Until My Heart Stops Beating (24 page)

              “Wow, that's deep baby girl. Hey, you think your mom felt that way about me?” he asked hastily rising from his chair.

              “Daddy,” she laughed pulling him back down in his seat.

              “What? I was only going to ask her?” he joked.

              “I’m sure it was.”

              “Can we get the bride and her father on the dance floor please,” announced the DJ.

              The melody for Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon in the Sky,” began to play. She glanced at her father with tears in her eyes. He stood up holding out his hand to her. She grabbed his hand and allowed him to escort onto the dance floor. Laying her head on his shoulder as the fingers of one hand locked as one and the other was placed around his waist, they danced their father and daughter dance in such a way that spoke volumes without saying a word. Glancing at her mother, she witnessed her standing in front of the dance floor with tears in her eyes and a hand over her heart. This was definitely the best day of her life and she got to share it with family and friends who flew out to Chicago just for them.

GRAND OPENING

             
Six months into the marriage and it still felt like they were honeymooners but Makeba knew that would all change this week. The Serenity Hotel’s Grand Opening was taking place on Friday and most of Declan’s time would be geared towards making sure everything goes as planned. She didn’t mind though because since their wedding day he had been good to her as far as spending quality time goes. They had gone to Broadway plays, operas, museums, party boat rides, fancy restaurants, you name it, they did it. They ran so much Makeba had to plead with him to slow down. Since he had done so well by her the least she could do is be a little understanding about the length of time he spends at the hotel.

              The time was upon them finally. Declan was dressed in a penguin tuxedo looking quite debonair. She approached him adjusting his bow tie.

              “You are so handsome.”

              He hugged her around the waist and kissed her softly on the lips. “And you my dear look amazing.”

              He kissed her with such passion she began to throb between her legs. Reluctantly, she pushed him away.

              “We don’t have time for this Mr. We have to get going or you’ll be late for your own grand opening.”

              “We always have time for this,” he replied playfully grabbing her from behind.

              “Be a good boy and I promise to make it up to you later.”

              Smiling like a Cheshire cat he said, “Really?”

              “Really,” she replied walking away like a seductress on purpose.

              “Damn I hit the jackpot!” he said.

              She chuckled
as she continued to walk off to get her shawl.

~*~

              Although the hotel was just a few blocks away, Declan insisted on having the car service pick them up. As they arrived in front of the hotel, there were a multitude of cars dropping people off in front of the building. There was carpet and strobe lights in front of the hotel. Once they exited the car, it felt like they were celebrities walking the red carpet. It was so exciting for Makeba. As they entered the hotel, they were greeted by the ‘who’s who’ of the hotel industry, entertainment industry and political parties. Local and federal government officials were also in attendance. What made it even more special was that her parents and brother Mark had come. Even Granny Whitaker, Shyanne and Sam flew in for the special event.

              Hours had passed and she was exhausted. Never had she done so much mingling and entertaining in one night. Tired or not, there was nothing she could do but suck it up. It was her duty to be there however long to support her husband and she wouldn’t have it any other way, achy feet and all.

              She was so proud of her husband and all he had accomplished with the hotel.  When Declan stood up to read his speech, she felt like a volcano on the verge of eruption. He was sexy, charming, and had a magnetic force that sent sparks through her insides from the mere look at him. She couldn’t wait to get him home. Thank God Granny, Sam, Shyanne and even Mark insisted on being the first guests at the hotel because what she planned on doing to him when they got back to their loft would surely frighten them enough to dial 911.

              The following week news articles were still being printed about the new five star hotel located downtown in the heart of Newark. This only fueled the fire that was already brewing inside him. It was a driving force to push him harder and make him greater at what he did so well, business. Already he had begun discussions with potential investors in reference to the possibilities of building more Serenity Hotels in the Tri-State Area.

              With Declan traveling more and requesting that she accompany him, Makeba knew there was no way she could keep her job. As much as she would have loved to continue to work at the airport she had to resign. It wasn’t about money, now that she was Mrs. Whitaker, she had plenty. It was more about independence, the enjoyment of what she did for a living and meeting people from all walks of life. Not to mention the friends that felt more like family but she wasn’t too worried about them. They were just a phone call away.

~*~

              Declan had been working nonstop since the opening of Serenity, so much so that he was beginning to feel guilty about the amount of time he spent away from his wife. Even when she accompanied him to Chicago, there just wasn’t enough time in a day to do everything he needed to do. Apologies were repetitious but they were truly heartfelt and although she’d assured him that she understood how busy things were since the grand opening, he couldn’t help but
wonder how long would it be before it all came crashing down.

              He remembered how things had gotten a little bad for them during the time she had the miscarriage. The stress of his frequent travels and lack of time together became a major issue for them. One thing he didn’t want was for history to repeat itself and he damn sure didn’t want to continue to be unfair to Makeba, so he decided that from that moment on she would always come first no matter what.

              Sitting at his desk pondering over his current situation, Declan came up with an idea of how he could have the best of both worlds but continue to be a successful businessman and loving husband. Immediately, he called Sam and gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Sam had agreed to close his spas and come on board full time and help run the company. He was the only one Declan trusted to get things done.

Three Years Later…

Happy Birthday

              Hearing the freezing rain pelt against the house sent chills up her spine. Curious to what the stormy weather looked like during the brunt of the storm, she sauntered over to the glass sliding doors peering through the window. Instantly she became worried about Declan’s travel home. As much as she would have liked to lay beside him, she’d rather he didn’t take any risks trying to get home tonight. Immediately, she rushed to the bedroom to retrieve her phone, the moment she heard it ringing.

              “Hello.”

              “Hello babe. Are you still at work?”

              “Yes I am.”

              Relieved he hadn’t left yet she sighed.

              “Maybe you should consider staying there tonight. It’s pretty bad out.”

              “Nonsense. I’ve been looking forward to lying next to you all day. I’ll be fine honey. Stop worrying. I’ll be leaving within the hour.”

              Rubbing her hand across her forehead, she sighed. This was not the response she wanted from him. Knowing her husband she knew it would take quite some convincing to get him to stay and if she had to be on the phone all night she would.

              “Babe, just stay where you are. Trying to make it home in this kind of weather is just crazy. Besides, it’s not like you don’t have a corporate apartment in the building.”

              “True, but there will be one thing missing.”

              “What’s that?

              “You.”

              Any other time that response would have made her smile and warmed her heart but this was not one of those times. She had been listening to the weather reports for hours. Over and over again during their commentary
they suggested that
people stay off
the
roads.

             
“That’s sweet honey but you’ll have me for the rest of your life. One night apart isn’t going to make or break us. We’ve done this so many times before. Stay where you are for tonight. I promise I’ll make it all up to you when you get home. Just oblige me this once,” she replied through trembling lips.

              Sensing how fretful she was, Declan reluctantly relented. The sound of her voice was evident that she was on the brink of tears. The last thing he wanted to do was cause her to worry or have a sleepless night. As bad as he wanted to hold her in the comfort of his arms, kiss her, make love to her, he agreed to stay where he was. It would have been foolish at this point to try and make it home in that kind of weather.

              “Ok honey. I guess I’m staying the night here.”

              Breathing a sigh of relief she said, “Oh, don't act like you’re down and out. That apartment is set up better than our loft. You’ll be fine.”

              “Again you won’t be here.”

              “But I’ll be missing you every moment we’re apart. You know you can call me as much as you’d like.”

              “And I will. Trust me, you are going to regret you said that.”

              She chuckled.

              “I know.”

              “I’ll talk to you shortly sweetie. I need to call it a night and go on up to the apartment. I’ll call you back when I get up there.”

              “Ok. I love you.”

              “I love you more, Makeba.”

              Declan ended the call feeling a tinge of disappointment that he had to spend a night alone in the executive apartment. Pushing himself back from the desk, he rose from his seat and approached the window gazing out into the darkness. The sky was smoke gray as fog blanketed the city limiting his visibility. A wide smile spread across his face as he reminisced about the previous night. He had intended on surprising Makeba with a night out on the town to celebrate his birthday but when he arrived home, she had a surprise of her own for him.

             
He walked into the foyer inhaling the aroma of a cooking meal emanating from the kitchen. Hurrying further inside, stopping under the threshold of the kitchen, he discreetly watched as she sashayed from
the oven to the refrigerator then to the cupboard retrieving a serving dish and placing it on the counter, then back to the stove oblivious to the fact that she was being watched.

              “More beautiful than a flower floating on a wave in the ocean on a summer day.”

              She turned looking over her shoulder with a raised wooden spoon in her hand. Leering at him, she smiled as she swiped her finger across the spoon scooping up a little of its contents, then placing it in her mouth sucking on it so seductively it sent a warm tingly sensation up and down his spine that made him shiver.

              “You’re going to stand there selfishly teasing me with your taste testing or are you going to offer me a sample as well?

              “A sample of what?” she asked smiling mischievously.

              He inhaled holding his head to the side as he ogled her.

              “Everything you have to offer, from the liquid on that spoon
to the lady holding it.”

             
“Hmm, patience sir. I am the dessert."

              Slowly he approached her.

              “I say we skip right to the dessert,” he replied as he covered her mouth with his, kissing her with an ardent passion that almost took her breath away.

              She dropped the spoon as her knees weakened from the kiss that sent an electrical current shooting through her body. She moaned as his hand roamed every inch of her body, stopping only to begin unbuttoning her blouse. With a sudden desire to resist, she pushed him away as she backed up against the stove.

              “Wait a minute,” she managed to say through bated breaths. Just then she realized there was heat from steam rising from the pots still cooking on the stove. Without a word Declan pressed his body against hers as he reached behind her turning off the stove. She was immobile, hypnotized by the hazel browns staring at her in such a way that it looked like he could see into the deepest part of her soul.

              “I-made- your- favorite- for- your- birthday-“

              He covered her mouth cutting off her words as he parted her lips with his tongue, exploring every inch of her mouth. Her heart raced and her breaths quickened from the strong hands roaming over all over her body. Unable to resist reciprocating the pleasure she was receiving, she slowly and sensually kissed him, occasionally sucking on his bottom lip while running her fingers through his hair. Her hands trailed down the sides of his face to his chest ripping open the shirt that separated her from his bare skin. He inhaled
at the
softness of her hands which was like soft
cotton being
brushed
over
his skin. The reaction of their bodies to each other’s was like two beasts in the wild on a feeding frenzy. The more they received from one another the more they wanted. The need to be satisfied intensified with every touch. Finding the willpower to control his aching desire, Declan took a few steps back ogling and admiring her as is if she was an authentic Picasso. She began to walk away with the intention of leading him to the bedroom but she didn’t get too far. Quickly, he grabbed her arm swinging her around and gently backing her up against the counter. With bated breath and a body engulfed in flames, she anxiously waited in anticipation for his next move. 

              Declan ambled toward her, gingerly moving his hands across her stomach, then moving upward allowing his fingertips to
push away her bra exposing her breasts. Her body jolted the moment he began to massage them. Gripping the edge of the counter, her head fell backwards as he took one into his mouth. Feeling restricted, he removed her blouse totally and unsnapped her bra throwing it to the floor. Pressing his body against hers, he kissed her long and hard. Suddenly, pulling away, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward the door. Feeling his resistance, she turned around to face him.

              “No honey. Right here. Right now.”

              She couldn’t believe he was going to take her, all of her on the floor in the kitchen but if that’s where he wanted it all to go down, she was willing to oblige him. Besides, she was too hot, too aroused, and too needy to protest. His spontaneity was what she loved most about him anyway. It didn’t take long for him to remove all of her clothing, then guide her body down to the floor. Soon after, his clothing mingled with hers in a pile next to them. Very delicately, he began to kiss and lick her all over like she was two scoops of butter pecan ice cream on a sugar cone. This was all the birthday present he needed and desired. She was the gift that kept on giving and no matter how much she gave,  he wanted more and got it, all of it in the only place in the house they had not made love; the kitchen. The passion between them was so intense all she could do was cry from pure ecstasy.

              About an hour later, after showering and changing into more comfortable attire, Makeba resumed cooking her meal. They ate under candlelight while listening to music by Dave Koz. At the conclusion
of their dinner, Makeba cleared
the table of the
soiled dishes and placed them in the sink.
Declan, excused
himself and
went to answer the call of nature. His brief absence gave her just enough time to grab a dish from the cabinet and lay it on the placemat where Declan was sitting. Quietly, she put the surprise on the plate then returned to her seat fighting to stifle a giggle.

              Shortly afterwards, Declan
returned staring inquisitively at the instrument that was lying on his dish. Picking it up, he scrutinized it as he took his seat. Glancing across the table at Makeba, then at the object in his hand, and back at her searching for confirmation for what he was thinking. He knew exactly what the gadget was, he just needed to be sure what it meant. With the object still in his hand, he looked across the table at her once more through inquiring eyes. Smiling while nodding her head was confirmation of his suspicions. Excitedly, he jumped up startling her. He rushed beside her pulling her up from her seat and began planting soft kisses all over her face.

              “Happy Birthday,” she whispered in between his soft kisses.

              “We’re pregnant,” he said hugging her tight, “we’re having a baby.”

              “Yes we are,” she replied nodding her head vigorously.

              “This couldn’t have been a better birthday gift. Thank you honey.”

              Chuckling she replied, “You’re welcome.”

              “How far along?”

              “About eight weeks. I’ve been aware for about a week and a half but I wanted to wait until this precise moment to tell you.”

              A wide smile spread across his lips as he hugged her again.

              “You have made me the happiest man in the world. Since the moment I laid eyes on you, life just keeps getting better.”

              Tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. As always, he touched her with his words causing her to become overwhelmed with emotion.

              “I grow more and more in love with you every day my dear husband.”

              Shaking his head as his eyes began to water he said, “I love you my beautiful butterfly and I always will, until my heart stops beating.

              Reminiscing about the previous night brought tears to his eyes. Suddenly he felt
a sense of loneliness. Yes, he told her he’d stay at the apartment until
morning due to the storm but he was missing her already something terrible. Staring at the phone,
he wondered
if he should call and inform her that he had a
change of heart
and
was
coming home. No, that wouldn’t be a good idea. All she’d do is try to persuade him to change his mind.

              Turning on his heels, he approached his desk, powered down his computer, grabbed his cell phone and briefcase and headed for the closet to retrieve his Trench-coat. After turning off the lights he left the office closing the door behind him then continued to stroll down the corridor. Standing in front of the elevator just outside his office, he knew what he was thinking was risky. He also knew that he would never hear the end of it when he got home. The weather was really bad and the fact that his wife suggested he stay the night away from her was an indication just how terrible things were outside but he didn’t care. He was a man known to take risks. How else could he have been such a successful businessman? There was nothing to fear. Listening to Makeba had put him in panic mode. Living in Chicago all his life, he survived some of the worst winters in all the fifty states. It’s not like he hadn’t traveled through torrential winds and downpours before. He was sure he was experienced enough to make it home without incident. He sure as hell hoped so because his mind was made up. He was going home; rain, sleet or snow.