Come Share My Love

EPILOGUE


That evening before they went to bed, Shyla talked to Mama V and the twins. They had missed out on so much, but not anymore. They were in town so she would see them the following day.

As they lay in bed Zackary poked and prodded her stomach hoping to get a rise out of the babies.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m trying to see if they are awake.”

“They’re not. It’s past their bedtime and mine too. I already know that we are going to have a hard time getting these babies to sleep with you in the room.”

“I’ll be good. I won’t wake them up.” She gave him a look of doubt. “Not often.” Shyla chuckled and then turned serious.

“Zack are you okay with this? The pregnancy I mean. We never really discussed being parents.”

“Oh I remember it coming up on one or more occasions. In fact I know a man that taped one of those moments. And even it if wasn’t that. We knew it was possible when we made love without using any protection several times.

“And I also remember saying that I wanted five sons and you agreed. You were in a semi-comatose state but you agreed. So now you only have to give me three more after these two but I’d be more than happy with as many as you give me.”

So you really are happy?”

I am more than happy. You are my life, the mother of my children and as soon as you agree you will be my wife.”

“What?”

“I know this isn’t the proposal that you would like. Nor is it the proposal that I would like to have given you. When I thought about it over the years after we met, I thought about getting my entire family involved. I thought that taking you to Napa having mom cook us a nice meal, renting out Club B-Rax for the entire night. Have it furnished with burning candles and white Christmas lights and a little romantic music by Najee. Baby that was going to be the proposal to end all proposals. This is a desperate plea for you to put me out of my misery and marry me. So what do you say? Will you marry me, be my wife and the mother of our children?”

Shyla got up and straddled his body. “Mr. Trellis I think that was a very beautiful proposal. Those other proposals are so overrated but anyone you give me would be appreciated and accepted. I love you and yes I will be your wife.” He yelped and flipped her over on the bed gently.

“I promise you won’t be sorry.” He kissed her deeply. That’s when the babies started acting up. He rubbed her stomach, but the babies wouldn’t quiet down. “Hey in there, mommy and daddy are trying to get reacquainted. Will you please give us this moment?” The baby kicked once more and stopped. The parents laughed.

“Now where were we?”

“Right here,” she pulled his lips back to hers. She had missed this way too much and now she was making up for all the times she wished his lips were upon hers.

The following week Kemah gave the couple an engagement party. They weren’t going to wait a long time. The wedding would take place in three weeks. She wanted all of her friends to be there as well as his family. It was easier for them to have it in L. A. and let the Trellis’s fly out. Zackary practically demanded it. He didn’t want Shyla to be at any unnecessary risk while in Napa. When they returned there it would be for the wedding and the birth of the babies. Everything else would be dealt with at a later date.

The party was in full swing. Everyone was given a champagne flute full of cider, for obvious reasons. Big Zackary and Mama V had just blessed the two with a toast. Now it was Kemah’s turn.

“First I’d like to thank you all for coming. I have to say that this is one of the most exciting and happiest days of my life. I have known Shyla for many, many years. We’re sisters, more than just friends.

“When I met Zackary he was head over heels in love with Shyla and even though it took us forever and a day to get to where we are I am so happy that this day has finally come. If anyone deserves it the two of you do. I love you both. Cheers.” Everyone took a sip and applauded. Both Shyla and Zackary hugged and kissed her.

“If I had a sister I would want her to be you,” he hugged her again.

“Thank you brother-in-law.”

The doorbell rang.

“Can someone get that please? I have to check and see if the caterers are ready to serve.” She went out into the kitchen as Zackary went and opened the door.

“It’s about time the three of you got here,” Zackary said to Brennan, Braxton and Venice then hugged each one. “We didn’t think you’d make it.”

“Blame it on Brennan,” Braxton said. “He acts as though he’s never been to Los Angeles before.”

“Don’t blame me, blame that damn online navigation. It is such a bad investment. We’ve been going around in circles for the last fif…teen…” His voice trailed off because he was looking at the beauty that just entered the brightly lightened living room. Was he dreaming? He walked closer into the room.

Kemah was excited. Dinner was ready. She hoped everyone liked her choice of caterers because they would use the same ones for the wedding. She smiled looking at all the guest. She turned looking for Shyla and gasped as her eyes fell upon a figure from her past. What’s more, the same face followed behind him. She had not seen him in seven years.

“Brennan?” she choked. “A twin,” she turned too fast, swayed from the lightheadedness, and in slow motion her senses left her body, and everything went black.