“Cree’s married?”
“You go girl!”
Seemed everyone was talking at once, but Tristan’s attention was only on one person. He moved to the stage’s stairs to meet his wife.
My wife, he thought.
He had a wife, a beautiful, sexy, loving wife, and he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his mouth when she came into view. Thanks to her, he’d been smiling all the time lately.
“Hey, beautiful.” He extended his hand to her, and a sexual charge shot up his arm at her touch. She felt it too if her grin was any indication.
Holding on to him, she carefully climbed the stairs in her sky-high heels. “You were incredible, baby,” she said and cupped his cheek before kissing him thoroughly. “Best birthday present ever. Thank you for playing for me.”
“My pleasure,” he said, and walked hand in hand with her toward the mic.
He wanted to tell the world how much he loved this woman, but he’d start with just telling her friends and family who were in attendance.
They stood at the mic until everyone quieted, and then Tristan lifted his and Cree’s joined hands and said, “Years ago, I met a beautiful, sexy, outspoken woman at a night club, and at first, she wouldn’t give me no play. I think I asked her to dance, and she said something like, thanks, but no.”
Tristan, along with those in the crowd, laughed at the memory.
“But I’m not one for giving up easily. Let’s just say, by the time I left that place, I had her telephone number. And that night, after getting home late, I called her and we talked until the wee hours of the morning.
“I knew then she was going to be mine, but if you know Cree, you already know she didn’t make it easy. It took awhile for us to get to this point. I’m talking years!”
He glanced down at her, and she grinned up at him. Like him, she was probably remembering all that they’d endured during those years, but they made it back to each other.
“I didn’t give up, y’all. A week ago, I professed my undying love to her, and then I asked her to marry me. She said yes. Then the other day, we did the deed, and tonight I’d like to introduce you to Mrs. Tristan Whitmore.”
Cheers and applause exploded throughout the space, and Tristan pulled Cree into his arms and covered her lips with his. Though he was hungry for so much more than a kiss, he took his time loving on her mouth, soaking up her sweetness as their tongues tangled.
Yes, they didn’t get to this moment easily, but Tristan was confident they’d make it this time. They were going to be okay, and if trouble came their way again, they’d handle it… together.
When the kiss ended, he lowered his forehead to hers. “I love you, baby.”
She flashed him a smile that melted his heart. “I love you more, and you’re right. We made it.”
Nyla approached them first. “I can’t believe you got married!” she squealed, and her face broke out into a huge grin. “I’m so happy for you guys! Congratulations, sis!” Then she launched herself at Cree and would’ve knocked her to the floor if Tristan hadn’t been there to catch her.
The sisters hugged and laughed and within seconds, Cree’s other siblings, as well as his brother and sister, joined them on stage.
Neither of their parents had been invited to the birthday party since Cree only wanted her siblings and close friends at this event. Tomorrow, he and she planned to share their marriage news with their parents.
“When did you get married?” Dorian asked when she ran onto the stage. But before he or Cree could respond, their siblings started talking at once, throwing out questions and comments faster than they could answer.
“Mom, is going to kill you!”
“I can’t believe you’re married!”
“Do Mom and Dad know?”
“Oh my God! Mom is going to freak.”
“Oh how the mighty have fallen.”
Tristan laughed and accepted the hugs and well-wishes.
When Cree had suggested they stay in Atlanta a few extra days, he had no idea she would want to get married while they were there. Though he wanted nothing more than to have her as his wife again, he had tried talking her out of it. He thought, after eloping to Vegas the first time they married, she’d want at least a small wedding with her family this second time around.
