It's in the Rhythm (25 page)

Garrett walked over to the stove, helping himself to breakfast.

“I'm not surprised,” he said, sitting back down at the table. “We don't have a comment. Whatever goes on in this family is personal.”

Pastor and Mrs. Martindale looked at each other. “We agree,” Pastor Martindale replied. “There is no reason to ever discuss what happened with Tamara and her friend. Let's just forget it ever happened.”

“I'm very protective of my personal life,” he added, forking eggs into his mouth. “I'm not going to allow them to use Tamara's tragedy to sell magazines and newspapers.” He took a sip of coffee. “I thought about what you said last night. I'm going to find out for sure about Imani.”

“What are you going to do?” Pastor Martindale asked, pouring himself another glass of orange juice.

“I'm going to hire a private detective. Collin may know someone. I should have thought about it earlier, but I wasn't thinking straight,” he said when the doorbell rang.

“I'll get that,” Pastor Martindale said.

“Remember, no comment,” Garrett said to his father's retreating figure.

A moment later, Pastor Martindale reappeared. “Garrett, you have a visitor.”

Garrett turned around to find Trinity entering the room. He blinked. She was the last person he expected to see. He stood. “Trinity.”

“Good morning,” Trinity said.

“Good morning,” they all said in unison.

“Would you care for some breakfast?” Ginger asked over her shoulder. “We have plenty,” she said as she headed into the kitchen.

“No, ma'am,” Trinity said behind her. “I've eaten. I'm on my way to the school. I stopped by to see how Tamara is doing.” Her eyes fell on Garrett. He looked tired and sad. All she wanted to do was take him in her arms, comfort him, and tell him everything was going to be all right.

“I'll go help your mother,” Pastor Martindale said, following his wife.

Garrett's eyes held Trinity's. She was beautiful, even early in the morning. “Tamara is fine. She was resting comfortably when we left her last night. I'm surprised to see you here, especially with the media camped outside.”

Trinity stepped closer to him. She couldn't help it. “I don't care about the media. Some things are worth the risk.”

Garrett watched her move closer. His heart rate sped up. His middle hardened. Every time he saw her, his body reacted to her. “You're learning.” He gave her a nervous chuckle. “We'll be going to the hospital later to see Tamara.”

His parents returned to the dining room, but stayed only a short time before Garrett's mother offered some excuse for having to go upstairs. His father took her lead, leaving Garrett and Trinity in the room alone.

Trinity nervously wrung her hands together. “I'm glad to hear that Tamara is going to be all right.”

Garrett sat down in the chair. He motioned for Trinity to join him. “She gave us a scare. It could have been worse.”

“What happened?” Trinity asked.

“She was stabbed by her roommate.”

Trinity stared, complete surprise on her face. “Her roommate? Why?”

Garrett was comfortable talking to Trinity, but he felt the complete story was better left untold for the moment. “Tamara and Brian were separated, and she moved in with a friend. They had some type of disagreement. Things got out of hand.”

Trinity closed her hand around Garrett's and said, “I'm sorry.”

Garrett clutched her hand with both of his. “Thank you.” After a moment, he added, “I want to talk about last night.” The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “You were right, I don't have the right to give you advice.”

“It's okay. I know you said it because you care about me.”

“I was out of line. If you want to marry Darius, that's your business. I wish you both the best.”

“The wedding is off. I gave Darius back his ring last night.”

He tilted his head to the side. “What happened?”

Trinity pushed her chair back from the table. She stood. “Darius heard us talking last night.”

Garrett closed his eyes a moment. He stood, walking around the table. He stopped in front of her. “I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just got caught up in my emotions. I had to tell you how I feel about you.”

“You don't have to apologize. Everything worked out for the best. What you said about marrying Darius was the truth. I would have made a big mistake.” She put her arms around his neck, looking deep into his eyes. “I'm in love with someone else.”

Garrett clasped her body tightly to his. “I know my situation complicates everything,” he said. “But if you bear with me, it may not be as bad as it seems.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I have to check something out before I say any more.” Leaning down, he pressed his mouth to hers.

Trinity quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss. She tilted her head to allow his tongue full access. She captured his tongue with hers. As the kiss deepened, her mouth burned with fire.

The sound of a throat clearing separated them. Their heads turned to Pastor Martindale grinning at them.

Garrett gently touched his lips, looking affectionately at Trinity. “I didn't see you.”

“Obviously,” Pastor Martindale said. “Your mother and I are on our way to the hospital. Are you riding with us?”

“Yes, I am.” Garrett refocused on Trinity. “We will finish this conversation later.”

“I will see you later,” Trinity said, and touched his chest lightly.

“You better get to school.” Garrett pressed his lips to hers.

As Trinity walked out the room, she heard Pastor Martindale say, “I bet that will be some conversation.”

Trinity had to smile.

* * *

Several days later, Garrett entered the lobby of the Hotel Washington. Imani had flown in from Los Angeles. He'd phoned her the day before and asked her to meet him. With the detective's report tucked underneath his arm, he entered the elevator. As he got off on the seventh floor, he dreaded the conversation he was about to have with her. When he'd left the hospital that morning, he was in high spirits. Tamara was feeling and looking better. Brian was by her bedside day and night. They appeared to be working things out. Pastor Martindale seemed to have taken the news better than everyone expected. He vowed to never talk about it, and forbade anyone in the family to discuss it. He was treating it as out of sight, out of mind. Then there was the reason for his trip to the hotel, the revelation he was about to make to Imani.

Garrett took a few deep breaths before opening the door. He strolled into the suite to find Imani sitting on the sofa. When she saw him, she rushed over, hugging him.

“Hi, baby.”

“Imani.” Garrett didn't return the hug.

She stepped back. “How's Tamara?” she asked, attempting to dispel the sudden tension.

“She's fine. Thanks for asking. She will be up and around in no time.”

“I'm glad.” She forced a smile. “I'm sorry about the other night. I was thinking about myself. I should have been more sensitive to what you were going through.”

Garrett sat in the chair opposite the sofa. “Don't worry about it. Don't you want to know the answer to your proposal?”

Imani took a seat on the sofa. She crossed one long leg over the other. “Yes. I figured you would get around to it. You could have given me the answer over the telephone. I don't understand why I had to come to Maryland.”

“I wanted to see the look on your face when you explain to me why you lied to me.”

Imani's lovely face scowled. “What are you talking about?”

Garrett tossed the report on the table. “There's no baby.”

Stunned, Imani reached for the paper with a trembling hand. She slowly picked it up and read the report.

“Why, Imani? Why would you lie about something like that?”

“I was losing you,” she said.

“You didn't think I'd find out? I mean, how did you plan to get away with it?”

“I don't know! I was desperate,” Imani placed a hand to her chest. “I had to do something.”

Garrett shook his head in disbelief. “And you thought this would keep me?”

“I would have done anything to keep from losing you to Trinity.”

“Imani,” he said in a sad tone. “It's not you. I'm—”

“In love with her,” she finished for him. She clasped her hands together and stared at them. “I have lost you to her.”

“I'm sorry, Imani.”

“It's not from my lack of trying.” Imani placed a hand to her chest. “I've tried everything to make you love me.”

“I wish things were different.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “You deserve better than me. You deserve to be with someone who will love you the way you want to be loved.”

“I don't need or want your sympathy,” she said. “Get out!”

“Imani,” he pleaded. “Listen to me. This is just as hard on me.”

She pushed him. “Just get out.”

Garrett stared at her. “Imani,” he said softly.

She pushed him again. “Didn't you hear me?” She pointed toward the door. “Just go.”

As Garrett closed the door, he could hear her sobbing uncontrollably. He thought about re-entering the suite but thought better of it. It wasn't going to change anything.

Later that evening, Garrett stopped by the hospital again to see Tamara before heading over to Trinity's. When he arrived at her house, she opened the door and he automatically reached for her, giving her a kiss.

“Hello, Trinity.”

“Hi, yourself.” She grabbed his hand, leading him inside. “How's Tamara?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Getting stronger.” Trinity led him to the sofa. He sat down. She took the space next to him. “I had a talk with Imani.” He had filled Trinity in on Imani's deception before he left for the hotel.

Trinity looked away.

She heard Garrett take a deep breath. “She's on her way back to California.”

Trinity's eyes fell on him again. He looked so sad. She gently touched his shoulder. Garrett's response was to place his hand over hers. “I know, baby,” she said, leaning his head on her shoulder. “I know.”

* * *

The next week brought the Gospel Explosion. The Philips Arena was filled to capacity. The Praise and Worship Choir performed three selections and had the building rocking. They were called back for an encore. As the choir was leaving the stage, Garrett motioned for them to remain a moment. He walked to the microphone and motioned for Trinity to join him. Since they began dating, they had been spending every moment together.

The audience began clapping and whistling in anticipation of another song. “I want to thank you, the fans, for supporting me in my career,” Garrett began as he pointed to the crowd. “Whether I sing secular or gospel, you have supported me. I love you for that. I know I couldn't be where I am without you and the man upstairs. Can I get an amen?” Another round of applause went up. “Now we all know that beside a good man stands a good woman. Can I get a witness?”

Garrett looked at Trinity. Her face was glowing. She was clapping in agreement. “We pray to God to send us a soul mate,” he continued. “Someone we are compatible with. Someone to love, go through the trials and tribulation with. Make babies with.” This time his eyes locked with Trinity. She licked her lips when Garrett covered the small space between them. He was so close all he had to do was lean forward and their lips would touch.

“Tonight, in front of God and everyone here, I'm going to ask her a very important question,” Garrett said as he reached inside his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a small, black box. He opened it, displaying a large diamond ring.

Trinity stared speechlessly at Garrett, her heart pounding in her chest. Her brown eyes beamed in happiness when he kneeled down onto one knee.

The choir and the audience were in a frenzy. The cheers were so loud, Trinity was afraid she wouldn't hear the question Garrett was going to ask her.

“Trinity Blake,” Garrett said, looking deep into her eyes, “will you marry me?”

“Yes, Garrett,” she exclaimed. “I'll marry you.”

“She said yes,” Garrett yelled. He jumped to his feet and placed the ring on her finger, then picked her up and swung her around. He sealed the announcement with a kiss.

Epilogue

Three Months Later

Leigh adjusted Trinity's veil.

Trinity checked her appearance one last time in the oval-shaped, floor-length mirror.

“This is it,” Leigh said over Trinity's right shoulder. “The day you have been praying for. Are you ready?”

Trinity was bubbling from happiness. “More ready than I have ever been in my life.” She took a final deep breath to calm her jittery nerves.

“Let's go make you Mrs. Trinity Blake-Martindale,” Leigh giggled.

Twenty minutes later, Pastor Martindale said to his son and new daughter-in-law, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Just as she dreamed months earlier, Garrett lifted Trinity's veil and pressed his lips to hers. Amid a round of cheers and rice throwing, Garrett and Trinity made their way down the aisle, hand in hand.

At Cadence, the reception was in full swing.

For a rare five seconds, Trinity did not have Garrett glued to her side. Tamara sidled up next to Trinity and pulled her into a big hug.

“The ceremony was wonderful,” Tamara said. “You were a beautiful bride.”

“Thank you,” Trinity replied. “How are you doing, sis?”

Tamara offered a small smile and nodded toward Brian, who was giving high-fives to Garrett. “We're in counseling,” Tamara said. “We want to make this work.”

Soon after Tamara's release from the hospital, Garrett had told Trinity all about Brian and Tamara. The entire family was happy that, through it all, the pair had decided to make their marriage work.

“You'll make it work,” Trinity said. “If there's love, you can work on the rest.”

“Like you and Garrett?” Tamara asked.

Garrett turned toward the ladies and winked at Trinity.

“Yeah,” Trinity said. “Like us.”

Hours later, Garrett carried Trinity over the threshold of their hotel room in Aruba and kicked the door closed. Trinity slid down the length of him, and Garrett quickly took her into his arms.

He smiled at her. “I thought we would never get to this moment,” he said huskily. “Now we can get to the part of the wedding night that I have been looking forward to all day.”

Trinity seductively returned his smile. “And what part is that?” she teased.

“This,” he thrust his tongue into her mouth. She captured his tongue with his own, igniting the fire that was smoldering. Garrett heard her purring as their tongues mated hungrily. His insides were burning from wanting her.

“Let's take this to the bedroom,” he said, planting another kiss on her lips, “so we can get in the rhythm.”