Authors: Faith
“I sure did!” Brandy said proudly. “I had to go to a few stores, but I found some with just a crown on them.”
“Yay!” Elisea exclaimed and clapped. “This will work just fine until the ordered journals come in. So, Sis, can you put the stickers on each journal? Brandy, can you help me make the gift bags?”
“I’m on it.” Brandy pulled up a chair, and the three ladies went to work.
________
Sunday dinner was in full effect at Mama Eloise’s: greens with ham hocks, macaroni and cheese with lobster meat, a spiral honey baked ham, turkey wings, cornbread, chicken wings, fried corn, potato salad, and deviled eggs.
Lacey walked into the kitchen and made a face. “This looks healthy!” she said in a sarcastic tone.
Mama Eloise cut her big eyes at her.
Ruthie and Felicia looked at each other waiting for the comeback, and to their surprise there was none. Mama Eloise continued to hum to herself as she prepared the food.
As the Tricia set the table, she looked up as Elisea and Lizzie came in with James and Andrew.
“How did it go?” Tricia asked Elisea.
“I think it went well. All the girls seemed interested and engaged, so we’ll see.”
“E is being modest, Tricia. It went great,” Lizzie chimed in.
“Lizzie, can you get the fellas so we can eat?” Tricia asked.
Lizzie nodded and went to get her brothers out of the den.
After everyone gathered at the table, Junior blessed the food and they dug in. The conversation was pretty light as everyone seemed to be caught up in their own thoughts.
“This is going to be a busy week. We have all six funerals to perform” Junior told them.
“Mm, mm, mm! So sad. All they were trying to do was their job, and now this. The church needs to set up a fund for the families,” Mama Eloise suggested.
“I think we should write them a check. We already have to rebuild the Pavilion. And let’s face it, we were the target, not them,” Mud added. “What do you think, Eddie?”
“A fund will take time. These families are going through enough. Yeah, just write a check and be done with it,” Eddie said and looked over at Edem, who nodded in agreement.
“Okay, well that’s settled,” Junior said before stuffing his mouth with greens.
Changing the subject, Lizzie said, “Mama James and I have been talking. I just want an intimate wedding, so I was thinking that I could just have it in the back yard. I know you want a big church wedding, Mama, but I’m sure Lacey can work her magic in the back yard.”
“You know I’ll work it out,” Lacey said and winked at her.
“But I thought you wanted a church wedding?” Mama Eloise said, seeming disappointed.
“I changed my mind. I see a simple elegant wedding in the back yard.”
“I can work wonders in that back yard,” Lacey added.
“So, what do you think, Mama?”
“I don’t know what’s wrong with my children not wanting a church wedding, but…” She shrugged her shoulders and concentrated on her food.
________
Junior sat at his desk preparing a eulogy when he heard a knock at the door. He looked up and Sheila walked in. He tried to fight the smile that was coming across his face. “Come on in,” he said, eying her body. He scanned her from head to toe, and his nature started to rise watching her voluptuous pregnant body. Her large breasts seemed to be swollen to two cup sizes larger. He pictured his hands on her widened hips, and her belly was nice and round. Pregnancy definitely agreed with her. She was beautiful.
“Junior!” Sheila’s sultry voice brought him back to reality.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I zoned out,” he said with a smile.
“I just wanted to check on you. You know, make sure you were alright.” Sheila shifted her weight from side to side as she attempted to settle her nervous energy.
Picking up on her uneasiness, Junior got up from his desk and walked over to her. He ran the back of his hand down the side of her face.
His touch sent chills down her spine. Every nerve in her body craved this man. Her head told her to get the hell out of there; but her heart disagreed and wouldn’t let her leave.
Junior stepped in closer and hugged her. Sheila closed her eyes and inhaled his scent as he held her in his arms.
“I’m glad that you came. I’ve missed you.”
“I just needed to see you.”
Junior placed his hand on Sheila’s belly and rubbed it in a circular motion. “How is my baby doing?”
“Humph! Your baby?”
“Yes. It is my baby, right?”
“You know it is. It’s just hearing you say the words, that’s all. “
Junior noticed that Sheila wouldn’t look at him. As she talked, her eyes danced around the room. “Look at me, Goldie,” he said and grabbed her face.
Sheila gave in and their eyes locked. In the silence of his office, the lovers’ eyes shared a conversation without uttering a word. The two could no longer control the combustible energy in the room, so they gave in. As soon as their lips touched, they started to breathe as one. As much as they both tried to fight the feeling, once again they put their needs before their marriages. This had to be the most sensual kiss that the two had shared.
“When I saw the fire on the news, I didn’t know if I would ever hold you again,” she whispered in his ear during their embrace.
“I know!” He caressed her back in a circular motion.
“Junior, this isn’t working. It’s like we try to avoid each other. It shouldn’t be this hard.”
“You’re right. You’re my best friend, and I’m just trying very hard to do the best I can to keep everything at home together,” he said, holding onto Sheila’s hand.
“And I understand that; I do. Shoot, I’m doing the same thing, but it’s just hard not having you in my life. It’s hard not being able to text you when I think about you like I used to. Our friendship is on the line now, and I don’t know how to fix it.”
“Baby, you know you can text me or call me anytime,” he tried to reassure her. He missed her dearly, and wanted them to at least communicate on a regular basis.
Sheila turned her lip up at him and said dryly, “Really, Junior? I’m sure your wife wouldn’t have a problem with that!”
“Look, if you want to text me, text me. If you want to call me, call me. If we get back to communicating like we used to, it might ease the tension between us.”
Sheila dropped her head and Junior lifted her head up. “I love you, Goldie, and that’s just what it is. This situation is messed up.”
“Ya think?” she smirked.
“But this is you and me. We set the tone. Me trying to ignore you is not working. It’ll work for a while, but then something will happen and I pick up the phone to call you. Then I get frustrated because I can’t. But who says I can’t?”
“Your wife!”
“We both have situations now. I’m sure your husband wouldn’t want us texting in the middle of the night like we used to.”
“I see your point,” Sheila said with a sigh. “I guess we have to exercise some self-control.”
“I guess so.” Junior licked his lips thinking about tasting her.
Sheila sucked her teeth and cocked her head to the side. “Really, Junior?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m exercising self-control, because if I wasn’t, I would be sopping you up right about now!” Junior laughed. “Nah, I’m just messing with you.”
Sheila’s phone suddenly went off, and he watched her read a text message and smile.
Chapter 7
There was not a cloud in the Carolina sky. The backyard of Mama Eloise’s house was beautifully decorated. White chairs filled the space on each side of a long runner, and dozens of white roses cascaded over the arch.
Mama Eloise had been in tears all morning. She was losing her baby. Although she had hoped Lizzie would change her mind about a church wedding, she had to admit that the scenery was beautiful.
Junior and Edem took their places to officiate the wedding. James stood at attention. You could tell that he was excited, and the big grin on his face told it all.
Everyone stood up as Lacey and Junior’s children walked down the aisle, followed by James’ daughter from his previous marriage.
Elisea and Andrew locked arms at the end of the runner. “Are you okay?” Andrew whispered to her.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied.
“You look beautiful, E!” he said.
Elisea cut her eyes at him.
Who did he think he was calling her E
? she thought.
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”
“No,” she lied.
“A’ight, let’s do this.” Andrew and Elisea walked arm in arm down the runner. Elisea watched the smiles on everyone’s faces.
Oh how I wish it was my turn!
As if Andrew could read her thoughts he whispered, “Your time is coming.”
She looked radiant in a turquoise off the shoulder dress that hugged her in all the right places.
Andrew took his place next to his brother.
The wedding march began playing, and Lizzie appeared with Eddie and Mud on either side of her. She looked like a beautiful vision in white.
“I wish Daddy was here,” Lizzie said, fighting back tears.
“Oh, he’s here. He wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Mud told her.
“Just take a second, and close your eyes.” Eddie watched as his sister did as he instructed.
She closed her eyes and saw herself in her father’s arms. Next she saw herself sitting on his lap. Then she saw him dancing with her, and lastly she saw his smile. When she opened her eyes, Eddie was smiling at her.
Mud said, “I told you he was here.”
The brothers then walked their sister down the aisle.
When Junior asked who gives this woman away, the entire Blanks clan shouted, “We do!” It made everyone chuckle.
Junior and Edem lovingly performed a short but sweet wedding for their sister. Edem anointed them as they knelt to take communion.
Andrew handed James the ring, and he placed the ring on Lizzie’s finger.
Edem said to James, “Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
James repeated the words as he slid a three carat band on Lizzie’s finger.
Lizzie then turned to Elisea to retrieve James’ ring.
Junior said to Lizzie, “Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
With a shaky voice she repeated her brother’s words as she slid the ring on James’ finger.
In unison, Junior and Edem said, “With the power invested in us, we now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The couple just stood there waiting and looking expectantly at Junior and Edem.
“I guess we got to let him kiss her. After all, he is her husband now!” Junior teased.
“Yeah, I guess so,” Edem sighed. “A’ight you may kiss my sister—I mean the bride!” he said with a smile.
James lifted Lizzie’s veil, and they shared a kiss that made everyone in attendance blush.
“Get a room!” Mud shouted out.
Eddie placed the wedding broom in front of the couple. Hand in hand they jumped the broom and everyone cheered. James and Lizzie almost skipped down the aisle they were walking so fast.
The reception was small and intimate, like the wedding. Before the couple knew it, they were saying their goodbyes and were on their way to the airport.
________
It was a long flight to the DR, but it was worth it. The colors seemed to have come alive. They opened the door to the honeymoon suite of the five star hotel.
James swept Lizzie off of her feet and carried her into the room. They were both in awe. Red roses in shape of a heart adorned the bed, and a bottle of champagne was chilling in the bucket. Dinner for two also awaited them.
Lizzie took one look at the setup and knew that Lacey had worked her magic. They both wondered what meal was underneath the silver dome that covered the tray, but first things first.
“I can’t believe we’re married!” Lizzie squealed.
“I can’t believe you’re this sexy.” James was way past ready to be with his wife. “I’m going to go shower,” he said, and headed to the bathroom.
A nervous Lizzie paced back and forth. “Oh my God, I’m married! I’m married!” she whispered to herself as she jumped around the room. She opened her bag to see what the girls had picked out for her. Looking at each piece of lingerie, she could tell which one of her sisters picked it out. She decided on a power blue silk Cami with lace on the top. She held it up and inspected it, and thought to herself,
Yeah, this has Felicia written all over it.
The bathroom door opened, and James stood in front of her with a towel wrapped around his waist. Lizzie looked him up and down. Her insides started to throb, and she instantly felt bad.
Duh! I’m married. I can lust after my husband.
She broke her gaze and took her toiletry bag out of her suitcase. “I won’t be long,” she said, and hurried into the bathroom.
James opened the bottle of champagne and poured two glasses. It was hard for him to contain his excitement, and Lizzie was taking forever.
Twenty minutes later she came out of the bathroom looking like perfection, and James’ mouth dropped open. He clearly had no idea on what his wife was working with. He could sense her nervous energy. “Baby, come here,” he said.
She walked slowly to him.
“Dance with me.” James pulled her into his arms.
Lizzie looked around the room. “But there’s no music.”
“We don’t need music; we have each other.” He started slow dancing, as if he heard music in the air. Lizzie followed his lead, and they slow danced to their own special tune that only they could hear. Their bodies moved to the beat of their love, and James could feel the tension leave his new bride’s body.
Mission accomplished!
he thought to himself.
They started to kiss, and James hands explored her body for the first time. Other than sharing passionate kisses, Lizzie had kept her word about waiting until marriage.
With a quick swipe of his hand, he scattered the heart-shaped rose petals on the bed which sent them flying through the air and landing on the floor. Then he gently laid her down on the bed. Lizzie’s body tensed up again. He wanted his wife in a relaxed state so he began planting kisses all over her neck and face before separating her lips with his tongue.
A soft moan escaped her lips as they kissed. She could feel his manhood rising and was shocked at the stiffness she felt against her legs. James placed his hands underneath her Cami and let them explore her body. The touch of his hands made her body quiver in places that she didn’t even know existed.
James slowly helped Lizzie out of her lingerie and admired his wife’s body. To his surprise, she wasn’t wearing any panties. Her ample breasts called out to him and he answered the call. He took one nipple into his mouth and sucked on it as if he was a breastfeeding baby.
Lizzie moaned from pleasure as he went from nipple to nipple, tasting both of them eagerly. He kissed her stomach, then her thighs. He smiled at her nearly shaven mound. He inhaled her scent, and it was sweet and intoxicating. He spread her legs and kissed his new bride’s second set of lips.
Lizzie quivered at the sensation. His tongue explored his new toy, doing circles with his tongue on her pearl, and then entered her glory. His poor wife didn’t know that anything could feel this good, and she cried out. He took his time getting acquainted with his special gift.
Lizzie’s body reacted to the attention, and she didn’t expect to scream the way she did. She gripped the sheets as she experienced her first orgasm. James drank all of her juices like a good husband should.
“Are you okay?” James asked, looking up at his wife from between her thighs as her legs shook uncontrollably.
“I think so,” she said in almost a whisper. She was finding it hard to catch her breath.
James removed the towel he had wrapped around his waist and mounted his bride.
“Is it going to hurt?” Lizzie asked in a childlike voice.
“I’ll be gentle, I promise.” James opened her legs and as gently as he could and slid himself inside of her buried treasure.
Lizzie winced in pain. James was a good nine inches, and his girth was wide. He kept at it until he was completely inside of her. “You okay?” he doubled checked.
“Yeah,” Lizzie lied. She felt as if she was being stretched to death, and she wasn’t sure if she was going to like this.
James’ strokes were slow and easy.
To Lizzie’s surprise, her body was enjoying it. “Tell me what to do,” she asked him.
“Just dance with me.” He said, kissing her neck.
Lizzie relaxed and let her body respond naturally. She mimicked her husband’s movements, and when she heard his moan it made her smile. Her biggest fear was not pleasing him. James took his time with her as they made love and explored each other sexually. He wanted this night to be magical for his wife. The newlyweds made love all through the night. Lizzie did things she had only heard about. During round three of their sex-a-thon, James planted his seed inside of his wife’s womb.
Exhausted from their night of pleasure, they held each other until they fell asleep.