A Couple of Forevers (This Time Forever Book 2) (8 page)

“I’m going to go get changed and I’ll be right out,” Renee
said.

Within a few minutes, Renee was back in the living room wearing
a black one piece black suit with in which the top part tied in the front.  The
center part alternated with fabric and then a cutout to show her stomach.  The
suit was secured by tying the three portions on the left side.  She had a black
hooded cover-up to complete the look.  The swimsuit fit her perfectly right
now, but she knew that in a very short time, she would not be able to wear it.

“Well, now,” Liza said.  “I promised Elliott that I would
keep an eye on you, but you’re not making it easy for me wearing that little
number.  Are you even aware of how fantastic you look in that?”

Renee said, “It looks okay.  I just figured I’d go ahead and
wear it now, because soon I won’t be able to pull it past my thighs.”

Liza shook her head and said, “You’ll have that tight little
body back in no time after you have the baby.”

When they arrived at the pool area, Liza quickly found a
good spot.  They had worn their swimsuit cover-ups to walk through the hotel. 
Liza was first to take her cover-up off.  As she did so, the man sitting in the
lounger next to hers stood up and introduced himself.   He told her how
beautiful she looked and offered to buy her a drink.  She thanked him and
gracefully declined his offer.  He was disappointed, but somehow he knew better
than to press the matter. 

Jonathan had just finished a meeting in one of the hotel’s
meeting rooms.  He was exiting the room and was headed to the bank of elevators
to go to his room.  He looked out toward the pool and saw Renee and her friend. 
Renee had just taken off her cover-up and was laughing and shaking her head “no”
at a young man who was ogling her.  Jonathan, realizing that he was standing
there staring, quickly composed himself and hurried to his room.  He was
feeling quite tired after having stayed up most of the night to prepare for his
exhaustive meeting, but now he had renewed vigor and felt that perhaps relaxing
by the pool with its stunning view would be a much better option.  He changed
out of his slacks and shirt, put on a pair of swim trunks and headed down to
the pool.

When he arrived at the pool area, he immediately saw Renee
and Liza.  Liza and Renee were talking and laughing with the young man who had
taken on a definite interest in Renee. He walked up just in time to hear Renee
say, “You’re awfully sweet to say that, but I have children your age.  Besides,
that young woman sitting on the other side has been giving me the evil eye.  I
think she wants you to talk to her.”

The young man, who had introduced himself as Paul, said, “No
way you have kids as old as me.  I’m 22-years old, ya know?  Your kids must be
babies.  You’re not old enough to have kids my age.”

Renee laughed and said, “It’s true, my twins are your age. 
I really can’t have dinner with you tonight, but thanks for asking.” 

Paul looked disappointed and said, “Well, age ain’t nothing
but a number.  If you change your mind, call me.  I’m in room 2034.”

Liza, who was very amused at their conversation said to
Renee, “Don’t forget to call your husband to let him know that we’re going to
the spa.”

Paul stood up and said to Jonathan, “Man, fine women are
always taken.”  With that, he was gone.

Jonathan sat on the lounger that had been vacated by Paul. 
Liza eyed him knowingly.  He asked both ladies if he could get them something
to drink. 

“No, thank you, Liza said.  Besides, we’ve got to head over
to the spa in a bit.”

Renee said, “Thank you, but I still have my juice from after
yoga.” 

Jonathan said, “I’m so sorry for almost mowing you down
earlier.  Are you sure you’re okay?”

Liza said, “What?  Renee, you didn’t tell me you were almost
mowed down.  You really sure you’re okay?”

Renee reassured both of them that she was fine.

Liza saw Jonathan’s eyes raking over Renee’s body and she
didn’t like it.  Something about him was off.  He heard Liza earlier when she
told Renee that she needed to call her husband, yet he still had the nerve to
sit there and openly undress Renee with his eyes. 

Jonathan, sensing Liza’s irritation with him, shifted in his
seat and said, “I was in such a hurry after my meeting this morning that I
almost ran over your beautiful friend.  I hope you both will forgive me. 
Perhaps I could take the two of you to dinner this evening?”  He really wanted
to take Renee to dinner alone, but he could see that Liza had appointed herself
as Renee’s chaperone. 

Renee said, “Oh, that’s not necessary.  And again, I’m
fine.”  As she was saying this, her phone rang.  It was Elliott.  “Yes, we’re
here at the pool catching a few rays and then we’re going to the spa.  I love
you, too.  I’ll call you later.”

Renee stood up, Jonathan taking in every inch of her.  Yoga
obviously paid off very well for her.  He could hardly take his eyes off her.

Liza was standing and putting on her cover-up.  “We’d better
get going.  Is Elliott counting down the hours until you get home?”

Renee chuckled and said, “Yeah.  He said that he and Joe
were going to do some errands and that later on he, Matt, Simon Joe, and Daniel
were going to hang out for a bit.”

Liza picked up her tote and turned to walk back into the
hotel lobby.  As she was walking away, she heard Jonathan ask Renee if he could
speak with her for a moment.

“Sure, Jonathan,” Renee obliged.  “What’s up?”

“I was just wondering if you would have dinner with me.  I
at least owe you that much for our little accident this morning.”

“That’s very nice of you, but it is really not necessary.  Besides,
we have an early flight tomorrow, so I’m going to eat dinner in my room.”

He was very disappointed, but knew better than to be too
persistent.  “I understand.  Have a safe trip back.  Who knows, maybe we’ll see
each other again one day.  By the way, your husband is a very lucky man. 
You’re a gorgeous woman, Renee.”

Renee thanked him.  “Take care, Jonathan.  It was nice to
meet you.”

Jonathan already knew that he and Renee would met again
someday.  Soon.

~~~~

Once they were settled on the plane for their flight back to
LA, Renee said, “Honestly, I think just about every hairstyle you get looks
absolutely fabulous on you.”  Liza had it cut into a bob this time.  The
stylist left Liza’s dark brown hair shoulder length so that if she wanted, she
could still pin it up or pull it back into a ponytail. 

Liza said, “This is by far my favorite,” she said as she
looked at herself in her compact.  It gives me the best of both worlds in that
it is short enough to be chic when I want to wear it down, but long enough that
I can still pin it up when I want.”

Once the plane took off and was cruising along, Liza very
carefully asked Renee about her mother.  “Do you think she knows about you and
Elliott?  I mean, she never left LA.  Do you think someone that she knows may
have gotten wind of it and told her?”

Renee definitely did not want to talk about or think about
Maggie.  “I don’t care what she knows or doesn’t know.  It’s not my concern.” 
Renee’s demeanor went from warm and relaxed to cold and tense at the mention of
Maggie. 

Liza, not wanting to upset Renee, quickly changed the
subject.  The very last thing that she wanted to do was to have Renee upset
when Elliott saw her.  “So, tell me, how are you going to style your dreadlocks
for the big day?  They are so pretty and thick.  Are you going to do a straight
or wavy style, or an updo?

Renee’s mood brightened.  “I’m not sure.  I’m leaning toward
an updo, but we’ll see.  I just can’t wait to try on the dress tomorrow to see
if my behind still can fit into it.  You know how worrisome that has been for
me.”

Liza chuckled and said, “Yes, I know you’ve been trying to
be extra careful, but I’m sure the dress is going to fit you beautifully.”

The plane landed a few minutes ahead of schedule.  After
Renee and Liza had gathered their things, they walked out of the sliding glass
doors and immediately saw Elliott and Joe.

Elliott pulled Renee close to him and lowered his head so
that his mouth could claim hers.  The kiss was sweet and hot at the same time. 
Renee’s arms encircled Elliott’s neck and then her fingers laced their way
through his thick hair.

Once they were able to pull themselves apart from each
other, Joe said, “Don’t go getting all worked up just yet.  Renee and Liza are
staying at the Four Seasons tonight and tomorrow night.”

Renee said, “I changed my mind.  I just want to go home and
sleep in our bed.  Liza, you and Joe could stay there if you want.  I bet it’s
really nice.”

Liza laughed and said, “Now, now, we only have a couple of
more days to go before you two get all up on each other.”  She then turned her
attention to Joe and said, “And only a couple of more days until we get all up
on each other.”

After they got checked into their rooms at the hotel, the
foursome went to Elliott’s and Renee’s house.  As they were pulling into the
driveway, Renee’s dad and Sharon and her Aunt Sophie and Uncle Leonard came
outside.

After hugs and kisses had been given, Dennis said to Renee, “So how are you doing? 
Are you and my new grandbaby feeling okay?”

Renee hugged her dad again and said, “We are doing great. 
How have you been?  I thought you all weren’t getting here until tomorrow
morning.”

Sharon said, “We were so excited about coming here, we
decided to come a bit earlier.  Renee, you look beautiful.  Pregnancy and being
here in California really agrees with you.  And I’ll even bet that being in
love with that handsome Elliott helps a lot, right?”

Renee laughed at Sharon’s teasing and said, “You’re so
right.  It’s all good and I’m so glad you’re all here.”

After they had all gone into the house, Sophie said to
Elliott and Renee, “Your home is lovely.  Elliott, how long have you lived
here?”

While everyone was sitting around talking, Kim came over. 
She hugged Renee and Liza.  After more conversation, Kim said, “Okay, ladies. 
We have a couple of things to do today.”  She outlined the tasks that needed to
be completed, namely taking Renee to the bridal salon for one last fitting of
the dress and a walk-through of the venue to make sure that everything was
going according to schedule.”

Kim said, “I’ve already contacted Amy and Kara and they have
confirmed that they will meet us at the venue for dresses and makeup.  I’ve
taken care of getting two limousines, one for Renee and Elliott and one for the
rest of the family.  Everything is handled.  Tomorrow we have a quick rehearsal
and then we’re all set.”

~~~~

The next couple of days flew by.  Renee’s wedding dress fit
perfectly.  No alterations were necessary.  Liza, Kayla’s and Lena’s dresses
fit perfectly as well.

The wedding venue had been decorated and looked absolutely
beautiful, with just a few last minute things to be done on the day of the
wedding. 

After rehearsal, Elliott and Renee were alone in her room at
the Four Seasons.  He said, “So, tomorrow’s it, honey.  You ready?”

She pressed her body close to his and kissed his lips
softly.  “I’ve been ready for a long time, baby.  Now, it’s finally happening.”

They continued kissing, Elliott eliciting soft moans from
Renee.  A soft knock came at the door.  It was Joe and Liza.

Joe teasingly said, “We know you’re in there and you’d
better be dressed.”

Renee opened the door a few seconds later and let them in. 
“Of course we’re dressed.  Why on Earth would we be naked in this gorgeous
hotel room?  I mean, just because we were in here for more than five minutes
and we’re about to pop if we don’t get it in real soon, doesn’t mean that we
would actually get naked in here.”

Liza laughed and said, “All I’m going to say is that it’s a
good thing tomorrow night you two will finally be able to get it in, as you
say.  I think if you had to wait just one more day, you would absolutely pop.”

They headed downstairs to say goodnight.  Elliott said, “The
limousine will pick you up tomorrow at noon and take you to the chapel.  The
other limo will pick the rest of us up at our house.”  He pulled Renee into a
hug and kissed her again before saying good-night

Liza and Joe had already said their good-nights to each
other.  They watched as Renee and Elliott embraced before their big day.

~~~~

Chapter
5

After a restful night’s sleep, Renee awoke refreshed,
renewed and relaxed.  Today, her wedding day to the man that she had been in
love with for almost as long as she could remember, was finally here.  She
couldn’t stop grinning.  She looked at the clock on the nightstand and saw that
it was only 9:00.  She was not checking out of the hotel, per se, as Elliott
had made reservations for them to spend the night there.  She took only the
items she needed to the wedding venue and left the rest of her things there. 
Someone would come around before she left to take her remaining items to the
room that Elliott had reserved for them.  The hotel was so beautiful that she
would have been content to spend their honeymoon there, but Elliott had planned
a trip for them.  He was still holding out on telling her where they were
going, only that she would really enjoy it and he would tell her later that
night.

She did manage to go back to sleep for another hour.  After
that, she got up, put on her yoga attire and went for a quick session before
leaving for the venue.  After her class was finished, she went back to her room
and took a shower.  She was looking in the mirror to make sure that the twists
that she had put in her hair the night before were still firmly in place when
she heard a knock on her door. 

Renee put on her robe and let Liza in.  Liza said, “Just
checking in.  I came by earlier, but figured you must’ve gone for a workout. 
Did you get enough sleep last night?”

Renee raised an eyebrow at Liza and said, “Oh, I finally was
able to doze off after the people in the adjoining room stopped sexing it up. 
Did you hear them?  Oh, wait, of course you heard them – you were them.”

Liza thought she and Joe were being quiet.  “No, you must’ve
been having wet dreams about you and Elliott.  Joe’s not here.”

Renee chuckled and said, “Liza, just stop.  I heard you
two.  He’s not here now because he left early this morning.  But he was
definitely there last night and early this morning.  You naughty, horny girl,
you.”

Liza blushed.  She was busted and she knew it.  “Well, you
know how it is.  It’s really difficult being away and going without, even it is
for just a short amount of time.”

“Yes, I know exactly what you’re talking about, and I intend
to make up for lost time over, and over, and over  - well, you get the idea.”

“Indeed I do,” Liza said.  “How are you feeling this
morning?  I mean besides being on cloud nine.”

“I feel great.  In fact, I can’t remember the last time I
felt so good.  You know how you feel so excited when something you really want
to happen actually is going happen?  That’s how I feel right now.  I just hope
Elliott feels it, too.”

“I can assure you that he does.  That man lights up like a
Christmas tree just at the mention of your name.”

Renee said, “Liza, I can’t thank you and Joe enough for all
that you’ve done for us.  I mean, you really are the sister and brother that I
never had and that I needed so badly.  If you hadn’t come over that day to have
that ‘get your life’ talk with me, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

“Oh, I know what would’ve happened.  I would have hauled
your little ass out here myself and delivered you right to Elliott’s doorstep. 
I knew it wouldn’t have come to that, but I was fully prepared to do it,” Liza
quipped.

Liza said, “So, you two are spending the night here and then
taking off tomorrow sometimes for your honeymoon.  Joe and I are scheduled to
leave Wednesday afternoon.”

Renee’s eyes started to mist over.  “Everything went by so
fast.  I’m so glad you were here to put all of this together.  Are you sure you
two can’t stay for just a bit longer?”

Liza hugged her and said, “We’ll be back at some point.  In
the meantime you’re going to enjoy being Mrs. Elliott James and growing a
happy, healthy baby.  And you know we’ll talk just about every day once you
guys get back and are settled.”

Liza and Renee spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and
making sure they had everything they needed.  Renee decided to soak in a
fragrant bath before leaving the hotel.  Liza went back to her room and
finished packing.

~~~~

Renee and Liza arrived at the wedding venue shortly after
Elliott and everyone else.  They were taken to the plush bridal suite.  They
were met by Amy and Kara.  Kara had just started applying Kayla’s makeup and
Amy placed Renee’s dress in the closet in her changing room. 

Kim and Lena entered the suite.  Renee hugged Lena and Kim
and said, “There sure are a lot of cars in the lot.  There must be another
event happening after ours.”

Kim replied, “No, in fact, your wedding is the last event
scheduled for today.  These people are here for you and Elliott.  I’ve taken a
look at the garden and reception area and everything is perfect.  You’re going
to love it.”

Kara had finished applying Kayla’s makeup.  Kara said, “You
look beautiful, Kayla.  I didn’t even have to do much of anything for you and
you look like you could go and do a photo shoot right now.”

Kayla thanked her and said, “I’m going to have to consider
getting one of these airbrush makeup systems.  I see them being advertised on
TV all the time and almost ordered one, but now that I know you carry them,
I’ll buy one from you.”

Kara and Kayla were the same age.  Kara had recently gotten
engaged and she and Kayla had exchanged contact information so that she and Mik
and Kara and her fiancé could get together once things settled down.

Renee went into the dressing area where Amy was making sure
that the gowns were properly pressed.  As Kayla walked in so that Amy could
help her into her dress, she said to Renee, “Mom, Kara is finishing up with
Aunt Liza’s makeup and is ready for you.”

“Okay,” Renee looked at Amy, smiled and said, “I’ll see you
in a few.  I’ll style my hair before we put the dress on and then I’ll meet you
back in here.” 

Liza had just gone to the dressing room and Renee was now
seated in the chair to have her makeup done.  When Renee’s makeup was complete,
she thanked Kara for taking out of her schedule for her.

Liza and Kayla were completely dressed.  Their hair, makeup
and dresses were perfect.  Liza said, “Do you want us to stay and help you with
anything?”

Renee assured them that she could take it from there.  Just
as she was starting to take her hair out of the twists that she had placed the
night prior, there was a knock at the door.  She peered through the peephole
and saw Matt standing on the other side.  He had on his suit and looked so
handsome.  “Hi, Mom,” he said.  “I won’t keep you long.  The music is starting
to play and Kim is getting everyone in place.  Dad wanted me to give you
this.”  He handed Renee an envelope with her name on it in Elliott’s
handwriting.  Matt hugged Renee and left the room.

Renee opened the envelope and took out the piece of paper
inside.  The note read:

I have waited so long for this day.  I didn’t know
when it would come, but I did know that it would get here.  I love you so much,
baby.  See you at the altar.”

Renee took a few deep breaths and fanned her face so that
her eyes would not water.  She tucked the note into the overnight bag that she
brought with her from the hotel.  Once she had regained her composure, she went
back to the mirror with a big smile on her face and continued styling her hair.

Once she had finished, she went back into the dressing room
where Amy was waiting to help her with her dress.  Kim had come in to make sure
that Renee was getting dressed.  “I’m going to be right outside your door. 
When you’re ready, just knock on the door and I’ll have your dad meet you here
in the hallway.”

Renee finished dressing and after Amy had zipped the back of
Renee’s dress, they both stood looking at Renee’s reflection in the full-length
mirror.  Renee looked, in a word, stunning.  Her makeup was minimal, natural
and flawless on her chocolate brown skin.  Her dreadlocks had a slight wave to
them, some pinned away from her face while the rest kissed her shoulders and
back. 

Amy said “Renee, I’m going to say this in all seriousness to
you, and I’m not just saying this to be nice.  You are absolutely the most
beautiful bride I have had the pleasure of working with.  Elliott is a lucky
man and he is so going to lose it when he sees you.”

Renee said, “I have you to thank, Amy.  You knew exactly how
I wanted to look in my gown and you made it happen for me and on very short
notice.  I can’t thank you enough.” 

Shortly after Amy had left the dressing room and made her
way outside with the rest of the guests, the music that Renee and Elliott had
selected started to play.  Renee knocked on the door to let Kim know that she
was ready.  The first few notes of Gerald Levert’s ”Made to Love You,” had just
started to play, indicating that everyone and everything was in place.  Dennis
knocked lightly on the door and Renee joined him in the hallway.  He looked at
his daughter, a gorgeous woman, and was filled with pride. 

Dennis said to Renee, “Honey, I know you’re a grown woman,
but you’ll always be my baby girl.  I know that Elliott loves you very much and
that he always has and always will.  But, if you ever need anything from your
old man, you know I’m always here.”

“I love you, too, Dad,” Renee said as she hugged Dennis. 
After everyone was in place, and the door leading out to the garden had closed,
it was Renee’s turn to walk down the aisle.

~~~~

The weather was perfect.  The sky was clear and blue, with a
few cumulus clouds.  The garden was a blend of lilies, hydrangeas, red and
white roses and other flowers.  The scent was light and easy on the senses. 
The garden was filled to capacity.  When the doors reopened for Renee and
Dennis to walk down the aisle, “A Couple of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele
started to play.  The original plan had been to have only one song, but Renee
had contacted Kim while she was in Vegas and asked that the second song be
added for her. 

Once the doors were open and Renee was visible, everyone
stood and there was a collective drawing in of breaths by the guests.  Renee
didn’t seem to notice as she was only focused on Elliott, whose eyes widened
when he saw her.  Of course he had seen Renee at her very best and indeed she
was effortlessly beautiful.  But today was different.  Today, she had outdone
her own self.  She saw it in his eyes, too.  A look of love, admiration, and
horniness all at once.

Her wedding gown fit her curves perfectly.  The gown that
Renee wore was not the same gown that Liza, Kayla, and Lena saw.  She decided
to go with the third gown.  It was strapless and the bodice was made of satin
and was ruched.  This portion of the gown really accentuated her curves.  The
satin portion of the gown stopped right above the knees and then transitioned
into a layered tulle and satin skirt that went all the way to the floor.  The
cream color of the gown was the perfect contrast for her creamy, chocolate complexion. 
Liza and Kayla looked at each other and Lena clasped her hands together and
said, “Lovely, just lovely.”

When Renee reached the altar with Elliott, and after Dennis
had taken his seat next to Sharon, she looked up at him and simply said, “Hi.” 
Elliott responded by moving in closer to her for a kiss, but was interrupted by
Judge Nichols.  This evoked laughter from the guests.

After they said their vows and the judge announced them
husband and wife, Elliott pulled Renee close to him and she placed her arms
around his neck for a brief, but searing kiss that made each of them moan loud
enough that the judge heard them.  He raised his brow slightly and smiled at
them.

As they ran down the aisle and out to the waiting limo, the
guests clapped and voiced their congratulations to the happy couple.

~~~~

In the background, making sure not to be seen, Maggie
watched as Renee married the man that she had banished her from all those years
ago.  She saw Kayla and Matt.  They had grown up to be beautiful, like their
parents.  She even saw Dennis and Sharon.  Dennis looked happy.  Happier than
he could have ever been with her.  She wanted to make her presence known, but
she knew better than to disrupt Renee’s big day.  The way that Maggie found
that Renee was marrying Elliott was because one of Renee’s friends from high
school had dropped by to congratulate her.  Renee’s friend thought that Maggie
knew.  The fact was, during their last conversation, which had been shortly
after Matt and Kayla’s birth, Maggie had the gall to call Renee and tell her that
she was making the biggest mistake of her life.  She remembered Renee’s exact
words to her:  “Maggie, the only mistake I made was allowing you to talk me
into breaking Elliott’s heart.  And now he’s somewhere in Africa.  My children
are not a mistake.  They are my babies and I love them.  But you wouldn’t know
about that, would you?  Consider this our last conversation, Maggie.  I never
want to hear from or see you again.”  Over the years Maggie came to realize
what she did was wrong.  Now, she wished there was a way to let Renee know
that.

~~~~

After picture-taking had been completed, Elliott pulled
Renee into his arms and smiled at her.   She blushed and said, “What, Elliott?”

He said, “Renee, you look so beautiful.  I don’t even have
the words to describe just how gorgeous you are, but when we are alone in a
little while, I intend to show you what I’m feeling.”

Renee slipped her arms around Elliott’s strong back and
gently stroked it.  She would have to be blind to not see how handsome and sexy
he looked in his suit which fit him perfectly.  His hair had been cut just
enough to be neat, but still with enough length for her to run her fingers
through his beautiful waves.  His dark blue eyes were framed by thick, dark
lashes and he had shaved, exposing his square jawline.  Feeling his long, lean,
muscular frame pressed intimately against her like this while they were fully
clothed was just a taste of what was in store for later that night.