Forever After by Bette Ford

Author:Bette Ford [Ford, Bette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: African American fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance Classics, Man-Woman Relationships, Romance Fiction, Contemporary Women, African American history, erotic love, sex, Contemporary, General, Romance, Adult, Romance Novel, African American romance, African American, Fiction, African Americans, Contemporary Romance, Multicultural Romance
Google: 8qHfVS03DCQC
Amazon: 1583141995
Publisher: NYLA
Published: 0101-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

***

“You haven’t said a word since we left home,” Charles said softly, having parked the car in the narrow drive of the two-family flat. The houses were close together, with very little yard between them. The Jenkins house was situated on the northeast side of Detroit in a low-income neighborhood.

“Diane?”

“I’m fine,” she said softly. “Just a little tired. It’s been a long week.” She didn’t add how lonely it had been without his smile and tender love.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this charity thing until the last minute.”

“It’s done. Let’s forget it.”

“Baby, we need to talk. I’ve been thinking about...”

“Hi.” The tall, lanky youth stood beside the car.

Diane’s heart sank. She was frustrated by this intrusion. She was beginning to wonder if Charles regretted their marriage. The mere thought of that was terrifying.

“Hi,” Charles asked. “Where’s your mom?”

“She was right behind me a second ago.” After a curious glance at Diane, he said, “I’ll go see what’s keeping her.” He disappeared in a flash.

“You’re going to like Jeff. He’s a great kid. He deserves a fair shake.”

“Everyone does. You’re a very special man, to care so much,” Diane said, her eyes warm with love and respect.

Charles’s heart skipped a beat as he responded to the softness in her voice, something he hadn’t heard all week. “It’s payback time, Di. I never knew what it was to do without. I’ve always had enough food, money, a roof over my head, someone to care whether I failed or succeeded. The Detroit gas and electric company was never a threat in our household. We had it all.”

“You were lucky, yes, but what’s more important, you care about other people. That’s what makes you so special to me.”

Charles smiled, a slow, easy smile, something he hadn’t done much of lately. Diane’s heart began to pound so loudly in her chest she wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d heard it. They were both so busy staring into each other’s eyes that neither heard Jeff or his mother’s approach.

“Good evening,” Anthia said softly, in a deep, feminine tone.

“Hello.” Charles turned in his seat and smiled at the lovely woman who slid in before her son. “It’s good to see you.” Charles noted her studied glance at Diane. “Anthia, I’d like you to meet my bride, Diane. Sweetheart, this is Jeffery Jenkins and his mother, Anthia Jenkins.”

Diane turned with a smile. “Good evening. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Charles has told me so much about you.”

Well! He hadn’t said one word about even being engaged, Anthia fumed. Bride! When had he gotten married? He’d only been away a few weeks.

“Congratulations!” Jeff said with a wide grin.

“Yes, congratulations,” Anthia said, with a forced smile. “Charles, I’d no idea you were planning to marry.”

Charles chuckled. “We surprised everyone, didn’t we, sweetheart?”

“To say the least,” Diane said, remembering his sister’s reaction to their marriage.

“All set?” Charles asked, before setting the car into motion.

The dinner dance was being held at the Western Hotel in downtown Detroit.

Diane was just as surprised as the others by the crowd.

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