnus holds Shiloh’s hand when he comes over. He tells us they’ll be leaving shortly since Shiloh is only a couple of days away from her actual due date. They brought along Shiloh’s sister, Selah, to assist, but she’s busy talking to Major. Or shall I say Major is busy talking to her…

  My mother-in-law seems to be hitting it off with Minnie, Isidora and Naomi.

  Ms. Kettleworth is drinking champagne and flirting with one of the bartenders.

  The people I work with at Hawthorne Innovations who were invited are all sitting and eating, trying to act civilized around the boss like they’re afraid they’ll lose their jobs if they’re caught drinking and twerking. I honestly don’t care what they do.

  Mason and Bernadette keep to themselves for now. I imagine they’re discussing family matters, probably planning our next family event.

  I lean close to Cherish and ask, “How do you think everything is going?”

  “Hmm, let’s see…my husband is looking fly, the weather is gorgeous, everyone is on their best behavior—”

  “Everyone except for my mother. She’s been over there flirting with that butler dude.”

  Cherish laughs.

  “I’ma have to go break this up.”

  “No. What you need to do is let your mother live her best life. She’s just socializing and having fun. Look at that smile.”

  I take a hard look at her. She’s happy. Brilliant and beautiful. My wife has those same qualities.

  We’re served food – filet mignon, shrimp and lobster along with a wide variety of sides. I didn’t think I’d eat but since I skipped breakfast, lunch and it’s now six o’clock in the evening, this food is the best I’ve ever eaten but I’m sure that’s due to the fact that it’s my wedding-day food. Cherish makes everything taste good.

  I glance at her as she eats lobster. I lean toward her to kiss the butter off her lips. She grimaces like she’s embarrassed, especially when the people who witnessed it starts hollering and carrying on. I couldn’t care less. She’ll get used to it, eventually.

  Mother walks over and says, “Eat up newlyweds. The first dance is coming up in twenty minutes.”

  “I know you’re ready since you’ve been flirting with your dance partner all night,” I tell her.

  “It’s not flirting, son. It’s called mingling and socializing.”

  “That’s what I told him, Sylvia,” Cherish says.

  “You can socialize with someone other than the butler, can’t you?”

  “Aw, look at you being protective of your mother,” Sylvia says. “Isn’t that sweet of him, Cherish?”

  She sashays away. You’d think she was a bride by the way she’s blushing and carrying on.

  * * *

  It’s dusk.

  Candles burn on the round tables, decorated with white tablecloths. We dance to The Point of it All by Anthony Hamilton. I’m not big on music, but this is now our song.

  My hands are resting on Cherish’s small waist. Her arms are around my neck. She’s been staring into my eyes since the song started. Smiling. That beautiful smile. Her cheekbones glow with love. I see my reflection in her eyes. I know what it means to love her as my own body. To cherish her. It’s at this moment I understand how fragile love is. Her happiness, her life – it all rests in my hands. I won’t take that for granted.

  “Why are you looking so serious?” she asks me.

  “I think the gravity of it all is just hitting me.”

  “The gravity of being married to me?”

  “Yes, because I’m completely responsible for your happiness.”

  “Then you’re already off to a good start, Mr. St. Claire. I’m already happy,” she says, rising up to her tiptoes, sweetly pressing her lips to mine.

  “Just as a heads up, you know you’re going to be up late tonight, right?”

  “Yes. I’m aware. I guess I’ll have to pack in the morning.”

  “You don’t have to. Naomi was kind enough to pack our suitcases.”

  “Ah, so she’s going to be the woman picking out your clothes from now on?”

  “No, that responsibility now falls on my wife,” I say teasing her.

  She folds her bottom lip beneath her teeth. “I hope your wife knows your style.”

  “She does. She knows everything about me,” I tell her before capturing her lips as our bodies sway to the music.

  Others join us on the floor.

  Mason and Bernadette, Siderra and Romulus, Ramsey dances with Gianna while Naomi watches Rianne. Gemma’s head rests against Royal’s chest while they dance. Major dances with Rayne – looks like he’s having a difficult time keeping up. Ms. Kettleworth dances with two glasses of champagne. She’s having the time of her life. Belinda is still hanging with Naomi, Isidora and Minnie. Hannah dances with her husband. Magnus and Shiloh make their e
xit. I’m sure Shiloh needs her rest. My mother is dancing with Carson-the-butler, smiling like the man is whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

  A more upbeat song comes on. Cherish is dancing with a nice rhythm. Beautiful curls bounce around her face.

  She sees her mother approaching us and her eyes brighten. “Hey, Ma.”

  “Hey, Cherish. Hey, Montgomery. I wanted to come over and tell you how beautiful everything was.”

  “Thank you,” I tell her.

  “Thank you, Ma. Of course, it wouldn’t be as glamorous without the people we love here.”

  She kisses Cherish on the cheek. “I love you, daughter. I know I let you down in the past, but I hope we can move forward.”

  “You’re here. We’re already moving forward.”

  She embraces her mother and I watch, inspired by my wife because I know it takes strength to forgive. I’ve lived through it. I forgave my foster parents for not adopting me and Major – something that weighed heavily on me until I found out the reason behind their decision – my father especially. He didn’t want us to lose the connection to our roots. As I look around and see my blood relatives here, I get it. These people are St. Claires.

  My family.

  “Oh, and Montgomery, I think I will take you up on that offer, too,” Belinda tells me. “I would love to move to Concord for a fresh start.”

  “Great,” I tell her. “You and Cherish can go house hunting after we’re back from our honeymoon.”

  “That would be nice,” she says.