Trey "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the minister declares, his voice ringing through the chapel. We had planned to get married before our daughter was born, but at twenty eight-weeks pregnant, she tried to come early, and Kiara was put on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. It was a rough ass time for her, but of course, my amazing wife managed to get through it and successfully deliver our healthy nine-pound baby. For someone who didn't let her Mama eat much without throwing up, she sure weighed a lot. Hand in hand, surrounded by our family and guests, we stroll down the aisle, cheers mingling with the soft patter of rice raining down on us. With 'Lux Temptations' on the same block as the chapel, we decided that everyone would walk there together. Of course, It only made sense for us to have the reception at our restaurant, the best in Virginia. My staff volunteered their time and effort today to cater my wedding as l
TreyThe remainder of the night unfolds beautifully. Following dinner, Kiara and I take to the dance floor for our first dance, swaying to "You Are The Reason" by Leona Lewis and Calum Scott. After we return to our seats, everyone starts running to the dance floor. Meanwhile, Magnolia peacefully sleeps in Kiara's arms as we watch them dance. I can't help but smile as a sense of contentment washes over me. The room is filled with laughter and smiles and infectious energy of people just reveling in the moment — exactly what I had hoped for. "Can I hold her?" Williams asks eagerly, reaching out for his granddaughter with a twinkle of adoration in his eyes. Kiara beams. "Of course. We're about to go dance anyway, right Trey?" I nod. She made sure there were multiple songs in our playlist that we could line dance to. After carefully passing Magnolia into his arms, ensuring not to disturb her sleep, Kiara seizes my hand. "Let's go, Candice!" she exclaims, her excitement
Kiara "Cupcake, they'll be here soon!" Trey's voice calls from downstairs where the delicious smell of food permeates the house. "Shit, I'm coming!" I shout back, quickly submitting my manuscript to my editor—the sixtieth and final book of my writing career. I decided that it's time I retire and enjoy some well-deserved adventures with my husband. Next week we're going to Hawaii for our thirtieth-year anniversary, and the idea of peace and relaxation fills me with excitement. As I walk through the hallway towards the stairs, I can't help but glance at the wall adorned with a collage of photos of our family. Trey and I have faced many obstacles together, but despite it all, we've achieved so much. What did Maggie used to call us? Oh yeah...a power couple. Yeah, I think we've lived up to that nickname. Each photo on the wall serves as a testament to our resilience and everlasting love that has carried us through every twist and turn of our journey together. My eyes
Kiara I take her tiny hand in mine and lead her inside the house. When she sees Trey, she runs to him. "Grandpa, I missed you!" "VioletPie!" Trey responds with equal enthusiasm, scooping her up and swinging her up into his arms. I smile at the adorable interaction, my heart warming at the bond they share. I thought Trey couldn't get sexier as a chef, but watching him be a father and grandfather is everything. He is so kind and patient with kids, you'd never think he used to be a menace in high school. As I glance at the clock, I realize that TJ, his husband, and two daughters should arrive soon. Winston and his wife recently welcomed a baby, so we're giving them space to adjust to their new family dynamic. Candice and Cassie will probably be late, but they always show up eventually. As for Jeremiah, who now lives in Texas with his wife, we won't be seeing him today, but he'll most likely come down for Christmas. William peacefully passed away in his sleep five years ag
Kiara I arrive at my favorite coffee shop to find my best friend, Candice, already sitting at our table drinking a frappe. When she sees me, she waves me over with a huge grin on her face. "Damn Candy, you couldn't wait for me?" I scowl playfully at her. She scoffs. "Girl, you know I had to get my caffeine. My boss is killing me with these extra hours." I hang my purse on the back of the chair and go to order. Thankfully, there isn't a long line like usual. Samantha, the barista, greets me with a smile. "Hey Kiara, what can I get you today?" "The usual. A venti vanilla Latte. Two extra pumps of vanilla. Extra hot. Stirred. Add whip cream, please." Yes, don't judge me. I come here so often they know me by name. When you are a writer, coffee becomes your best friend. After my drink is up, I thank Samantha and sit down at our table. Candice is on her phone, and judging by the grin on her face, she's texting her girlfriend. "How's Pat doing?" "Huh?" She's still looking down,
Kiara Flashback* I open the door to my apartment to find Jordan's clothes scattered all over the living room carpet. "Ugh, not again," I mutter, picking them up and carrying them to the hamper in the bedroom. And then all of a sudden, I hear something that stops me dead in my tracks. I can't move or speak as the sounds of pleasure echo through the hallway from my bedroom. "Oh Jordan, give it to me harder!" I hear a feminine voice shout. It sounds like my sister's voice, but it couldn't be. Lavender has done some fucked up shit in the past, but she wouldn't cross the line like this. "Yes baby, you feel so good," my boyfriend grunts, "I love you so much, Lav." Oh fuck no! I barge through the door to find Lavender naked on all fours with Jordan pausing mid-stroke to stare at me in shock. He's behind her, his
Trey "Order up!" The last entree of the night clanks on the stainless steel countertop as I ring the little, silver bell for the final time. After the waitress brings the lobster ravioli out to the floor, the kitchen staff bursts into applause. Marco pops open a bottle of Prosecco and pours it in a flute, handing it to me. He then throws an arm over my shoulder, "Cheers to our head chef for finally making it to the top!" Pride swells in my chest as I look around at my fellow chefs. This place has become a second home, and I'm going to miss it when I leave tomorrow. I grin. "Thanks guys, I really enjoyed working with you all of you." The staff drinks and hangs around for a bit to chat. I'm sitting at the bar when Marco comes to find me. "Hey big shot, you all packed and ready to leave?" I nod. "Yep, ready to see my family after four years. Of course, I've always stayed in contact with my mom, but," I sigh, shaking my
Kiara "Ms. Black, we're going to have to let you go." I blink rapidly, trying to process what my boss, Mr. Davis, just said. "I'm sorry...what?" "We must make budget cuts." Liar. There's not an ounce of empathy on his stupid, tanned face. "So was I like the first on the list or-" I can't help but raise my voice as I grow more upset. "Ms. Black, it's been two years since you wrote a bestseller and no offense, but your romance novels are no longer drawing the attention of your audience." Why do people say "no offense" when what they're about to say is going to offend the fuck out of you? My face contorts with hurt and confusion. "So what you're saying is...my books are...boring?" He clears his throat, gazing out the window of his office. "Look Kiara, your audience is looking for spice. The spicier, the better. Your latest manuscript has not one explicit scene in it, it might as well be YA," he continues, "I'm sorry, but no one is willing to publish it." And I