Page 49 of Betrothed To Love

“It’s nothing big. Just a lil something. Don’t you know you married a gentleman?”

“That I do know and it’s so sweet of you. I can’t wait for you to get here. I’m excited for you to meet them.”

“I’m ready too. I’ll be there soon,” he says before ending the call.

“Let me guess? Hubby?” Alex says as she enters the theater room. “I didn’t even have to see your face. I can hear the smile in your voice.” She steps to me then leans in for a hug. After she sits, she asks, “He’s still coming right?”

“Yes, he is coming. I told him all about y’all and it didn’t scare him off,” I tell her with a grin. “He should be here soon.”

“Oh good because downstairs smells like a private kitchen in a resort on a private island and I’m starving. Giselle has given them strict orders not to let us sample shit until he arrives.” She smiles. “And did you see outside? It’s beautiful. Giselle definitely Giselled,” she says and I know exactly what she means. For our friend, any get together is a production, which is why I never object when she wants to host FNF. Hell, none of us object. She can host forever.

“Well, get a drink to hold you,” I suggest.

“Oh I got that as soon as I walked in. My Bahama Mama is downstairs.”

“Let’s go get it. I need another one and my stomach is growling too. I’ve been here since five and those smells are heavenly. I’m ready to see what’s on the menu.”

“So, she didn’t tell me either. I only know about the conch fritters because Kyrah’s ass figured that out,” she says, then stands. I get up as well and we head downstairs.

Giselle is in the kitchen and Kyrah is already out in the solarium. After grabbing her drink from one of the small cocktail tables courtesy of the planners, Alex walks out to the solarium. Because I see Quintus is arriving, I grab another drink from the bar and linger in the foyer after texting him where to pull into the driveway.

From Giselle’s tempered, glass, double front doors, I watch as he parks, gets out, and grabs bags from his passenger side. As soon as he reaches the door, I open it. Even with the bags in his hands, he pulls me in for a helluva kiss. I’m left breathless when he releases my mouth.

“I need you to greet me like that every time,” I say.

“I’ll do that every fucking time, kyau.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” I say, then peck his lips again. I stare at the bags. There are four bottle gift bags. He has one for me too but what’s inside? “You need help with these?” I ask and he chuckles.

“No. I got ’em.”

“Alright. Let’s go in. Everyone’s here.” He enters the house then I lead him out to the solarium and they are all outside sitting at the Caribbean themed decorated table, facing the damn door, looking stoic and stern. “Really?” I quip when I open the glass sliding door.

“Front and center,” Alex says with a serious face. It quickly turns soft and they all laugh. “Just kidding,” she says, then stands.

“Welcome to my home and our little sister group, Quintus,” Giselle says as she approaches. “We’ve been waiting on you.”

Before he accepts her hug, he places the bags on the high table to the side of the door.

“Thanks for having me,” he says after embracing her.

“I’m Alex, Mireya’s favorite.”

“And I’m Kyrah. Everyone’s fave.”

He hugs all of them and they remain standing, crowding him. I smile when I get Alex’s nod of approval after I watch her scan his wardrobe. She loves a man who can dress just like me and we both approve of his jacquard striped sleeveless tank, wide leg cargo style distressed jeans, and brown leather crocodile looking sneakers. He looks casual, confident, and sexy as hell.

“Nice to finally meet you, ladies,” he says. “Before y’all attack a brotha, I brought gifts.” Kyrah laughs.

“Attack is a strong word,” Kyrah says.

“Strong but probably accurate,” Alex adds.

“Glad I came prepared.” Grinning, he grabs the bags back and hands the first one to Giselle. “For the hostess tonight,” he says, then hands bags to Kyrah and Alex. He turns to me with the last bag. “Of course, I couldn’t forget my beautiful wife.”

Almost at the same time, we each pull out our premium bottles. Clearly this man listens well. I quickly gave him the rundown on my friends and our FNFs when we were together and he remembered what I said. We each have our favorite liquor, but premium brands: Beluga Gold Line Vodka for Giselle, Macallan 15 Year Double Cask Single Malt Scotch for Alex, Clase Azul Reposado Tequila for Kyrah, and Black Ops Black Barrel for me.

“I love a man with great taste,” Alex says. “Thank you.”