This Is It: Now or Never

By LaTica McGhee

If it isnt one thing its another. Secrets are revealed. The past catches up with everyone. Tough decisions need to be made. Relationships are threatened. Can anyone be trusted?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543956399

Book preview

18

THE END… So, you thought!

Everything was happening so quickly. In the next thirty minutes I had on my undergarments and heels, slipped in my gown and was getting my hair and makeup done at the same time. Everyone was doing something to each other. There was teeth whitening, last minute makeup and hair touchups.

My dress had a halter top, sweetheart neckline with a diamond flower button over zipper closure on the side. I had jewelry straps beaded racerback accents going into a deep back neckline.

Kandace and I were twins literally. She was my little Minnie me. We both wore white gowns, but Kandace’s had a turquoise ribbon tied to the side to match the maid of honor and bridesmaids. Her hair was curly like mine with a turquoise headband. She was beautiful.

Everyone had gone to take pictures while I stayed in the room alone. I stood in front of the mirror looking at myself. Today was the happiest day of my life. No one could ruin this day for me. I examined myself, and I was impressed. As I put my veil on my head I felt complete. I was ready to marry the love of my life. I felt tears threatening to fall, and I stopped them before they could. I didn’t have time for Shannon’s yelling about my makeup.

You look beautiful Kimberly. I heard an unfamiliar voice with a Jamaican accent say. I turned around to see a beautiful woman standing there. She was tall, brown skin with shoulder length curly hair. She was killing that blue dress she had on.

Thank you, you’re beautiful also. I walked closer to her to hug her. Something was off about her, but I was being cordial. She had long beautiful eyelashes and those hazel eyes… I don’t know they were mysterious. Are you one of Chris’ cousins that I haven’t met? I asked.

No, I’m not. She said.

Oh, okay well I know you’re family with that accent. I giggled.

I’m Ebony. I let go of her hand, and she gave me this devilish smile. I didn’t like the vibe that I was getting from her. I stepped back.

What are you doing here? I asked trying not to show that I was intimidated by her presence. Chris and I only spoke of her in the beginning of our relationship and then never again. This woman was absolutely gorgeous, but beside her looks I knew that she could possibly be here to ruin my day. What was she here for to give us a wedding gift? I didn’t think so.

I’m here to take back what’s mine. The only reason why Chris, I guess that’s what everyone calls him now, wants to marry you is because he thought I didn’t want him.

What everyone calls him now? What is she talking about?

She stepped closer to me throwing me off from my thoughts and moved her hands from behind her back she was holding some papers. I was with someone else, but it didn’t work out. A good friend of mine told me Ra…Chris was getting married, and I can’t allow that.

Girl, please if Chris wanted you he would be with you. Remember he left you after you aborted his baby. I told her.

Ouch. He told you that huh? You know I came here so I could see you face to face. To see the woman who had my baby wanting to get married and I have to admit I’m not impressed. Her accent was getting heavier she was upset.

Bitch, your opinion doesn’t matter. Now I would appreciate it if you would leave. Chris is where he wants to be. We were now toe to toe. I was two seconds from taking my gown off and beating her ass. I had to remember I was carrying a baby. She’s lucky I’m carrying a baby. I didn’t want to do anything to harm my unborn. I’d have Shannon handle my light weight.

Oh really? She handed me the papers that she held. I threw them on the floor. She laughed as she picked them up and started to read the emails that were supposedly between her and Chris.

I miss you so much. Nothing has been the same since you went back to Jamaica. Please come back. She tossed that paper on the floor. Ebony stop ignoring me we can make this work when you left me you took a part of me. She looked up at me. Shall I continue? Chris and I have been in contact for over a year now. He even bought me this $5,000 ring. She held up her hand to show me and handed me the papers. This time I started reading them myself. Ain’t no way Chris would make a fool out of me like this. He promised to never do me like Eric had done me.

These emails were 6 months ago, we were together. Then I noticed something that made me smile on the inside. "Aw man maybe y’all should be together. It shows that [e-mail] misses you."

You damn right you know what all this doesn’t have to go to waste. I can just marry Chris right now today. We belong together. She smiled. This woman that was beautiful to me was now an ugly monster. Who feeds off other’s misery? Who tries to break up two people who are truly happy? I’ve never done anything to this woman for her to try to do that. At the same time, she doesn’t owe me any loyalty. There would be more women like her in the future. I would put every one of those bitches in their places. Guess I’ll start with her. Chris was thee prize and I was the winner.

Maybe that would be the case if you at least spelt my husband’s last name right in this copy and pasted email. I grabbed my phone. I have Chris’ passwords to everything, and I check his email every day because I’m in charge of keeping track of work emails for his business and finances. Nowhere in his bank statement did I ever see a withdrawal that big for a ring. Nice try Ebony.

Bitch you think you’re so smart. His money did buy this! You got me though. If that was his real last name I would’ve been able to spell it. Chris is going to do you exactly how he did me. Has he hit you yet? My mind went back to when he shoved me against the wall the night I told him I cheated on him. He made me get that abortion. He told me we would try again later, and then I ended up having two more abortions and a miscarriage. She started yelling. This bitch is crazy.

If he’s such a horrible man why are you here Ebony? I crossed my arms across my chest.

Because he took something from me in November two years ago, tears fell down her face, and if he doesn’t give me what I want I’ll expose him. You know what… She turned around and stormed away. RAFIQ! She yelled.

What the fuck? Who is Rafiq? We were just in Jamaica two years ago, for Chris’ 28th birthday. Then I remembered when he disappeared on me for hours, and I had no clue where he went. On my birthday, I just found out he had family in Jamaica. Did he meet up with them? Did he see her? You know what Ima go ask him. I’m NOT marrying him until I get to the bottom of this. I took off my gown and quickly put my jeans and t-shirt back on.

Who is she? Denise asked busting in the room with Amy right behind her.

Chris’ ex Ebony, I told them buttoning my jeans and putting on my Adidas.

Oh, hell no! Shannon heard me walking in as she turned around to get Ebony. That pretty bitch that bumped past me?

RAFIQ! I heard Ebony yell again.

Yeah her, I answered taking my earrings off.

What’s going on? My Grandma Janice asked.

There might not be a wedding today. Excuse me grandma. I walked past her. I had to get to the bottom of this. Shannon, Denise and Amy were right behind me.

1

MARLON

I decided to go outside to smoke another blunt. I was bored as hell waiting on the women to get dressed so the wedding could start. I was proud of Chris for finally settling down and getting married. I never thought this day would come. It’s a bonus that Kim is fine as hell too! Shit seeing him all excited and in love made me think about getting married one day. Naw… never mind lemme get my mind right. A nigga like me could never settle down with the life