The path from the dock to Wyndemere was lit with beautiful white lights. The attendees to the celebration moved in single file as they made their way to the grand mansion. They were alive with anticipation and excitement as they quickened their pace to join the newlyweds in their spectacular event. However, a few of them lagged behind. Their minds on something other than celebrating.
As they neared the gate which separated the garden from the main house, Jordan stopped and said, "Em, wait."
Emily moved aside to allow Lucky and Elizabeth to pass her. With a puzzled look on her face, she said, "Is something wrong?"
"Well, not exactly," he said as he nervously stuffed his hands into his pockets . He was handsome in his black tuxedo. The black and white of his attire complimented his milk chocolate skin-tone and made him appear more mature than his typical blue jeans and tee shirts did.
"What does that mean?" she asked him. He appeared apprehensive and she placed a hand on his arm to reassure him. They had been seeing each other for a few weeks, and she felt comfortable with him. He made her laugh, his different perspective on life made her think, and when he touched her... He made her feel as if nothing else mattered. Her feelings for him grew each time they were together. She was almost positive that he felt the same, but so far, he hadn't said anything to confirm or deny her suspicions.
"Let's go over there," he said, pointing to a secluded area. He held her hand as he led her to a clearing which wasn't too far from the house, but not close enough that they would be interrupted. A lone stone bench sat in the middle of the small area and by silent agreement, they decided to sit there.
Jordan became quiet as he looked at her. She was breathtaking he thought as he allowed his warm, brown eyes to drift over her. In a lavender Donna Karan creation, she looked serene. Her brown hair swept away from her face in a mass of curls as a few tendrils framed her face. Her make-up was minimal and the pale, shiny lipgloss which covered her full lips in a lavender hue made her lips look kissably soft. His eyes drifted from her face to look down at their hands, interlocked. Her milky white skin was pale against the dark brown of his hand, yet, the two complimented each other. He looked back into her soulful brown eyes and saw her watching him, expectantly.
"There's something I wanted to talk to you about," he said, softly.
"Okay. I'm listening," she replied, brushing her fingers against the back of his hand to give him encouragement to continue.
"We've been seeing a lot of each other lately, and um...well... Well, to be honest, Em, I don't want to see anyone else, and I was wondering if you felt the same," he said the words in a rush, afraid that he wouldn't be able to get it all out if he went slowly.
"I do feel the same, Jordan," she said shyly. "And, I don't want to see anyone else, either."
Her eyes went down to their hands, and then she raised her eyes to his. She smiled as his hand gently cupped her face and he lowered his lips to hers. Jordan's mouth slanted across Emily's, and she raised her hand to gently cup the back of his head, her fingers reveling in the silky waves of his closely cropped dark brown hair. They kissed gently, sealing the change to their relationship with thinly reigned passion, oblivious to the world around them.
"Aw, that's so sweet," Keesha said with a smile as she and Jason neared the gate. Hand in hand, they walked slowly as they enjoyed their moment together. She was dressed in a black Nicole Miller ensemble while Jason donned a gray Armani suit, instead of a tux. Happy together and in love, they made a stunning pair.
"What is?" Jason asked, smiling down into her expressive brown eyes.
"Those two," she replied, nodding her head in the direction of Emily and Jordan as they continued to kiss.
"Is that...Emily?" Jason asked with narrowed eyes. He moved to go to the isolated couple, but Keesha tugged on his hand, stopping him. He turned back to glare at her. "Keesha!"
"No, Jason. Leave them alone."
"But that's my little sister," he said with a frown. "She's too young for all of that."
"No, she's not. Emily's not a little girl any more, baby," Keesha said with a smile. "Come along now."
"But..." he continued to protest.
"No buts," she said, placing a slender fingers against his soft lips. "She can take care of herself, and if she needs you, she knows how to find you. Trust her."
Jason rolled his eyes and then, he grimaced. "I suppose you're right. Again. How do you always do that?"
"Inborn, I guess," she said, grinning. She paused for a second to give him a brief kiss of his very own, and then she tugged on his hand, pulling him up the walk.
AJ stopped in his tracks as he watched Keesha brush her lips against his baby brother's. His features darkened and he felt his heart begin to pound madly in his chest as the couple laughed and moved on. He knew that he'd have to face their relationship at some point, but he didn't realize how much it would hurt. Oh, how it hurt.
"Are you okay?" Eve asked, concerned. She placed a gentle hand on his forearm. "If you don't want to stay, we don't have to. I understand."
"That won't be necessary, Eve," AJ said, gruffly. He tore his eyes away from the pair and looked at the beautiful woman beside him. His hazel eyes took in the chocolate brown dress which clung to her curves like a second skin. The dress was tasteful, yet sexy as hell. Her hair was done in typical Eve fashion, wild and untamable brown locks framed her face, as caring brown eyes stared back at him. He gave her a reassuring smile and said, "I'm okay. Seeing them together was bound to happen sooner or later. I can take it. Besides, there's no way, we're leaving. Not with you in that amazing dress. Come on. Let's go have a blast."
Eve watched him closely, uncertain if his sudden bravado was genuine or for her benefit. She decided that it was probably a mixture of the two, and if he was determined to see the party through, so was she. Smiling back at him, she said, "Well, lead the way, pal!"