“Yes.” Dropping into the chair, she blew out a breath. “I caused a scene and told her to get out, and Reginald and I had some words. Now, he is avoiding me. I don’t even know where he is.”
“He had a meeting with a client.”
“That was an hour ago and – “ She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“I can see that it does.”
“I accused him of being duplicitous and said he might still see his ex.”
“I see.” Leaning back in his chair, William steepled his fingers and stared at her. He knew she had insisted on getting the time to get used to what was happening to her and his son, which frustrated him. He liked her a lot and could not wait for them to decide on a date for the wedding.
He also understood her hesitation. This was unchartered territory for her, and she was afraid.
“Do you love him?” He asked quietly.
A frown crossed her brow as she stared at him. “You know I do.”
“Then nothing else matters. I have seen the two of you together, and you have something special. Don’t allow foolish things to get between your chance of being happy.”
“I am a black woman.” She pointed out the obvious.
“I never would have guessed.” He said teasingly.
“My point is that I will be marrying a very wealthy white guy. Even though he shrugs it off, he will also be the first member of that club of his who will be marrying a black woman. I am not certain how the other members will react.”
“We are his parents and have accepted you, my dear.” Leaning forward, he gave her an intent look. “In the years to come, the members will begin to follow suit and realize that the color of a person’s skin does not matter. Marrying ‘our kind’ is not what life is all about. It’s about loving the person you plan to spend the rest of your life with.“ A smile crossed his lips. “My son has always been a person who does not care what people think about him, which I admire tremendously.”
“You think I am overreacting.”
“I think you are afraid of changes or the unusual. But if you love my son, you will do whatever it takes to do the right thing.”
*****
She was waiting for him in the parking lot when he finally returned.
“I am not in the mood for an argument.”
“Then it’s fortunate that you won’t be getting one.” Walking over to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Staring at her with narrowed eyes, he stood stock still. “What are you doing?”
“Telling everyone here that we are together.”
“You said you needed a week- “
“I was wrong. I love you, Reginald, and would love to be your wife. And yes, February is a good month for a wedding.”
His eyes darkened, and for a minute, he stood there staring at her, his hands at his sides, not returning her embrace. Then he moved, his hands coming around her waist in stunning force. Drawing a ragged breath, he took her lips in a kiss that had her clinging to him.
*****
“You cannot back out now.” He told her much later in bed after making love to her.
“I don’t intend to.” She was still trying to get her breath back. Her fingers were tangled in his chest hairs, her body shivering from the powerful orgasm.
Fisting his hand into her hair, he angled her head up and claimed her lips, his tongue driving into her mouth with hungry insistence.
“Reginald-“ Dropping her head onto his chest, she tried to quiet the tremors wracking her body.
“I love you.” He told her roughly. “And fighting with you today made me want to strangle you. It also made me unable to concentrate on anything.” His fingers were still tangled in her thick hair. “You have a power over me that defies description. If you don’t marry me and put me out of my misery, I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
“I want to marry you.”
“Good. With that public demonstration in the parking lot, I am afraid you won’t be able to back out.”
“I know.” Shifting so that she was on top of him, she let her gaze wander over his handsome face. “And if I ever see you with that bitch- “
“Shut up.” He growled, bringing her head down so that he could ravish her mouth again.
*****
They fought over the size of the wedding. Jacinth preferred a small, intimate ceremony at her aunt’s church. Still, Reginald insisted on an elaborate affair at the Catholic church where his family had been members for over a hundred years.
“I am making a statement that says that I am proud of you.”
“I don’t want to make a statement, and your way will have the press descending on us like droves.” She argued.
The story about their intimate embrace in the parking lot had taken the office by storm, and now everyone knew they were a couple. He made it official the next day by giving her a stunning square-cut diamond engagement ring. She turned to her future in-laws for help, but they agreed with him.
“He is right, my dear. People are already questioning his choice. We must show them that we are behind his decision.” Donna said quietly. “You don’t have to do anything. I know this excellent team of wedding planners, and I will supervise. The only thing you have to do is choose your dress.”
“I hate being a public spectacle,” she muttered.
“I am asking you to allow this, darling.” He pleaded, and she had reluctantly succumbed.
Now, it seemed as if everything was rushing by too rapidly. The minute the news was out that they were getting married, the press had descended, and her fiancé was called into a meeting with his club members.
“What do you think they will say?” She asked tensely when he told her.