Love Has No Color: Love's Legacy: Love's Legacy

By Edna Taylor

Nanzee and Basil Barden-Love, with their family, continually and un-dauntingly conquer whatever life metes out.
Meanwhile, Gwen Duncan is on the rollercoaster ride of her life; she finds herself enduring things she emphatically detests. For Love, her reason for endurance is the cause of her misery. He is determined not to be bullied by her. She will know there is a difference between Basil and himself!
Nanzee, on occasion winces at Gwens thoughtlessness; but she determines never to let it ruin her marriage. Meanwhile, Gwen, herself moves through a maze of uncertainty as their friendship forged since childhood is threatened.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493150090

Book preview

Love

HAS NO

Color

Part Three

Love's Legacy

Sequel to Love Has No Color Part One

and

Love Has No Color Part Two: An Immeasurable Love

Edna Taylor

Copyright © 2014 by Edna Taylor.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 04/08/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

128939

Contents

Acknowledgments

Why

Chapter One Choices

Chapter Two Gwen

Chapter Three Competition

Chapter Four Sunrise

Chapter Five The Meeting

Chapter Six Confrontation

Chapter Seven Breach Of Pride

Chapter Eight Mark Of Perfection

Chapter Nine Facing Challenges

Chapter Ten A Hard Truth

Chapter Eleven Honor Thy Mother

Chapter Twelve The Inevitable

Chapter Thirteen Fact-Finding Mission

Chapter Fourteen Taste Of Mistrust

Chapter Fifteen Reprove

Chapter Sixteen Santa

Chapter Seventeen War Of Pride

Chapter Eighteen Subtle Warning

Chapter Nineteen Begging Honesty

Chapter Twenty The Little Lady

Chapter Twenty-One Just Us Two

Chapter Twenty-Two Conversations

Chapter Twenty-Three A Different Kind Of Pill

Chapter Twenty-Four Masquerade

Chapter Twenty-Five Expected Encounters

Chapter Twenty-Six Silent Works

Chapter Twenty-Seven The Announcement

Chapter Twenty-Eight Tourists

Chapter Twenty-Nine Flirtation

Chapter Thirty Embarkation

Chapter Thirty-One Honeymoon

Chapter Thirty-Two Fantasy

Chapter Thirty-Three Fruition

Chapter Thirty-Four Homecoming Gone

Chapter Thirty-Five Tears Of Love

Chapter Thirty-Six Necessary Changes

Chapter Thirty-Seven Suspicion

Chapter Thirty-Eight Moving On

Chapter Thirty-Nine Progression Of Life

Chapter Forty Riding High

Chapter Forty-One Consideration

Chapter Forty-Two New Experience

Chapter Forty-Three All Grown Up

Chapter Forty-Four A Beautiful Thing

Chapter Forty-Five Making Things All Right

Chapter Forty-Six Lies And Betrayal

Chapter Forty-Seven Family Acts

Chapter Forty-Eight Up To Speed

Chapter Forty-Nine Acceptance

Chapter Fifty Another Side Of Love

Chapter Fifty-One Incognito

Chapter Fifty-Two Challenging Affairs

Chapter Fifty-Three Friend Or Foe

Chapter Fifty-Four Just Another Day At The Office

Chapter Fifty-Five Ablaze

Chapter Fifty-Six A Familiar Thing

Chapter Fifty-Seven The Phoenix

Chapter Fifty-Eight The Waiting Game

Chapter Fifty-Nine Summit’s Rebirth

Chapter Sixty Back Home

Chapter Sixty-One Surprise

Chapter Sixty-Two If It Fits

Chapter Sixty-Three The Proof

Chapter Sixty-Four Reintroduction To Trouble

Chapter Sixty-Five What Makes Love

Chapter Sixty-Six Loving Love

Chapter Sixty-Seven Visitation

Chapter Sixty-Eight The Waiting Game

Chapter Sixty-Nine Until We Part

Chapter Seventy In The End

Chapter Seventy-One What Matters

You Excite Me

I present to you Love Has No Color Part Three: Love’s Legacy as an analogy. You stand before a restaurant; it is only one of many. You will not go in, however; you do not like fast food, and you have had it all. Despite your assumption, you take a chance, and surprisingly, a maître d’ greets you and sweeps you away into an exotic setting. The meal is succulent, served on fine china with real silverware on a white cotton tablecloth. You look forward to every memorable morsel.

Had you retained your uncertainty, you would have denied yourself the food, the finery, the ambience, and the experience. What if the restaurant was a bookstore and you stood before countless romance novels? Pick up a copy of the Love Has No Color trilogy. Engross yourself in Love Has No Color Part One; then wrap yourself between the covers of Love Has No Color Part Two: An Immeasurable Love before you begin this journey. Be pleasantly surprised. Come, walk with me.

Acknowledgments

I am truly humbled and appreciative of you who meld with the tale woven by the silken threads of my imagination. You constantly encourage me to continue writing, thereby providing me with writers’ tonic.

My heroines wrote or voiced the following:

Part One was truly exciting. The descriptive style left very little to the imagination. Continue to write!

Brenda Ferguson, Nassau

I just love seeing the author in you. What a great day!

Marcy Bramwell

I’m in love with your book; it [part 1] is truly masterfully written! Such a page turner! Girl, I drank that book [part 2]!

Angelina Micillo, educator

You should have written more books because you have the materials. Get busy and don’t waste your gift and precious time!

Diana McKenzie, home health aide /

certified nursing assistant

Your book is amazing. I had trouble putting it down and getting it out of my mind. You certainly know how to capture a reader!

Ruth Rolle, Acklins Island, Bahamas

Most stories peak then fall. You never stopped peaking.

Annie Taylor, Florida

Let me say, Real men do read fictional-romance novels! Messrs. Richard Bramwell, Kitti Sriparkhao, Mark McPherson, and Rodney Francis, to name a few who actually read my books, and Paul Blassingame, a connoisseur of books. You are my true heroes.

Special thanks to Mr. Christopher Samaroo for the unique cover art, Ms. Sherly Laborde, you know why, and to my readers: Marcy Bramwell, Xandria Berry, and Kitti Sriparkhao.

Allow me to quote the latter part of Matthew 18:16, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, Love’s Legacy has been presented.

This sequel not only lives up to expectation of its predecessors, but continues to engage and imprint on the readers’ hearts. The story builds chapter after chapter with colorful characters and details. Without straying from the main theme: Love and Family, Ms. Taylor also provides the framework of the reality of marriage and hard work in making the diamond last forever. She has created yet another outlet to the world in which love has no barriers, and is immeasurable to say the least. The story is inviting and yet puzzling and can be down-right frustrating, which leads to more craving. It is the story whose pages one cannot wait to turn and race to the last. Diving into the deep end of the story and using different narratives reintroduces readers to familiar but unexplored characters quite nicely. The narratives work well in relationship to other couples as they echo Nanzee and Basil’s push and pull relationship in the original book that started it all. It is a fine way to conclude the trilogy as it answers a lot of questions and still leaves the reader with quite an impressive way to say good bye. It is blindingly indulgent to relive the romance and the love in this installment!

—Kitti Sriparkhao

Why

Why are we so afraid to step over the imaginary lines

Of color, feigned superiority, imposed inferiority?

To find new challenges, talk of new dreams

When our hearts are true and need experiences anew

Why is it so hard and makes us all mad

To follow our subconscious and in each other believe?

Why do many, for the sins of a few, still suffer in vain

When there is such pain and everyone’s to blame?

We are afraid to trust, when in our hearts, the difference starts

Why are we scared to be the first to drop our guard?

For understanding and peace between the races

Our children, our world, on our togetherness depend

Do we not see the great war in silence? The tension in mistrust

Or the anxiety, a likely explosive, a threat to world peace?

Who will make the first move while our anemic hearts bleed

For racial harmony, the oneness God intended?

CHAPTER ONE

Choices

Madam Ruth Duval decided to join Gwen Duncan and her charge, Ananti Love, on their short vacation to Florida. It was a business trip arranged by Ananti’s father, Blaise Love, Basil Barden-Love’s twin brother, who wanted to unite his daughter with her estranged grandparents whom she had never known.

Gwen had requested the presence of Basil’s and my children to accompany them. Of course, Basil absolutely refused her request. He didn’t want them out of his sight even though my mother, who lived in Florida, said she’d be with them.

She has a job to do, and she doesn’t need the distraction of attending to my children.

Don’t get upset, Basil. We all know you won’t let them go. She’s probably just teasing.

I stroked his neck, and he looked up at me from his sitting position on the children’s bedroom floor. Finally, Leila and Leland came running into the room.

Where have you been? I asked.

Ananti doesn’t want us to go with her to the airport. She said we’ll cry after her.

Aw. Would you?

Leila pouted and threw her arms around my waist. She planted kisses on my belly, trying to evoke movement from her unborn sibling. Basil and I exchanged glances. He shook his head. She’ll be back soon, I cooed.

Guys, we’re leaving. You don’t have to come down. See you Sunday, Gwen called out.

I hurried from the room and to the stairs. Ananti, you’re leaving without saying good-bye to us?

I don’t want to say good-bye, Aunt Nanzee. We’ll be right back, the little lady said.

Uh-uh. I still need to hug you.

She came to meet me. I sat on the step and held her close. You go and show those people what they’ve been missing all these years. And please hurry back to me.

I love you, Ma Ma, she whispered to me.

I was a bit surprised; she hadn’t called me that in a while. She was smiling when I looked into her face. She embraced her cousins and Basil.

Come, Ananti. It’s time to go.

Coming, Pa Pa. Bye. She waved to us and took Blaise’s hand.

Have a good time, Gwen. I held her to me. There isn’t any chance you might stay there—you know, run away with our big girl and hold her for ransom, is there? I joked.

Funny you should say that, Nanzee. I feel like I’m guarding the most precious jewel. Please, don’t forget you’re my advocate in this place. She looked toward Blaise. I know why he’s sending us away.

We all have choices to make, Gwen. You just make sure you’re making the right one for you and our big girl. You shouldn’t be overly concerned with anyone else’s right now.

Her eyes relayed her agreement, but her deep sigh said she wanted to hear something more reassuring.

Be safe and take good care of her, Basil said.

Gwen embraced him and Sage, who clung to Basil’s neck as if she expected to be separated from him. When Gwen failed to move away quickly enough, Sage pushed against her. Ruth saluted us and promised to keep the family safe.

Our children clung to us and watched Gwen then Ruth file out behind Blaise and Ananti.

Momma, why can’t we go with them?

They’ll be right back, Leila, just as Ananti said. Come, Daddy is going to read to us.

She took one last look at the door and followed us back to the nursery.

CHAPTER TWO

Gwen

This was my second time traveling first-class on an airplane. Before Blaise’s offer, I hadn’t gone first-class on a plane or any other method of transportation, for that matter. But he had taken us first-class all the way to the Bahamas and back. I felt special. And I owed this to my girl, Nanzee Barden-Love.

I sneaked a glance at Ananti’s head propped up against my right arm. Her beautiful, curly hair was smoothed back and braided into one plait by her father. I could see her long black lashes when I peered down at her face. She was clingy this morning, and I certainly didn’t mind one bit. I couldn’t figure out if it was because she didn’t want to leave her cousins or her father. Maybe it was simply dread of the unknown. But with her settled against my body, I got a glimpse of the instinctive maternal love Nanzee always talked about. I guess she had to speak of it because she thought I wouldn’t understand its depth. But I did each time I looked at her gorgeous children. I knew what to expect because that was the way she was with her unlawfully handsome and charming husband. Watching them made me want to experience the absolute adoration they had for their children; I wanted to experience the kind of love they had for each other.

The more I watch them, the more convinced I am that theirs is a proven love that has nothing to do with the fact that the man is sinfully rich. It never was about money with Nanzee, I told Cynthia once while we were on our way to Summit.

Truly, she is no spendthrift, but she is no miser either was her offering.

That woman loves so hard I wonder sometimes if she knows there’s a downside to life. You know, its opposite?

He loves just as hard as she does. And I don’t think life has an opposite. Life is life and death is death. The twain shall never meet. They’re two different entities. There’s no amicable connection. You know what I mean? Like, life cannot die and death cannot live.

Oh, shut the fuck up, Cynthia! You and your damned philosophizing. But there is one thing I am sure of: either would sacrifice self for the other and for their children if it ever came to that.

I chuckled at the memory because Cynthia didn’t say another word to me until we had gotten out of the cab. I wished now that she had joined us. It was a good opportunity for her to see her family, but she had to work. At least, I hoped that was the only reason.

Once more, I checked Ananti’s face. There was no change. My heart ached for this precious little girl who believed she could have a mother on demand. When things didn’t go her way, I was sure she would think she could get rid of her mother du jour. I was sure that she was familiar with fairy tales, based on the number of books she had read in her short lifetime. If she was paying attention, those stories must have convinced her otherwise. I was determined to let her know that it doesn’t work like that. How much I could explain to her about the things that went on between a man and a woman without risking Blaise’s ire, I didn’t know. But she trusted me and, I dare say, loved me whether her father chose me or not.

Her affection, that was a marvelous thing though hard to comprehend. What was even more difficult to understand was this so-called relationship Blaise and I skirted around. I was walking on hot coals around him like he couldn’t see how they hurt the soles of my feet.

If I could, I’d write Nanzee a letter. I’d tell her that I truly understood why she tried to keep us and her parents out of her business. I knew that my mother would never believe what I was doing to get this man’s interest or what I was willing to do to keep that occasional glimmer of hope. I wasn’t being dishonest or nothing like that; it was worse. I wasn’t angry, and I’d stopped fighting for everything. That was not my way. With this man, the glitter was gold and the diamond was already mined. He was worth the difficulties.

I knew there wasn’t anything special about me that could command his attention, not like Basil and Nanzee. When they first looked into each other’s eyes, bam! That was it. Their souls were enmeshed. I saw it as clearly as fireworks on Independence Day; I just didn’t believe it. And after all these years, they still looked at each other with newness. Never had I seen them pass each other by without a smile, a gentle touch, or a downright Go get yourself a fucking room! embrace. It was so fucking special I always had to remind myself that there could be no other man like Basil and he was smitten—with my friend. I will never forget the way he held her neck the day they crashed into each other. Even then, he was obviously her protector. And now, their beautiful children were the sealant on their relationship.

Sure, Blaise looked like him, and I admit I still had trouble identifying them sometimes, but I was careful, like a mouse walking upright on a tightrope. There was a cauldron of boiling water to catch me if the cat ever came out and found me reaching for that chunk of cheese. But if I had the opportunity to be boned by Basil for one brief moment, I don’t think I could let Nanzee stand in the way. That would be all it took to ruin my best friendship ever. But I would never tell her that. She would not forget, nor would she forgive me. And worse, she’d be on alert. She was alert now but in that sleep mode called trust.

That aside, I had a chance at being with Blaise, and I wanted him enough to be the mouse; I planned to get that cheese from any woman he dared put before me, even if it was the last morsel I ever ate. Of course, it was all figurative.

Mademoiselle, as Madame Nanzee would say, ‘Penny for your thoughts?’

I looked into Ruth’s face, laughable with her damned spectacles on her nose. No, you wouldn’t want to know my thoughts. They were so frightening I thought I was having a nightmare.

I looked around at the bodyguards Blaise tacked onto us; he called them the Brown Brothers. They thought Ruth was funny. They sat directly behind us; the aisle between them gave easy access to us should anything go wrong. Like there was something they could do thousands of feet up in the air. And the one thing that could go wrong would equalize us all, pilots included. I never understood the separation between first class, business, and coach. Don’t get me wrong; I liked that it made me feel damned special. But except for the order and perhaps the quality of service, what happened to one happened to all. Then, what would it matter? If a tornado hit, how would one know whose house was kept neat and whose wasn’t? It was just another level of segregation, like the color issue. Cut me then cut a Caucasian; see if we both won’t bleed. I can talk this way now thanks to Nanzee. It was easier for me to see her father’s prejudice than it was for me to admit my own. It was no longer important to me now. Too many things had happened; the myth had been busted by the Love clan.

Ruth sat in the seat beside us, immersed in her reading once again. She looked up contemplatively and smiled.

I glanced out the window, remembering years ago when I had taken the trip with Nanzee to start our new lives. At that time, we had no idea our lives could change so drastically. Nanzee’s life became magical; mine, somewhat mediocre—until now, that is. The change was not because of the prestigious New York University; the change was brought about by a school of another kind. This school was run by the Love clan. Feeling most privileged to be a part of it, I bent to kiss Ananti’s head. She looked up at me with an angelic smile on her sweet face. I was surprised because I thought she was asleep.

I patted her head back into its former position though she had obviously shifted. She pulled her legs up into her chair. Now, her face was pressed up against my breast. It took her a long time to settle against it too. She was feeling around like a cat for the most comfortable position. I felt a little uncomfortable at first but thankful too that she would make me her pillow. We were going to bond on this trip. Silently I thanked Blaise for whatever drove him to hire me to be her companion. In hindsight, I didn’t give a shit if it was pity. This was the sweetest job. I know Cynthia was a hater by now; that was entirely her fault. I told her to get a job working for ErinOkee when they were hiring last summer. She wanted to know how many black people were working there and said she didn’t want to be a token. It was obvious she had never even visited their headquarters.

You’re talking about Basil and Blaise’s company. It’s not about color. It’s about what you can offer to the company. You could be like his brothers, traveling for them. I don’t give a damn about who is working there. They don’t pay my bills. I’d boldly put ‘friend of the boss’s wife’ on my application and expect to be hired! I had told her.

She didn’t want to hear it. We had to work harder to graduate, seeing we had to hold down jobs and all. Blue Vista Hotels gave me a position in their finance department as a junior CPA, where I stayed for four years. Then I got a call from Mrs. Stronger saying the manager of Blue Vista Upper East Side was retiring. She sort of left it hanging there like it had to be my decision; I sure as hell did apply for the position and got the job over quite a few seasoned employees. I was the best qualified, so I didn’t have to feel like I was being patronized; personnel didn’t have to boast about giving me the EEO treatment. Well, maybe I was qualified enough, but knowing the boss sure helped.

Cynthia was still stuck in the managerial position with the first company she went to right out of college. The travel agency had offered her partnership within one year. Later she found out she had to invest more than her time. And whom did she go to? I wanted to kick her ass, but she was determined to make it on her own. Basil ended up giving her a sizable amount of money. She had her good days with it and practically owned the company at one point. That was history now; she ended up selling out for a little more than she needed to pay Basil back. Nanzee said he put the money in a special account for her in case she wanted to start over. So far, she hadn’t taken him up on it.

After I left the city to become Ananti’s companion, I stopped trying to influence her into joining the winning team as I referred to the Loves. I didn’t ask her, and she never told me where her new job was or what she was doing. She was too damned evasive for me. The thing is, she didn’t tell Nanzee either. She still came to visit us though, and when she did, we were still the best of friends.

When Nanzee and I left Coconut Grove, it was as good as a one-way ticket. We were just going to sail off and leave our pasts behind. Nanzee probably considered mine tainted, though she never spoke of it. She didn’t have much of a past herself, so I guess she would have just disappeared into thin air. As it turned out, Nanzee hit the jackpot when she met Basil Barden-Love. He was every sensible woman’s dream, if she could believe he existed.

Cynthia and I, we believed in pouncing on opportunities, the two-legged kind. We didn’t think it was wise to leave things to chance in any aspect of our lives; I guess that’s why we never had much money. We paid the rent first, though, and ourselves second. In other words, we got what we wanted when we wanted it; to hell with food and other luxuries like credit card bills.

When Cynthia and I forced Nanzee’s hand in our early years, she was hurt by our betrayal. We had to, not that our intentions were pure. No, she wanted Basil in the worst way, and we didn’t trust her to do anything about it. We had to face the fact that among us, she was the only one with options. But we thought Nanzee had some real life lessons to learn. If she learned them hot and fast, she’d be back in a flash and glued to us for life.

Or so we thought. Once she left, however, we had to make some changes and fast. We had become too dependent on her; that wasn’t good. Of course, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect her to lose out in the end. Both Cynthia and I knew she’d come crawling back to the loft on Creston Street, with black eyes from his missus. We even took bets that she’d fail a semester or two and that it’d really humble her ass, bring her back down to size. And even though she had money, we didn’t think she could make it on her own; running a house, so to speak, would have taken too much attention from her studies. That was why we weren’t concerned about the landlord, Mr. Oglebee, finding out she was no longer there.

She was some sort of favorite tenant to the fat old bastard. But we knew she wasn’t doing him no favors; that’s why it was such a shock when he came expecting it from us, saying it was a very little price for being allowed to stay so close to the university.

I know you entertain boyfriends, and I haven’t said anything. But that’s all right. I can share, he had said.

We told him we had to talk about it and asked him to come back the following evening. It took us a moment, but Cynthia and I fixed his fat ass just fine. After we were done terrorizing him, he had to give us a lease for the duration of our school days. Nanzee knew nothing of it, naturally. Why bother her? She was just what that Oglebee needed to make our agreement null and void no matter what we did with the pictures we used to coerce him into servitude. Then we’d all be out in the street and possibly charged with blackmailing the poor sucker.

When Nanzee failed to return home by the beginning of the semester, we knew things with Basil were not what we expected. I began to respect the man; I was once again ashamed of my jealousy. If things worked out for Nanzee, she was set for life. I began to dread my decision to push her away. In her absence, I learned some terrible things about myself and what I considered to be friendship. Cynthia said she did too.

We were freaking out because we didn’t know where to look for her. Despite our conniving, we thought cutting all ties with us for a man was still not something Nanzee would do. Perhaps it was not under ordinary circumstances because she had done it, and it was obvious to us that she wasn’t coming back. Either he was a seasoned adulterer, and he certainly had the looks and the means, or Nanzee was not as innocent as we thought. Not once did we consider that she might have been hurt, nor did we give credence to her love for the man. We were sure of one thing though: he couldn’t have loved her back.

We stayed up nights talking about her and wondering what became of her, but we dared not tell her parents. It was a good thing her father had sworn he had no daughter. Of course, we lied to her mom about her whereabouts; we didn’t want her to worry. Nanzee made it easy for us; she had secluded herself from them once she met Basil. I guess it was because she couldn’t admit to them that he was taken and white. Maybe at that time, she really didn’t know he was divorced.

I gave Cynthia the job of locating her at all costs. We learned nothing except she was still attending the university. When we went to check her address, she hadn’t changed it yet. Cynthia tried following her, but most times, she nearly lost her job because she went in late. Nanzee hung with her debate team a lot or walked the long way home. She must have sensed she was being shadowed, yet we took turns stalking her during our limited free time. I remembered the times I watched her back longingly. She looked so lonely; I knew he had to have deserted her. We certainly had done so. Perhaps she was too ashamed to come back. But I wanted my friend beside me; I needed her back in my life.

There seemed to be no hope for our friendship until our spring break. After our return from Florida, I went to find her; the doorman said I should come back later since she wasn’t there. I was a little pissed because she’d found time to travel but not to Florida with us. The wait was worth it. Even now it made me smile, seeing her walk on the arm of that devastatingly handsome man with her bouquet of flowers. I thought I’d die. It wasn’t jealousy this time though; it was gratitude with just a hint of unmitigated jealousy.

Are you thinking of my pa pa? Ananti’s honeysuckle voice kissed my tympanic membrane. She hadn’t moved a muscle but to speak. If she would ever call me Ma Ma in that tone, I would faint.

What game are you playing? I thought you were asleep all this time.

She chuckled, and Ruth shook her head at her.

I won’t sleep without my pa pa to keep me safe.

You’ve got Ruth and me. Nothing’s going to happen to you. And don’t forget the Brown Brothers. I looked over my shoulder at them. Go to sleep now and you won’t have to take a nap before we go to Disney, I said, feeling quite like a parent to my wise protégée.

When we meet my grandmama, may I call you Ma Ma?

Get to practicing, child. Ruth’s shoulders shook with silent laughter.

About an hour into the flight, Ananti was asleep. I slipped the blanket over her legs and tightened my arm around her. Ruth raised her brows. I felt like Blaise was watching me. I only hoped I wouldn’t have to tell Ruth to fuck off this weekend. I liked her a lot.

She adores you, Mademoiselle.

I didn’t know what to say to Ruth’s comment, but I was reminded of something Basil said to me once. He diagnosed me as a hothead. He was right, and now was a good time to start practicing to be a gentler me; I was going to adopt the look before you leap to conclusions adage.

The feeling is certainly mutual.

I wondered who Blaise was seeing this weekend. I was so tired of this shit, but I felt there was no choice left me. It was affecting me in every way. I loved Ananti, and I would not think twice about taking a bullet for her. Not that I planned on going down like that, but that goddamned fool with the gun had better be sure that his first shot counted ’cause my retaliation wouldn’t be like Nanzee’s slaps and weak punches. I would go for the balls even if he hadn’t grown them yet, and I’d rip them out with my teeth. And—

Is that smoke I see? Your brain is probably on overload. If you’re not careful, you are going to explode, Mademoiselle.

More like implode. And I ain’t sharing my thoughts with you, Ruth!

I kind of giggled within; how could I tell her I was about to desexualize some phantom in the name of love for my little girl?

She patted my hand. You are in dire need of relaxation. It’s a good thing that I carry my services with me. Madame thought you might need it.

I smiled at her. I was in dire need of relaxation all right but more on the lines of quenching my edacious appetite for this little girl’s father. I could smoke a carton of cigarettes after that. Maybe I’d chain his ass to the bed and make him my sex slave as punishment for parading other women in front of me. I wrestled with the thought that he might be stringing me along underfoot once more. It was getting stronger each time it demanded my attention.

By late afternoon, we had worn ourselves out by exploring just a tiny part of Disney World in Orlando. Luckily for me, Ananti did not insist on doing any of the fun things, like the water rides. She said Nanzee promised to bring them all together, and she wanted to wait for her cousins.

We have lots of fun together, she boasted as if I didn’t know.

Once we had dinner at Blue Vista, I finally took the time to contact Jenna’s parents. I was impatient while listening to their maid speak heavily accented broken English. It didn’t roll off the tongue as well as her native language, whatever the hell that was. It was kind of musical though, some sort of Indian-American English patois.

Ananti was lying on her bed, sorting out the Disney souvenirs she bought for her cousins. If Nanzee didn’t know how to spend her husband’s money, this child knew she was her daddy’s princess and shopped like one. I had the hardest time in talking her out of purchases. Ruth was no help; she left all decisions concerning Ananti to me.

That’s enough! I had to tell her finally. I had put out my hand for her purse. Surprisingly, she gave it to me immediately and without so much as a pout.

If I didn’t know it before, I realized now that this child wanted someone to tell her that no, she couldn’t do whatever she wanted. I felt sad for her. Whenever Leila and Leland were chastised, I guess she wanted the same. She knew her aunt and uncle would lay down the law but leave final decisions to her father, and he, well, as far as she was concerned, he was alone. The way I felt for her now had to equal what Nanzee often talked about. This was love indeed.

She climbed into bed beside me, and I read to her. I thought she was too big for that, but I loved feeling she needed me to fill in for Jenna. When she fell asleep, I moved into her bed and pulled out my phone.

CHAPTER THREE

Competition

Our children were all in their beds. Blaise had arrived with his guest, and our cameras seemed to favor her. Adele Faison was her name. She was beautiful, fair, tall, and elegant, just the kind of woman you might expect to see on the arm of such a handsome man. She looked no more than twenty though Blaise said she was older. This would be Aunt Phoebe’s preference for her son as she referred to him.

The shapely, delicate creature seemed straight out of charm school. Her auburn hair was piled into a french twist. A rich, lush wave of hair kissed her brow as it sailed across her forehead to the left side of her face and behind her ear to become part of the french twist. I pictured her as the teacher’s pet in charm school, a heavy tome balanced on her head. She walked gracefully across the foyer toward the den where Blaise had arranged for us to meet. He walked so close behind her I thought he’d put his arm around her waist or his hand at the small of her back. They were beautiful together.

She wore a delicate, unbuttoned cream-colored cowl-necked sweater over a fitted black blouse and pencil skirt. The sweater pronounced her perfect figure. Black-strapped shoes of the highest-quality Italian leather were made to order, undoubtedly. Her shapely legs would stop any man in his tracks. Blaise certainly knew how to pick them. I sympathized with Gwen because if this was the kind of physical beauty and charm Blaise needed beside him, she had no chance at all.

Gwen’s beauty was in her honest character and no-nonsense attitude, even in her fear of rejection. That was always the humble side of her until she became defensive, as she inevitably did. Since meeting Blaise, something else had developed inside her, and it emanated from her very pores when he was near. As much as she tried to hide or pretend that she didn’t, she loved him. What surprised me most was that she hadn’t exploded in her impatience.

This creature, her worthy competition, seemed to exude self-confidence in her ability to charm Blaise. I wished Gwen could see this, but then again, I was glad she couldn’t. A kettle could bear the fire for only so much before it threatened to raise the lid.

Blaise’s whole day was one fabulous strategy. He had taken the traveling party to Newark Airport, where he parked the Royce and waited for Adele. She was taken to a hotel, and they spent their day roaming around town, he told me. So it appeared to be great timing on his part when they came in after the children were asleep. This time, he didn’t go to wish them good night. Instead, he had called ahead and spoken to them, pledging his love and promising to see them in the morning.

Lady Pinkerton, who greeted our offer of retirement with laughter, and Aunt Phoebe had also retired for the evening. They told me they would stay up only if Gwen was about.

What fireworks that would be, Aunt Phoebe had said.

*     *     *

Basil and I descended the stairs, holding hands. It was so quiet now that if we didn’t have company, we’d have to find something to do. Both Blaise and Adele stood up when we entered the room. I hadn’t seen the half of her beauty. Her blue eyes widened when she took Basil’s hand. They spoke fluent French.

Adele, this is my wife, Nanzee.

She extended her hand, and for a moment, her eyes rested on my belly. I took her soft hand and greeted her in English. She continued to speak in French, but I suspected she was as fluent in English. That would make her more suitable for Blaise. He was the type of man you could not woo with a blasé attitude. Gwen was the only woman I knew to have an interest in Blaise and no knowledge of the language.

Adele wanted to know where the children were. Basil explained it was their bedtime. She also wanted to know if I was having another set of twins. I understood every word.

Tell her I don’t know, I told Basil in French.

Blaise laughed at her surprise and explained that I never discuss the subject. She looked perplexed and proceeded to apologize. Basil sat beside me; he assured her that I wasn’t offended but that I was keeping it a secret from him. That shocked her even more.

I like surprises, so I appease her. All I need to know now is that she is healthy and the pregnancy is proceeding as it should, he explained.

Her smile was uncertain, but she was a good sport. She seemed relieved when we began talking about the weather, the European countries, her childhood there, and how she met Blaise. Personally, I found it a little boring; I could see the experience of life in her youthful face, and it was being harnessed. She appeared to be old wine in a new bottle upon closer inspection. Were she not Gwen’s rival, I would have enjoyed engaging her in a conversation about her past experiences. Our histories must have been as different as day and night. But I was sure my Basil had brought me quite up to speed. I moved my hand over my belly.

I kept thinking of Gwen and how she was faring in Florida. They had been there for hours now and were settled at the hotel. Once she had contacted Ananti’s grandparents, they had asked to come see her right away. It was Gwen’s decision that they meet in the morning after breakfast in their Blue Vista suite.

I’ll make them wait another night, she told me. Like after almost eleven years, what’s the rush? I’m putting her to bed after we explore this place.

Gwen was going for the Oscar with her new role. She was totally in love with Ananti, her father, and the hope this new role presented. But she had no idea how stiff her competition was.

Basil’s hand on my knee reminded me we had company. Deliberately I turned the conversation to children. I really wanted to know if Adele was aware of Ananti. She sat cross-legged next to Blaise in front of us. Being a highly sensuous woman myself and knowing how delectable Blaise’s twin was, I could see her desires for him and how she played them off by looking sneakily over Basil and at my belly where he kept a hand. I wondered if she was comparing the possibilities. It was obvious she was acquainted with their likeness and was probably weighing what she considered their differences. I held Basil’s hand in place, and her eyes followed our movements.

You’re fascinated by my, um, situation.

Her laughter was charming, but I questioned the timeliness of it. She sat on the edge of the love seat and smoothed down her figure from waist to knees when I asked if she wanted children. She glanced at Blaise, who sat uncharacteristically quiet. He had his phone in his hand; he seemed to be elsewhere. Basil and I clasped hands. I appreciated his smile and that his eyes didn’t scold me for my inquisitiveness.

I think they’re fantastic little… things, but I’m not ready to give up my life or my figure to have one. She ran a hand over Blaise’s arm and settled on holding his hand between both of hers. Though, I must say, I would consider it for him. He will be a fantastic father.

She smiled meaningfully into his eyes. He smiled back at her; as soon as she looked away, he winked at me.

Basil stood up. "I might not be privy to which or how many babies we’re having, honey, but I know it’s time you get some rest. Venez avec moi, ma femme."

He took my hand and helped me up. As I stood before him, his arms encircled me from behind and he breathed deeply into my hair. I smiled up at him, and he kissed me unhurriedly.

When he released me, Adele was staring down at her hands on her lap, which were void of Blaise’s. Blaise was smiling at us as he often did when we displayed our affection.

See you in the morning, my lovely sister. He rose up and kissed me.

Basil shook Adele’s hand and said good night. He turned to Blaise, and wearily they collapsed in each other’s arms. Time to turn in. We have a date in the gym before we see to the horses.

Blaise nodded and released him. He turned to Adele and asked, Mademoiselle, I know you’re tired. Are you ready for bed? We will get your things, and Madame Nanzee will show you to your rooms, he said.

She pondered a moment then agreed, disappointment in her lovely eyes. I suspected tiring her out during the day was Blaise’s idea. She was obviously ready for bed, but with him.

Come, and welcome to our nest, I told her. We were at the top of the stairs when I looked back. Blaise had disappeared, but Basil stood at the foot of the stairs, watching. He smiled and shook his head.

I can’t believe this is the last time. He turned away and disappeared through the kitchen and into the garage.

Adele was smiling at me, a curious sparkle in her gorgeous eyes. What does he mean, Madame? she asked in English.

I held my abdomen. I’m waddling at this stage, and I must be quite a sight climbing the stairs. He loves to watch me. This is my last pregnancy. He won’t see this again.

It looks quite laborious to me. How ever do you breathe?

I take one breath at a time and one step at a time… same as everyone else. I do have an active life keeping up with my husband and our children.

Madame Nanzee, it is shocking to me that you already have four children. It doesn’t seem possible.

Two pregnancies times two children. That’s about right.

Even now, you… you carry exceptionally well.

Thank you.

But your body, Madame, it must be traumatized.

I smiled at the great concern on her face. Then I watched what I thought was her women’s-liberation side kicking in. I realized now that Blaise hadn’t said much to her about our family. That wasn’t a good sign for Adele. This weekend was promising to be an eye-opener for us all—in particular, for Mademoiselle Faison.

We gave Adele Mom and Dad’s regular suite. At the door, we wished her and Blaise good night once more and stopped to look in on our children. Although each had their own bed, in the girls’ room, we found Leila and Sage in one bed, and we found Sachem on Leland’s in the boys’ room. That was not the way we had started them out. Basil and I smiled at each other. I wondered who was pretending to sleep when we tucked them in. Of course, it had to be Leila and Leland. It just had to be. But later, when we checked the monitoring system, we were shocked to find that it was Sage who climbed into Leila’s bed and burrowed her head beneath her arm until Leila woke up. She had patiently cradled Sage to her, and they were immediately out like lights. About an hour later, Leland had awakened and gone to the bathroom. When he returned, Sachem was sitting in bed, crying. Leland climbed into bed beside him and patted his back until he was too sleepy to continue; he hadn’t realized that Sachem had long fallen asleep.

Mystery solved! Basil said.

Like father, like children!

We spent little time talking about Adele and Blaise.

I say no.

I’m afraid she’s won him over by her sheer good looks.

Basil disagreed. She’s too self-centered.

You think Gwen’s got a chance, then?

I don’t know. Did she call him tonight?

I guess so because he didn’t ask me any questions. He was preoccupied. I was thinking of Gwen while we were talking to Adele. I feel sorry for Gwen. Don’t you?

I know you do, and that’s why I wanted you to come to bed. You’re very high-strung. You need your medicine.

Since you’re dispensing, I’ll have a double dose, thank you.

Before he joined me in bed, he turned on the monitor for a final look around. Well, he said.

For a little while, we watched our guest tapping on Blaise’s door and listening to her phone. Getting no answer either way, she turned the handle. I could feel her frustration as she paced back and forth in front of Blaise’s locked door. With an indignant flick of her head, she finally returned to her room, daubing her eyes.

I climbed into bed and waited for Basil to join me. He can’t be asleep, I said, and Basil agreed. It must be so frustrating. Poor girl.

Basil pressed my shoulders back on the bed and cuddled me. Can we leave everyone out now?

In less than a nanosecond, I had forgotten about everyone but the man between my thighs loving me ravenously as if he were deprived for a long time.

CHAPTER FOUR

Sunrise

For a while, I gazed into Basil’s sleeping face amid the long strands of his wild hair. He was resting peacefully on the mountain of pillows against which he had pleasured me during our busy night. His head was tilted way back on the pillows so that his neck was bare and his chin jutted up. His arms were stretched out like an eagle’s wings across more pillows. Ridges formed by the weight of my head on his upper arm left red welts there.

While he snored softly, I tugged my snug robe closed and traipsed through the thick carpet to look out at the day rise. It was only five o’clock; the sun would be up in about a half hour. The forecast seemed a little dismal, but rain was not expected.

According to the monitor, the children were still asleep. I watched them a while longer then crossed the floor to look over the waters. I could almost feel rather than hear them caress the rocks only to foam their way back into the greater body—the pattern of ebb and flow. So much like lovemaking, so much like life itself.

Not long ago, my children and I had begun this ritual of watching the sunrise, but it was rare for them to awaken at such a time. I was content to enjoy it alone. And it came, a sliver of light across the edge of the waters, ever rising in the distance. Tonight, with the turn of my head in the opposite direction, I would witness the setting of the sun. I placed my face up against the cool windowpane to get a more in-depth look although I was practically surrounded by glass. I watched the sunlight spread inch by inch like the Midas touch to demolish all darkness into a feathery golden hue. In the distance, it stood out boldly, its resultant light like an eagle’s widespread wings. I could face it no longer. I blinked and turned away.

Basil sat on the bench, smiling at me. Good morning, sunshine, he said softly. I dreamt about you. You revealed to me what we’re having. I couldn’t be more pleased.

What are we having?

I will tell you after you tell me, but I won’t if you won’t. He strode off to the bathroom while totally naked.

I looked out the windows, smiling and squinting at the glorious day. A quick view of the monitor showed that the children were up as well; they had risen with their sun, their beautiful father, or perhaps they were the wings that had brought the sun out of obscurity.

Sage was crying, and Leila struggled to console her. This would have been where Ananti came in, but she was absent. Leila must have called for Leland because he took Sachem’s hand and they went running. As Basil stepped from the bathroom, I hurried in.

He turned up the volume on the monitor while he dressed. I’ll take care of it. You can go back to bed, he said. After a few moments, he followed me in. I’m going to see about them. I think Sage wet the bed. Nothing big, I’m sure.

I hurried because he was due to meet Blaise in the gym. I supposed I would have to entertain Adele. I wondered if she’d be going to the stables with them. If she didn’t ride, that would increase Gwen’s chances. I laughed at my scorekeeping.

By the time I got downstairs, everyone was up and ready for their day. The children were excited as they waited for their breakfast; they were dressed in their work clothes, and their after-work clothing were already put aside for the trip to the pool-house showers.

They all sang a good-morning chorus to me except Sage, who looked at me timidly. I went over to her. What’s the matter with Mommy’s baby?

She looked around shyly and teary eyed.

It’s okay, Sage. We understand, Leila said.

You want to tell me about it? I asked since Leila couldn’t seem to soothe her. I knelt down by her chair and gave her my ear.

I wet myself, she cried with embarrassment.

It’s okay, honey. It happens all the time. We’ll just clean it up and put on clean sheets. Is that okay?

Leila came over and kissed her. I used to wet my bed too. I don’t anymore since I got to be big. And don’t worry, you can still sleep with me.

Come, honey. You shouldn’t be kneeling on the floor like this. The children are fine. Right, Sage? No more crying.

She twisted her hair and looked up at Basil. Finally, she nodded and gave him a smile.

Basil helped me up from the floor. You’re right, Basil. I should leave the kneeling for our room.

You should be careful with what you say. I might just take you back to bed so you can show me what you’re talking about.

We giggled smugly at Basil’s stern voice.

Leland’s stare got our attention. He’d become very quiet.

Bonjour, Uncle Blaise! Leila shouted.

Sage followed suit, waving to him. Then a whole lot of gleeful greetings followed.

Bonjour! came Adele’s silvery voice. The children went quiet.

Don’t stare, my darlings. Say good morning, Basil encouraged them. They all greeted Adele, still staring. Sage looked up at me.

Who is that, Mommy? She pointed to the stranger.

Blaise picked her up and kissed her under her neck. When he finally put her down, she continued to stare at Adele in a most curious way, so did Sachem. They watched her every move.

This is Mademoiselle Adele Faison. She is a friend of mine. She’s visiting us for a week. Will you welcome her?

Welcome, Mademoiselle Adele Faison! Leila and Leland called like they did when introduced to a teacher.

Hi! Sachem said softly with a wave of his hand.

Blaise smiled in appreciation. He turned to look at Sage, who pouted and hid against my upper arm.

Won’t you say hello? he asked.

No!

Blaise knelt next to her, coaxing her to be sociable. Basil and I glanced at each other. I knew exactly what he was thinking.

Say hello for Uncle, Blaise pleaded with her.

No! Sage said fiercely, her brows wrinkled.

Don’t be rude, honey, Basil sang. Mademoiselle Adele is a guest in our home. You must make her feel welcome.

She looked at Basil then at me. Her siblings were waiting for her. She begrudgingly grumbled her hello. Leila and Leland began to chant hello. She laughed.

Hello! she said to Adele.

I told you, they’re wonderful, Blaise said to Adele. He walked around us, greeting each with a kiss.

Adele, who had been staring at them, finally took a breath and smiled. She had to improve on her sincerity because the children would continue to show her up. Despite their greetings, they were still staring at her—not particularly a good sign.

I had my scorecard ready to check her off, but then my heart flipped. Did he just say she’s here for a week? This was only the second day, and Gwen would be back tomorrow. Sure, she could disappear within the walls of Summit for the entire week without being discovered, but I knew that was not Blaise’s intent. I was deeply concerned. I hoped Blaise knew what he was doing; he couldn’t have been stupid enough to think Gwen would let go of the smidgen of hope he gave her. And I hoped Gwen meant it when she said she was giving him time or that she’d accept his decision. Wait until she got a look at her competition. But she still held the golden ring: Ananti.

When breakfast was over, I watched our excited children rush from the room to brush their teeth. The older twins then took their clothing and hurried behind their uncle and his guest.

Children, say bye to Mommy.

Au revoir! They circled back and, with only quick kisses for me, went running out the door behind Blaise.

Darling, you’re hyperventilating. What’s the matter? Basil came to stand at my side.

Basil, she’s here for a week! Gwen returns tomorrow. You don’t see anything wrong with that?

No, I don’t. What could be wrong with it? Nanzee, you’re interfering again. He reached out and closed my mouth.

No, I’m not! He kept staring at me until I broke down and laughed. Okay, but it’s not really interference because I’m only thinking.

If that were the case, how would I know?

We’re one. We know what the other thinks. I gave him a demure look that made him smile.

We’re going to the stables now. Will you come out to watch them ride?

Won’t miss it for the world. Can you tell me why Aunt Phoebe wanted to have breakfast in her room today? Is she well?

"Now you two have something