Kam's POV

Layla's reception area was beautiful - a large table with two head chairs, one for Layla and one for Ryan. I sat on the corner chair next to Layla. And Cris sat on the corner chair next to Ryan. Braelyn sat with Dia and Rocco. There were bright, vanilla-scented candles over the area. And even a dance floor was set up for us. There was a variety of dishes, as well as Diabetic for Cris and me. It was buffet-style.

"What would my beautiful wife like to eat?"

"Everything. Bella, Kekoa, and I are hungry." My handsome husband fixed me a plate, then fixed one for himself.

After everyone had their plate and was eating, Layla asked me, "How did you and Cris meet?"

"My friend, Tamia, wanted to cheer me up because of a bad breakup. She took me to Cris' club. I'll let Cris tell you the next part."

"My security team and I pick who enters the club. I saw Kamea and Tamia in line and knew I wanted her all to myself. So, I made sure they got in and had VIP seats right near me. We had a dance contest that night, and Kamea danced to "Get Me Bodied" by Beyoncé. She won, hands down. And I was very 'happy,' if you know what I mean."

"He sure was Layla. Well, I don't want to brag, but dancing is a passion of mine. After that, I thought we would never see each other. At the time, I was a Dietitian. My boss wanted me to take a new patient. And guess who it was? Cris. From that day on, he said he loved me, but I was hesitant. It took me two months to realize I loved him. He asked me to be his girlfriend, and then I asked if we could go ahead and get married. I already knew that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And we did."

"You still dance? It's been a while since I did. And it's not bragging. If you got it, use it."

"Well, I have one that you, Noeli, and I could do for Ryan, Marco, and Cris after your first dance. That should get you back in the groove. After your first dance, cut your cake so the kids can be focused on eating it and not watching the dance. How did you and Ryan meet?"

"We met at a party. My friend, Alicia, was dating Ryan's friend, Dean. Alicia invited me over, but don't get me started on what happened there. Anyway, Dean introduced us to some of his friends, one of which was Ryan. We instantly looked at each other, but at the time, I was scared of a relationship. I'll let Ryan tell the rest."

"I had broken up with a cheating ex two months before we met. I was ready to find the woman I wanted to settle down with. When I saw Layla walk in, I was instantly attracted to her. I saw confidence, beauty, and smarts. She gave off a look of 'I don't have time for games when it comes to dating.' So, I knew I wanted to talk to her. I followed her after she went to the kitchen to get something to eat. Then I saw Layla go out on the balcony. I saw that as my shot. She told me she wasn't interested in dating and that she had a daughter. In my mind, I was willing to wait for her forever if that was what it took to date her. We started talking, and then we danced together. The cheating ex of mine somehow got into the party. She saw us dancing and came over and threw her drink at Layla. Layla was pissed and blurted out that we would be going out on a date and told my ex to back off. She wanted to try and give us a chance. We have been together since that day."

"Ryan, Layla talked about you every time she would talk to me on the phone," Layla's mom mentioned to everyone. Layla was blushing, and Ryan gave her a smirk.

"Ryan did the same thing. We had to meet the woman who had him giddy. So, we were glad Layla had the cookout that weekend. We really are happy for you both. Layla, you don't have to call me Valerie. Mom is fine. I love your daughter to pieces. She is sweet." This time, Ryan was blushing, and Layla was smirking.

"Thank you. Braelyn can be sassy at times. But overall, she is a good kid. And I am glad that she has friends now. Braelyn is looking forward to summer, Cris and Kam."

"We are looking forward to spending time with Braelyn, too. Uncle Cris can't wait to spoil her. Me neither."

Layla's dad asked her, "Princess, were you surprised with your wedding day?"

Layla's POV

"Yes, I was, daddy. I was trying to be nosy and find out where Ryan was taking me. He didn't budge one bit. He had me blindfolded for most of the plane ride. I didn't know where we were until after he took off the blindfold. And thank you all for coming and sharing this day with us. This really is a special day. I am glad to have spent it with my family."

"We did stream it to your friends in New York. They wanted to be here but couldn't make it."

"And, thank you, Mr. & Mrs. Toscano, for coming. I love you both for taking the time to come to my wedding. It means a lot to me."

"Honey, you are more than welcome. Cam, Cocoa, and Dominic wanted to come but could not make it. They said to tell you congratulations. You can call me mom, Layla. All of my kid's friends call me mom."

"And, call me 'Daddy Val.' You're welcome, Layla. If you ever need help with your business, just let me know. I always help my family."

"Thank you both so much."

"Layla, when you have Daddy Val in your corner, you are in good hands. He is charming. Día and Rocco love it when we go over to their house. He spoils them. Wait until Braelyn comes for the summer. She is going to love it. She may have you consider moving here one day."

"Speaking of Braelyn, look at her and Rocco."

Cris and Marco chuckled. "He is just like his dad." Kam was about to say something, but I shook my head at her. "We are going to have to watch those two."

"Braelyn is not dating until daddy says so."

  "You're right, but don't you think mommy and daddy should think about that? Goodness, the child is only five. We don't have to make that decision any time soon," I told him with a bit of funk in my voice. Austin looked at me like I grew an extra head, but I wasn't playing. That is for both of us to decide.   

"That's a daddy answer for you."

"I said the same thing about Día."

Kam's POV

"Well, daddy, if you are going to say that for Día, then say the same thing for Rocco. Don't be one of the double standard dads because mommy will not be happy. And you better not do that with Bella and Kekoa, either."

"I agree. Ryan, you better not do that with our kids, either. I'm not having it."

"Speaking of a special day, on this day back in April, Kam and Cris were married. So, we got you guys a cake. It is sugar-free. Ryan and I chose this day as our wedding day so we could share it with you guys. Kam is my sister, and Cris, you are my friend. Congratulations to you both, and I can't wait until Bella and Kekoa are born. We will be coming down for winter school break to see you guys."

"Thanks, Layla. This is too sweet. And thank you too, Ryan. This was special to share your day with us."

"Cris asked us if he could, and we were more than happy to oblige."

"Thank you, handsome." I blew him a kiss across the table.

"I even got you a present. It is in your suite. Cris is going to love it when he sees it." I can't wait to see what the present is.

"Time to dance. We will do our dance first. Then I want to dance with my dad. And, a surprise dance."

Ryan and Layla got up and went to the dance floor. For Layla and Ryan's first dance, she chose a song by Patti LaBelle from the movie, 'Waiting To Exhale.' The song was called "My Love, Sweet Love."

Then, Layla and her dad danced. He went old school and chose 'My Girl' by The Temptations.

After Layla danced with her dad, Ryan asked, "Braelyn, I would be honored if you danced with me." She started giggling, and they danced together. That was so sweet of him to do that.

He chose 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' by Elton John from The Lion King.

After Ryan and Braelyn danced, Layla announced it was cake-cutting time. "Kam, you and Cris cut yours. And Ryan and I will cut ours."

Cris stood behind me and held the knife with me. Ryan stood behind Layla, and they held the knife together. "On the count of three, cut your cakes." Everyone started counting down.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

We both cut at the same time. Then, put the slice on a plate. We both grabbed forks and put a piece on them. But Layla and I had other plans. I smashed Cris in his face with the cake. And Layla smashed Ryan in the face with the cake. They both had devilish grins on their faces. I kissed the cake and icing off Cris's face. And Layla did the same thing to Ryan's face. 

"Seriously, ladies? In front of the kids?"

"They will be fine. Hey, I am not ashamed."

"But you won't." Cris still had a grin on his face when he said that. Cris and Ryan picked us up and started carrying us toward the water. Our kids were laughing at us. "Mommy is going in the water!" Braelyn screamed as Ryan carried Layla to the ocean.

My kids even laughed at me. Layla's dad threw his hands in the air. On the count of three, Cris gently placed me in the water. And Ryan dropped Layla into the water.

I chose a different song to dance to this time. It was slow enough that I could dance to it.

"Giving Him Something He Could Feel" - En Vogue

 We had Ryan, Cris, and Marco sit in chairs facing us. The looks on their faces were priceless. Cris was drooling, Ryan was licking his lips at Layla, and Marco was panting like a dog, ready to pounce on a female in heat at Noeli. The photographer videoed the whole dance and their facial expressions. Toward the end of the dance, we grabbed their hands. Marco was the only one that was safe. But Cris and Ryan were not. I wrapped my arms around Cris and got him wet. And Layla did the same thing to Ryan.

He whispered something to Layla, and she started blushing. So, she whispered something back, and then Ryan blushed.

Cris POV

After their dance, I was so ready to snatch Kamea and leave the reception. But I had self-control and didn't. I  knew she would pick a dance for the ladies because dancing is one of her favorite things to do. I will need to be concerned when she doesn't dance.  So, I had us do the same. I heard this song on the radio the other day. So, we had Layla, Kamea, and Noeli sit in the chairs at first as we sang 'Love That Girl' by Raphael Saadiq.

Like the song says, "I Love That Girl." As the song ended, we grabbed their hands to have them dance with us. Then, we each dipped our ladies, then pulled them up for a kiss. 'Ewww,' is what the kids said at the same time. That, indeed, was fun. 

Austin's POV

I am happy for Layla and Ryan. But it hurts like heck to see them together. Every time I see Layla, I get butterflies. And feel even dumber for getting engaged to Sabrina. I had the perfect woman all along with Layla and ruined it. We could already be married with kids, in addition to Braelyn. I tell her to forget about the past. But I can't.

"Just look how happy the three of them are - Ryan, Layla, and Braelyn. They are probably going to hate me for this, but I need to leave. Nobody will notice I am gone." So, I snuck away.

Kam's POV

While Layla, Noeli, Mama Alyshea, and I were talking, Braelyn came over and asked, "Mommy, have you seen Daddy?"

"Last time I saw him was at the table. I don't have my phone with me, so let's go ask Ryan."

Ryan was talking to Cris, Marco, and daddy Val. So, we all walked over to join our men. "Hey, have you guys seen Austin? He disappeared."

"I'll call him." Ryan took out his phone and called Austin. "It went straight to voicemail."

"Uh, did he forget Braelyn was staying with him? Now is not the time for jokes."

"I'll try him again." Ryan redialed Austin's number. Layla was furious.

"He is not answering. Maybe he just took a walk, and he is coming back."

"Mommy, did daddy leave me?"

"I hope he didn't, baby girl." She saw the sad look on Braelyn's face when she said that. Layla started crying, and so did I. How could he leave Braelyn like that?

"What are we going to do, sugar? If he doesn't come back, we have to postpone our honeymoon because Braelyn has school on Monday."

"If we have to postpone it, we will. This is pretty low for Austin to pull this stunt. Come on, princess, let's take you back to our suite." Braelyn started to cry as Ryan carried her back to the limo. "It's okay, princess. Don't cry."

"Ryan and Layla, we will stay here for a bit to see if he comes back."

"Thanks, Kam." Then, they walked back to the limo and went back to the suite.

We stayed on the beach for about 30 more minutes, but he never came back. So, I called Layla to let her know he didn't show up. Then, we left to go back to our suite.

********************

Sunday

I felt awful for Layla and Ryan. Why would he do that to them on their wedding day? Thank goodness we have Braelyn's clothes.

"Hey, handsome, I have an idea. I have never been to New York before, so why don't you and I watch Braelyn for the next two weeks? We can go away another time. Layla and Ryan should enjoy their honeymoon."

"That is very thoughtful of you, love. And, of course. This way, they get to have a great time, and we get to know Braelyn better. Let's get dressed and tell them the idea."

So, we got dressed and went over to their suite.

Ryan answered the door and let us in. "How are Layla and Braelyn?"

"Braelyn cried herself to sleep. Layla is upstairs laying down with her."

"What possessed him to leave her like that?"

"I have a feeling why and we need to chat about it. This can't keep happening. I think he still loves Layla. And, seeing her get married to me probably hurt. But that is no reason to leave Braelyn as he did. We are going to postpone our honeymoon to get Braelyn back to New York for school."

"If Layla wants to, Kamea and I can take Braelyn back to New York and stay with her."

"I have never been to New York before. Maryland, California, and Florida are the only places I have been. Marco and Noeli are watching the kids for the next two weeks. We can take her to school and things."

"Thank you, guys, for offering. I just hope Layla will go for it." Speaking of, Layla and Braelyn came down the stairs.

"Hey, Layla, Cris, and I can watch Braelyn for you guys in New York and take her to school."

Layla's POV

"I can't ask you guys to do that. That would mess up your time."

"Layla, this is your wedding. It is fine. We don't mind. We can take her to school and do fun things with her to take her mind off what happened."

"Braelyn baby, how would you like to spend some time with Uncle Cris and Aunt Kam for two weeks? I promise you that I will not leave you. Ryan and I will come home for you."

She thought about it. Then, looked at me and said, "You promise?"

"I promise, baby girl. I will never, ever leave you."

"Okay, mommy."

"Cris and Kam, I love you both for doing this. How can I repay you guys?"

"Girl, please. We are family, and family looks out for each other. After breakfast, we will take her to our suite."

"And, thanks for the present. It came in handy last night because Kamea craved a pickle milkshake."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're welcome, Cris. I knew you would like it. I just realized I don't have Braelyn's clothes he packed for her."

"Layla, Braelyn's clothes were still in her room. We have them with us. Don't worry yourself. Enjoy your honeymoon. Braelyn will be our daughter for the next two weeks."

"I really don't know what I would do without you both. Europe was a blessing in disguise. I got my best friend back and an additional best friend."

"There is plenty of breakfast if you would like to join us, Cris and Kam."

"Thanks, Ryan."

Over breakfast, Ryan gave Cris and Kam the keys to the house. I gave Kam the keys to my truck. We gave Sean two weeks off. He is going to visit his family. I told Cris and Kam what Braelyn is allergic to. And if she has an Asthma attack, I gave them her medicine. We still have not heard anything from Austin - no phone call, text, etc. I keep checking my phone, but nothing. He better have a very good explanation as to why he left. Kam and Cris were about to leave, so I pulled Braelyn over to me.

"Listen, baby girl. You be good for your aunt Kam and uncle Cris. We will bring a present back for you, okay?"

"Okay, mommy. I love you."

"I love you too, Braelyn." She ran over to Ryan to hug and kiss him on his cheek. "Love you."

"I love you too, princess." We hugged Kam and Cris. Then, the three of them left the room.

Kam's POV

As soon as we closed the door, we heard a loud thud against the door. Cris and I looked at each other and laughed. "Layla is going to be in for a long day."

"Braelyn, how would you like to spend the day at the beach?"

"Okay, auntie."

We went back to our room and changed. I took Braelyn to her room, and she put on a swimsuit and a pair of shorts. Then, I changed into my maternity swimsuit and a pair of shorts. Cris put on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Once we were all dressed, we left the room and went to the beach. After the beach, we took Braelyn to get something to eat. We also saw a carnival and stopped.

I didn't get on any of the rides, but Cris got on some with Braelyn. And guess what I found at one of the concession stands? Pickle milkshakes. Of course, I got one. Cris tuned his face up, and I did not care. Cris and Braelyn shared a funnel cake.

After the carnival, we went back to our suite to pack to go back to New York. Braelyn changed into her nightclothes. I came into her room and tucked her in. "Sweetie, did you have a good time today?"

"Yes, auntie. Thank you. Can you read me a story like my mommy does?"

"Of course, I can." I grabbed the book that was in her suitcase and read it to her. Within 20 minutes, Braelyn fell asleep. I kissed her on her forehead and said, "Good night, sweetheart."

I am so glad I have this opportunity to get to know more about her. And I am so glad to have Layla back in my life.

After leaving her room, I went to our room. Cris was watching television. I started feeling a little frisky. So, I turned off the tv. He gave me a 'why did you do that' look on his face. I pulled the covers off of him and sat in his lap.

"I didn't get to properly thank you for helping Layla. Layla and Ryan aren't the only ones to celebrate. I promise to be very quiet and try not to wake Braelyn up. Devour me, handsome. Happy five-month anniversary."

*****************

Monday morning

I got up a little earlier so I could soak in the jacuzzi tub. Cris went to check on Braelyn and to order us breakfast. After my soak, I got out, went through my daily routine, and changed into my clothes. Then, I went to the kitchen. Cris gave me my shot. 'Ouch.'

"Why do you have to get a shot, auntie?"

"Braelyn sweetie, auntie has an illness where I have to get a shot every day. I have Diabetes. Uncle Cris has the same thing, and he gets a shot every day too."

I explained to her what Diabetes was and what Cris and I couldn't eat. Braelyn looks like Layla. The only difference is that Braelyn has curly hair.

"Let's get ready to go."

"Okay, Uncle Cris."

Cris already had our luggage at the door. He called to have the bellhop bring a cart for us. The bellhop put the bags on the cart, and we made our way downstairs.

Cris had already checked us out, so we rode in a limo to the airport to make our way back to New York.

Little did we know that we would have to come back to Jamaica.

****************

Thank you all for reading chapter 45.

 The pictures and videos are courtesy of PNG Tree and Can Stock Photos. 

  1. opening picture - © Can Stock Photo / wandee007

2. Layla and Ryan's cake - courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Wow Express

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘