Overwhelmed, she turned to her husband and bowed as deeply as her belly would allow to him. “You honor me with your love, husband, you always have.”
She saw that his lashes were suspiciously spiked when he returned her bow. There was no doubting the love that shone in them.
* * *
“Your father loved me greatly, unashamedly and unapologetically, and for that they killed him. They felt he was weak and would bring ruin and dishonor to the family.” Akchiro nodded but didn’t interrupt the astonishing story his mother had finally revealed after all this time. “Yet, when you showed how strong you were and fearlessly retook your father’s legacy, no one dared to challenge you. I am also aware the lengths you have gone to secure your future and your family. Does your wife know?” She turned to him then, assessing every nuance of his face.
“I have not.” He’d put down the small insurrection within the ranks of his company when it got out that he was involved with then married to Flower. “It was insignificant.”
How she could’ve even known this was a mystery to him. She had been on a world tour for over a year with her group of friends. Widows of former executives or the happily divorced. They traveled, stayed at luxury hotels, even took lovers—though discreetly. His mother had planned her trip to a T, and he was not at all surprised when she did not change her plans after he’s gotten married so abruptly. It was her disappointment and hurt that he regretted. He never intended to hurt her. His love for Flower and their child and his need to protect them surpassed everything else in this world.
“No secrets.” She quirked an eyebrow, calling him out with no subtlety. His mother was far more aware of her sons’ lives than any of them were comfortable with. “She needs to be aware of what she is up against so she can be a good mother to your children. The path you have chosen is not an easy one, and she will need fortifications to be successful in our social strata. She is clever and kind, I’m sure she will do well, but you do her a disservice by not tell her everything.”
“Hai.” He bowed slightly in agreement.
“Love her fearlessly. I have never regretted the love I shared with your father, and for this I will always be grateful.” Her gaze was fierce and never wavered as shared her truth.
“You chose well, son.” His mother’s words reverberated through his entire being as he bowed his thanks to her for her forgiveness, love, and support that he knew would ensure the Takeda legacy lived on.
* * *
“You might as well tell me what’s going on with you. You put up a brave face, but I know you, Akchiro. Your soul speaks to mine. What happened with your mom?”
He noticed as he moved the loofa over Flower’s legs that she never opened her eyes as she spoke the hushed words because she didn’t want to wake the baby. Once the little guy got started, he moved all night, and she hadn’t been sleeping.
“Let me help you to bed and then we’ll talk.” He got out of the bath and wrapped himself in a warmed robe then retrieved hers, helped her up from the tub, and wrapped it around her. He followed her to the bed and massaged her mango soufflé over her body and told her everything regarding the insurrection he put down in his company.
“So, this was the reason for the late nights on New York? What are you going to do about your cousins?” she quizzed him as she snuggled under the covers.
“I going to let them have their own gaijin experience by running the Creative Chaos Factory in Shelby, Alabama. Maybe then they can pick up some of your Southern charm and hospitality.”
Flower pulled back with a little peal of laughter. “You are so wrong for that, babe! They must have really caused you a lot of problems if you are sending them to lower Alabama. I knew it was something, and you weren’t going tell me.” She poked him in his chest.
He pulled her close. “Iie, I wasn’t. Mother showed me the error of my ways. I demanded your trust. I didn’t give you all mine by not telling you how deep the problem went.” He pulled back a little and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“We are a work in progress. We are going to make mistakes and we have to love each other through them.” She kissed his chest.
He leaned down and took her lips, reclaiming them. “Yes, love each other.” He felt his hand bounce against her belly as his son kicked in a furious rhythm.
“Your son agrees.” Flower covered his hands with hers, their laughter ringing out in the night, marveling at the beautiful life they were creating.
Epilogue
Flower’s whole family was there to see the baby, and she was glad of it. She’d missed them, and though they had been super apprehensive about her moving to Japan, they trusted her and Akchiro. It helped that she spoke to them on FaceTime daily and kept them abreast of everything going on with the baby. Many of their fears had been put to rest by Akchiro’s hard work at developing a respectful relationship with her dad. He understood the antipathy that Mr. Carrington had toward him and why after Flower revealed the truth to him. Flower felt the apology he’d given her dad that day of the wedding was unfounded. She didn’t chide him because she knew his honor demanded he make amends. From then on there had been peace between the two, and even FADE had come around a little.
Right now, she wanted to just be with her husband and her baby. She was thankful that she had the type of mother who was so attuned to her she saw Flower needed a break. Grace, along with Mrs. Takeda—who insisted they call her okaa-san when it was just them—ushered people out into the guest wing of the house so she could have some peace with her little family. She loved how close she had become with the Japanese side of her family. They weren’t loud and boisterous as her brothers, sisters by blood and by marriage, and parents, though the love was no less genuine. Riyu and Takashi joined them often for dinner, sometimes coming home with Akchiro, and they especially liked her Southern cooking.
“Tomorrow we will have let the boys play. I know little Justice will love that.”
Flower laughed at the suggestion, hugging Delightful, “I don’t know how much two babies can play.” She chuckled, giving Delightful a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m glad you guys are here.”
“I know. Get some rest. I know we were a lot today.” Delightful smiled and followed her husband, his siblings, and parents.
Flower was overwhelmed with gratitude as she closed the door, heading to the nursery. Her baby was eight weeks old and healthy and though she was tired, she was finally feeling like she was getting the hang of it. She still just wanted to stay up and watch her baby sleep.
“You are the brightest star in the universe, and I love you. I promised to protect you and your mother the rest of my life.” Flower’s breath caught as it did every night she heard Akchiro’s whispered promise to their son.
“You already have.” She walked up to him and rubbed his back as he settled the baby down into the crib.
“You make it easy, Flower. You’ve made me better.” He moved behind her, holding her close against his chest.
“Just as you have for me, babe.” She leaned back and tilted her head up offering him her lips.
His lips touched hers tentatively at first, barely there, almost a whisper. She moaned her frustration and touched his cheek, urging him to open for her. She turned to him fully and slipped her tongue inside as soon as he acquiesced. He groaned, and she felt his response pressing hard against her.
She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Do you still think you can make me come from a kiss?”
His smile was devilish as he pulled her from the room. “Let’s find out, my little lotus Flower.”
THE END
Acknowledgments
First to my husband the real hero of my story, Christopher aka #HimDownStairs, thank you for creating the life and space that allows me to reach for my dreams. My kids aka #The3 keep being who you are. My siblings for being the first to listen to ideas and believe in me, I love you all.
A very special thank you to Jennifer Prokop who was the very first per
son I sent the full manuscript to and gave me immeasurable help investing her time and talent. I will love you forever.
A very special thank you to my friend, Mami Takagi for taking the time to help me with your culture and experiences. The very best of this book grew out of knowing you. I hope I made you proud.
Naima Simone, who told me that I have the perfect voice for Contemporary Romance, thank you for encouraging me and always being there lifting me up and listening to me talk about this story eleventy- million times, read the first version and cheered me on with the second. I love your face!
Cheryl Morgan Kennedy, who answered every call and kept me lifted as I was in the hotel and writing this story though you were having a major move of your own. I appreciate you and thank you for always being there.
La Quette, who supports me and encourages me always. You are amazing.
Holley Trent, Danielle Allen, Dylan Allen, Moni Boyce, Donyae Dillman and Kristina Danielle who read the first few pages and gave me excellent direction, y’all are the best!
The members of TheKGB thank you for giving me a place to share my love for books.
Every author, blogger and friend who has shared and supported this book, you are amazing!
Black Girl Joy Forever
THANK YOU!!!
About the Author
Kenya Goree-Bell lives in Madison, Alabama with her former warrior husband and three kids. Writing as Karis Bell, she is the also the author of The Harem Diaries Series. She is a life long bibliophile and loves to talk about books. Her purpose in writing is show women as adventurous, smart and passionate. Kenya believes that Happy Ever After belongs to everyone and writes about worlds where everyone has a chance at love. She is always excited to hear from her readers!
xoxo
Kenya
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