Love Always

By Sheena Binkley

Riana:
From the first moment I'd laid eyes on Shawn Walker, I never thought he would be the love of my life. In the three years we have been together, we have been through so much, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else I would have wanted by my side. Now, we’re about to experience another event that has us both in shock. Will we be able to get through this one together, or will it end up destroying our relationship?

Shawn:
I never thought I would experience love again until Riana Robertson entered my life. The two of us have been through hell and back, but we’re still standing. Now that I've graduated Shaw and heading into the real world, I have a lot of responsibility, not just for myself, but for my growing family. With all of the issues surrounding Riana and me, will we slowly lose sight of the love we have for each other, or will it strengthen us as a couple?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheena Binkley
• Release date: Nov 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311416407

Sheena Binkley

Sheena Binkley first discovered her love for storytelling when writing her first story for a class project at the tender age of nine. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous tales that are not only engaging, but simply entertaining. She is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Houston (where the weather is always unpredictable) with her husband and son.

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Acknowledgments

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for guiding me each and every day. Thank you, not just for this journey, but for everything You have done for me.

To my husband, Ethan; you have been with me through this entire journey, from hearing my great ideas to my ranting and raving. You have done so much for me, and you don't even realized it. So thank you. Love you, babe!

To my family, who has been a wonderful support system for me. You don’t know how much you all mean to me.

Jamie Fleming-Dixon, you have been wonderful, not just with this project, but on all the ones we have worked on. Thank you so much for being a great editor!

Julie Bromley, you have been truly awesome! We started out on Love Unbroken, and I’m glad you have been a part of the series. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are

Shawnda Hamilton, thank you for everything you do. You have helped put my name out there, and for that, I truly thank you.

To my new friend, Laurencia Smith. You have been wonderful, and I know when your books are published, you will be a force to be reckoned with in the literary world. Keep going for your dream!

Gabrielle Prendergast, thank you for a beautiful cover. I’m glad to be working with you, and I hope to do more projects in the future.

Lucinda Campbell, thank you for formatting Love Always.

The readers: You all have been so wonderful to me and have continuously supported me. And I must say, I am truly blessed. Thank you so much for your support. I truly appreciate it!!

Prologue

Riana

December, 2014

I watched as Monica Taylor left with Donnell Patterson and smiled. Those two had been through so much together. From their constant arguing to their various break-ups, they finally were able to talk out their problems and were pretty happy. I knew our friends were still in denial about them staying together, but I had faith in them. Them deciding to move in together, shows that they're serious about their relationship lasting.

I glanced over at Shawn Walker, and he smiled. I still couldn't believe how our relationship had grown. When I first laid eyes on him in our Introduction to Journalism class, I truly despised him. Although I couldn’t deny my attraction to him, his arrogance made me run in the other direction. Well, that, and I didn’t want to fall in love again. But once we were both able to let down our guards, we were able to love each other, which I’m truly happy about.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. So, what’s your decision?

My heart started to beat furiously. I didn’t know what to do. A couple of days before Monica made her announcement about moving in with Donnell, Shawn asked me to do the same. He asked after his brother, Marcus, moved out of their apartment to stay in the house their parents gave him; my cousin, Cheryl Thompson, moved in with him. Honestly, I didn't think it was a great idea; however, since we’re always together, it might not be too bad being with him every day and night.

Do you really think it’s a great idea? Since Monica moved out and I might, what would Britney do?

Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine, Britney Lewis interjected as she wrapped an arm around my brother, Jayden. After I told him about potentially moving in with Shawn, he had an uneasy expression on his face. He had one now, while he was staring at me.

What are you going to do? I asked.

I might try and get my own place. I’ll convince my parents that I need a one-bedroom.

You sure your dad will agree? Jayden asked.

He might. He’s been pretty easygoing lately, so it’s a possibility.

Then, it's set. What do you say, Ri? Shawn jumped in.

I still need to tell my mom, and you need to tell your parents.

You know my parents. I told them, and they don’t have a problem with it. They know we’re always together anyway.

Shawn…

If you don’t want to, just say so. I won’t be disappointed.

I stared at him and touched his mocha-colored cheek. How could I say no to him? I gazed into his brown eyes, which instantly made me melt. I loved his eyes and could look into them all day and all night.

I caressed his cheek and smiled. Okay.

He smiled and kissed me. When do you want to move in?

Soon. The lease is up in a couple of days. I’ll inform the office that Britney and I are not renewing it.

Don’t we need at least 30 days to inform them? Britney inquired.

We do, but this is a special situation, I explained.

If you need to pay the remaining amount in your lease, I’ll cover it, Shawn offered.

I glanced at him, while Britney raised an eyebrow. Seriously?

Yes. I do have money saved, plus I have money from my internship, so it’s no big deal.

Baby, there's something I needed to ask, I told Shawn. Since Marcus was paying for the apartment–,

That’s something else you don’t have to worry about it. I've got everything covered. Marcus paid the apartment up until the middle of the semester, and more than likely, the news station will be offering me a position after my internship. So you don’t have to worry about getting a job if that's what you were going to suggest.

I sighed. Maybe this would work out after all. If needed, I would get a job. Since college housing and financial aid paid for the majority of my current apartment, I didn’t have to get one. But since Shawn’s apartment was off-campus and pretty swanky, I figured I would have to; but if he insisted that I wouldn't need a job, then I wouldn't worry about it. Not right now, anyway.

Okay. We can come to campus one day during the break and move everything out.

Great! I’m really happy about this, Shawn exclaimed.

I am, too.

He hugged me, and I sighed. Although I was happy about my decision, why did I feel we were getting in over our heads? I knew I shouldn’t think like that, but there was a feeling in the pit of my stomach telling me otherwise. Right now, I’d just have to take things day by day, and hopefully, I wouldn't have this feeling any more. Besides, what could possibly go wrong between us? We loved each other too much for things to become out of control. And if it did, we’d work through it. We always had and that would never change.

Or so I hoped….

Chapter 1

Riana

May, 2016

Baby, where did you put my shoes?!

I rolled my eyes and went into the closet. I pulled out Shawn’s dress loafers and walked into the living room. He was searching underneath the couch when I cleared my throat. He looked up, and I shoved them into his face.

Why did you move them? I had them in the living room.

I wouldn’t have had to if you didn’t leave them sitting in the middle of the room. I almost tripped on them, not once, but twice this week.

Sorry, but I figured I would find them better if they were out here.

I rolled my eyes again then walked into the kitchen. Since moving in with Shawn 18 months ago, this was a constant issue we had. Sure, we always had fun, but his tendency to forget to put his clothes and shoes in the proper places irritated me. I’m a neat freak, so I liked a tidy apartment. I did not want to see his shoes or clothes thrown on the couch and even in the kitchen. It’s disgusting.

Shawn, all I ask of you is to clean up after yourself. We never had this problem until I moved in.

I know there were times when I've left stuff in plain view, but you know me, I’m just as much of a neat freak as you are.

I scoffed and walked back into the living room. Are you really being serious right now? When I moved in here, I didn’t expect to be a damn maid!

And I didn’t expect you to. What is your problem?!

The doorbell rang, and I stomped to the door.

I opened it without looking through the peephole. Marcus and Cheryl were standing outside with a surprised expression.

If it’s a bad time, we can come back, Marcus stated.

I opened the door wider so they could come in. They were a little hesitant, but I gave them a look, assuring them it was okay.

We could hear you two from the walkway. What were you arguing about? Cheryl asked.

Marcus, has Shawn always been a pig, leaving his stuff all over the place?

Marcus glanced at his brother. I turned to look at Shawn, who shrugged his shoulders.

Just answer the question.

Maybe sometimes.

Of course you’ll defend him, I replied and went back into the kitchen. Cheryl walked in behind me and sat down on a barstool. She took my hand with a slight smile.

What’s wrong, Ri?

I glanced at her then slumped over onto the counter. Although Shawn’s things laying around the apartment did irritate me, that wasn’t the reason I was so upset.

I got my grades for the semester. Let’s just say they weren’t stellar.

Aww. Ri.

What am I going to tell my mom and Marc? I can’t return home and say ‘I’m so happy to be here for the summer, and by the way, I failed two of my classes.’

Wow, Ri; that’s not like you to fail your courses, especially since you’re almost done with school.

I know. I think since Shawn and I moved in together, school hasn’t been my top priority. In fact, nothing really has.

Didn’t Shawn pass his classes? I mean, he is graduating today.

Yeah; barely though.

What the hell have you two been doing? Never mind. You two really need to get your priorities straight.

I know you’re not talking. You and Marcus are on each other constantly.

Well, Marcus gives me room to breathe. Besides, I had to stay focus to apply for medical school.

How is that going, by the way?

I did receive letters from Baylor and UT. I just haven’t open them yet.

Why not?

Because I’m scared. I've had them for a while now.

You need to open them.

I will, but I guess I don’t want that feeling of rejection.

How do you know that you will?

I don’t know. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and I just don’t want that feeling of failure.

Cher, you need to believe in yourself. You have done so much to get to this point, so don’t lose faith now. If you want, one day, when you're ready, why don't us girls get together and open them?

You sure?

Yeah.

Thanks, Ri.

No problem.

So, what about you? Do you need me to be there for you when you tell Aunt Melanie and Marc?

I took a deep breath. Honestly, I hadn't even told Shawn about my grades; I know he would be upset about it. That’s one thing the two of us had always agreed on: We would support each other in our classes. During this semester, though, we both kind of slacked off. Shawn did mainly because this was his last semester, and he’d been working nonstop at his job at the news station. After his internship, the station did offer him a position as a production assistant. Although it wasn’t glamorous, he enjoyed it because he was learning a lot about the industry. Once he graduates, hopefully, he would be promoted.

As for me, I think I slacked off because I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go career-wise. Although I enjoyed journalism, I didn’t know if that's want I wanted to do as a career. I took a creative writing class for an elective, and I really fell in love with the assignments. I'd always had a knack for writing, but I'd never thought of it as a career. Until now.

Thanks, but I have it covered. Besides, they’re not the only ones I haven’t told yet.

Shawn doesn’t know either?

No. I’m thinking about taking both of the classes again in the summer any way. I already checked and saw there are online courses I can take.

Well, that’s good. So, are you calm enough to go back out to the living room?

I sighed. I am; but he really needs to clean up his stuff.

Well, Marcus was the same way, especially when he came home from work. He’d leave everything sitting out, and I ended up cleaning it up.

What did you do?

I withheld sex until he got his act together. It worked, she answered with a wink.

Maybe I should do that with Shawn.

It wouldn’t work with you two.

I shook my head, while she laughed. I’m just telling the truth.

She suddenly snapped her fingers as if she remembered something. I forgot. We have a final dress fitting once we return to Houston.

I thought we already had our final fitting?

Nope. Elise claims she gained weight, so we have to do another one. Really, I don’t know where she gained it though.

I smiled. I still couldn’t believe she and Marcus were getting married. They'd stuck to their agreement of having their wedding after her graduation, so their date was set for July.

Okay, I’ll let the girls know.

Thanks. So are you cool now? There won’t be any altercations while we’re out in public, will there?

Of course not, I said with a smirk. You know I can’t stay mad at Shawn for long.

Okay, Cheryl replied. She gave me a pat on my back and went to the refrigerator.

I sighed and rubbed my stomach. There was another reason I was moody lately. It was a good thing there was going to be another fitting, because I probably couldn’t fit into my bridesmaid dress anymore. Lately, I hadn't been able to fit into anything. I sighed and rubbed my stomach again. I also hadn't had my period in a month, which was making me even more anxious. I know I’d had irregular periods since I’d been on birth control, but I switched to another brand two months ago.

Cheryl turned around and noticed my sad look. Is there something else you want to talk about?

I shook my head and smiled. No, I’m fine.

I wasn’t going to mention what I was thinking right now. This was her and Shawn’s graduation day, and I wasn’t going to ruin it. Instead, I would enjoy their moment, and let my issues be.

Chapter 2

Shawn

I looked into the kitchen and saw Riana and Cheryl deep in discussion. I didn't know what was wrong with Ri lately. She had been moody and sort of bitchy. Marcus noticed the look on my face and gave me a pat on the back.

I wouldn’t try to figure it out, bro. Cheryl is like that sometimes, too. When she is, I just let her be.

Ri was never like this though. When she moved in here, it was pure paradise; but lately, she's just really hormonal and temperamental. She gets upset over the smallest things.

You sure there's nothing bothering her?

I’m sure there is, but I don’t know what it is. Usually, we’ll talk about our issues; we never hold anything in.

Marcus sighed and looked in the kitchen. Riana and Cheryl were walking over to us. While Cheryl sat on Marcus’ lap, Riana took my hand, and we went to the bedroom. She closed the door with a smile.

You’re probably wondering what’s going on with me.

Yes; you haven’t been yourself lately.

She caressed my hand and began to talk. I failed two of my classes, Shawn.

Ri! I didn’t even know you were having trouble with your classes. Why didn’t you tell me?

I didn’t want to burden you. You’ve been working nonstop and trying to finish your classes so you can graduate. I didn’t want to add my issues onto yours.

I touched her shoulder, and she shivered. I'd always had that effect on her. Just one touch from me, and she was ready. I kissed her cheek, and she smiled.

Baby, when we’re together, your problems become mine as well; you know that.

I know, it just with graduation and your job, I just didn’t –

I interrupted her. Ri, there is no excuse for you not telling me what’s bothering you. If you would have told me, I could have helped you. What are the two classes you have to repeat?

College Algebra and Media Planning & Placement.

That was an easy class.

Shawn!

It was. How did you fail that?

I just had a lot on my mind, that’s all.

All kidding aside, no matter what I’m going through, you shouldn’t feel scared to come and talk to me. We haven't kept anything from each other since the whole Spoken thing. I don’t want us to get back into a situation like that again, okay?

I don’t either.

Are you going to take the courses again over the summer?

Yeah; I can take them online, so it won’t affect me going back to Houston.

Okay. If it did, I would have stayed with you.

I know.

I’m sure you haven’t told your parents, have you?

She shook her head. I’ll tell them when we return to Houston.

Don’t you think you need to tell them now?

And ruin your day? No.

Baby, the day will not be ruined. I would feel better if you told them as soon as possible.

She nodded. Fine, I’ll tell them; but after the graduation party.

You want me to be there with you?

You can.

I kissed her, and she grabbed the side of my neck. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest as I touched her waist. I'd noticed she gained some weight lately, but it was in the right places. She'd always had a beautiful body, but damn, she was starting to get thick.

I lay her down on the bed, and she smiled.

We’re not going to start that. If we do, you will miss graduation, she said.

You’re right. My parents would have a fit.

Exactly. Don’t rule out later though.

Of course, I said with a grin.

She smiled, kissed my cheek and got up. Then, she went to the closet and pulled out a floral print sundress.

I’m sorry for not being honest with you. I know you would have come to me.

It’s cool. I love you.

She smiled and went into the bathroom.

I lay down on the bed and sighed. I could sense something else was bothering her. Whatever it was, I hope she wouldn't keep that from me, too.

Chapter 3

Riana

After Shawn and I got dressed, we, along with Cheryl and Marcus, met up with everyone at Hawthorne Arena. I looked at Shawn, who already had on his graduation gown. He held his cap in his hand wearing a huge smile.

I can’t believe this is happening. Four years of hard work, and it's finally paid off.

I’m so proud of you, I told him then gave him a kiss.

You’re not the only one.

We turned around and saw Carolyn and Roland behind us. She walked over and gave Shawn a huge hug.

My baby is graduating, she said in tears.

She pulled away from him and wiped her tears. I can’t believe both of my sons are so grown up. It feels like yesterday, you two were sharing a room and were constantly fighting over who would watch TV first. Now, look at you. Marcus is an accountant, a business owner and about to be married, while you’re getting ready for your career in journalism. I’m really proud of the both of you.

Marcus smiled, while I began to cry myself. Now, it didn’t take much for me to sob, but the sudden tears made me wonder if I really was pregnant.

Thanks, Mom. We wouldn’t have done it without you and Dad.

She began crying again, while Roland hugged her.

And I’m proud of you too, Cheryl.

She smiled. Thanks, Carolyn. I couldn’t have done it without your support.

When are you going to start calling me Mom? You and Marcus are practically married.

Cheryl blushed. Really? I didn’t think…

It’s fine, sweetie. You’re practically my daughter now, so it’s fine.

She smiled. Okay, Mom.

That’s when the waterworks really started for me. Cheryl always talked about Carolyn, wishing she had a mom like her; now, her wish had come true. Things were still rocky between Cheryl and her mom; actually, she hadn't seen her since the incident at their house two years ago. It’s really sad when a parent doesn’t acknowledge their children. I’m just glad Uncle Robert wised up and was now in Cheryl’s life.

Marcus carefully interrupted the moment as he put an arm around Cheryl. If anyone is wondering, I called Grant, and the lounge is already set up for the party.

It was hard to imagine Marcus being a business owner now, but after saving and taking out several loans, he was finally able to start his business venture. He'd opened up a lounge in Baker, which had a laid-back atmosphere. He also kept his word about having open mics as well as poetry nights, and those brought in very good business. He had even asked Shawn to be his business partner, and Shawn was all for it until he accepted the position at the news station. He didn’t have time to do anything outside of work and school, so he decided to decline the offer until he could get things squared away with his career. But he did take some time out to perform on poetry night, and that was always a treat for me.

Since you and Cheryl are returning to Houston, what will you do about the lounge? Roland asked.

I asked Grant to take over until I return. I’ll make visits every now and then, though. Also, if business continue to be this good, I might even open one up in Houston.

Wow, that’s great son, Roland said.

Congratulations, Shawn, my mom interjected. I didn’t even realize she and Marc had arrived until she gave him a hug. She went over to Cheryl and hugged her as well.

Thanks, Melanie. Hey, Marc.

Hey. Congrats! I know this is an exciting day for you and Cheryl.

My mom came over and gave me a hug. It was good to see her smiling. After everyone learned