We Didn’t See it Coming (31 page)

“I must leave. Miss Houston fired me.”

Kenley sat on top of his suitcase to block him from packing. “Well, this Miss Houston says you're not. I love you. Tell me the truth, do you love me?”

“My heart is for you. I waited until you were ready to be with me. I could have been with any other girl, but I chose not.”

Kenley tossed her arms around his neck. She kissed him passionately.

“Forget my sister. I'm yours whether you work here or not. I'll see to it that you get work somewhere to take care of us.” She continued to kiss him.

Pushing the suitcase aside, Kenley pulled him down on her.

Pete nervously pushed her skirt up. He pulled a condom out of his pocket and slipped it on.

Kenley laughed. “You secretly had a condom for us, too.”

“Yes,” he said as he entered her.

They made their own heat that caused them to soak in each other's sweat.

• • •

Out at the boat Noelle made her way back to her older sister.

“What did Kenley say?” Milandra asked.

“She says she loves him. She went to find out if he loves her.”

“Nonsense. She knows nothing of love.”

“Milandra, everything has changed. I believe we're going to lose our sister if Pete doesn't stay. Don't fire him.”

“Let the young man keep his job. At least you can keep tabs on them,” Sid said.

“He's right, Milandra,” Nolan said. “Baby, they're going to find a way to be together. I know I would go to far lengths to be with you.”

“This is a time I miss Father dearly.” Milandra wept.

Noelle put her arms around her sister and held her. “We will be okay.”

A storm was imminent; lightning lit up the darkness of the clouds. The sound of thunder echoed throughout the boat.

“I think we better get back to the house,” Noelle said. She was frightened of storms.

They made their way off the boat, but they were not able to reach shelter before a downpour of rain came down. Their male partners tried to shield them from the rain, but their bodies were soaked as if they had gone for a swim.

E
lsa scrambled plenty of eggs for a morning breakfast for the Houstons and their guests. She flipped pancakes on a hot griddle, and in another large frying pan, sausage and bacon sizzled in hot grease. The back burner on the stove held a pot of hot grits.

Kenley made her way into the kitchen. She went over to the stove to steal a piece of bacon.

“Oh, no you don't, young lady,” Elsa said, moving Kenley affectionately out of the way. “No one eats my breakfast until it's spread out on the table.”

“It smells so good.”

“It's gonna make you do a hallelujah dance when you taste it. I put extra love into breakfast this morning.”

“Elsa, you're teasing me.”

“Go on, find your place at the table.”

Kenley went over to her seat at the table, which was covered in a white linen cloth. She poured herself a glass of orange juice from one of the crystal pitchers that were filled with orange and apple juice, already placed on the table.

Elsa brought serving dishes of food over to the table.

Noelle and Sid entered the kitchen. Sid absorbed the aroma. “Whew, I'm ready to eat,” he said.

“It smells delicious,” Noelle said.

“Go on and take a seat at the table. Don't do like your baby sister here and go touching things on this table,” Elsa preached as she directed her attention at Kenley, who was sipping on juice. “Y'all know how Milandra is about every Houston being present at the table.”

“Did I hear my name called?” Milandra said as she made her entrance in the kitchen with Nolan at her side.

“Thank God you're here. Your sisters are mighty hungry,” Elsa said as she placed two plates of biscuits on each end of the table.

Two seats were empty. “Call Mr. Chavis and Tessa and tell them to hurry. We're not eating cold biscuits,” Noelle said because she had invited them.

“Piping hot, they'll melt in your mouth,” Sid said as he waited to snatch one up.

“All Houstons are here, that's good enough,” Milandra said.

“Don't be mean, Milandra.” Noelle snapped at her sister.

“Bow your heads,” Milandra said and went on and blessed the food. She passed the food around the table.

“Where I come from, we just start grabbing food.” Sid chuckled.

Milandra glanced over at him. “Manners must be used at all times,” she commented.

“That's not necessary, Milandra.” Noelle became annoyed.

“Okay, let's eat in peace,” Nolan insisted, biting into a biscuit.

Pete entered the kitchen.

“You're still here,” Milandra addressed him.

“Yes, he is. He's my boyfriend. Pull up a seat, Pete. Join us for breakfast,” Kenley said.

Pete looked over at Milandra. She rolled her eyes at him, but said, “Sit down. You can keep your job, but I'll be keeping a close watch on you and my sister.”

“Nolan, please keep Milandra busy, so she can stay out of my business,” Kenley begged him.

Baron and Tessa entered the kitchen. “I hope there's still plenty of food left for us,” he said.

“Mr. Chavis, I've cooked more than enough,” Elsa said.

Tessa made her way to Elsa. She gave her a hug. “Elsa, it's always good to see you.”

“I'm glad to see you, too, Sugar.” Elsa smiled.

Tessa whispered in Elsa's ear. She held out her hand to show off her wedding ring. “I'm married.”

“Well, I'll be. You tied the knot.” Elsa grinned.

Milandra looked at Baron, who sat at the table and began eating.

“You married her?” Milandra asked.

“Oh yeah, we flew to Vegas. Got back yesterday.”

“Milandra, let's respect Mr. Chavis' choice of wife,” Noelle said.

“Everyone hold your juice glass in the air,” Kenley said excitedly. “Cheers to the newlyweds,” she shouted.

They tapped their glasses against one another's and chanted “cheers.”

Tessa went over and sat next to Baron. She kissed him on the cheek. “Pass me the biscuits, hubby.” She grinned.

“How cute.” Kenley absorbed in their happiness. “We wish you both many happy years.”

“I guess this is the moment,” Nolan said, nodding his head at Sid. They took their partners by the hands. They each pulled out a small box. Kenley dashed out of her seat and got closer to witness what they were about to do.

Sid went first. He got down on one knee in front of Noelle. “You know how much I love you.”

Milandra was ready to speak, but Nolan silenced her and got down on one knee in front of his hopeful future wife.

“Milandra, you know how much I love you,” Nolan said, staring into her eyes.

Both men said together to their partners, “Will you marry me?”

Noelle flung her arms around Sid. She placed pecks of kisses on his forehead. “Yes!” she shouted.

Sid slid a diamond ring on her finger. “It's beautiful,” Noelle gushed.

Nolan waited for an answer from Milandra. He knew it would be harder for him to get a positive answer from her.

“What are you waiting on, Milandra? Answer the man.” Kenley nudged her.

“Think about it,” Nolan said sadly as he got up off his knees. He pushed the box back in his pocket. Milandra saw the hurt in his eyes. A tear rolled down his face.

What am I doing? Follow your heart.
She heard her mother's voice echo in her ears.
The man's hard working hands will bring him an abundance of wealth, but his love for you will bring you a lifetime of happiness.

The room was silent. Milandra's face filled with tears as she jumped up and shouted, “Yes, I'll marry you.”

Nolan took her into his arms. They kissed for what seemed like a long time. He eased the diamond ring onto her finger. He placed his hands on each side of her face. “One day, my love, I'll buy a bigger diamond—the one that you truly deserve.”

“I accept this one to be your wife and no other one. I accept you for the man that you are. Your warm heart and soul are my riches from you,” Milandra said.

“Thank God.” Kenley sighed as she went over and placed her arms around Pete's neck.

“A double wedding,” Noelle said.

“As soon as a wedding planner can organize it for us,” Milandra agreed.

“The end of next year, I bet there'll be babies here around the estate,” Kenley predicted.

Everyone looked at her.

“Please, not me. Pete and I cover up.” She smiled. Pete grinned back at her.

“Kenley! Keep your personal things to yourself,” Milandra suggested.

Everyone in the kitchen laughed.

Baron stood up and adjusted his tie. “Milandra, your father wanted me to be executor over the estate, but it's time I hand the power back over to you and your sisters.”

“I'm willing to learn what I need to know about the business, but you must stay over it and run it. I'm getting married,” Milandra said as she held Nolan's left hand.

“I would love to continue handling the business,” Baron said as he sat back down.

Tessa whispered in Baron's right ear, “You're not going to tell them the full truth of what happened on the day their parents died?”

“No need,” he whispered back. “Look at the glow in their faces. They're full of happiness. The way I felt about their father has nothing to do with how I feel about them. They're beautiful ladies who deserve wonderful lives.”

“Baron Chavis, I've always loved you, and I love you even more at this moment,” Tessa said, and then their lips connected in a long kiss.

On the other end of the table, Nolan and Milandra locked lips. Sid and Noelle kissed. Pete and Kenley made their way out to the patio area. There they snuck a French kiss.

Elsa looked around the kitchen at them. “Well, I'll be. I didn't know my cooking could stir up some heated bodies.”

The couples let go. Nolan and Sid ran over to Elsa and kissed her on the side of her pudgy cheeks.

“Thanks for a great breakfast,” Nolan said.

T
he wedding bells chimed and the trumpet player tooted his horn as the Houstons became married women. After their guests left the wedding reception in the ballroom of the Houston Estate, Noelle and Sid went back to the Houston Villa to start their life as man and wife while Milandra and Nolan stayed. Kenley went to a friend's home to give them complete privacy.

• • •

Nolan carried Milandra outside to the backyard to the Jacuzzi. Candles lit the side of the Jacuzzi. A bucket of chilled wine sat on the edge. He removed her wedding veil. He unzipped her wedding gown to let it fall to the ground. Milandra stood in her white-lace undergarments.

She watched as Nolan stripped down to his boxers. They both stepped out of their shoes. Nolan picked her up and stepped inside the Jacuzzi. He sat her down on the bench inside and kissed her.

Unhooking her bra, Nolan released her breasts that got soaked from the water, as well as his tongue. She moaned from the tingling feeling running through her body.

They stood up in the Jacuzzi as Nolan pulled her closer to him, pressing her breasts against his chest.

Milandra began to find that she was doing things that were out
of the ordinary. She rubbed him from his head down to his back, removing his boxers to release the biggest muscles of all. As she touched him a chill went through her body.

“I've been waiting on this moment for a long time,” Nolan whispered in her ear as he felt her hand against his groin.

“I must admit I have wanted you to make love to me, but I knew I had to wait for marriage.”

He smiled. “You're Mrs. Nolan Houston-Rice.”

“Yes.”

Nolan took her hand that held his muscle and moved it up and down. Milandra caught on quickly and began to handle the job on her own. He sucked on her nipples, making her crave for more of him.

Nolan must have known she was ready to move to the main course, because he moved her hand away and eased his muscle inside her. Milandra let out a cry of ecstasy.

He kissed her on the neck as he thrust back and forth inside her. She had never felt as powerless as she did at that moment—weakened from the force of his strength.

They exploded together. Milandra held him around the neck as she laid her head on his chest. His muscle was now as limp as her ponytail. Nolan kissed her on the cheek. “You and me, baby, forever,” he whispered.

They stepped out of the Jacuzzi and picked up their belongings, making their way up to the bedroom.

Milandra pulled him to the bed. Nolan explored her body from head to toe. She screamed, “My husband.”

Nolan thrust his muscle inside her and pumped her. He screamed. “My wife.”

In jail, Aniyah picked up a newspaper while other inmates watched television. She read the headline:
Prominent Ladies Marry Ordinary Men.
She read the article to see that high-profile attorney Baron Chavis married Tessa Sanchez, ex-housekeeper of Rupert Houston and the aunt of the girl, Rosie Aniyah Sanchez, who was serving time for pretending to be Rupert Houston's daughter and kidnapping her aunt.

Youngest daughter, Kenley Houston, was allegedly dating one of the servants. The question was, if Rupert Houston was still alive, would he approve of his daughters' choices in men?

“Hell no! He's the only one that held the power to mingle under the covers with the maids.” Aniyah shouted as she tore the paper into pieces. The guard heard her outburst, snatched her by the arm, and took her back to her cell.

Sitting far back on a cot, Aniyah thought,
I could have turned the Houston Estate into a place where lots of men would want to come and pick out his favorite escort.

Aniyah took a nap and woke up to hear the announcement, “Lights out.” In a flash, she was in darkness. One of the correctional officers walked past her cell and looked in.