Missed Conceptions

By Michelle De Leon

The owner of a successful café in Harlem, Shanneen Ross has attained one of her two life objectives.  Now she’s ready for a meaningful relationship, and a change of scenery sounds like the perfect plan.  In Atlanta to help her cousin open a café of her own, Shanneen meets an attractive ex-marine named Jeroi Black.  When their whirlwind affair results in pregnancy, Shanneen is delighted. Especially when Jeroi pops the question.  Now all that’s left is to meet Shanneen’s family.  But a disturbing revelation awaits them both at her Uncle Solomon’s house.

Shanneen returns to New York, where she meets Sebastian Lew, a gifted artist who is about to become a father.  When tragedy frees Sebastian from an unhealthy relationship, he and Shanneen try to make a go of it in the face of daunting obstacles.  But Jeroi is waiting in the shadows, ready to destroy Shanneen’s hard-won happiness.  It will take courage, faith, and a lot of love for Shanneen and Sebastian to overcome the odds in this moving, sensual, and always surprising story of what it really takes to build a family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heaven's Scribe Media
• Release date: Dec 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781593090104

Book preview

Table of Contents

Missed Conceptions

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

EPILOGUE

Sign up for Michelle De Leon's Mailing List

ISBN 1-59309-010-2

LCCN 2003105027

COPYRIGHT©2003 BY MICHELLE DE LEON

COVER DESIGN BY MICHELLE DE LEON AND JIMMY GIBBS

––––––––

Missed Conceptions

Michelle De Leon

––––––––

CHAPTER 1

Shanneen was running late for church.  She should have gotten an earlier start since this was the first Sunday of the month. Morning Glory Baptist Church was a big, beautiful house of worship that people knew and loved.  It was its own little community.  Shanneen hadn’t attended church much back home in New York.  The few she had visited had not moved her; they seemed geared more toward what was put into the collection plate.  The south had always seemed more welcoming to Shanneen.  When her cousin, Moriah, called and asked would she help set up her café, she couldn’t resist the invitation to Atlanta. Lovejoy’s was a successful little soul food café Shanneen had back in Harlem.  Moriah had wanted to open a Lovejoy’s in Georgia; she called it starting a family chain.  Although she missed her place, Shanneen desperately needed a break from the city.

Girl, would you come on here.  It’s bad enough we’re gonna be stuck sitting in the back of the church.  At the rate you’re going, we won’t get in at all, Moriah complained.

Okay, okay.  I’m ready.  Just putting the final touches to my hair.

What hair?  You’ve hacked it all off.  I have to admit I’m feeling your cut, though.  You were brave to chop it and go platinum, Moriah said, passing her hand across her cousin’s head.

Yeah, it is kinda funky, isn’t it?  But let’s get out of here, Shanneen said as she grabbed her bag.

Morning Glory was a five-mile drive from Moriah’s apartment complex in Stone Mountain.  Shanneen teased her cousin as she jostled her shoulder-length cascade of black curls.  I don’t know how you deal with this lion’s mane.

Moriah shooed her cousin away.  I’m like Samson; my strength is in my hair.  Men can’t resist playing with it.

Don’t let Uncle Solomon hear you. She smiled.

That old man needs to mind his own business, Moriah said jokingly.

They pulled into the parking lot, but had to circle three times before they finally found a space near the back of the property.

Dang, I hate parking by the cemetery, Moriah complained.

Why?  They aren’t gonna bother you.  You’d better worry about the ones inside the church!

Daddy doesn’t care for Morning Glory too much.  He thinks we young folks use it as a place to find a date.

Uncle Solomon might have a point there.  How many men have you dated from Morning Glory since you joined? Shanneen asked.

Nunna.  As in nunna your business. Moriah giggled.

The choir had just started its first number when the cousins found two seats up in the balcony.  The congregation was soon on its feet as the choir began to rock.  The pastor brought them down to a quiet hum as he welcomed them all to Morning Glory Baptist Church.  Shanneen and Moriah whispered to each other while Pastor Wilcox covered church news and events.

Mo, a man’s voice called from the pew behind them.  Mo Love.

Moriah turned around to see Gil Morton.  Hey, Gil.  How you doing, brother?

Not as fine as you, but I’m trying.  How you been?

Pretty good actually.  This is my cousin, Shanneen Ross.  Shann, this is Gil.  We went to Morris Brown together.

Nice to meet you.  Shanneen turned to face the man sitting beside Gil. Hello.

This is my man, Jeroi, Gil introduced.

Jeroi was a very handsome individual.  His jet-black hair was cut short with a slight wave to it.  His thick eyebrows and lashes worked well with the goatee he sported.  Hello, sisters. 

Shanneen thought she would melt when she heard his baritone voice.

We’re starting to get the evil eye, people.  Let’s meet up after the service, Moriah suggested.

They all turned to face the pulpit.  Pastor Wilcox was getting into the spirit and many followed him.  The sermon was about putting your house in order.  Shanneen thought about how lonely her house was these days.  She hadn’t been in a satisfying relationship for over a year.  She dutifully prayed that the Lord would bless her with a partner soon.  Over thirty and single was not cute anymore.  No, she didn’t need a man, but she did want to have a family before her eggs were too old to do the job.  Moriah often scolded her for fiending as she put it.  However, if the truth were told, Moriah was just as lonely for a man as she was.

Shanneen could feel Jeroi’s eyes on her.  She could smell his clean, crisp scent.  He looked so together in his navy suit and tie.  His silk shirt was a creamy eggnog color.  She noticed his handkerchief peeking from his breast pocket had miniature Looney Tune characters on it.  Shanneen had to smile at that. 

Moriah and her cousin locked hands as the pastor called for everyone to rise for the final prayer of the morning.  Every bowed head prayed for mercy and a better way.

Gil and Jeroi escorted the ladies down the stairs and out the wide double doors of the church.  I always enjoy Pastor Wilcox.  He’s kind of new school, but he still makes you feel the message.  You know what I mean? Gil asked.

I think so, too, Moriah agreed.  Do you guys want to go get something to eat?

Yeah, a brother is starving, Jeroi answered, looking deep into Shanneen’s eyes.

She could feel her face getting warm.  Where did you park?  We’re in the back.

Why don’t we meet up at Ryan’s?  That’s the closest place, Gil said.

Sounds good.  See you in a few, Moriah told them.

Shanneen waited until they were out of earshot.  Was it my imagination or was Jeroi eyeing me the entire time?

Please, I thought he was gonna bore a hole in your head.  He is all that, though.  I don’t know him, but Gil doesn’t hang with knuckleheads.  Why don’t you ask him out?

Slow your roll, Mo.  We don’t know anything about this man, Shanneen reasoned as she slid into her seat.

What’s to know?  He’s fine, her cousin concluded.

Ryan’s parking lot was already filling up.  Their food was delectable, down home and dirt-cheap.  Shanneen half-heartedly complained about how living in the south was going to ruin her girlish figure.

Well, take your sorry butt back up north then, Moriah would tease.

I’m gonna have to go back.  My staff can handle things, but I do miss my place.  And you know when the cat’s away...

The mice eat all your damn cheese!

Gil and Jeroi were waiting to escort the ladies in.  They all ordered the buffet and sweet teas. They found a booth and settled in.  So what you been up to, Mo Love? Gil asked.

Just trying to get my restaurant going.  Cuz here opened the first Lovejoy’s in New York.  Now I’m gonna have one down here.

What part of New York are you from, Shanneen? Jeroi wanted to know.

I’ve lived in almost every borough at one time or another.  Right now I rent a place above my café in Harlem.

I’ve been there a few times, Jeroi said.  I just gave the Marines ten years of my life.  Although I’ll miss the travel, I look forward to making a home here in Atlanta.

Yeah, my boy has done it all, Gil said.  The few, the proud...

Gil, please.  I’m not trying to blow my own horn.  I’m sure these ladies don’t want to hear all that military stuff.  How long are you going to be here in Georgia, Shanneen?

I plan on just spending the summer.  That should be enough time for Moriah or Mo Love to get her restaurant up and running.

That’s what we used to call her in college, Gil explained.  Did Ms. Lovejoy tell you we used to have something going back then?

Moriah nearly choked on her tea.  We did?  Wasn’t very memorable then.

You really know how to hurt a fella, Shanneen scolded with a grin.

They passed the afternoon getting acquainted with each other.  Jeroi offered to help out with any manual labor that was needed for the restaurant.  He was still waiting to hear from a couple of places he had applied to for a job.

Out in the parking lot, Moriah and Gil exchanged hugs.  Shanneen extended her hand to Jeroi.  I’ll be seeing you at the café.

I’d like to see you aside from there; if you’re open to that idea.

Shanneen saw Moriah and Gil nudging each other from the corner of her eye.  I’d be very open to that idea.

Well, how about dinner tomorrow night?  We won’t have to wait long for a table on a Monday.  Have you been to The Cheesecake Factory?  Or would you like to try Justin’s?

Either place is fine with me.  You make the call, Shanneen answered. 

Jeroi pulled a business card from his inner pocket.  Give me a call whenever you’re ready and I’ll come and get you.

The card read Jeroi L. Black, M.P. with the Marine’s insignia on it.  Cool.  I’ll give you enough notice.  Talk to you tomorrow.  Nice meeting you, too, Gil.

Sure thing, sis. He turned to Moriah.  Now that these two are squared away, how about you and me making a date, too?

She promised to call Gil one day that week.  Back in the car, the women planned out the rest of their day.  They talked about catching a movie. "We need to do something to work off all that food we ate."

How about a walk around the nearest mall, Shanneen suggested.

Please, all my money is going into the restaurant.  You know how costly things can be.  That’s why I’m opening it out in Decatur instead of Stone Mountain.  The rent is a little cheaper out there.

I know what you mean.  I could never afford to rent a store in Midtown Manhattan.

Moriah’s apartment was on the first floor of the three-story building.  She had a nice view of the swimming pool and was a short walk from the tennis courts that she never used.  She could hear the phone ringing inside as she fished for her keys.  The answering machine had just clicked on as she reached it.  Hello, hello.  I’m here.  Ah, yeah, sure.  Hold on.

It’s for me?

Yep, it’s Jeroi.

Shanneen was surprised.  Hey, Jeroi.  How are you?  Is there a problem with tomorrow night?

No, I just wanted to talk to you.  Maybe get further acquainted on our own before we dined out.

That was very thoughtful of you, she answered as she took the cordless phone into her bedroom.  Moriah rolled her eyes and went to take off her Sunday duds.

Well, I know it’s not like a blind date or anything, but we still are virtually strangers.  I just wanted you to feel more at ease.

"Where are you staying?

Right now I’m hanging out with Gil, but I put a deposit on a place here in College Park.  I should hear from somebody about a job by the time the apartment’s ready next month.

What kind of job are you looking for?

Something in law enforcement.

I hope you get something.  Are you originally from Atlanta?

Not Atlanta, Savannah.  I haven’t lived there since long before I joined the Marines.  I went to college for a couple of years out at Georgetown.

I went to the New York Restaurant School.  I’ve always wanted to be a chef.  Once I finished my schooling, I took out a loan so I could open up my own restaurant.

They talked for so long, that Moriah came and knocked on Shanneen’s door.  You’ve been on the phone for a year and a half already.  Is there anything that you two don’t know about each other?

Shanneen waved her cousin away.  She was enjoying her talk with Jeroi.  He was a good man; she could tell.  He was gentlemanly and considerate.  He was generous with information about himself without being boastful.  Shanneen gave a little sigh.  There wouldn’t be much opportunity to see where they could go.  Harlem was waiting for her.  That didn’t mean she couldn’t have a very nice summer.

I’m going to fix something to eat for dinner.  Are you hungry?  Or are you living off love? Moriah asked.

Shanneen signaled to her cousin that she’d be off momentarily.  So what happened then?  I don’t think you did the wrong thing considering the situation.  What else could you have done?

Moriah could see that she wasn’t going to be off any time soon, so she went and prepared a light supper.  She couldn’t believe they’d been on the phone for so many hours.  She was a little envious.  Maybe I should give old Gil a call.

I enjoy being single, but I’m ready to move on to the next level, you know?  I don’t plan my life around that proverbial biological clock, yet I can’t deny that time is winding down.  I don’t want to be chasing crumb snatchers as I’m exiting my forties. She laughed.

I don’t think you have that long of a wait ahead of you.  You’re a rare woman, Shanneen.  I’m no player, but I’ve seen all kinds of women from port to port and it’s unusual to find one who isn’t after something from you.

Well, thank you.  I take that as high praise.

I can’t wait to see you tomorrow night.  I feel like new friends.

I warn you; I’m not one of those salad and water dates.  I’m not trying to impress anyone.  I like to eat!

I could see that at Ryan’s today, he chided.

Oh, you aren’t right.  Talk to you tomorrow, Jeroi.

Good night, Shanneen.

Moriah looked up at her cousin as she strolled across the living room.  Well, damn.  I’ve never seen anyone spend that much time at once on the phone.

Look, I take it where I can get it.  Jeroi’s really a nice guy.  Who knows?  Maybe you and I can switch restaurants.

Oh, I know you’re joking.  That man must give good phone.

Shanneen grinned from ear to ear as she left Moriah hanging.

CHAPTER 2

Sebastian rolled over and looked at the digital clock on the nightstand.  It read three a.m.  He tried not to get pissed.  It wasn’t like Benet to stay out so late without calling.  They weren’t married, but they respected one another.  They’d been living together the last two years of their three-year relationship.  He and Benet had grown comfortable with one another.  She was special to him and he loved her dearly.  He was confident that she felt the same way.  Benet was a hopeless romantic.  She’d decorated their place with candles and dried flowers.  It was soft and inviting without being too feminine.  He let her rearrange everything when she moved in with him.  She’d gotten a kick out of it.  She’d found all kinds of bargains around the city.  She loved shopping on 125th Street and Canal Street.  She was a New York City girl all the way.

Sebastian raised himself up out of bed.  He tapped on the light.  The touchable lamp was another bargain Benet had found.  He thought about phoning one of her girlfriends, but if she weren’t there, they would curse his ass like there was no tomorrow.

He even thought about calling the police, but knew they wouldn’t do anything about his woman being a few hours late coming home.  He turned on the light in the bathroom so he could relieve himself.  Sebastian had to cut himself short when the loud ring of the telephone startled him.

Benet? he said into the phone.

Seb?  Yeah, it’s me.  I’m all right now, babe.  Don’t worry.

Don’t worry?  Benet, where are you?  What do you mean you’re all right now?

I’m in the emergency room at Harlem Hospital.  Can you pick me up, babe?  I’ll tell you what happened when you get here, okay?

Of course.  I’ll be right there.  Love you, Benet.

Just hurry, Seb.

At first he thought they had been disconnected, then Sebastian realized she’d just hung up.  He snatched up the clothes he’d been wearing earlier from the floor.  He gathered his long locks and pushed them under his green knitted cap.  He thought about