The Black Sheep, Part 2: Greed (The Seven Deadly Kins #4)

Chapter Thirty-Two

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

A Wedding Patridge in a Pear Tree

G enesis could hear ‘Where I Wanna Be,’ by Donnel Jones playing in the large, sophisticated hall as the guests took their seats. She was sequestered away in an elegant dressing room with cream cathedral ceilings as the music vibrated through her soul and made its way close to her ears. Peeking out the door, she saw that just about everyone they’d invited to the wedding of the year was in attendance. She softly closed the door, then twirled an earring around her finger as she laughed with her bridesmaids, Rosie the maid of honor, Ms. Charlie and Mama, who sat eating candy and gossiping. The mood was light and airy, and much to her surprise, she didn’t have a nervous bone in her body.

No, she was giddy. Giddy with love.

“So chile, I had never seen Genesis drunk before! She took her shoes off and ran down the street!” They all laughed as her best friend entertained everyone with at times embarrassing but funny stories. She drifted inside the folds of her daydreams as everyone in the room continued to talk and joke with another…

This is it. This is my wedding day. She glanced at herself in the mirror behind her and smiled. Her hair was done—half up, half down. Her veil was covered in crystals atop her head, her gown hugging her curves like a bend in a country road, and everything was on, tugged and pulled tight, except for her earrings and shoes. A boom of laughter filled the room as her Aunt Nora talked about how her husband had fallen asleep at their wedding reception back in 1994.

While she thought about her own husband-to-be…

Roman had been on his best behavior at the final cake tasting and rehearsal, and he was simply wonderful to her, even allowing her to choose which house out of the two they were most interested in. She was given the go-ahead for the final decision. Since they both were control freaks, she knew that this was a gift from him to her. She chose a beautiful estate in the River Oaks area and couldn’t wait to begin decorating it. Roman’s penthouse, he decided to turn into an Airbnb. He was always brainstorming ways to bring in more money, so this was right up his alley.

She looked at herself in the mirror again, and her smile faded…

She felt no sadness, but her stomach knotted in worry. Roman had awoken her one night while she rested in his bed and told her that he had to put a stop to his grandfather’s shenanigans. He didn’t give specific details and begged her not to press him about it, but assured her that he hadn’t killed the man. He claimed all she had to do was trust that the matter was settled. When he disappeared into the bathroom, she began softly crying, for her heart knew exactly what had happened. Someone definitely got hurt, and he was the culprit. He had a gun in his bag after all, and he was a Marine. Roman was a jokester, but not one to give idle threats. He abhorred being bossed around or told what to do, and knowing the little that she did, she realized that her man’s rage had played out in some unforgettable way. Regardless, whatever he’d done seemed to work.

There was no need for any of his cousins to continue following her to work and around town, and in fact, they’d received a wedding present from his grandfather that Roman insisted she not open just yet. She hoped it wasn’t a damn bomb. He assured her that whatever it was, it couldn’t be that. He seemed rather certain of it, too.

She loved him so deeply, she could not see herself without him, regardless of how he decided to handle a treacherous, difficult domestic situation. He’d never been violent to her or any other woman, to her knowledge. In fact, she felt completely safe in his arms.

This time, she didn’t pry into the details because she wanted to remain in her bubble, but bubbles were clear—being in one didn’t mean she couldn’t see plainly out onto the other side… Her soul knew the truth, her heart knew the deal, and her mind was open to it—that was enough.

Shaking the thoughts away, she slipped on her high heels, placed on her other earring, and practically burst into tears when her father knocked on the door and was allowed inside. She ran to him, and he hugged and squeezed her tight in his big arms.

“My baby is getting married,” was all he said, his voice cracking with emotion as he tightened their embrace. She felt a warm hand on her back. Then she smelled the all too familiar sweet perfume that had filled her home during her childhood. It was Mama, taking part in the love fest…

Roman sat in the back of the limousine with a large, shiny gold box, a bow on it, as well as a blank card with no signature. However, when it had arrived at his penthouse, he noted that the return address belonged to Cyrus Wilde. Mystery solved. He looked out the window, taking note of the guests, arriving one after the other. A stab of guilt warmed his chest when he reflected on how he couldn’t tell his bride where he’d been, and what he’d been doing the last time he’d seen the freeze dried son of a bitch.

Shoving the guilt aside, he tore into the box. In case there was a dead animal, severed hand, or some other unfortunate grotesque display of hatred, he wanted to be sure that Genesis never saw it. Once open, he rifled through the tissue paper and finally saw his old journal, which sat there along with an envelope.

He picked up his journal and flipped through it. All of the pages appeared to be there. He placed it aside and picked up the blank envelope. He tore it open as well and removed a hand-written letter.

To my grandson, Roman Wilde,

I wish to congratulate you on your pending nuptials. I have a strong dislike for you, but respect your choice to not join my corporation. I’d like to believe that Wilde blood caused you to behave in the manner that you did, even though said behavior was used against me. My desire for you to join my organization did not pan out as I wished. Same as with Lennox, your refrigerator-built cousin who, from my understanding, has a baby on the way. Hopefully the poor child won’t be cursed by being shaped like a kitchen appliance, too.

Roman, from the day you were born, I saw greatness in you. I was terribly disappointed to discover that you didn’t wish to share your gifts with me, after all I had done for you, your brothers, and your parents over the years. I helped stop eviction notices while your mother was laid off from the grocery store probably due to eating all of the snacks—leaving the entire aisle vacant. Your father was smoking the little funds that they did possess, away inside his nostril, or up his arm. I ensured that your mother had a car to plop her hot air balloon fashioned ass in, to drive her Three Stooges children to school. It was I who often saved the day.

All I wanted in return was for you to use your charm, charisma, financial prowess and acumen to assist me. You would have made a ton of money, grandson—far more than you make now I am certain, though based on the information in your journal and from observation, you are well-off, regardless. Per your contract, it states that I will offer money as a present of sorts, especially if you are engaged, or married. Due to the fact that you don’t need a dime from me, that’s not an option for this wedding gift, nor something you’d necessarily need. I do know, however, that your Marine reputation is important to you.

You were unfairly released from armed services, due to a violent brawl with another Marine, but worst of all, a lie was told about you and unfortunately, you were in fact guilty of prior actions that resembled those accusations, so you went about your way without much of a fight.

For your sake, I made some calls and had some letters written. I met with an individual who will remain anonymous. As a veteran, you had the right to challenge the dishonorable discharge with the Discharge Review Board. On your behalf, I tendered an appeal to substantiate that their pardon was discriminatory due to the bias of the person who brought the accusations against you, and the fact that your accuser was now deceased, after having suffered alleged mental health challenges.

I believe you in fact tracked him down years later and killed him, due to your vengeful nature, but I digress. In any case, I was able to expedite this generally long process, and it was decided on your behalf that you now have an honorable discharge. Your paperwork and certificate will be arriving in the mail soon.

Roman stared at the paper in his hands, completely tongue-tied. For starters, he never wrote in his journal what happened to his accuser. It was all for the best, because an accuser can’t defend themselves if they’re no longer drawing breath. All was well that ended well. Secondly, he realized that Grandpa must’ve read his journal from cover to cover… that was indeed how he got the idea, no doubt, as Roman expressed his regret regarding his Dishonorable Discharge, and anger of the situation several times on those worn pages.

I hope that you are in good health, and that you and your bride have a beautiful life together. Actually, I don’t, but it is the proper thing to say in cases like this. Perhaps one day I will actually mean it.

May God have mercy on your ornery soul,

Cyrus Jedediah Wilde

Roman was so lost in thought, he didn’t even realize that Tony was racing towards the limo until he was at his window, banging on the door.

“Come the hell on! I’ve been callin’ you, man. You’re late! If you stand my sister up, I am going to kick your ass in front of all of these people!”

Roman laughed, swung the door open and stepped out, offering his apologies. He caught his reflection in the window while his brother-in-law and best friend continued to berate him… Jet black hair styled in a sleek 1960’s Pompadour, eyebrows slightly plucked, trimmed stubble along his chin and above his lip. He swept his tongue over his lower lip, admiring his attire—a velvet wine tuxedo featuring a satin collar and buttons, tailored to perfection. Beneath it, he had on a black button down shirt, paired with a velvet wine tie with black damask print. He slowly slid his hand along his hair, pushing any wayward hairs into place, then caught sight of his two silver rings that sparkled beneath the kiss of the sun.

“If you don’t stop flirtin’ with yourself and come the hell on!”

He and Tony jogged back to the hall from the limousine and stepped inside. Tony walked away from him in the direction of his wife, Penny, while he quickly found his mother mingling with the other guests. After kissing her on the cheek, he handed her the journal and envelope, and asked her to keep them in her purse for safekeeping.

He stepped away and looked around, finally able to take it all in. He was in awe of the tall arched mirrors along the cream walls, the cream and wine drapes that hung from each doorway frame, and the gold and wine runner that was placed down the aisle. Fit for royalty. A stone waterfall trickled against the far right side, and the ceiling had a vast skylight, allowing rays of sun to filter in and halo the heads of their guests. The front of the room showcased a large, artificial but realistic white tree. It dominated the area with its twisting and winding branches. On each limb were sparkly gold and wine colored leaves. It was simply breathtaking… the wedding coordinators had done an amazing job, following Genesis’ vision to a ‘T’.

He quickly joined the officiant, a tall white man with kind eyes and a gentle voice, and waited as the greeting to their guests was made, opening introductions, and the wedding party was announced.

Avant’s ‘You their arms looped around one another. Walking in unison, they strolled down the aisle, until everyone from each side had entered and was standing in position. Roman slapped hands with Lennox, Kage, Phoenix, Jordan, Dakota and Maddox. All were looking sharp, wearing cream suits with wine ties. Several of Roman’s cousins, friends, colleagues, associates and relatives were already seated. Some gave a wave, others whistled or simply sat, smiling.

Mama was sitting in the front row wearing her hair in pin curls and showing off a retro vintage wine dress with a cinched black belt. She’d lost 24lbs in two months due to her latest carnivore diet obsession and was hellbent on showing off her newly defined waistline. Ronald sat next to her, holding her hand. Two singers from the performing arts college approached the front of the room, microphones in hand. They began a duet of Calum Scott and Leona Lewis’, ‘You Are The Reason.’ A hush fell over the room. When they were finished, the guests applauded their performance, including Roman.

The officiant waved to the DJ who stood off in a corner. Music began to play.

“And now we will have the Velde Dance Troupe, paying homage to the mothers of the bride and groom.”

Seven black dancers dressed in flowy, sheer wine colored dresses entered the room as Victoria Monét’s, ‘On My Mama’ began to play. People laughed, clapped and got excited as the women moved in seductive and sexy ways. Then the women surrounded his mother and Genesis and sprinkled dark red rose petals at their feet. Many applauded, enjoying the unique tribute to the matriarchs.

Monica’s, ‘A Dozen Roses’ then followed as three flower girls, all dressed in frilly cream dresses with wine sashes pirouetted down the aisle, tossing white rose petals and baby’s breath. Roman’s heart warmed as he observed the beautiful little girls, one of whom was his niece, with her blond hair in bouncy pigtails, and the other two Tony’s daughters, donning curly puffs adorned with glitter and rhinestones.

Once the flower girls were seated, the ring bearer stood like a little soldier, dressed in gold and black cowboy attire, in the back of the space—a cream satin pillow in his hands. It was his nephew, Tyler. Four men dressed in fringed cream vests, jeans, cowboy hats and boots burst through the doors, making their way past the ring bearer. One with a fiddle in hand, two with guitars, and the other sat behind some drums. They began performing Alan Jackson’s, ‘Chattahoochee.’

Tyler started to dance, his cowboy hat bopping on his head with each spin and shimmy, and his little legs just a goin’ as he held that pillow, stone-faced and serious about his moves. The guests erupted in laughter and cheered him on. Roman was laughing so hard, he got a little hot in the collar. He and his brothers were clamoring all over each other, cracking up as they watched the fantastic spectacle. Tyler soon finished his performance and sat down with his mother.

“Everyone please rise. Let us welcome the bride.” Everyone who was sitting got to their feet and looked towards the double doors in the back of the room. Roman could feel his smile melt away, and his heart gallop in his chest.

A woman with long dark blond hair, dressed in a cream turtleneck dress and cream heels, stood in the middle of the aisle, holding a microphone. She slowly walked to the front. The male band began to play their version of ‘The Tree,’ by Maren Morris. The lady started to croon, her voice powerful and rich. Roman’s heart caved in. Crushed by the brutal kiss of love. He hadn’t heard this song in a while—it always tore him up. He’d never told a soul how it made him feel, and yet, Genesis had picked it. She’d told him the song she’d walk down the aisle to would be a surprise…

A tear streamed down his face as the doors opened, revealing a wave of soft beauty that collided into him like a million crashing oceans, declaring him worthy of the vision of love. Genesis looked like some angel that had materialized from the sky, floating down from heaven, right into his life. Her father stood by her side, a man he had great respect and reverence for. It was like the entire world froze and no one, once they laid eyes on her, could seem to turn away.

Roman clasped his hands and smiled at his shoes, shaking his head as reality set in. When he looked back up, she was only twenty feet away.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

“I do,” her father stated as he dabbed his eyes, then took his seat. Genesis handed her bouquet to Rosie, then stood before him, a big, gorgeous smile on her face. Damn, she’s so beautiful! And her teeth are bright… even more so than usual. Seemingly reading his mind, she broke the silence.

“I got my teeth whitened yesterday,” she whispered.

Roman smiled at her, reached for her chin and stroked it. He almost leaned in and kissed her but caught himself.

“We have a special message from the father of the groom,” the officiant announced before stepping out of the way. Jordan, Roman’s brother, came forth, clearing his throat.

“Um, Roman, my and uh, Dakota’s daddy couldn’t be here today for his weddin’ to this great woman, our new sister-in-law, but he wanted to share a message for Roman and Genesis any ol’ how. A special, surprise weddin’ gift, if you will.” Jordan pulled up something on his phone, pushed play and held it up to the microphone.

“Rome-man and Gen… Genesis. Con…grat…tu..lations. I’m sorry… that I’m not there.” Roman broke down crying. Daddy was talking! It was a little choppy, but he understood every word that rolled off his tongue. Genesis reached for him, rubbing his shoulder, but he didn’t dare look at her. “I’ve… been trying… hard. So… I can… do.. this. I can’t… wait… to meet you… Gen…esis. Ro…man has…told… me… all…about you. Roman… is a… little… like me… so… you’ll… need… lots of… prayer.” The place erupted in laughter. Roman looked out at their guests and saw his mother laughing and nodding in agreement. “I… wish… both of you… a… beaut…ti…ful wedding. God… bless… you and… your union… forever. I’ll… be home… one day…to… meet… my new… daught-ter. Keep… hope… and the light… on… for me.”

Jordan was a blubbering fool. Roman grabbed his brother and hugged him hard. Dakota joined them while the officiant whispered, asking for everyone to give the brothers a moment. Things settled down, and they continued.

“Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests, we are gathered together here to join Roman Joshua Wilde and Genesis Katrina Caldwell in this union of marriage. Please remember that love, devotion, and tolerance are the foundations of a joyful and lasting marriage. Do you, Roman, take this woman, Genesis, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

The same was asked of Genesis, and with tears in her eyes, she answered, “Yes, I do.”

“At this time, the bride wishes to share a few words with her groom. Genesis, you have our attention.”

With a slightly trembling hand, she lightly drew her fingertips across her neck as she looked into his eyes.

“Roman, thank you for trusting me with your heart. Thank you for allowing me to unlock doors and step inside, to meet you. The real you. From day one, you proved that you were a man of your word. I’m grateful to your best friend, and my brother, for bringing you into my life. It’s funny how God works. You were around for years, but I’d never looked into your eyes. That whole time, you were destined to be my husband. Now, here we are. I love you.” She blinked back tears, then blew him a kiss.

“Roman, you can speak to Genesis now.”

He took a deep breath, tried to keep it together. Keep his cool. “Genesis, I think I’ve loved you in a past life. I think maybe we were two trees, standin’ side by side. I think our branches touched, and we went through all four seasons countless times. Our roots probably intertwined, makin’ us grounded. Making us one. One day, lightning struck, and I was injured, but you stuck beside me.”

“But if I’m a tree, where would I go? I doubt I had a choice.”

Everyone including Roman burst out laughing. He could see from her expression she was dead serious, and then her complexion warmed. She realized she’d said the quiet part out loud.

“I know what you mean. Go on.” She laughed anxiously. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. That’s one of the things I love about you.”

People ohhhed and ahhhed. He took her hands in his and squeezed.

“I’m never letting anyone or anything come between us. There’s no amount of money, no other woman on this planet, and no house, car or job, absolutely nothin’ that could ever come close to the loveliness, beauty and joy of being chosen by you.” She blushed, her cheeks plumped, and she squeezed his fingers back. “When we met, Genesis, I thought I needed my tooth fixed, but I ended up finding out that I was broken on the inside, too. Funny though, you proved to me that even broken, shattered things, still are beautiful, and worthy of true love.

“They still have purpose. No matter how much lightning strikes our lives, we’re in this together. I will still stand up for you. Defend you. I will shelter you from the storms when you’re lost or afraid.” He paused, dragging his knuckle across his cheek to wipe a tear from his eye. “I will protect you when you feel vulnerable and hold onto you when you feel weak. You’re the apple of my eye, and they say the apple never falls far from the tree. That means, you’ll always be in my heart, and spiritually, we were meant to be. I love you, Genesis… You have no idea how deep the roots of my love for you go. Today, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world.” Now he was wiping her tears away.

“Roman and Genesis, that was beautiful.” The officiant offered a kind smile to each of them. “The bride and groom will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.”

The rings were safety-pinned to the ring bearer’s pillow. Tony took the pillow from the little boy and stood before Roman and his sister. He unfastened the jewelry, handed Roman the ring for Genesis, and Roman slid it down her finger. He did the same for her. With tears in his eyes, Tony leaned in and kissed his sister on the cheek, then stood back next to Roman with the other groomsmen.

“Now, by the power vested in me and the state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife. Roman, you may kiss your lovely bride.”

Clint Black’s, ‘When I Said I Do’ now played as he grabbed his missing limb, the bride with the prettiest branches, most grounded roots, and the sweetest fruit, and pressed his lips to hers. Sealing their new lives together, with a kiss…