She didn’t.
She claimed she didn’t want the headaches that Dorian was currently experiencing, and then she told him she didn’t want to wait. She had said they were going to have some things to deal with regarding her job and maybe media attention, but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to be his wife again, and of course he couldn’t say no to that.
He wanted to give her whatever she wanted. So, Tristan agreed to marry her in Atlanta by a justice of the peace. That day had been the second-best day of his life, only second to the first time they had gotten married.
Zion pushed past the others and approached Tristan with a huge grin on his face. Tristan started chuckling before Cree’s brother uttered a word, knowing it was going to be some nonsense.
“You’re a brave man, my brother,” Zion said, and they both laughed. “But seriously, dude, welcome to the family.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Cree snuggled into Tristan, who had his strong arms wrapped around her. They were sitting in a booth at the back of Nyla’s club, enjoying a moment together. Months ago, she had started planning her birthday party, never thinking it would be as special as it turned out. That had everything to do with the man who was currently holding her.
Giddiness bubbled inside of Cree as she thought about how he had announced to their friends and family that they were married. They had talked about sharing the news with their siblings tonight, but they hadn’t discussed what that would look like.
When Tristan had taken it upon himself to cleverly let the secret out of the bag, then share a little of their story, Cree had fallen harder for him. So used to being the one in charge, coming up with plans and executing them, it felt great not to have to. She loved that she married a man who could take the lead and be in charge, and Tristan had done just that tonight.
She twisted slightly and glanced over her shoulder at him. “You were amazing tonight.”
He smirked, flashing those sexy dimples at her. Then he nuzzled her neck while saying, “I think that’s what you said to me in bed last night,” he cracked, and Cree burst out laughing. What made it even funnier was that she was pretty sure she had said those exact words. Except it was regarding his masterful skills in the bedroom.
“Okay, I can admit you’re outstanding in everything you do, but seriously, thank you for playing for me tonight. The song choices you picked were spot on, and I love how you play the piano. I’m thinking you, Nyla, and Harrison can take that act on the road, and I can represent you guys. We could all get paid.”
Tristan chuckled and held her closer, and Cree’s eyes drifted closed. She basked in his embrace and soaked up the love she could feel pouring from him. Though she was having a good time, and it was great seeing friends and family she hadn’t seen in a while, she wouldn’t mind cutting her party short. What she really wanted to do was head home and make love with her husband.
My husband.
It was still mind-blowing that she and Tristan had actually gotten married. Again. Just when she thought she’d had her life figured out, the universe threw her a curve ball. And in this case, it was a good one. She felt so blessed and thrilled that Tristan was back and right where he belonged—with her.
Every day, she thanked God for his divine intervention because she never saw this coming. Never imagined she’d be snuggled against the man who she knew was made divinely for her.
As they sat in the booth quietly, they listened to the music pouring through the speakers and the chatter as well as laughter from her guests. She might’ve been ready to leave, but the party was still going strong. Which meant she needed to get back to mingling with everyone.
Sighing, she said, “I should probably go back and rejoin the party.”
“Yeah, considering you’re the guest of honor that probably is a good idea,” Tristan said as he nibbled on her ear, then placed a gentle kiss against the spot on her neck that always sent tingles through her body. “I’ll let you go, but I can’t wait to get you home and naked.”
Cree laughed as she slowly pulled out of his hold. “I can’t wait either. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with something to think about.”
She kissed him, pouring all the love and admiration she felt for him into the kiss. Tonight felt like the beginning of an amazing life together, and after she finished celebrating her birthday here, she planned on them continuing the celebration at home.
A short while later, as she roamed around the club, greeting and thanking people for attending her party, she spotted Milton watching her. He was near the bar, standing just off to the side, where he could’ve been easily missed. Knowing the private investigator, she was sure that was intentional.
Cree had sent out invites to the party months ago, and Milton had been on the guest list. Though he had RSVP’d that he’d be there, she hadn’t thought about him, especially since she hadn’t had any work for him in a while.
She wasn’t sure how long he’d been at the party, but she had a feeling he’d been there long enough to know she and Tristan were married.
“Happy birthday, Cree!” two of her college friends said in unison, and they all laughed.
Cree hugged them, thanked them for coming, and when they walked away, she returned her attention to Milton who hadn’t moved. He was still watching her, and with a jerk of his head, he nodded toward a hallway. The only thing back there was an entrance to the stage, Nyla’s office, and a back exit.
She hoped he wasn’t trying to get her to go outside because, as cold as it was out there, that wasn’t happening.
She lifted her finger, silently asking for a minute. Since he didn’t approach her, Cree could only assume he wanted to talk in private. If that was the case, she wanted to be prepared and went in search of Nyla for the key to her office.
Once that was done, Cree found Milton in the back hallway, leaning against a wall.
“Hey there,” she said. “Thanks for coming to the party. Did you get something to eat and drink?”
