Chapter 15

Their wedding took the business world and society by surprise, mostly because it was so sudden, and the bride wasn’t the groom’s usual type. There were speculations of course. Wasn’t he seen with Diana, the actress, just a week or so ago? What happened there? And why the rush?

It wasn’t even done in a church, but at the courthouse. They managed to dig up the bride’s past of course and by the time the wedding came around, had romanticized every aspect of it. She had been brought up in a group home, along with best friend Justin Moncrieffe who was a famous international model.

It had at one time being speculated that the two were romantically involved, until there were rumors that he was gay. The model had never confirmed or denied it and when questioned about his sexual preferences, he had refused to comment.

Cathy Delgado was a fascinating mystery. She was on billboards showcasing her designs along with said model and was there something about her meeting the groom online? When asked to comment on that, the couple remained mute.

The dating app in question refused to dish about their famous clients of course, no doubt in fear of being sued. After all, Earl Drummond was a very powerful man.

Three days before the nuptials, the couple made their first public appearance at a society gala where interestingly enough, the actress, Diana, was also present.

But to the avid curiosity of the crowd, she appeared to be serene about the makeup, which they concluded that the woman was a very talented actress. Because rumor had it that she had been hoping for a reconciliation with her very wealthy ex.

It was also noted that the couple seemed to be absorbed with each other. They held hands and were never far from each other. The sister, Evelyn, appeared to be chummy with the intended bride as they were seen whispering to each other during the event.

Anticipation leading up to the wedding was rife and Cathy could not go anywhere without being accosted by the press.

It was annoying.

“Get used to it.” Was Justin’s sage advice. “The public love a good love story and you and Drummond have provided them with a doozy. Former nobody raised in a group home captures the heart of one of the most eligible bachelors of the year or is it the century.”

“You are not helping.”

He grinned. “I am just preparing you for what you are in for. You were already noteworthy even though you always stay out of the public’s eye. Now, you are going to be even more so.

Not only are you well-known for your provocative and outlandish designs, but you have also now become the fiancée of an immensely powerful man and has now joined the elite clique of women making strides worldwide. Your popularity is going to explode.”

And his prediction was accurate.

She received phone calls from designers who wanted her to wear something of theirs.

“As if I am not a damn designer,” she complained to Monique.

“No one expects you to be designing your own dress,” her friend pointed out.

Now standing in front of her mirror, clad in a stunning combination of champagne and baby blue lace and wool, Cathy studied her reflection critically.

In the week before her wedding, she had worked feverishly on the design of her dress, wanting it to be something special. She was not going the traditional route, but she wanted to look spectacular. Needed it actually.

She was not a size two white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes and people had subtly made the comment that she was not Earl’s usual type.

She was a size twenty Black woman who was far from being petite. Her breasts were large, so were her hips and thighs. Yes, her stomach was flat because she worked out whenever she had the time.

Comments had been made about her flawless caramel complexion and her almost waist length hair, as if her critics were trying to find something to explain why Earl had chosen her.

His lawyers, the damn sharks had plied her with questions and legalese before handing her a thick enough document that could rival the Great American novel and curtly instructed her to consult her attorney before signing.

Earl had firmly intervened and demanded a less daunting document. She had signed with relish, knowing without a doubt that she wanted the man, not his money. Never his money.

She also knew he had had experiences from money hungry women who did not bother to look past his wealth and see the man. But she did. And because of that, she would have signed every document they handed her.

She had seen the gratitude and apologetic look on his handsome face and was rewarded for her effort.

She was going to become Mrs. Earl Drummond and was unapologetically ready to shelve her name and assume his. The man who had used his sperm to form her had long since disappeared and the woman who had birthed her had not care one way or the other. So, getting rid of the name Delgado was no hardship at all.

A sound inside the doorway had her looking up to see Justin standing there. He had spent the night with her. Teresa had been here last night but had left to go over to Byron’s place.

Earl had not been pleased that she was staying away from him, worse when he discovered that Justin was going to be there. “Doesn’t he have a place of his own?”

“Please don’t start that again.” She had begged him.

“You look…” he shook his head as he gazed at her. “I had my doubts about the dress, but it’s uniquely you.” He came further into the room. “I wanted to give you my gift now.”

“You didn’t have to.”

He gave her a look. “Please do not insult me. Of course I have to.” Reaching into the pocket of his dark blue sports jacket, he took out an oblong box and opened the clasp. Cathy went still as she stared at the stunning diamond and emerald bracelet.

“Justin, I…”

“You are my family.” His voice was rough with emotions. “When I started making a ridiculous amount of money, you would deny me the pleasure of showering you with it. When you wanted to buy the material necessary to start your company, you would only accept a loan, and it pissed me off.”

Taking the bracelet out, he tossed the box on the love seat and clasped it around her wrist. “You have been my rock, my everything and I love you so much.” There was a suspicious brightness in his eyes. “I only want to know that I will never lose you.”

“You bastard.” She sniffed as she went into his arms. “That flake Bernard just now finished doing my makeup and you are about to make me ruin it.” She hugged him, her throat tight. His arms came around her and they stood that way for a few minutes.

“You keep saying you hope you will never lose me.” Lifting her head, she stared at his beautiful face. “How can I lose an essential part of me?” One hand lifted to touch his cheek. “That can never happen.”

“Waterproof?” He tilted her chin up, his thumb pressing her shimmering nude lipstick.

“Kiss proof as well.”

“Perfect.” Bending his head, he kissed her deeply. “Still nothing?” He arched a brow at her and made her laugh.

“Just a little something.”

“Good enough. Ready darling?”

She nodded.

“Then let’s go.”

*****

They had decided that instead of the soulless courthouse, they would get married in a church. At first, Cathy had been hesitant. Years ago, she and Justin had been forced to endure long and boring ceremonies where several men who called themselves messengers from God would make their obligatory appearances on Sunday mornings to impart the ‘good news.’

They had been nothing more than thrill seekers who had preached fire and damnation and drilled fear into children already traumatized by their circumstances.

When she got out, she had stayed away from anything to do with a church building, declaring that they were all hypocrites. But one Sunday, feeling the need to reexamine herself, she had decided to start attending the Baptist church in her neighborhood and found it to be quite pleasant and different from what she was used to.

The pastor was nice and nonjudgemental, his preaching leaning more to the wonderful and abiding love of God. When she approached him, he had immediately agreed to perform the ceremony and had insisted on a few days of counseling.

“Why?” Cathy had asked him.

He had stared at her with kind, light blue eyes, a smile wreathing his face.

“Because, my dear sister, it is mandatory and I would not feel as if I were conducting the Lord’s work, if I did not offer my contribution. I am aware of the publicity surrounding your announcement and know it is not going to be easy living in the public’s eyes.

I want you to know that putting God first in your marriage is going to be the best thing you can ever do.”

So, she had acquiesced and convinced Earl to do the same.

She certainly had not expected the women of the church to go to the lengths of decorating the chapel. But as soon as she stepped into the vestibule with Justin, she noticed the lovely flowers occupying every flat surface.

Then her attention was caught by the man standing with his hands folded in front of him, gray eyes staring at her, and everything else faded into the background.

He had on a formal dark blue suit with a pearl pink shirt. His ink black hair was brushed severely back from his broad forehead and the expression on his handsome face told everyone seated in the chapel that he only had eyes for her.

Leaving his place at the altar, he approached them and giving Justin a curt nod, he took her gloved hands in his.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Her hands gripped his.

“You are exquisite.”

“I already told her that.”

Earl’s head snapped him as he gave the man a pulverizing look that did not faze him.

“I think your duty here is done.”

“Uh nuh.” He grinned. “Not until the minister says I am done.”

“Boys…”

Both of them took a hand each and led her the rest of the way. The few guests noticed the exchanged and smiled in amusement at the rivalry going on between the two men.

An innovative reporter had sneaked in, despite the guards Earl had put in place and snapped pictures of the couple exchanging their vows.

*****

Evelyn had insisted on hosting the reception at her elegant townhouse. Her husband, George was an amicable man with a ready smile and pleasant demeanor.

When Cathy had first met him, he had drawn her to him and whispered. “Welcome to the family. I am a simple lawyer who is married to a powerful woman. We will of course align with each other.”

“Don’t let him fool you, Cathy.” Evelyn had told her laughingly. “He is quite a shark in the courtrooms.”

It was clear to see that they adored each other.

Earl had confided that his sister never got over not been able to conceive, but her husband was very supportive and did not love her any less.

The reception was not as small and private as the wedding and the luxurious gold and white living room was overflowing with guests.

After the vows were exchanged, the newly-weds had been whisked to a private garden where pictures were taken.

Cathy had stopped off at her place long enough to change into a pearl pink sweater and flowing white lounge pants. Her hair was still loose around her face, and she looked radiant.

“I didn’t expect anything like this,” she exclaimed to her new sister-in-law. With her husband’s diamond set of rings on her finger, she was officially Mrs. Earl Drummond.

“It’s not every day I see my brother so happy.” Evelyn said with a smile. “You have done the impossible, darling. And for that, I would have gone to any lengths to do this.”

“Oh Evelyn, thanks.”

“Now shoo.” She pushed Cathy in the direction of the table with the temptingly delicious looking champagne cake. “It’s time to do the honors.”

“Happy?” Her husband asked her half an hour later after the formalities had dispensed with and they were dancing their first dance as a couple.

“Ecstatic!” She said dreamily. Her hands were wrapped around his neck, and they were swaying to the mellow sound of the live band Evelyn had hired. Their guests include several of the ‘wives’ and their husbands. Justin was in his element, entertaining some of their friends. He had insisted on giving her a toast, much to Earl’s annoyance.

His words had been flowery and intimate, giving no doubt as to his extreme affection for the bride.

He had also issued the warning to the groom that he was not deserving of such fine a woman and if he hurt a hair on her head, Earl would answer to him. He had seen the wisdom of tempering the speech, by adding that Earl was a welcome addition to the family.

“I really ought to boot him from my sister’s house.”

“Darling…”

Shaking his head, he smiled at her. “I adore you and because I do, I am going to strive very hard to get along with him.”

“That’s all I am asking.” She peered at him anxiously. “He can be quite annoying.”

“That is putting it mildly. But he is your family, and you are mine, so that makes him mine as well.”

She never thought she could love him any more than she already did.

“I want to get out of here.” She whispered huskily.

He went still at the naked desire on her exquisite face.

“For?”

She nudged him in the middle and felt his instantaneous reaction. “I don’t think I need to spell it out, but I want to. You are my husband and the love of my life. I want to do things to you that is going to require you taking off all your clothes.”

He had to swallow the lump in his throat. His hands tightened around her waist as he brought her closer to him. “Is that right?”

“Hmm.” Her fingers trailed over his stubborn chin with the slight cleft in the middle. “I want to start with your very adventurous mouth and work my way down to your chest. And then your stomach before using my tongue on that part of you that never fails to drive me crazy.”

He was painfully hard, and his clothing felt as if it was cutting off his air. “I think it’s time we said our goodbyes.” He whispered thickly.

*****

He never revealed their honeymoon destination. Only kept saying that it was somewhere isolated, away from the nosy paparazzi. And that they would be taking a helicopter ride. He also said they would be away for a week.

“I wanted to swing for two weeks, but I have a damn meeting in Turkey that I cannot get out of.”

She was fine with a week because she had things to take care of as well. And spending an uninterrupted week with him sounded like heaven.

“We probably won’t need clothing, but just in case, I had Mrs. Greene pack some things.”

Now they were in what she could only describe as a fairytale cottage in the middle of nowhere. It had snowed sometime in the morning or last night and lent a certain frosty beauty to the already sparkling wonder of the place. A car had been left out on the field where the helicopter had landed, the keys on the hood.

“Who owns the place?”

“A friend.” He had brought their bags in. “It is a getaway haven for him. He is a script writer and sometimes when he wants to be alone to gather his thoughts, he comes here.” Moving behind her, he wrapped his hands around her waist.

“It’s pretty isolated and what if there are bears?”

His mouth was busy at her neck, his lips curling into a smile at her question. “Since it’s winter, I do believe they are hibernating.”

“Not all of them. One or two might decide that this whole hibernation is stupid and come wandering out to look for human food.”

“In that case, I promise to protect you.”

“You are making fun of me.”

“What gave it away.” Moving aside the thick waves of her hair, he nibbled at the skin. “And you did promise to do things to me.” He nudged at her bottom with his arousal. “I have been thinking about it in anticipation for the last two hours. My blood is boiling.”

Turning around, she passed her hands over his sweater clad chest.

“We cannot have that, can we?” Her expression was luminous as she stared at him in wonder. She was married to this amazing man, and it was going to take her a while to get used to it.

“No.” Taking her hand, he drew her towards the blazing fire, where several blankets were already placed on the hardwood floor. It was also heaped with pillows. “If you prefer, we could go to the bedroom.”

“This is fine. It is perfect for what I have in mind.”

“Might I inquire as to what that is?” She was already taking off her clothing. They had both removed their boots as soon as they stepped over the threshold.

“Seeing is believing. Touching is even more so.” She was down to her figure molding cream and blue teddy. “You still have your pants on.”

“Let me get rid of them.”

She watched as he did so, her breath coming rapidly between her lips as he peeled off his underwear and stood before her gloriously naked.

“What now?”

“I cannot get over how beautiful you are.” She splayed her hands over his muscular chest, the crinkle of dense dark hairs tickling her palms. “I love every aspect of your fine body, and I am awfully possessive where you are concerned.”

“That should be my line. Are we going to do this standing up?”

“No.” Taking his hand, she lowered both of them to the blankets and pushed him back on the pillows. “My mouth waters whenever I look at you.” Her fingers explored the corded muscles of his neck. “I am confident, yes, but I never dreamed a man like you would ever be interested in someone like me.”

His hand clamped around her neck, his eyes glowing like a stormy cloud. “You are beautiful, exceptionally so and I will not have you putting yourself down.”

“Yes sir.” Emotions clogged her throat and the love she had for him threatened to overwhelm her. “I Promise. Now, I am going to need you to be absolutely still while I have my wicked ways with you.”

“I am not certain that is going to be possible. You see, I happen to be addicted to touching you.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Consider it my wedding present.”

“The ones I already gave you were not enough?” He was already feeling feverish with need.

“You mean the Jackson Colby painting that I just happened to mention that I like? And the diamond and emerald set, not to mention the exquisite Chippendale desk for my office?”

“I tend to go overboard,” he admitted sheepishly.

“That is putting it mildly. Now shh, while I work. You have taught me so much.” She was down to his nipples and toying with the small brown nubbins, slowly driving him crazy. “How to appreciate my body, the erogenous spots I never knew existed.”

Bending her head, she tongued the flesh, causing him to inhale sharply, fingers bunching up the blankets.

“My love.” He whispered, body straining when she started to nibble and then soothe the bites with her tongue.

His body arched when she started the journey to his washboard flat stomach. “You are so strong.” She murmured, tongue swirling around the indentation of his navel.

“So manly.” She was combing her fingers through the dense patch of ink black hairs covering his sex. “So impressively big.” Her fingers curled around his throbbing shaft. “When I first saw you naked, I lost my breath and wondered if you were going to tear me in two.”

“I would never hurt you. I would rather die.” He had no idea how the words got past the blockage inside his throat.

“I know that. You fascinate me.” She inserted a finger in the slit and he lost his senses.

“Darling…”

“Shh.” His entire body went rigid when she took him into her mouth. When she started licking at the hot flesh with her tongue, he stopped breathing and then the feelings rushed back in a flood that had his hips surging towards the moistness that had him spinning completely out of control.