Never Say Never, page 21
“He’s beautiful, Tasha,” Malcolm choked out from across the room.
“Isn’t he.” Tasha shook her head. “I’ve truly been blessed. And now so have you.”
“No doubt,” Malcolm replied, running his hands through Jayden’s hair. After several minutes, he finally rose and brought his nephew over to the couch to introduce him to Sabrina.
“Say hello to your Auntie Sabrina.” Malcolm placed Jayden in her arms.
Sabrina experienced true bliss holding another baby again. She hadn’t held one since Jasmine and she just loved his baby smell.
“I have a photo album with pictures of Jayden from the day he was born until now if you’d like to see them, Malcolm,” Tasha spoke up.
“Yes, I would love to.”
Tasha rose and went over to her bookshelf. She removed a large album labeled “Baby’s First Year” and handed it to Malcolm. He accepted it eagerly and flipped through the pages. Tasha had a complete photo history of Jayden’s life. There were pictures in the hospital, at a month old, first tooth, Jayden’s first step and much more. “I’ve got some professional pictures too. I’ve put some aside that you can take back with you.”
“Thank you, Tasha.” Malcolm was very appreciative of her kindness considering her shaky start with the Winters family. He and Sabrina made a swap. He took back his little nephew while she perused Jayden’s photo album.
Malcolm moved from the couch to the floor and that’s where he and Jayden played for nearly an hour. Sabrina and Tasha used the opportunity to get to know each other better. She discovered that Tasha had modeled and traveled the world extensively before becoming pregnant. She met Michael during Fashion Week in New York and the two continued to see each other on and off for several years. Michael, however, had been unable to commit and the two had split up right before his death.
Tasha had come back home to Hilton Head to have Jayden. She didn’t discover that Michael was gone until nearly six months after his death and then she’d been scared of the repercussions if his upper-crust family found out. She realized, however, that that was unfair to Jayden. He had a right to know his father’s family, so she contacted Dinah and told her the truth. Dinah, however, had automatically assumed Tasha was a gold-digger out for her son’s fortune, until the paternity test proved that Michael was Jayden’s father. Now Dinah’s tune had changed and she was eager to be a part of his life.
Malcolm sat back while he played with Jayden and listened to Tasha’s entire story. “I’m sorry for my mother’s reaction to your news.”
“It’s not your fault. Neither of you knew that Michael and I were seeing each other, so I’m sure it seemed like an implausible story. But that’s behind us now. The truth is out and that’s that.”
“That’s very gracious of you,” Malcolm replied.
“I want the Winters family to be a big part of Jayden’s life and tell him about his father. That’s all that’s important.”
Malcolm stood up and placed Jayden back in his playpen. The child fussed a little. “I’ll be right back, little man. I promise.”
Malcolm walked back over to the women and pulled out an envelope from his breast pocket. He handed it to Tasha and took a seat beside Sabrina. “It’s a document on a trust that’s been set up in Jayden’s name. The trust will provide a monthly stipend until Jayden reaches the age of eighteen. A separate college fund has also been set up for him.”
“Malcolm, this is way too generous—”
“Trust me, Tasha,” Malcolm interrupted her, “it’s what Michael would have wanted and as the executor of his will and Jayden’s uncle, I’m going to see to it that his son is well provided for.”
“Thank you so much.” Tasha was deeply touched.
“You’re more than welcome,” Malcolm said, smiling at her then at Sabrina. “I want you and Jayden to consider yourself a part of the Winters family. Now and forever.”
“You’re incredible.” Tasha rushed over and gave Malcolm a great big hug. “God bless you.”
As Sabrina watched the scene unfolding in front of her, she couldn’t be prouder. Malcolm was a prince among men.
Chapter 22
It was nearly ten and if he didn’t hustle, Malcolm would be late to church. Unable to sleep last night, he’d arisen late, but felt alive and full of zest for life.
He was finally going to take Sabrina’s advice and see if a little religion could heal his wounds and help him regain his faith. He had an ulterior motive for attending: Nothing would please him better than to see his two favorite ladies. Everyone in the community frequented the First Baptist Church for Sunday service and he was sure the Parker family was no exception.
Malcolm rushed into the shower and was in and out in ten minutes. Quickly, he brushed his teeth before twisting open his favorite aftershave. A few quick pats to his cheeks and he was ready for the day.
When he arrived late, Malcolm sat in the back of the hall and as he did, the memory of Dinah forcing him and Michael to attend Sunday worship rushed back. It reminded him that once upon a time, he hated church. He never cared for all the whooping and hollering folks did. At the time, he was much more interested in reading a science book or performing surgery on his stuffed animals.
Malcolm was surprised though when the preacher’s sermon hit on some relevant points that he could apply to his everyday life. Like forgiveness. Maybe it was high time he started forgiving himself for Michael’s death. He was contemplating the meaning of it all after the service when Sabrina appeared.
A vision in a simple white sheath that fit her petite frame to perfection and a whimsical scarf wrapped lightly around her neck, Sabrina was breathtaking. She rendered Malcolm momentarily speechless.
As she stood outside the church in the balmy afternoon breeze with her family, she was surprised to see Malcolm approaching. Just like it always did when he was around, her heart began thundering and a certain place between her thighs began to get damp.
“Well, well,” Felicia commented, turning around to get a better look at Malcolm as he walked over toward them, “look who’s coming.”
“Shhh,” Beverly Parker whispered.
Sabrina’s mouth became dry as Malcolm drew near, looking hot and sexy in a smart grey suit and tie and polished Italian leather shoes that suited his smooth nutmeg complexion and sexy mustache. Sabrina shivered.
“Ladies.” Malcolm glanced at Felicia and her mother. “Sabrina.” Malcolm smiled at her and leaned down to bestow a kiss on Jasmine’s forehead. “And how’s my favorite girl, today?”
“Good,” Jasmine replied, blushing and blinking several times. “Am I really your favorite girl?” she asked, glancing up at him with large wide eyes.
“Of course you are.” Malcolm grinned and pinched her nose. “You’re second only to another special lady.” He responded never taking his eyes off Sabrina.
“Why don’t we let the grown folks talk,” Beverly suggested, leading Jasmine and Felicia away from them.
Sabrina silently mouthed “Thank you” to her mother and followed behind Malcolm, who was walking away from the sun and into the shade under a big maple tree. She had to admit she was curious as to how Malcolm felt about coming to church again.
Despite his attempt at privacy, however, they’d still acquired an audience, who were watching them intently from across the grass. Her mother and several of the women’s church group were huddled together. And then there was Monique and her kids, smiling and giving Sabrina a thumbs-up. It wasn’t a secret that they’d been spending time together over the last few months, but she was a bit embarrassed by all the attention they garnered.
“I’m surprised to see you,” Sabrina said, turning her focus back to Malcolm. “What made you finally decide to come to church?” She knew how hard it must have been for him to take this difficult step, but she truly believed that this was exactly what Malcolm needed to move on.
“I realized I needed to find peace, and let go of the past and forgive myself.”
“And have you found it?”
Staring deep into her eyes, Malcolm stated emphatically, “Yes, I have.”
Nearly three months later, on the night of the Sweetheart Dance at church, Malcolm was as jittery as a rabbit. He had no doubt that Sabrina was the woman for him and he’d told himself that he would wait until she was ready, but when he stopped at the jeweler for a gift for the dance, he hadn’t been able to resist purchasing a platinum three-carat-diamond-solitaire engagement ring. He knew it was way too soon to spring this on her. He and Sabrina hadn’t discussed their future and after her miserable divorce, Malcolm wasn’t altogether sure if she would be agreeable to the idea of marriage just yet. He was just hoping Sabrina might agree to a long engagement. He intended to ask her after the dance, but the ring was burning a hole in his pocket.
After showering and applying Sabrina’s favorite aftershave and cologne, he teamed a coral shirt with dark slacks to finish the look. He could have fun with his metrosexual side because Sabrina had requested he wear the same color as her dress.
Since she had started classes at the university, he planned on meeting her at the dance, but when he arrived the parking lot was jam-packed. Malcolm had to park two blocks away and walk over. Several couples were already milling around in the cool night air, soaking up the romantic ambience.
He passed several of his clinic patients, who wished him well, but he was looking for one person and one person only.
Sabrina was already standing outside waiting for him. A wrap warmed her shoulders, while a sexy silk number with a deep V-neck and spaghetti straps let in a little air. To top it off, with her hair in an updo, Sabrina was a knockout. He was a very lucky man. Without a doubt, Malcolm knew what he had to do.
Sabrina warmed when she saw him walking toward her. Six months ago, she could have never believed she’d be here with the man of her dreams. She’d vowed never to fall in love again, but Malcolm was everything she had waited her whole life to find.
He was strong, kind, compassionate, loyal, a great doctor and an extremely fabulous lover. He would make a great uncle and an even better father. Wow! Malcolm as a stepfather for Jasmine? Has our relationship progressed that far in such a short time? Sabrina’s answer: Yes!
She’d fallen hard for the enigmatic, charming, reclusive doctor and she wanted nothing more than to be with him. She was just scared of making that commitment again. After Tre, how could she be sure? She’d been wrong once before. She couldn’t afford to make a mistake twice.
Once Malcolm reached her, however, all negative thoughts and fears flew out the window. Sabrina knew he would never hurt her. At least not intentionally. He would always love and respect her. He would take care of her and Jasmine, even though she now knew how to do it herself. He would never dishonor her by being unfaithful with another woman. She could believe in him. Trust him. Her heart told her he’d never betray her faith in him.
Malcolm held out his hands and Sabrina readily accepted them. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispered, twirling her around.
“Well, you look pretty spectacular yourself.”
“You ready to go inside?” he asked. The smooth strains of a Luther Vandross song could be heard through the swinging birch doors.
Sabrina nodded. Oh, yes, she was. She was ready to shout it from the rooftops. To let everyone, including the church congregation, know that she loved Dr. Malcolm Winters and she didn’t care who saw them.
Thankfully, her parents had accepted Malcolm and he’d transitioned easily into the Parker fold. At first her mother was a little hesitant, but when she saw how happy Sabrina was, she couldn’t argue. They had never cared for Tre, so it was a welcome relief for Sabrina to know that this time around, her family was in her corner.
Malcolm and Sabrina walked hand in hand into the church’s recreation room, which had been transformed into a romantic fantasy. The lights were dim, but Sabrina could see hearts and roses and balloons and streamers everywhere. The women’s church group had certainly outdone themselves.
Glancing around, Sabrina saw her parents, her brother and sister and their spouses all dressed in their finest and seated at a table for eight.
“Is there room for more?” Sabrina asked.
“Of course,” Felicia replied, pulling out a chair. “We saved you both some seats.”
“Thanks, sis.” Sabrina couldn’t believe how well they were getting along now. Their relationship had blossomed since her early days back in town. Sabrina was sure the family was happy about that too. No more bickering at the dinner table.
Sabrina leaned over. “It’s good to see you and Sean out tonight.”
“Yeah, we’ve decided that we need a little more time for ourselves from now on,” Felicia replied with a grin as she looked at her husband.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Sabrina squeezed her arm. “You’re always with the kids tending to their every need. It’s good that you’re catering to each other’s needs.”
Sabrina noticed Malcolm didn’t sit down beside her. Instead, he whispered something in her father’s ear and they both disappeared through the swinging doors of the church. She wondered what was going on and hoped everything was okay.
“Do you have any idea how bright your eyes shine when you look at him?” Felicia asked. It had been a long time since she and Sean had looked at each other that way. It was why she was trying to get them out more. Felicia hoped to add a dash of romance in her marriage before she too ended up in divorce court.
“Do they?”
“Yes, they light up whenever he’s around. I’m real happy that you’ve found a stand-up guy like Malcolm.”
“Thank you.” It meant a lot that Felicia liked him. Now that he had her sister’s stamp of approval, there was no reason not to marry the guy, Sabrina thought with a smile.
Marriage? Did that thought actually just cross my mind? Sabrina shook her head. Yes, they were in love, but marriage? She’d been divorced less than two years. Surely, she couldn’t be ready yet to jump into marriage, could she?
Malcolm and her father returned a short time later. Her father sat next to her mother while Malcolm walked back to his seat. A huge grin had replaced the nervous look he’d worn since he’d arrived.
“Do you have your dancing shoes on, Ms. Parker?” Malcolm asked, striding toward her and extending his arm.
“I sure do.” Sabrina grabbed hold of it. “Let’s do this. See you later,” she said to Felicia and her husband over her shoulder.
Holding hands, Malcolm and Sabrina slowly walked onto the crowded dancefloor and found an open spot. His strong hands slid sensuously over her as he gathered her close while he brought their entwined hands to his mouth and planted a kiss across them. “Do you have any idea how crazy in love with you I am?” he whispered.
“I do, because I feel the same way.” They stared into each other’s eyes for a prolonged moment. His were serenely compelling as always, but this time something was different; this time they were filled with such … such promise. Sabrina finally looked away. She rested her head on Malcolm’s chest and listened to his rapid heartbeat.
When his favorite Maxwell song, Fortunate, came on, Malcolm pressed his body even closer and leaned down to place a hot, searing kiss on Sabrina’s lips. His mouth moved over hers, slow and thoughtfully, sending shivers of desire racing through her.
“Hmmm,” he moaned. “You taste so good.”
“So do you,” Sabrina said, bringing her arms up and circling his neck.
“Come with me,” he said, taking her by the hand. He led her off the dance floor and walked outside. The air was cool and crisp so Malcolm removed his jacket and draped it over Sabrina’s shoulders.
“What’s going on?” she asked, looking up at him.
“You’ll see soon enough.” He brought her to the front of the building near the concrete steps. “Sabrina.” Malcolm took her hands in his.
“Yes?” Sabrina’s eyes gleamed in the dark and Malcolm almost lost his courage. Almost.
“Sabrina.” Malcolm reached forward and tucked an errant curl that had fallen loose from her updo. “You know how much I love you, right?”
“Of course. Just as much as I love you.” She touched his cheek.
“And Jazzy too. You know I adore her. She’s my little angel.”
Sabrina nodded. Her daughter had loved Dr. Malcolm from the moment they’d talked in the park when she’d run away on her second night in Savannah. She couldn’t wait for the day when he officially became a part of their family.
“Then you must know that there’s no one else I want. No one else I want to be with.” Malcolm paused, struggling to find the words to express how deeply he cared for her.
But he didn’t need to make Sabrina understand because she knew what he was trying to say and her eyes welled up with tears. “Me either. There’s no one else for me, Malcolm. I am so over Tre. It’s not even funny. I hope you know that.”
“That’s good to hear, because I want I spend my life with you, Sabrina.” He dropped to one knee and pulled the ring box out of his breast pocket.
Sabrina’s heart lurched.
“What I mean to say is this.” Malcolm opened the box and produced the solitaire. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes!” she said, leaping into his arms and nearly knocking him off his feet.
“Did you really just say ‘yes’?” Malcolm grabbed her face and searched her eyes for any doubt. He found none.
Sabrina nodded. “Yes, I want to marry you, Malcolm. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Together. Me, you and Jasmine.”
“Yes!” Malcolm shouted and lifted Sabrina off her feet, swinging her in the air. Breathless, he put her back down and slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Then it’s official. We’re engaged.” He smiled and bent down to recapture her lips with a searing kiss. It was a kiss of promise, of hope, of family.
