Videos for this chapter:

'I Gotta Be' by Jagged Edge

'Let's Get Married' by Jagged Edge

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021

Layla's POV

"Nolan, you are going to pay for this!! I hate your guts!! You never changed. Always thinking about yourself!!"

Ryan and Shane both punched Nolan in the face!!

"That means he would have taken ownership over both of our businesses, Layla."

"Where is that dang contract?!" Shane screamed at him. Ryan snatched Nolan's case and grabbed the contract.

Shane pulled out his phone. "Hello, Hermione, can you and Jacob come to The Vine? We have a situation here and need your help. Also, call the media and tell them we will have breaking news once you confirm it."

"Have you no shame?! All that I have worked for and built up was almost taken from me. And, Bliss' makeup business would have been taken from her!!! She has worked hard to build her brand too! You obviously don't care about Jewel or Lily." I slapped him hard.

Speaking of, she just walked in with Lily. And, she saw me standing confrontational in front of Nolan.

"Hey, Layla, why does everyone look angry? You must be Bliss. It is so nice to meet you. I'm Jewel, and this is my daughter Lily. I love your makeup and the colors are very different and amazing."

"Thank you, Jewel, for your support. Hi, Lily. She's adorable."

Lily waved back to Bliss, and even let Bliss hold her.

"The reason why we are angry is that your pathetic excuse of a boyfriend changed the contract. Nolan changed it so that he would take ownership of my company. And, now that Bliss has her makeup in each location, he would have taken her company too!!"

Jewel was pissed! She walked over to Nolan.

"Nolan is this true?! Why would you do that?! Whatever answer you have is already ridiculous! Layla and Bliss worked hard for their businesses!"

"Yes, it's true. I was going to keep them as the bosses. Grant's would have been the owners."

Bliss covered Lily's face because she knew what Jewel was about to do.

Jewel slapped Nolan so hard it hurt her hands.

"I will not keep Lily from you, but as far as us getting married or staying together, that is over. This is sickening, Nolan. You probably would have done the same thing to my bakery. You really haven't changed at all. And, you are going to be the one to tell Lily why you and I are not together. I'm moving us back to Yonkers."

"Layla, Hermione, and Jacob are on their way. And, I'll get you some ice."

"Thanks, Shane." He then left the room.

"Jewel, that was Bliss' husband, Shane. He owns this restaurant."

Within a few minutes, Shane came back with a small bag of ice.

"Thank you, Shane. And, it is nice to meet you. Your wife is holding my daughter, Lily."

Shane's POV

"It's nice to meet you as well. Is Lily Nolan's daughter?"

"Yes, she is. She will be two in May. Logan and Lily were born the same day."

"That's awesome. Layla, the room is reserved until however long you need it. We can still have lunch."

"Thanks, Shane. Yes, I would like to stay and have lunch. Austin is going to pick Lollipop up from school today. I can't wait until he surprises Kimmie this weekend. Braelyn's t-shirt is adorable. He is nervous, but I told him don't be. Ryan told him too. And, thank you both for the support."

"You're welcome, Layla. Kim has no clue that he is going to propose. We did tell her that her family is coming for a visit. We invited them to come to our wedding next week. Kimmie's support with my business is just awesome. She is one of the key pieces to its success. I really would love to have her work with me in Florida," Bliss replied.

"Speaking of Florida, I miss you and Kam a lot. So, Ryan and I talked it over and after your wedding, The Meyers crew is coming to Miami. Braelyn misses the twins. Logan and Kekoa are becoming friends. We are going to go house hunting."

Oh no! Layla, Kam, and Bliss together? " I'm glad that you all are moving down with us. But, I'm telling you both now, do not pull any tricks."

"Ha! That's a good one, Shane. How do we know that you, Ryan, and Cris won't be the ones pulling the trick? Answer that one, Landes."

I walked right over to Bliss. "Oh honey, I have an answer for you, but do you want Layla, Jewel, and Ryan to see?" Bliss started walking backward, right into a wall.

"Layla and Ryan saw us at the club last year at Andrea's party, so bring it on. But, there is a baby in the room. And, Hermione and Jacob just came in."

"Hi, everyone. Shane, what did you want us to look at?"

"Thanks for coming, Hermione and Jacob. Can you both look at this contract? That sniveling, little weasel sitting in the chair to the right tried to steal Layla and Bliss' businesses. Thank goodness we heard him say it, otherwise, he would have been successful."

I handed Hermione the contract. "We sure can."

She was done within 20 minutes flat.

"The contract was indeed worded for him to become the owner of both Layla and Bliss' businesses. They would run the companies, but the profits would go to Grant's."

I went to punch him in the face again. "Layla, Jewel, Hermione, and Bliss take Lily for a short walk and close the door."

As soon as they closed the door, I let Nolan have it.

(I don't cuss, so use your imagination with the lines.)

"Nolan, you __________. I have never in my life met a _______ businessman like you in my life! You must have lost your ________ mind if you are going to steal Layla or Bliss' companies. _____________!!! You didn't even think about that precious little daughter you have, Jewel, or your parents!! You are a worthless ___________. I hope you saved enough money because you will never work again in New York. Let's face it who in their right mind would hire a __________ thief anyway?! Stay the _________ away from Layla and Bliss!!"

I haven't done that in a long time. I think the whole restaurant heard me though, even with the door closed.

"Is it okay to come back in? We heard you anyway, but covered Lily's ears." Bliss asked.

"Sorry, ladies. I'm done. Okay, Nolan here is what is going to happen. First, I am done investing in the company. Second, I am not going to let your parent's success fail because of you. So, to save Grant's from sinking, I will have Hermione and Jacob draw up a contract and reasonable offer to outright buy Grant's. But, there is one condition - you are NEVER to set foot on the premises of ANY location. And, lastly, you are going to tell the media what you did, right now!! Let's go! Ladies, go ahead and order."

"I'm coming with you, Shane."

Ryan came with us. The media was right there waiting for us. "Start talking!"

Nolan's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I am here to resign as CEO of Grant's Men's Warehouse. I let dollar signs get the best of me. Grant's was on the verge of merging with Layla's Fashion House. I saw how much money Layla's company was making and wanted it bad. So, I had the original contract changed. Grant's would have become owner of Layla's Fashion House, along with The Elegant Canvas, which is owned by Mrs. Bliss Landes."

Ryan's POV

"Both my wife and Bliss are upset, so they will not be attending this press conference."

"What he did is despicable! Shane Landes and I are here to expose Mr. Grant for the type of person he is. Even the first time he met my wife, he insulted and harassed her because of a spilled drink. He even threatened to sue her. I have never seen a person stoop so low in my life."

Shane's PO

"Ladies and gentlemen, an offer and contract are going to be drawn this week for new ownership. The takeover will only happen if The Grant's agree. I will not stand by and watch a successful company like Grant's sink like a ship because of horrendous judgment from their son. My wife and Layla's businesses will not be bamboozled from them. Please continue to shop at Grant's. I shop there myself. Thank you for your time."

We stepped away from the podium.

"Nolan, you have a lot of explaining to do to your parents. And, my attorneys will forward the contract to your parents. Don't have them wait too long because I will take the offer off the table. Now, get out of my sight!!!"

Ryan and I walked back inside.

"I am sorry, Layla and Bliss. Never did I think he would do something like that. Things were going great - I found a new location in Manhattan for my bakery, we were looking for a place to live together with Lily and talked about marriage."

Bliss replied, "Jewel, it is not your fault. Nolan got greedy. Now, look at what it cost him. But, Shane is not going to let their company fold because of their irresponsible son. Let's enjoy our lunch."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nolan's POV

I am ruined. Jewel hates me, and rightfully so. My parents are going to kill me. And, they are supposed to be released later today. I have no one to blame but myself.

I pulled into the hospital's parking lot, parked my Escalade, and went to their room.

My mom was the first one to see me.

"Hi son, how did the signing go?"

Just as she asked that the break-in news report came on.

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"Ladies and gentlemen, we just received breaking news into the studio. Not too long ago in front of The Vine, Nolan Grant resigned as CEO of Grant's Men's Warehouse. Apparently, there was a merger deal on the table with the owner of Layla's Fashion House. Mr. Grant had the terms changed so he could become the owner of Mrs. Meyers business, as well as the owner of The Elegant Canvas, owned by Mrs. Bliss Landes. Also, it is being reported that Mr. Shane Landes withdrew his investment from Grant's. More on this story later."

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"YOU DID WHAT?!!! Get out of here before I strangle you!!!!" That was my father.

"We trusted you to run the company, and this is what happens?!" That was my mother.

"Shane Landes offered to buy the company, as long as I don't set foot on the premises of any location. And, he said the offer will not stand for long. He also said the offer will be fair because you both should not suffer because of what I did."

"I ought to have you dragged to the OR for a vasectomy!! Because you thought with your jewels, we have to sell our company!!! Get out of here!!!" My mother said.

I left my parents room and the hospital. As soon as I got to my Escalade, I saw Blake with a coat on.

"Looks like you could use some company," Blake said. Then she flashed me in the hospital parking lot!

"Even if I did go back to that lifestyle, you would be the last person I call. I told you to leave me alone."

"And, I told you I can't leave you alone. You're stuck with me forever, Nolan. You should have given me what I wanted the last time I asked you then your parents would not be in the hospital," She said while smirking.

"You're the one who put my parents in the hospital?!"

"That was me."

"You have lost your mind! Trying to kill my parents?!" I was about to choke the life out of her until a bodyguard or something came out of nowhere.

"See, I knew you would try something like that, so I brought protection. Now, I can finish what I started by knocking off your parents. Or, you can be my sex slave - every day and night."

My past is coming back to haunt me. But, I can't let my parents die.

"Fine. Where are we going?" I certainly am not being her sex slave. The only option is for me to leave New York. That's what I am going to do.

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

Narrator's POV

Nolan got in his Escalade and pulled off like he was going home. Blake and her bodyguard were right behind him.

Nolan waited for the perfect opportunity to lose Blake in traffic. As soon as they passed an off-ramp, Nolan made a snap decision to get off the street and ditch Blake on the highway. Nolan then left New York to find somewhere safe.

Meanwhile, The New Yorkers flew to Miami to support Austin's proposal.

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Friday, March 26th, 2021

Bliss' POV

From today through next Saturday, it is going to be hectic - my dress is being delivered to Barbados. Shane and I need to fly there to check out the setup of my Grandpa's yard.

Then, we are flying to New York. Shane is coming with me to visit my parent's and Jessica's gravesites. It's going to be hard, but I will have my hubby with me.

As soon as we got home, I got a call from Kimmie's mom that their plane arrived. Shane and Austin went to pick them up while I helped everyone here get settled.

"Bliss, thank you and Shane for flying my family to Miami."

"You're welcome, Kimmie. This going to be a great weekend."

"It's going to be a great week. I can't wait until your wedding next week. I'm excited. Everyone can't wait to see the expression on Shane's face when he sees your dress."

"Especially Nana Margie. The plan is to go out to dinner tonight. Tomorrow, we are having the family gathering."

"Sounds like a plan, Bliss." Kam and Cris are bringing the kids over to play with Braelyn and Logan.

Kim and I watched Natasha so Layla and Ryan could get some rest. Andrea is resting too. She is due to give birth in May to Ree. Well, her name is Rihanna, but I nicknamed her Ree.

About an hour later, we heard several cars pull up. I looked out the window and saw the Fiore crew, Shane, Austin, and Kimmie's family.

"They are here, Kimmie."

Kim's POV

Bliss and I walked over to the front door, opened it, and went outside. Austin helped my parents with their luggage, so I went to talk to my brothers.

"DeAngelo, Jamal, and Marcus, this is one of my best friends, Bliss. You all didn't get a chance to meet her when she came to Barbados my last visit."

"It's nice to meet you, guys." Bliss shook their hands.

"Trust me, sis. We know who she is. Mrs. Landes' billboards are all over Barbados. It's nice to meet you too. She is the first celebrity we have ever met. All 'hail the queen.'" That was DeAngelo.

"Aww, you are too sweet. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm not really a celebrity."

"You really are, Mrs. Landes. Especially in St. Lucy. I tell my girlfriend all the time that Kimmie works with you. You have done so much to help my sister and we appreciate it very much." That was Marcus.

Shane added, "I tell her all the time that she is. How many people can say they are a model and business mogul? You deserve celebrity status and more, sweetheart."

Bliss started blushing as Shane kissed her cheeks. "Kimmie has helped me tremendously with my business. We have already opened up two new locations because of her Sales team. And, we are looking to opening locations in Europe, Houston, and California. But, Barbados was important to me because my mom was from there," Bliss replied.

"Guess who else you guys get to meet this weekend? Let's all go inside. Hey, Kami. How are you feeling, mama?"

"Girl, I can't wait to get these twins born already. I'm fine. Excited for the wedding next week."

"Me too." Before we went inside, I saw Marco and Noeli pull up to the house. Kami went inside.

I went to pick up Marco Junior. He is so adorable.

"Thank you, Marco and Noeli for coming. Boy, are my brothers going to be surprised."

"You're welcome, Kim. It's always a pleasure to meet fans."

We all then walked inside the house. My brothers looked my way and their mouths dropped and their eyes went wide when they saw Marco.

"Y-Y-YOUR Marco Fiore!! Man, is it nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you too. And, thank you for your support."

Marco went to chat with my brothers. Austin and my parents came downstairs.

"Hi, mom and dad."

"How's my girl doing?" My dad asked.

"I'm fine, daddy. This little cutie pie is Marco Jr. Glad you all could come over to Miami for a visit."

"Now that everyone is here, how about we go to eat dinner? We are going to Kalani's restaurant," Shane announced to everyone.

I went to grab my bag, which was near the couch. Bliss gave Austin and me her keys to her Range Rover.

After everyone figured out who they were riding with, we got in the SUV's and went to dinner.

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Saturday, March 27th, 2021

We had a great time last night at Kalani's restaurant.

Cris' club is right next door, so Austin and I took my brothers. Cris let us use his VIP section. I thanked him for that. Bliss and Shane joined us. We had a great time.

Today, we are going to have an even greater time. Breakfast was catered, Hawaiian style - Malasadas,
Congee, Loco Moco, Acai bowls, and Hawaiian pancakes. I am stuffed. It was amazing!

Everyone is pitching in to cook for the family cookout we are having. The guys are going to cook on Bliss and Shane's grills. We are fixing the sides. Right now, my mom, Bliss, and I are seasoning meats for the grill - steak, chicken, ribs, salmon, and Italian sausages.

"Good morning everyone. I'll come in shortly to help. Logan is off the chain this morning. He is a ball of energy."

"That's okay, Layla. Help yourself to some of the breakfast in the dining room."

"Thanks."

"Let's take this meat out to the boys. Bliss honey, I had a good time talking to your mother-in-law. She is hilarious," My mom said as we headed outside. Thankfully, it is sunny today.

"She really is. I love her to pieces. Adrian has always been there for me. She is my mom figure and I love her very much. Wait until I tell you how Shane introduced us."

We gave dad, Austin, and Shane what we had. Then went back inside to season some more.

Austin's POV

"Daddy, when do I put my t-shirt on for Ms. Kim?"

"Not yet, Lollipop. I'll let you know."

"Okay." Braelyn skipped away to play with the kids.

While flipping burgers on the grill, my mind was on how I am hoping tonight will go. I must have zoned out because I didn't hear Shane calling me.

"Sorry, Shane. I zoned out. Why do guys get nervous about proposing? I asked my father too. And, thank you for hosting this. I know Kim loves having her family here. It means a lot to both of us. She doesn't know that her grandparents and my parents are here too. Plenty of surprises. Man, I'm hoping she says yes."

"You're welcome, Austin. I have always wondered that question too. Trust me, I was nervous too. Especially the second time when Bliss took me back. I guess we are fearful of losing the one we love the most. I'm still nervous, wondering if I'm good enough to be her husband. We have had a few disagreements but made up quickly. I have no doubt that Kim will say yes. Don't be worried. And, Mason said your musical guests will be here within two hours. We'll eat first."

"Okay. That works for me. Thanks, Shane."

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

The food is done and set up on the patio table. We fixed the kid's plates first. Then each of the guys fixed their wives a plate. Then, we fixed ourselves a plate.

There were several long tables set up so everyone can sit together. My parents and Kim's grandparents are in view of me, but Kim can't see them.

Braelyn kept looking over at me to give her the sign. Kim's father is about to speak, so I gave Braelyn the signal, and she ran inside the house to my mom, who helped her put the shirt on. Now, my parents, Braelyn, and Kim's grandparents are walking towards us.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone here for supporting my daughter. Kimmie has told me great things about everyone here, and how much you all care for each other. And, I see it. You all may not be related by blood, but you call each other your family. And, to take my only girl in is special to me and my family. We never, ever have to worry about our Kimmie. And, thank you to the hosts, Bliss, and Shane for opening your home for this special occasion." While everyone applauded, Kim whispered, "What special occasion?"

Now, it's my turn.

"There is another reason for your family being here. Turn around."

"Grandma? Grandpa? Rachel? Dylan?"

Braelyn then approached Kim with a bouquet of white and red roses with lilies mixed in between them.

"Ms. Kim, look at my shirt."

Kim read it out loud. "Will you marry me?" She cried like crazy. And, as soon as Jagged Edge, who so graciously came, started singing "Let's Get Married" she really let it out.

"Just like Jagged Edge sang in the song, I'm tired of feeling empty. I want to come home to only you. Ever since the day we met at Bliss' party you have occupied my mind and heart. The way you have treated Braelyn since day one has meant the world to me. All I wanted was to find someone who loved my daughter. And, you have. It also means a lot to Layla. I love you very much, Ms. Kimona Winston, and I have your parents blessings to ask you this."

"Braelyn, Calvin and I went ring shopping on our visit to Barbados with you. Braelyn picked it out for you because she thought you would like the color. So, Ms. Kimona Nicole Winston, like Braelyn's t-shirt says, 'Will you marry me?'"

Kim's POV

"I have never cried so much in my life. I love you too, Austin. Yes, I will marry you." He placed the beautiful engagement ring on my finger. I couldn't stop crying. It is special for my family to be here. Everyone stood out of their chairs to clap.

"Thank you, Austin, Layla, and Bliss. I love you all. And, thank you, Braelyn."

"You're welcome, Ms. Kim." Braelyn gave me a hug. "I love your t-shirt, Braelyn. That was really sweet."

"Daddy and mommy helped me with it."

"Kim, I would love to design your wedding dress. Let me know when you and your mom are ready."

"Thank you, Layla. That means a lot to me."

"Kim, as a wedding present, Shane and I would love to pay for your wedding. You have no idea how much I am appreciative of your support for my business. And, Austin, you were there for me when I needed someone the most. You both are special to me and Shane."

"Just let us know when you are ready to look for your dresses, when you are ready to send out your invitations, etc."

I look over at Austin. "Whatever you want, it is yours. Thank you, Bliss and Shane."

"This is the best proposal event ever. You even got Jagged Edge to sing! Thank you guys for coming! I love your music!"

"You're welcome. And, congratulations."

Layla, Kam, and Bliss were blushing like crazy. Shane, Ryan, and Cris didn't mind because how often does one get to meet one of their favorite musicians? I couldn't stop blushing myself. The twins were always my favorite, but they are all hot!

"Thank you, Bliss and Shane. Layla and Bliss, will you be my matron of honors? And, Kam, Carly, Noeli, and Andrea will you be my bridesmaids? Austin and Layla, I would love for Braelyn to be my flower girl."

"Lollipop, how would you like to be a flower girl for Ms. Kim?" Layla asked her.

"Yes, mommy. Can Día be flower girl too?"

"Is it okay, Kam and Cris?"

"Girl, of course," Kam answered.

"It's not a problem, Kim."

"Thank you both so much for your support. Now, the only problem is the location. I love Summer and I was born in August."

"Kim and Austin, you are more than welcome to use our house. We have plenty of space in our yard for both the ceremony and reception. I was born in August too - the 14th. No wonder we are best friends and work well together."

"Thank you, Bliss and Shane, for everything. I am eternally grateful. I'm sorry for all of the tears. My birthday is August 21st, which is a Saturday this year. So, I would like for us to get married on my birthday. It will be much easier for my family to attend."

"August 21st it is. Kim, I have an entertainment company you are welcome to use for how you and Austin want to decorate and organize everything in the yard. Just let me know when you are ready."

"Okay. Thank you, Shane."

My parents were not rich but always made sure we were well taken care of. Now, they don't ever have to worry about me. Being the only girl amongst my brothers was rough. But now, I have Bliss, Layla, Kam, Noeli, Andrea, and Carly. They are my sisters, my family.

"Speaking of family, how would you like to move to Miami? I see how much you miss your family when we are in New York. We can start looking for a house asap."

"But, what about you spending time with Braelyn? I couldn't break up your bond with her."

"Kimmie, we are moving to Miami too. I miss Kam and Bliss a lot. I'm going to work from home until the kids are school age. We are going to move summertime after Braelyn is out of school." That was Layla.

"And, Kimmie I would love to have you work with me here in Miami. Shane and I are having a complex built. It's not ready yet. So until then, we were able to find office space in downtown Miami. You would have your own office. We can move your Sales team also. The current space is huge, and everyone will have their own office. Jay and Tina are staying in New York. So, what do you say?"

"I say we are moving to Miami. And, yes I would like the Sales team to come with me. I'll talk to them when we get back to New York." Kam, Layla, Bliss, and I all came together and traded high fives.

"Bliss, we got our girls with us! Now, we just need Andrea and Carly." Kam says as we cheered.

"Oh girls, don't cause no trouble. Got it, Kamea?" Cris walks over to us and says.

Shane got in on it too. He walked over and stood behind Bliss. "Understand, Mrs. Landes?"

Then, Austin and Ryan just had to come over too. They crossed their arms.

"Boys, leave the ladies alone. We are going to have loads of fun." Shane's mom is great and also treats me like a daughter.

"Adrian, if you are the ringleader, there will be trouble. So, like Cris said, stay out of trouble. Got it?" That was Shane's dad. He's sweet too.

"Can I say a few words before we continue to party. This has been the best day of my young life." I could feel the tears welling up and my voice started cracking.

"Thank you all so much for bringing my family here to see me get engaged. Thank you, Rachel and Dylan, for coming from New York. And, thank you for Austin. I have never experienced real love until I met him. And, it was instant."

"You're welcome, honey. We love you too and look forward to talking with your family." Rachel and Dylan both gave me a hug.

"Bliss and Shane, thank you for your support for this party, our wedding, and letting us into your family. I'm thankful to Jay and Tina also for introducing me to Bliss. I want them in the wedding too. Bliss, you and I have so much in common. We click so well, and I love it. When I first moved to the United States, I didn't really know anyone. I wasn't scared though because I am an outgoing person and could make friends easily. But, look at me now - I have an amazing group of people who are my family. And, a charming fiancé. Thank you and I love you all. Now, let's dance!"

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Thank you for reading chapter 38.

The videos are courtesy of YouTube.

The engagement ring is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / fruitcocktail

And, thank you for your comments and votes.