KENYA LEANEDback in the padded swivel chair, in danger of falling asleep under the skilled hands of her cousin. If it wasn’t for the bright lights surrounding the mirror, she would’ve been in dreamland.
But working out an actual dream was worth all the long days. Especially since some of those long days were once again filled with her Dr. Solomon. A week had passed since their moment on the mountain, and she still couldn’t get over how vulnerable they’d been with each other.
“Thank you, girls, for hanging with me today.”
Adanne grinned, shifting Kenya’s chair to make sure the makeup she applied was even. The afternoon sun streamed in through the window of the studio. “Of course. I needed a pseudo spa and makeover day myself but not all the questions along with it. I think my nail technician is in love with my husband.”
Kenya raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you get for marrying a former soap star.”
Dedra laughed along with her. “This was just a good excuse for me to come and get some makeup tips.”
Kenya cleared her throat. “Um, ma’am, what we really need to focus on is that you have a wedding to plan.” She reached out to grasp her friend’s hand for the tenth time. The diamond on Dedra’sfinger was stunning and caught the light of the bulbs surrounding the makeup mirror in Adanne’s studio. For whatever reason, Dedra’s shift in the agency had been the tipping point her boyfriend needed to propose.
“Too bad Salome couldn’t come.” Adanne paused to get a drink of water, resting her free hand on her stomach.
“She’s hanging out with Mom today.”
Kenya didn’t need to tell them that it was Salome’s turn to learn about their mom’s past. That was her mom’s truth to share with the whole family when she was ready.
Adanne leaned closer to Kenya, dabbing some eyeshadow on her eye.
“Um, Adanne ... do you have something to tell me?”
“What do you mean?” Her cousin straightened, stepping back to look at her work. She turned to grab another palette. And when she did, Kenya had no doubt.
Adanne lifted the shadow brush to swipe more color onto her eyes, but Kenya stopped her mid-stroke.
“Either my legs have miraculously gotten longer and my kneecaps keep poking at your stomach, or you have something that you need to tell me this instant.”
“Or what?” Adanne was avoiding her glance for real now. Kenya saw the way her lips quirked up and the dimple that would not be denied because it knew the secret too.
“Or ... or...”
Dedra laughed at Kenya’s attempt to come up with something dramatic.
“Or I won’t help plan your baby shower!”
“Kenya!” Dedra squealed.
Adanne stopped, brush held in midair. “You would never not do that for me.”
Kenya jumped up, almost colliding with her cousin in the process. “So it’s true! Adanne, you’re going to be a mommy!”
For an incandescent moment, Kenya squealed and giggled withher cousin and friend, jumping up and down almost as well as she did before injuring her ankle.
What a relief to come down on steady ground again. She would probably never walk the same, but different didn’t mean it wasn’t better.
“Okay, okay.” Adanne patted the black makeup chair. “Simmer down now. We still need to finish you up, and I have no plans to go into labor at twelve weeks.”
Kenya looked at her cousin through the mirror. “Oh, Adanne. A honeymoon baby.”
She placed her hands on top of the one Adanne laid over her shoulder. “They would be so happy for you.”
Adanne nodded, smile widening, eyes damp. She glanced at the brick wall holding the framed pictures of her mother and father. “They already were.” She leaned down to hug her cousin’s neck. “And I’m so happy I got to share this moment with you. A little earlier than I thought it would happen.” She threw her hands up. “But here we are!”
“Wait.” Dedra put up her finger. “I think I hear knocking at the door.”
“I’ll get it.” Adanne moved to the door.
