Chapter 13
Chapter 13
T he next morning, Thanksgiving Day, James had decided to have a conversation with his dad. He wanted to let him know, there were no hard feelings about the talk they had. Since everyone stayed at the estate over night, he thought it would be a good idea to take his younger brothers and sister out to play in the snow. That would be a great way to give his dad and Ashley a little alone time. At least that was his intent. Somewhere along the way things went south.
It seemed Jason had taken his advice. Only, not the way he intended. While taking his siblings out on the grounds near the gazebo, James thought it was the perfect place to have a snowball battle. However, when they arrived near the area, there was another battle taking place.
James had no idea what was happening, but when he saw Taylor’s body flying through the air, then landing in the snow in front of him, he did not think twice. James jumped in the battle, like any cousin would to protect family. Questions could be asked later. By the time they got all the answers to what was happening, Taylor had taken Jason to the hospital with an injured hand and the family was upset with Uncle Vernon’s soon-to-be brother-in-law.
James had to chuckle to himself about the incident as he dressed for dinner. At the very least it was good to see that after all the confusion that morning, Jason and Taylor were now on solid ground. He wasn’t sure about his uncle Vernon’s soon to be brother-in-law. He checked his reflection in the mirror and smiled, thinking, if there was anything people would be surprised to know about the rich and famous Brooks, is that they were all just as normal as any other family. And every holiday brought the usual family drama.
As he walked downstairs, he could see the staff had everything set up. The dining room table was elegantly decorated with twenty-six place settings. It extended from the dining room into the foyer and was filled with all the trimmings a Thanksgiving meal could have. Most of the family was already there, and James thought it was the perfect time for them all to meet ZsaZsa and for her to meet them. Just about everyone was gathered in the family room and having drinks, waiting for others to arrive. His uncle Nick and his wife Ericka were entertaining FBI agent Genesis Morgan, the maid of honor for Rene, and the soon to be in-laws were at the piano, singing. His twin siblings, Jayden and Jayda were on their phones while his brother Anthony was trying to convince his grandmother to let him go back upstairs to finish his game. His father was in a deep discussion with his grandfather Avery and Rene’s father Rennie.
James had walked into the family room to join them when his cell phone buzzed. It was a message from ZsaZsa indicating that her driver had just entered the gate.
Jason walked over to him. “Is she coming?”
“Yes.” James nodded. “Her driver just entered the gate.”
“How do you know that?”
James held up his cell phone. “Tracker.”
Jason laughed. “You’re tracking your girl.”
James looked over his shoulder. “Yeah, and if you were smart you would track yours too.”
James watched with a smile as Jason looked over his shoulder. Taylor was walking down the staircase in a red off the shoulder dress.
“Whoa.” Jason said under his breath.
“Like I said.” James smiled. “Tracking.”
He continued to watch Jason and Taylor walking together thinking that is how they should be and did not see when ZsaZsa walked through the door. He turned back to the door when he heard someone say there’s another one . It was indeed another one. It was his woman and she looked like she should be on a throne. James beamed as Princess ZsaZsa walked into the room wearing a navy-blue dress that made her look like royalty. He blinked then opened his eyes again to ensure the vision wrapped in sexiness was indeed ZsaZsa. He was not used to seeing her this way, but damn if she didn’t know how to bring him to his knees. The dress was in an off the shoulder style that hugged her body to perfection. He knew she had curves in all the right places from the multiple times he’d had the pleasure of holding her in his arms. But this dress accentuated every curve of her body in a way that made him damn near drool. With her hair loose, hanging over one shoulder, she looked like a freaking goddess, and she was all his. James really wanted to kiss her right where she stood, however, there was an entire foyer filled with family and friends. He knew the way he wanted to kiss her would not go over well. So instead, he kissed her cheek then turned to introduce her to everyone.
He did his best to ignore Rene’s brothers who were openly flirting with ZsaZsa as they walked over to his dad and Ashley. James wanted to punch both of them, however, he had a bigger issue to deal with. He turned his attention back to his father and Ashley, holding his breath as ZsaZsa greeted them. He said a silent prayer that his father did not address his concerns about their relationship to her.
“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. Thank you for allowing me to spend this special day with you.”
“All the thanks go to James Jr.,” Ashley replied.
“How is your family?” James asked.
“They are all well.” ZsaZsa smiled. “Thank you for asking about them.” She leaned into James. “I must admit, I am a bit nervous, Mr. Brooks. I rarely attend gatherings of this nature without my family. However, my brother assured me that you are family to us, therefore I need not worry.”
James watched his father and held his breath wondering how he would handle the situation. Because of the fight earlier that morning, he never had the chance to talk with his dad about their disagreement.
“Your brother is correct. You are among family here. There is no need to be nervous.”
James nodded then smiled at his dad. He could have hugged his dad right then and there. He knew how concerned his dad was about his feelings for ZsaZsa and was grateful he did not reveal them to her. For a moment, he felt guilty. He knew his dad was a gentleman in all things and would have never put him or ZsaZsa in an uncomfortable situation around family. He had been worried about nothing.
“Dinner is now being served,” Ava stated from the doorway.
James took ZsaZsa’s hand. “Let’s get a seat before they are all taken.”
Once everyone was seated, they bowed their heads as Avery said grace then began partaking of the expansive meal choices laid out before them. Just when James thought the day was going to turn out okay, somehow the conversation turned to the one topic he wanted to avoid. All thanks to Rene’s childish brother, Reggie. What grown man argues with a child over a turkey wing? Reggie Naverone, James concluded. If he was not in the presence of family, he would have jumped across the table and knocked the hell out of him for pure stupidity.
Reggie began teasing Anthony with a turkey wing. ZsaZsa gracefully offered to assist and that’s when the perfect family introduction went south.
Gwen looked down the table. “James Jr., would you give Anthony the wing from that turkey?”
“Yes, ma’am.” James stood. “Anthony, pass me your plate.”
“I’ll get it,” ZsaZsa said. “Jayden, will you pass me Anthony’s plate.”
“Sure.” Jayden was eager to help ZsaZsa. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” ZsaZsa returned the smile.
Anthony giggled at Jayden’s reaction to ZsaZsa. Jayden didn’t like his little brother’s teasing.
“Shut up, Anthony.”
“Mom, Anthony told me to shut up because he likes ZsaZsa.”
“I do not,” Jayden declared.
James smiled, thinking his little brother Jayden was taken with ZsaZsa. Just when he thought things were cool, it took another wrong turn.
“I’ll take the plate, ZsaZsa,” Jayda said as she passed the plate to Anthony and whispered, “Behave.”
“I didn’t do anything.” Anthony huffed.
“Yes, you did,” Jayden hissed.
“Both of you stop,” James scolded. “Eat your turkey, Anthony.”
“You can’t tell me what to do,” Anthony replied.
“Anthony,” Gwen warned the child.
“It’s not my fault, Grandma. James Jr. is just mad because Daddy won’t let him marry his girlfriend.”
That comment caught James completely off guard. He stared at his little brother for a long moment wondering, how in the hell did Anthony know about that and why would he blurt it out at the dinner table . He then turned to ZsaZsa, hoping to quickly change the conversation.
“Pay him no mind,” James said to ZsaZsa then looked at his little brother hoping beyond hope he would get the message and stop talking. “Fork, food to mouth,” he motioned with his hands. That one statement led to a barrage of questions James did not want to have with all of the family around and knowing how his father felt. But it seemed it was going to happen anyway.
“Umm, James?” Avery looked at his son. “Is there something you want to tell us?”
“No,” James Jr. and his dad replied.
“Are you two planning on getting married?” Roland, Rene’s other stupid brother asked the question of ZsaZsa.
“No.” This time it was James and ZsaZsa who replied. James said nothing more, hoping the conversation would end there. Wrong. It seemed neither of the Naverone brothers knew how to mind their own business.
Reggie laughed. “I believe you protest a bit too much.”
“Be quiet, Reggie,” Roland said then asked ZsaZsa, “Are you two serious?”
“Yes,” James replied directly to Roland, not liking that he was continuing down the road with questions about his relationship with ZsaZsa.
“I think he was asking the lady,” Reggie stated.
“Shut up, Reggie,” his family shouted.
“I’m answering for her,” James responded with a stern glare at Reggie wishing again that he could reach across the table and punch his ass.
“I’m sorry everyone.” ZsaZsa blushed. “James, you cannot answer for me. It is not your place. However, I would like an explanation as to why we are talking about marriage.”
“I would too.” Gwen nodded.
“We all would,” Vernon added.
Taylor kicked under the table.
“Ouch.” Ashley jerked her leg.
“Oh, sorry.” Taylor smiled. “I was trying to kick James Jr.”
“Thanks, Taylor,” James sighed, wishing he could crawl under the table and hide for a moment. Maybe just long enough to think how he could explain all of this to ZsaZsa. But that was not going to happen either, because now his cousin and aunt Nikki jumped in attempting to help.
“Hey, this is family and Thanksgiving,” Taylor suggested. “Tell your dad what you told us.”
“I agree.” Nikki nodded. “We are here to support you with your plans for law school and ZsaZsa.”
“What plans?” ZsaZsa asked James Jr.
“That’s the point,” his father stated. “There are no plans, or at least there shouldn’t be.” He glared at his son.
“You just couldn’t resist,” Ashley sighed as she shook her head at him.
“I did not bring up the conversation.” James glanced at his wife then back to James Jr.
“What conversation.” Avery’s tone dipped a notch with irritation.
James sighed, glared down the table at his son, then began, “James Jr….”
James could not believe how quickly the situation had turned. He’d hoped to avoid this conversation with family around. He would have preferred to talk with ZsaZsa alone to explain, however the madness had taken root and he had to try and clarify what the questions were all about.
“Dad,” he held up his hand, “thanks but let me explain.” He looked at his grandfather. “I made a decision about law school. I’m going to attend GW.”
“Congratulations.” Rennie smiled. “Good school.”
“Thank you.” James smiled. “When I shared those plans with Dad, I also mentioned my plans with ZsaZsa.” He took her hand in his, not just to calm his anger for having to have this discussion right now, but to soften her response when she heard the statement he was about to make. He wasn’t sure how she would take the announcement.
“Which are?” Gwen asked.
He held her hand a little tighter. “In an effort to explain,” he looked at his dad, “my feelings for ZsaZsa I mentioned I wanted to marry her.”
There was a gasp around the table. James felt the tension change in ZsaZsa’s hand but continued to hold it tight and was grateful she did not pull away.
“To which I replied he was too young,” his dad stated.
“I agree,” Vernon added.
“James Jr. is an adult and has the right to make his own decisions about his life,” Ashley countered.
“That’s true,” Jason offered.
“I agree with that, too.” Taylor smiled.
“Yes,” Nikki added. “Now tell your father the rest.”
“What you did not do was give me a chance to complete my thought.” James stated as he turned to look at his dad.
“I’m listening,” his dad said with a raised eyebrow.
James knew that meant it was time for a full explanation. He had hoped to have this conversation with his dad in private, however, that was not to be.
“When I mentioned that, I wasn’t talking about today, tomorrow, or even next year. I was saying I know this is the woman I want to share my life with. We both have goals, things we want to accomplish in our lives before that will occur. If I misled you with my thoughts, I apologize.”
James saw the relief on his father’s face. The balance between them was back and he was pleased with that. As much as he hated to admit it, he was now a grown man who still wanted his father’s approval. James’ good feeling only lasted a few seconds. He felt ZsaZsa’s hand slip from his. He turned his attention to her.
“I’m very happy to hear that,” ZsaZsa said as she glared at James Jr. “Mr. Brooks, Mrs. Brooks.” She looked from one end of the table to the other. “May I speak freely?”
James had no idea what she was about to say but had a sinking feeling it was not going to be good. He looked across the table at Reggie, thinking if he made a move on ZsaZsa, he was going to have to finish what Jason had started earlier at the gazebo.
ZsaZsa stood. James’ heart rate began to increase as he watched her. In that moment he had no idea if she was about to walk out or worse, have a few choice words for him in front of the family.
“Where are you going?” Gwen asked.
“Nowhere,” ZsaZsa replied. “It is the stance one takes when speaking in opposition.”
Oh hell, James exhaled, knowing when she took the opposition stance, which he had witnessed many times before, there was no telling where their relationship would be at the end. She was really missing her calling, he thought. She should be someone’s defense attorney. That is how strong her deliveries were. However, there was no stopping the rolling snowball effect the conversation had started. All he could do was let her have her say, but he was ready with his rebuttal. There was no way he was going to let her out of his life at this point.
“Well, all right, now.” Ericka smiled. “Speak your truth, girl.”
“Thank you.” ZsaZsa looked down at James. “I have spent my entire life with men making decisions for me. I am not a nitwit. I am a very intelligent woman who is capable of speaking on my own behalf and making life changing decisions.” She then looked at his father. “Mr. James, I am very sorry for the mistakes you made. At a younger age you were bound to make a mistake or two. That is what youth is for. Now you are older and wiser therefore you should understand why I am offended that you compared me with your ex-wife when you really do not know me.”
“She told you,” Ashley said with a chuckle.
“As for you, James.”
James could see the anger in her eyes. How in the hell was he going to fix this? He had a pretty good idea how much her independence meant to her. He had no idea what she was going to say.
“You have indeed stolen my heart. However, I do not recall discussing marriage at any time. I am much too young and have things I wish to do with my life. If I do wish to marry at some point in my life, who is to say it will be to you?” She looked at Avery, then Gwen and curtsied. “Thank you for allowing me to speak.”
There was silence at the table. All of the ladies stood and applauded.
“So,” Roland spoke. “Are you two serious or not?”
James slowly turned to glare at the man. He could not believe he was still pushing the point.
“Did all of your brothers ride the short bus?”
James heard his uncle ask. He wanted to answer, apparently they did, but his mind was now on ZsaZsa. He exhaled then turned his attention to her.
“ZsaZsa.”
His father spoke before he could. What now? James Jr. thought as he turned to look at his father, not sure what he was about to say.
“My apologies. I can see why my son is so enamored with you.”
James Jr. smiled sending a silent thank you to his father.
“Apology accepted.”
Now it was up to him to fix this. The only way he could think of was to share his true feelings with her and the entire family.
James looked at ZsaZsa and then exhaled. “I am very sorry if it seemed I was overstepping my bounds. But I know what I want, ZsaZsa. So, you do the things you need to, to become the woman you want to be.” Then he kissed her, praying it would not be the last time, because he had more to say and wasn’t certain how she would take what he was about to say. He stared into her eyes and declared, “Then prepare yourself, you will be my wife.”
“Stake that claim.” Jason reached across the table and gave James Jr. a pound.
“Claim staked,” he smiled as he bumped Jason’s fist then picked up his fork and glanced at Roland, as he put the food into his mouth then smirked. It was in that moment, that James knew he did not have to worry about Roland, Reggie or any other man. ZsaZsa was going to be his. He reached under the table, squeezed ZsaZsa’s hand then exhaled when she squeezed his back. Yes, he thought. She was his.
As soon as the car door was closed behind her, ZsaZsa knew there was a serious conversation that she needed to have with James. She wasn’t certain how he would take what she had to say, however, it still had to be said. Having dinner with his entire family was wonderful and she enjoyed meeting them all. Now, they were on their way to go dancing with Jason and Taylor. She wasn’t sure how to be around his family and friends, but she was going to simply follow his lead on that. However, first they had to talk.
“James ,I must return to my country to complete a promise I made to myself when I was younger.”
James had just gotten in on the driver’s side when she began. “Okay,” he replied hesitantly.
“It is important that I bring my countrymen into the future. The way they are living is not good for the women and children. I need to do all that I can to change their way of life. My brother and I have committed ourselves to learning all we can about the American way of life so that we can be the instrument of change for Emure. I cannot commit to marrying you or any other person until I complete my commitment to my country.”
James kept his eyes on her as she spoke. Once she finished, he nodded his head. He took her hand into his. “I realize you were hit with a lot at dinner, and I want to apologize again for the way everything came out. My dad and I had a conversation about my future, and I mentioned to him that I plan to marry you. Only, not now. I have plans for my future just as you do. But I know what I am feeling, and I think you are feeling the same way. I am falling hard for you, ZsaZsa. From the way you speak your mind, to the way you are looking at me in this moment.”
ZsaZsa was very happy to hear this. She was having the same feelings but was not as skillful at expressing it. “I have not been involved with many men, James. My heart fills with joy when I am around you. It is a wonderful feeling, but also scary. My inexperience is not a good thing, for I find myself dreaming of things I should not when it comes to you.”
“Tell me what you dream about,” James smiled.
ZsaZsa blushed. “I cannot share such things with you at this time. I must feel more confident with my words before I give them to you.”
“Allow me to share my words with you. Your smile drives me crazy. I want to find ways to keep that smile on your face. The way your eyes shine when you look at me makes my heart pound out of my chest. I’ve been with a number of girls since I was fourteen years old. None of them ever came close to making me want to throw everything out of the window just to have a moment with them. You do. I want to be with you in every way a man can be with a woman. But I know you are not ready for that and it’s okay, because I am willing to wait until you are. More than anything, when we do come together, I want all the passion I see in your eyes in this moment expressed with our bodies.”
“I do not think that is possible James,” ZsaZsa’s eyes lowered as she spoke, her lips moved sensuously, as his thumb began slowly stroking her hands. “There is so much I feel…am feeling just from the gentle caress of your hand. I do not know how to express all that I feel.”
He leaned over, put a finger under her chin then brought her eyes up to meet his. “I am falling in love with you ZsaZsa. I know we are just getting started, but I need you to know what is in my heart. I do not say those words lightly, and I have never spoken them to a woman before.”
His lips were close to hers now. She could feel them move as he spoke. Her heart was beating so fast it felt as if it was ringing loud and clear, you are falling in love with him too. His lips moved against hers as he spoke.
“I see my future in your eyes.”
His lips captured hers before she could take another breath. ZsaZsa closed her eyes, taking in all the sensations that was flowing through her. His arms wrapped around her, and she felt herself being lifted from the seat across the center console and landing in his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, wanting to get even closer to him than she was. Her body began to pulsate as his hand ran over her back, then her hips and now rested on her thighs. His tongue was causing her to want more as she followed his lead stroke for stroke.
Then there was a knock on the window of the car. “You’re in the garage. She’s a princess for heaven’s sake. Take her to your place. Your parents are still in the house.”
James eased the kiss, then chuckled as he held her. “That was Uncle Vernon.” He exhaled, then kissed her nose. “We are not going to make it very far if you keep kissing me like that.”
“I was following your lead, James,” she blushed but did not move from his lap. “You must teach me when to stop. Shall we try again to do it better?”
“No, that would not turn out well for me.” James smiled as he eased her back to the passenger seat. “Would you mind if we skip the club. I would really like to have you to myself tonight.”
“I would like that very much.” ZsaZsa blushed. “Shall we stay here in the car? I think I need to practice this art of sharing my passions with you.”
James laughed. “We can stay, but if we practice much more, you are not going to stay a virgin very long.”
ZsaZsa frowned. “That may be an issue once I return to my country.”
“How so?” James asked.
“I may not wish to return, but I must return at least for a little while.”
“Then I say, let’s get out of this car. I have a place where we can walk and talk more about your country.”
James got out of the car, then opened the door for her. He reached in the back to grab her coat. “You are going to need this.”
“Where are we going?” she asked as he helped her with her coat.
“We are going to walk through the garden to the gazebo.” James replied as he took her hand into his. “It’s beautiful when the sky is clear. The stars are so bright at night, they make me think of your eyes.”
They walked hand in hand through to the back of the garage, until they reached the door leading to the veranda. Once there they took the path leading past the guest house. “It seems Jason and Taylor decided against going to the club as well,” James smiled as they walked the brick pathway towards the gazebo.
“How do you know?”
James smiled as he looked over his shoulder back at the house. “The sound of love tells me so.”
“I do not understand,” ZsaZsa replied looking back.
“You will when we reach that point,” James stated. “Tell me what it is you believe you can do to change an entire country.”
Now this was a topic ZsaZsa knew how to express her feelings about. She began sharing with him all she envisioned for her home‐ land. She could not hold back when speaking of her hopes and dreams for even though she had no plans to live in Emure permanently again, she did want to improve the lives of her countrymen. However, as they walked and talked, ZsaZsa’s mind went to those sounds of love James spoke of, and she wondered how long it would be before they could make their own love music.