A Bundle of Joy 2: The Baby Proposal (BWWM Interracial Romance) (7 page)

Her lips tilted up in a genuine smile
. “What makes you think we could just continue where we left off?”

“I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the same person anymore. Although my feelings for you have
n’t changed, there are many ways that I have changed.” Hopeful was too mild a word for what Triston was feeling at the moment. It looked like he was getting through to her. Finally. “I’ve seen and done things over the years that I’ve come to regret. Things that I’ll never share with you. But I’m asking you to accept me as I am, to be my side, to be the rock that you always were.”

“I don’t know…”

The waiter brought their order. Triston waited until he left before he continued. “And I want to be the same for you. I promise I’ll be a good husband. And if you allow me, a good father, too. We can raise this baby together.”

“What makes you so sure this would work?
”

“
Because you’re crazy in love with me.”

“Over-confidence has always been one of your greatest failings,” she shot back at him.

If only she knew how insecure he really was. He wanted her to say yes. “Think of it this way: If you marry me, you’ll have the rest of our lives to reform me. Say yes.”

She pressed a hand to her e
yes. “I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve already discarded abortion as an option, although I did consider it seriously a few weeks ago. I can’t get rid of this child.” She picked up the glass and took a few sips of the iced coffee as if bolstering her courage. “Now, I have to decide whether I want to give her up for adoption or raise her myself. So yes, that’s a part of why I feel I must consider your marriage proposal, but I don’t think it’s fair for you to be saddled with a pregnant woman. I’m a huge liability.”

He pressed a kiss on her hand. “You’ll never be a liability. Never.”

Selene stared into his eyes as if she wanted to analyze the truth behind his words. “We’ll have to figure out a lot of things …”

“Marry me.”

“I don’t know, Triston, if…”

“Marry me, babe.”

“My answer is…”

“Come on, babe, you know you want to.”

“Okay.”

“Marry me, Selene.”

“Yes, I
will
marry you.”

It took him a second to realize that she’d said yes
to his proposal. He didn’t need a mirror to see he was beaming with happiness. He took the ring he’d been carrying in his pocket and slipped it onto her finger. It was his grandmother’s ring. Triston let out a whoop that made everyone look at them.

“She said yes!
” Triston burst out in a happy grin. The patrons and the waiters applauded.

It was one of
the happiest days of his life.

Chapter Eight

Selene clutched the bouquet of white roses in her hand as she nervously waited for the music to start. She was still reeling by how quickly Triston’s parents were able to hire a reputable wedding planner to organize the wedding ceremony and reception. She’d almost forgotten how well-heeled the Walkers were. But they never flaunted their wealth. In fact, it was one of the things she loved about Triston, his unassuming nature.

She was willing to settle for a civil ceremony
, but Triston and his mother, Lisa, had insisted on a church wedding. Lisa wanted a traditional ceremony for her only child, and Triston wanted Selene to have the kind of wedding she’d dreamed of when they were dating and had made plans to marry one day. Although they didn’t invite a great number of people, her new friends, Heather and Tasha were there, as well as Jamie who’d come for the weekend to attend the wedding. The only three people whose presence she’d sorely missed were her parents and her brother, Dwight. She envisioned they were looking down at her, watching over the proceedings, and so she sent up a silent prayer.

Jamie, Heather and Tasha had helped her into the trumpet gown. Its strapless bodice dipped slightly into a sweetheart neckline. Selene marveled at how the neckline flattered her breasts, made her sexy, even though her bulging stomach was plain for everyone to see. But she knew that when she entered and exited the church, the sweeping train behind her would be a show-stopper
.

In her dreams she wore her mother’s wedding gown on her special day, but when her parents were married decades ago, her mother didn’t carry around a little person inside her belly.

Selene checked her reflection in the mirror and ran a hand on her baby bump. She was almost five months pregnant. Since accepting Triston’s proposal, she often wondered if it was stupid for her to go through with the wedding when she was pregnant with someone else’s child.

But today, her wedding day, was different. Even when she was younger, she hadn’t been fickle, and she didn’t intend to change her ways now. She was in this marriage for the long haul. Once she said ‘I do’ her commitment to Triston was a done deal.

There was no turning back.

Triston had been kind enough to wait for a few weeks so she could get things organized. He’d paid her apartment lease so she could keep on staying there. But now it was time to make the commitment.
And she was ready.

Because she loved him.

Always loved him.

She debated with herself about when it was the best time to tell him her feelings towards him, but no time seemed to be just right. She didn’t want him think that she was only saying the words because of what he was doing for her. She wanted him to know beyond the shadow of doubt that she loved him.

That she was unequivocally in love with him.

Lisa entered the
room. “Ready, darling? Triston’s pacing the floor.”

Selene squared her shoulders. “Yes.”

“Good. I’ll tell them to start the music.”

“
Lisa, wait.” Selene had always been fond of her. When she went with Triston to meet his parents after their engagement, she’d decided to tell them the truth regarding the circumstances of their marriage. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing?”

Lisa
gripped Selene’s hand and patted it. “All I know is that my boy has been walking on air since you said yes, Selene. He loves you very much, and I’m sure you love him too. All I ask is that you don’t hold that love back.”

“
I do love him. So much, Lisa. I really do. But isn’t this unfair to Triston? I’m saddling him with all this responsibility.”

“He’
s a grown man and knows his mind. Since he turned eighteen, I haven’t told him what to do or what not to do.” Lisa laughed. “Okay, let me be honest: I strongly advise him about what he should do, but the decision he makes is ultimately his. And this child, if you both choose to keep her, will be as loved by me as would any other child that comes from both of you.” Lisa kissed Selene on her cheeks. “And now, stop fretting. This is a happy day.”

“Yes, it is.
”

Just because she was confused and scared didn’t mean that this was a w
rong decision. After all, she’d always wanted to marry Triston because she loved him, and now she was getting what she wanted.

When
Selene left the room, she stood outside the door. She didn’t want anyone to give her away. If her father had been there, he would’ve done the honors. But since he wasn’t, she couldn’t imagine anyone else taking his place. If her parents were alive, things would’ve been different. Her mother had dreamed about her daughters’ weddings, so she would’ve gone all out to make this a momentous occasion for her. Her father would’ve been happy and proud—and yet disheartened that he would be giving his little girl away. But they were no more.

She was all alone, except for Jamie.

And now Triston was hers.

All hers.

When the music started, she stepped inside
the church and walked towards the man whom she’d loved with all the passion of a twenty-four-year-old. He was a good man, and he loved her. What more could she want?

As she walked down the aisle, Selene remembered the first time she saw Triston
. They’d both been fourteen. He was so handsome with his eyes the color of Persian lamb, the thick eyebrows, and full lips. They became best friends, and she still couldn’t pinpoint the moment when they’d transitioned into being a couple, going steady. She’d fallen in love with Triston so fast that there had been no time to think about anything else. He was kind, sweet, charming, loving and…well, a bit stubborn. Triston had always known what he wanted. His thinking had been very clear. And it was something that she admired about him. Ironically, it was also the very thing that pulled them apart. Once he made up his mind about the army, it had been impossible to sway his decision.

But now they were back
on track. Back to where they’d stopped.

And as Selene walked towards him, she saw the pleasure in his gaze, and the pride in his stance. She felt the sun in his smile, and knew without any doubt that she’d made the right decision.

Selene came to a stop beside him. She handed her bouquet to Jamie who was standing as bridesmaid. She and Triston turned to face each other. His face shone with love and affection as he held her hand

He was happy
.

And she was happy too.

But Selene was scared of her happiness. It felt as if it would be snatched away if she placed too much faith in its permanence.

The minister began to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to join together Selene
Alexis and Triston Walker in the holy union of matrimony. Selene and Triston, the possibilities in a marriage are vast and infinite. As you spend time with each other, you will discover how your love will grow stronger with each passing year. We are honored that you have chosen us to witness this joyous occasion today, and we wish you all the best.”

When Selene echoed the vows, she meant them. No matter what the outcome of their marriage, she would never be able to forget that Triston had offered her a lifeline when the entire world turned her down. For that alone he deserved her full commitment and dedication to this marriage.

Finally it was time. Triston
slid the ring over her finger, and she slipped one on his.

The minister beamed at them.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Their first kiss together as husband and wife was chaste and sweet, but it left a ball of longing lodged inside her stomach. Selene couldn’t wait to start this new life with him, and she was determined to make a success of it.

After the ceremony, Jamie threw her arms around Selene and hug
ged her. “Congratulations. You’re the most beautiful pregnant bride I’ve ever seen.”

“And what about me?” Triston teased her.

“You’re a handsome devil. And if Selene hadn’t picked you up, I would’ve made a beeline for you myself.” Jamie hugged him. She’d always been fond of Triston. Selene was glad that her sister had been delighted with her decision. Jamie thought the world of Triston and had been devastated when the two broke up.

One of
Triston’s friends sauntered over to him. He was a fellow soldier. “Congrats, man. Now, I know why you never looked at any of the ladies back at the training camp. She was waiting for you at home.” He pumped Selene’s hand. “And the baby is an added bonus.”

Selene was about to say something, but Triston beat her to it.
“Yes, it is. We’re both very happy. Thanks for coming, John. My parents are throwing a reception dinner tonight. Please, join us.”

“I’ll be there
.”

Has he been giving
his friends the impression that the baby is his? Why would he do that? Is he embarrassed because it isn’t his child? We need to have a serious talk.

Selene
waited until they were alone at their home where they planned to change before heading for his parents’ house. They didn’t have time for much else.

But tonight…

Selene tried to release the long row of fabric-covered buttons at the back of her gown, but she couldn’t get her arms that far back. “Why didn’t you tell John that this baby wasn’t yours?”

Triston
walked over to unbutton the dress for her. As his fingers trailed along her skin, a shiver of delight coursed through her body. Desire reared its lusty head.

“I
f you decide to keep her, she’ll also be mine.”

The simple logic blew her doubts
away. How could he turn something so complicated into something so simple? Triston had always been the kind of guy who saw right through to the heart of the matter. It was one of the many qualities that she loved about him. And perhaps now that they were going to live together, she would be reminded of all those qualities of his.

Selene
turned around to embrace him. “You’re amazing, Triston,” she said, lifting her head to look deep into his dark eyes. “And I love you.” She tiptoed and kissed him softly on his lips. “With everything that’s in me.” She was rewarded with one of his smiles that made her heart stop beating, and then gallop at full speed. She couldn’t resist the pull, his magnetism, she wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him down for another kiss.

They’
d decided to wait until the night of their wedding to consummate their relationship. It meant something to Triston, so she’d played along. Maybe there was some kind of mad reason to his insistence because now she couldn’t wait to get her hands on him. They were each other’s first, and after such a long time, it would be like the first for them again.

The kiss was hot and passionate. His tongue mingled with hers, his breath hot on her face. His hands roamed all over
her back as she pressed herself hard against him. He was already aroused. Selene put a hand on his muscled chest. While standing on her toes, she trailed a line of kisses down his jaw on to his throat and took a bit of his skin between her teeth. She tugged gently. He groaned and pushed his hand into her recently permed hair, his mouth claiming hers once more.

“Let’s skip the dinner,” he whispered against her lips.
“Or get there a little late.”

“How much time you think you’ll need to do me good and proper?” Selene played with his shirt buttons at the top of his collar.

“Maybe nine, ten minutes, tops.” He seemed to smother his chuckle, but continued to rub his hands along her hips.

“You naughty boy.” Selene tugged at his shirt collar. “You better get the job done in four, five minutes, tops.”

“Works for me.”

As he pulled
her dress down, his lips nibbling her jaw, her mind was blank of all thoughts. She couldn’t wait to feel his naked skin against hers, have his hands roam her body, feel him inside her.

Selene felt pressure in her bladder
.

Sanity returned with speed.

“Shit.
”

“What happened?”

She grimaced. “I have to pee.”

Triston laughed as she rushed
toward the bathroom. “Good thing it happened now, or else we would’ve missed dinner and my mother would’ve killed me.”

The dinner at his parents’ house was
superb. The food was scrumptious, the company pleasant and happy. Selene enjoyed the conversation that flowed around her table as she quietly ate her food. Many times, she glanced at Triston, still unable to believe that she was actually married to him.

It felt like a dream.

After they came back from the dinner, Selene went in the bathroom to change. Triston had already taken his shower, and now it was her turn. They’d decided to wait until after their baby was born before going on their honeymoon in St. Lucia, a former French colony, which was situated in the east of the Caribbean Sea.

T
o her, their marriage was not one of convenience, and she intended to be a proper wife. The thought of making love to him sent mixed signals through her body. On one hand, she was scared and apprehensive, and on the other hand, she remembered how good they had been in bed. Triston had been an amazing lover. The years in between could only have added to his skill. And the fact was that she wanted him as much as she’d always wanted him.