The Finale: Chp 23

Days faded into weeks. November had arrived. It was the day before her birthday. She lay in bed with Mark taking on his sweet strokes. Her hands caressed his back. That rock on her left ring finger sparkled. She smiled as she watched him work his magic.

"I love you," he stated sweetly, "I love this."

She touched his handsome face, "I love you, too."

****

They were in the kitchen having breakfast. Carly walked. She hugged Kendra and touched her belly, "Hey little brother."

Kendra looked at Mark. He nodded, "That's right, little brother. My son."

Even though he was aware it was a fifty-fifty shot, he had already claimed the child as his. He kissed her mouth, "I have to get to work. Let me know how your appointment goes," he said before grabbing his keys and leaving.

Kendra couldn't get over how much Carly had changed. She was a beautiful young woman. "So, how are things between you and your mother?"

Carly sighed, "They are odd. She feels like I've chosen a side."

"Sorry to hear that."

Carly shrugged, "It'll be okay. I've tried being nice to her. She is having my other little brother."

Kendra nodded, "I'll see you after school."

"Yes. What are we having for dinner?"

"I was thinking about making Cape Malay chicken curry."

She smiled, "Yes. I'm inviting Marshon for dinner."

"Awesome."

****

November 5th would be a day to remember forever. It was Kendra's birthday and Mark had an amazing surprise lined up.

On Friday morning after having breakfast, he stated he was on his way to work but he was meeting with Ashlyn and Chima down at Anna Maria Island to go over the plans for Kendra's birthday.

The event planner assured Mark that everything would be designed to his expectations and then some. Chima placed his hands on Mark's shoulder, "Relax. Everything will be fine."

Mark took a deep breath and smiled, "It's finally happening. And a woman I love, and who loves me."

Ashlyn hugged him, "Yes. Everything is going as planned. You have nothing to worry about."

Mark received a message from Kendra's mother. She and a host of family members had just arrived and promised to lay low until Saturday's big event.

Chima and Ashlyn headed home.

****

Kendra was in the waiting room. She held a magazine. As she sat looking at pictures of beautiful babies, she heard, "Out of all the damn OBGYNs we would end up at the same."

Kendra looked up. Her eyes rested on Charlene with a full belly. Charlene sat. Kendra nodded, "You know we don't have to be at each other's throats."

She sucked her teeth, "You would love for us all to be one big happy blended family, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, I don't see why that cannot happen."

Charlene rolled her eyes, "Because you stole my life. Took my husband. My daughter can't stand me and I'm barely holding on to my son. He's always talking about how nice you are and how great you cook."

Kendra huffed, "Fine. Whatever."

The nurse called Kendra back. She stood and walked away. Charlene scowled at her and whispered, "Bitch."

*****

It was such a pretty day. A man sat outside in an all-black SUV with tinted windows. He spoke through the car system, "I'm at the location now. Yes. I got it. Black woman. Curly hair. Pregnant. Drives a dark grey Hyundai Palisade."

"Don't fuck this up. The airplane will be ready. I want her here with me in Durban."

The call ended. The man sat back. He had his orders.

****

Coen was back home. After weeks of running from Jon...they finally had an encounter which didn't go so well for Jon. The news reported that the escaped criminal was found dead trying to get out of the United States. His body was turned over to the German officials with the explanation of an accidental ****.

Corrine smiled as she handed her brother a nice beverage, "Soon, you'll have the woman you love here."

He sipped and smiled, "Yes."

****

He waited patiently. Then he saw a woman. Pregnant, black, curly hair. He smiled. The woman walked around the car and bent over by the passenger side tire. The tire went flat. She stood and smiled. The man appeared behind her like a ghost, "Looks like you have yourself a flat tire pretty lady."

Startled she nodded rapidly, "It's okay. I'll call Tripple A to come to repair it."

"No need to do that."

She felt uncomfortable. He got close. He grabbed her. She tried to pull away but he fastened her wrists with a zip tie and shoved her to his SUV, "Quit all your fuss lady. I don't want to hurt you or that baby you're carrying."

The doors opened and then shut. The vehicle drove off.

****

Mark got home early. He was surprised when he didn't see Kendra home. He saw the food she prepared before she left for her appointment. Carly walked into the kitchen with her boyfriend, "Dad, where's Kendra?" she asked.

He shrugged, "Let me call her," he said as he got his phone and called.

She didn't answer. He scratched his head. Michael entered the kitchen eating chips. His head tilted, "Your mom dropped you off here? She wasn't supposed to until Saturday morning."

He shook his head, "No. Mom never came. I had to call Carly for a ride."

He made a face. He called Chima, "Hey did Kendra stop by to pick up Behati?"

"Not yet, why?"

"It's nothing. How's Behati?"

"She's a ray of sunshine. Simone likes having a younger person to play with. Is Kendra okay? You don't think?"

"I hope not."

"I'm coming over. Oh wait," he said, "Kendra is here." He handed her his phone.

"Hey, babe, so sorry. My passenger side tires were flat when I went to get into my car after my appointment. And I dropped my cell phone in the toilet during my appointment."

"I'm just glad you're okay. I was worried."

"I'll be home in a few."

*****

After Kendra ended the call, she handed the phone back to Chima. "Where's Ash?"

He thought of something quickly, "She ran to the store. Yes. I'm on baby duty."

Ashlyn was out finalizing details for Kendra's birthday party. Chima smiled. She had the cutest round little belly, "How is the baby?"

"Doing great."

"I miss you. I don't get to see as much since you moved in with Mark."

She chuckled, "I know." She saw that mischievous look in his eyes.

"Let me have a few moments of your time," he said as he placed kisses all over her. His hands caressed everywhere. He pulled up her dress and down her panties. She stepped out of them. He sat on the sofa and she sat on him. Sweet perfection.

"We can't be long."

"I know," he whispered as he felt her moist center. How her pussy lips clung to his shaft. He lifted her slightly and laid her back. He didn't like to rush but under the circumstances, he managed to work her center rapidly. She trembled. He licked his lips and dug deeper and felt his nut leaving him. He hummed in delight.

****

She made it home. She and the baby. They had dinner. And afterward, Mark and Kendra were in the bedroom discussing why he couldn't get a hold of Charlene. "It's not like her to just not answer my call. I don't get it. Maybe she knows."

Kendra's head tilted, "Knows what?"

Mark shook his head, "You said you saw her today at your appointment."

Kendra nodded, "It appears we go to the same OBGYN. She was there. Although, she wasn't in the waiting room when I left. I just thought she was still in the room being seen by her doctor."

"I guess, I'll call the place in the morning."

Kendra rubbed his shoulders, "Don't worry. Now, back to this other thing you said."

"Other thing?"

She stepped in front of him, "Yes. You said...maybe she knows."

He sighed, "It's supposed to be a surprise."

"Ooh, a birthday surprise. How exciting. But why would she care about my birthday."

Nervously he chuckled, "It's more than that."

She touched his face, "Mark Landry what are you up to?

"You're going to love it. Maybe, Mike mentioned something to his mom. Everyone has been planning this."

"Planning what?"

"Anna Maria Island tomorrow at noon. Our family and friends will be in attendance. It's your birthday and our wedding day."

Her mouth fell open, "What?! Oh my god, that's so freaking," oh God, Mark." She showered his face with kisses.

"Perhaps this is her rebellious way of dealing with it all."

"Then give her space. Mike can stay here until she comes to her senses."

He smiled, "See that's why I love you so much."

****

The sun shined remarkably. The clear blue water sparkled under the rays of light. The wind blew perfectly. The chairs were covered with white cloth and dark green ribbons. Elaine had visited from Georgia. She was standing next to Ashlyn as one of the bridesmaids.

Mark stood next to Chima and his brother. He watched his bride walking toward him. His eyes watered. She looked so exquisite in the white dress. With the A-line cut, her pregnancy was hardly noticeable. The layered ruffles went to her feet. She wore blinged-out flip-flops.

She stopped in front of him. They exchanged vows. Chima handed the official the rings. They slid them on each other's fingers. They shared a sweet kiss under the sun as the waves crashed onto the shore.

The marriage license was signed. Pictures were taken. They ate, drank, and danced until the sunset. She was finally Mrs Mark Landry.

*****

After waiting for days for the private jet to be repaired, they were able to land in Durban. The man named Earl grabbed her, "Let's go, lass."

Her mouth was covered with duct tape. She had gotten on his nerves trying to tell him that she wasn't Kendra.

He helped her down the stairs. He saw Coen approaching but the closer he got, the madder his face was, "Who the fuck is this?" he asked Earl.

"The girl you paid me to grab."

"No, you dumb fuck. This isn't her. My Kendra is at least ten years younger than this woman."

He shrugged. She was the woman getting into the car with the license plate. She was black and she was pregnant. Seemed like all the boxes were checked. "Well, darn."

"You're a fucking idiot, Earl," he said before pulling out a gun and blasting the guy's brains.

Charlene gasped. His sister looked at her. She was older but still quite good looking, "And what shall we do with her?"

"You figure it out."

She smiled, "Looks like you're coming home with us pretty lady."

*****

Stay tuned for a brief Part 2...