Chapter 36
KENYA LEANED back in the padded swivel chair, in danger of falling asleep under the skilled hands of her cousin. If it wasn’t for the bright lights surrounding the mirror, she would’ve been in dreamland.
But working out an actual dream was worth all the long days. Especially since some of those long days were once again filled with her Dr. Solomon. A week had passed since their moment on the mountain, and she still couldn’t get over how vulnerable they’d been with each other.
“Thank you, girls, for hanging with me today.”
Adanne grinned, shifting Kenya’s chair to make sure the makeup she applied was even.
The afternoon sun streamed in through the window of the studio.
“Of course. I needed a pseudo spa and makeover day myself but not all the questions along with it. I think my nail technician is in love with my husband.”
Kenya raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you get for marrying a former soap star.”
Dedra laughed along with her. “This was just a good excuse for me to come and get some makeup tips.”
Kenya cleared her throat. “Um, ma’am, what we really need to focus on is that you have a wedding to plan.
” She reached out to grasp her friend’s hand for the tenth time.
The diamond on Dedra’s finger was stunning and caught the light of the bulbs surrounding the makeup mirror in Adanne’s studio.
For whatever reason, Dedra’s shift in the agency had been the tipping point her boyfriend needed to propose.
“Too bad Salome couldn’t come.” Adanne paused to get a drink of water, resting her free hand on her stomach.
“She’s hanging out with Mom today.”
Kenya didn’t need to tell them that it was Salome’s turn to learn about their mom’s past. That was her mom’s truth to share with the whole family when she was ready.
Adanne leaned closer to Kenya, dabbing some eyeshadow on her eye.
“Um, Adanne . . . do you have something to tell me?”
“What do you mean?” Her cousin straightened, stepping back to look at her work. She turned to grab another palette. And when she did, Kenya had no doubt.
Adanne lifted the shadow brush to swipe more color onto her eyes, but Kenya stopped her mid-stroke.
“Either my legs have miraculously gotten longer and my kneecaps keep poking at your stomach, or you have something that you need to tell me this instant.”
“Or what?” Adanne was avoiding her glance for real now. Kenya saw the way her lips quirked up and the dimple that would not be denied because it knew the secret too.
“Or . . . or . . .”
Dedra laughed at Kenya’s attempt to come up with something dramatic.
“Or I won’t help plan your baby shower!”
“Kenya!” Dedra squealed.
Adanne stopped, brush held in midair. “You would never not do that for me.”
Kenya jumped up, almost colliding with her cousin in the process. “So it’s true! Adanne, you’re going to be a mommy!”
For an incandescent moment, Kenya squealed and giggled with her cousin and friend, jumping up and down almost as well as she did before injuring her ankle.
What a relief to come down on steady ground again. She would probably never walk the same, but different didn’t mean it wasn’t better.
“Okay, okay.” Adanne patted the black makeup chair. “Simmer down now. We still need to finish you up, and I have no plans to go into labor at twelve weeks.”
Kenya looked at her cousin through the mirror. “Oh, Adanne. A honeymoon baby.”
She placed her hands on top of the one Adanne laid over her shoulder. “They would be so happy for you.”
Adanne nodded, smile widening, eyes damp.
She glanced at the brick wall holding the framed pictures of her mother and father.
“They already were.” She leaned down to hug her cousin’s neck.
“And I’m so happy I got to share this moment with you.
A little earlier than I thought it would happen.
” She threw her hands up. “But here we are!”
“Wait.” Dedra put up her finger. “I think I hear knocking at the door.”
“I’ll get it.” Adanne moved to the door.
Kenya stood up. “Who is it?”
Adanne didn’t say anything, just stepped back to reveal Solomon, looking resplendent.
Good word choice, Kenya. High five!
What he’d worn for her cousin’s wedding had been more elaborate, but this top and pants had an elegant cut with off-white fabric trimmed in bronze and gold embroidery. It was subtle and luxurious.
Kenya stood up to meet him.
Before she could say a word or look him in the eyes, she ran a hand down his sleeve.
“Hope Couture,” she breathed. The new line that his mother was creating for the Hope Springs boutique.
“Yes.” His voice tumbled over hers. “The first in the line.”
She met his gaze. “But what are you doing here?”
He held up the garment bag in his arms.
“This is what my mom created. If you would like to join us at the vow renewal that was conveniently delayed.” Solomon smiled down at her, his eyes embers, and her a moth to that flame. “Seems that a certain planner mattered too much to miss it.”
She watched his strong fingers unzip the garment bag to reveal one of the most beautiful garments she’d ever seen.
The design was like his, with intricate embroidery and layers of material that could only be described as artistry.
Solomon lifted the dress up so that it barely touched the floor.
The fabric and design elements matched his exactly.
She was accepted. She was invited to be family.
“I love you,” she breathed, careful not to crush the dress as she leaned up to brush his lips with hers.
Two hours later, Solomon led Kenya onto the dance floor of the botanical gardens. She stepped out gingerly, careful not to snag this precious dress on anything or harm her almost healed ankle.
Rounded windows lined the oval room, giving the small group a 360-degree view of the setting sun. Golden hour was upon them, and it added a touch of romance to the beautiful and simple renewal.
Kenya giggled as a man she remembered from the bowling night sashayed by them dramatically with a curvy brunette in his arms. “Ben, right?” she greeted him.
“Made it to the invite list, I see!” Solomon added with a wink.
“You know it!” His friend saluted and guided his date to the other side of the floor. Solomon turned his attention back to Kenya, wrapping his arm around her waist, the moment too full for words.
She turned her face toward the window. She couldn’t look at him. Her eyes were heavy with the clumps of tears hanging on to her lashes.
“Kenya, look at me?”
“I don’t want to.” She bit her bottom lip, blinking rapidly.
“Please.” He moved his free hand to tip her chin toward him. She squeezed her eyes shut, tears slipping down.
“I don’t have any comebacks, no jokes. I don’t even have any words to mess up.” She smiled, opening her dripping eyes. “It’s just me. And everything that comes with me.”
“And every part of you makes you into a woman that I love.”
Solomon leaned close, kissed her softly once, twice, and the third time about made her woozy.
“I love you too, Dr. Solomon Peter Ikechuckwu Ephraim Anruchi.”
As they pulled apart, Kenya noticed Favour staring at them. She nodded her head in slow greeting. It didn’t seem like overwhelming support, but it was a start. Or a small step, rather. Kenya would take that and dance a little victory two-step of her own—heels off, of course.
The End