The sophisticated lot mingled, cooing over the engaged couple as they embraced.

TERRANCE grappled with her ultimatum. Then Lique's shaken eyes met his from across the lawn and flit away, firming his decision.

Terrance reached for Jeanette's hands, pried them off his neck, and clasped her hands together between his.

"I—" he started.
"You can't be serious," she whispered through a pinned smile. "You said you love me."
"I do," he insisted. "But she's my responsibility. Just like my momma. And I—"
"Don't." Jeanette cut him off, wrapping her arms around his neck again. She hugged him tighter. "Don't leave me standing here alone."

Her desperate hold secured his chin to her shoulder and he peered helplessly at Lique.

Their eyes connected and Lique smiled. Too sad for him to believe it was real.

Terrance placed his hands on his fiancé's waist, preparing to push her aside.

Just then, Darien, joined the ladies, and stirred up a conversation with the man.

Terrance exhaled, releasing the strangled breath he held onto, and relaxed his hands on Jeanette's waist. This was how it had to be. He couldn't drop everything to save her anymore.

Terrance smoothed his hands around her waist and held Jeanette tight. She was his responsibility now. Not Lique.

~

LIQUE released her death grip on the shawl, relieved that Garrett was distracted by her brother-in-law. He still smiled in her direction, but she pretended not to notice.

Her eyes met Terrance's again. His jaw set and he wrapped his hands around the woman he wanted to marry. Lique forced a smile and looked away.

Terrance didn't come to her. She bit her cheek and placed her hands on her lap. He always showed up when she needed him. But now, he had someone else to show up for.

She shook away the sadness tearing through her heart and reminded herself to smile. She was happy that he was happy. Squaring her shoulders, she decided to accept Jeanette as her best friend's wife.

~

"Reverend, huh?" Garrett snickered. "Can't remember the last time I've been inside a church." His smile leaned to the side.

DARIEN chuckled. "You'd be surprised how often I hear that." He massaged the tension from his wife's shoulder until she relaxed.

"Our church is in the city. You're welcome to join us."
"Whoa Rev," Garrett said, rubbing his hands together. "I'm not the religious type, but thanks for the offer."

A wrinkle formed between his brows. "God is more about Love than religion."
Garrett placed his hands in his pockets. "Maybe some other time, Rev. It's about time I head out."
Darien nodded. "That's cool. We can talk more at the wedding."
Garrett scratched the back of his head and left.

Darien smiled down at the best decision he ever made and reached for her hand.
"Dance with me, my rose."

~

Heat flushed her cheeks. LEILAH accepted his waiting hand and followed him to the empty dance floor beneath a zig zag canopy of flowers and mini light bulbs.

"Why did you invite him to church?"
He shrugged. "I invite everyone to meet Jesus." Darien wrapped his arms around his wife. "Some get uncomfortable and leave." He pulled her close. "Now my beautiful wife's blazing hot temper won't drag us all into a wedding brawl."

Leilah rested her head on his shoulder. "She was trembling. I had to do something."
"Give her some credit. She handled it well. Prayed. Used her words. And look at her." Leilah glanced at her little sister.

Lique played with Miralys while laughing with Mira and Alex.

Darien leaned into his wife's ear. "She's moved past it already. You should too."

Leilah caught a glimpse of Garrett Avers heading into the mansion, away from her sister. Relieved, she nodded, forcing out an agitated sigh. "I guess you're right."

Darien grinned. "Now it's our turn to move on." His golden eyes glimmered with mischief.
Leilah's head whipped around. "People are staring at us."
He shrugged, hugging her closer as they danced slowly. "I liken you, my darling, to a mare harnessed to one of the chariots of Pharoah."

A nervous smile dug into her cheeks as Leilah hid her flushing face in his chest. "This is not appropriate."

"Shhhh." He cupped the nape of her neck, grazing his lips against her ear while he spoke. "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh how beautiful! Your eyes are doves."

The violins slowed, somehow finding the rhythm of the intimate, passion filled words he spoke.

Leilah closed her eyes, relaxing into his swaying embrace. He coaxed her closer as his song vibrated through her soul.
"All beautiful you are, my darling. There is no flaw in you."

Her hands slid up his broad shoulders, keeping him near as their hearts rode the same beat.

"Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my bride. Milk and honey are under your tongue—"

Her lips moved on their own and found his, melting into the promises that coated his lips. This man, was hers, forever.

~

JEANETTE watched Garrett step into the ballroom and out of view. She smoothed a jeweled fingernail over her necklace and averted her gaze to the dancing couple.

"They must be newly weds," she said, smiling at the pair.
Terrance shook his head, admiring the love his friends found in each other. "Married six years."
"Really?" She studied them. The way their bodies molded together. The way he seemed lost in her smallest movements. And the enamored kiss that seemed ethereal. Curiosity budded and she wondered aloud. "Are they always like this?"
Terrance nodded. "Yeah." A wistful air filled the soft spoken word.

Jeanette broke her attention from the couple to examine her fiancé. His serene stare made her wonder what he was thinking.

~

TERRANCE smiled. He wanted what D and Lei found. His heart contracted and he scanned the party for Lique.

She sat with Mira's daughter on her lap, playing a hand game. Then she threw her arms around the girl, laughing as joy danced in her eyes.

His heart lightened. It was her. He wanted that lost to the world love with her. His lips curled into a smile.

Sylus slapped a heavy hand on his friend's back and pulled him into a hug. "Careful, playboy." He spoke in hushed tones. "We can all read what's written on your face."

Terrance cleared Lique from his mind and adjusted his tie. "It's good to see you, man." He gestured at his fiancé. "Jeanette, this is my boy, Sylus."

Jeanette extended a gracious hand. "It's good to meet you."
"Likewise."

Jeanette rested a hand on Terrance's arm. "I hope you don't mind, but I need to visit the ladies' room."
"No problem," Terrance said.

He waited until she disappeared inside the mansion and turned to his long time friend.

Sylus said everything with a rub of his jaw as he looked at his friend.
"I know," Terrance responded, stealing a quick glance at Lique.

Sylus raised a brow and drew his lips into in a tight line.
"I know," Terrance answered again, tugging at his tie.
"Then why you doing this, bro?"

Terrance dragged a weary hand down his face. "I don't know." He sighed, stealing another glance at Lique. "I thought we were just friends."

Sylus shook his head. "Y'all stopped being friends a long time ago."
Terrance let out an exasperated sigh.
"I know."

~

She found him in the narrow hallway that lead to the restrooms.

JEANETTE tapped her nails on a rich walnut console, adorned with an elaborate vase bursting with flowers.

Garrett ended his call and slid the phone in his back pocket. A half smile slinked across his face.

"Looks like you've lost your touch," she mused, tapping her jeweled claws on the side table.

Garrett smirked closing the gap between them until he had her pressed against the wall. His slid hand under the layers of tulle.

"This daddy's girl routine must be exhausting," he said, pushing a hand up her bare thigh.

Her breath hitched as she enjoyed his ragged touch. "I asked you to do one simple thing."

He shrugged, holding her wanting gaze. "You neglected to mention her army of body guards."
"Maybe you're not as good as you think you are."

Garrett smirked. "Fort Knox has less security than that girl." He pressed Jeanette's buttons with ease, watching her sensuous reaction. "So do you."

His other hand made its way under her dress and she moaned, wrapping her legs around him.

"There you are," he crooned.
Jeanette's mouth fell open.
He hoisted her onto the console table and closed her mouth with his. The vase wobbled behind her, threatening to fall.

She loved the grime in his kiss. The gritty desire that never hid his dirty intentions for her. No promises. No apologies. Just hot, potent pleasure.

Their tongues tangled and she reached for his belt buckle. Then a woman gasped behind him, and they froze.

Garrett flashed his fiery gaze on her.
She unwrapped her legs from his waist and shook her head.

He smirked, keeping his back to the onlooker. Then he made large strides past the restrooms, rounded the corner and exited the mansion through a side door without showing his face.

~

LIQUE slapped a hand over her mouth unable to believe what she saw.

Jeanette hopped off the table, straightened her dress, and wiped her mouth. "You're the last person I expected to see."

Baffled, Lique sifted through her thoughts. "I came here to congratulate you and apologize for not being more hospitable."

Jeanette raised her chin. "Thank you. And apology accepted."

Lique shook her head. "You're not welcome," she snapped. "How could you do this to Terrance?"

~

TERRANCE caught up to Lique and stopped short when he found her with Jeanette.

Tension rolled off them in waves deep enough to drown hundreds.
"What's going on?" he asked.

"Nothing." Jeanette said, pursing her lips together.

Lique crossed her arms over her chest, holding Jeanette's glare. "Nothing except your fiancé spread wide open on that table for a man that wasn't you."

Slowly his gaze travelled back to Jeanette's smeared lipstick and his jaw tightened.

{Dun, Dun, Dunnnnnnnnn... See you next Saturday.}

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