Chapter 11

 

 

Haven used the week of space from Titus wisely to think about what she wanted. She wanted Titus – wanted to be with him and she wanted to make it work. In the process of figuring that out, she determined Titus wasn’t the problem.

She was.

And it was only because of what was happening in her life – the move she’d have to make. The job she’d have to find. Once she got those details squared away, she’d feel more like an equal in the relationship. So, she contemplated what she wanted to do with her business degree and as she was putting the finishing touches on the decorations in preparation for the wedding party, she figured out what she wanted to do.

She’d jumped into the family business immediately after graduating college and while it kept her hostage most days, she loved interacting with people and making them feel comfortable in their home away from home. So, after deciding to remain in the tourism industry, she applied at a few travel agencies with the goal of learning everything she could about the industry so she could open up her own travel agency one day.

Right now, she was focused on making the Bed & Breakfast as inviting as she could for Adina. She bought gold chair ribbons and tied them on all the chairs in the food lounge. She decorated the suite Adina and Vance would be sharing with a fancy ‘Just Married’ sign on the door. Gold and white balloons were next to all the doorframes, with the names of the guests assigned to the room written on them with a black Sharpie. For all the rooms, she prepared treat baskets – filling them with fudge, apples, cheese, graham crackers, cinnamon candy and four-ounce water bottles.

She reached for her phone, smiling when she saw Adina’s name pop up on the display and answered, “Hey. It’s almost that time! Are you ready?”

“Girl, I’m so ready. I’m ‘bout to drive Vance crazy. If I make any more requests, he’s going to run away.”

Haven laughed. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“Ask him when you see him. He’ll tell you otherwise.”

The women laughed then Haven said, “It’s funny you called. I was just finishing up with the decorations. This place is all ready for you guys.”

“That’s so awesome! I appreciate everything, Haven.”

“You’re very welcome. It’s been fun planning and decorating. I’m so excited for you and Vance.”

“Yeah. I can’t wait to return the favor for you and my brother someday.”

Haven smiled. Titus must’ve said something to her about their break, but still the thought of her returning the favor made her feel warm all over. “Titus talked to you, huh?”

“He didn’t want to say anything but I know my brother…knew something was wrong with him. I pretty much yanked it out of him. So, woman-to-woman—what did he really do?”

“He didn’t do anything. It’s all me. I’m the reason there’s a rift between us.”

“Why? Is he too much? Are you not ready?”

“I think a lot of the problem is he’s had more life experiences than I have. I like that about him, but adversely it affects our relationship because he’s so much further along in life than I am. Does that make sense?”

“I get it, but that doesn’t matter. Titus is one of the most loyal men you’d ever meet and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.”

“I know. He’s—he’s a good man, and—”

“I’ve watched him get his heart broken before and that was devastating because I know how good of a man he is. If you love him, Haven, please try to make it work.”

“Somewhere in my mind, I’ve rationalized I’d be doing him a favor by letting him go.”

“You’d be doing more harm than good. That certainly won’t be a favor. My brother loves you. Our family loves you. We’ve already accepted the fact that one day you’ll actually be a part of the family because we see how much Titus loves you. I’m not telling you what to do. I’m just saying—don’t feel like you’re behind the curve when it comes to him. It’ll give him the chance to teach you some things. It’ll give you both the opportunity to grow together.”

“You’re right, and I would love to grow with him. I’m just so—so…”

“Scared. Lost. Don’t know how things will turn out?” Adina said.

“Yes.”

“Join the club. I had those same anxieties dating Vance. Shoot—sometimes I still have them and I’ll probably have them after we get married. But guess what, Haven? It’s gon’ be alright. You know why?”

“Why?”

“Because Vance and I…we love each other.”

Haven smiled, took a deep breath and felt relaxation take over her being.

“Now, please tell me you’re going to be at the wedding.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Yay! Awesome. Then I’ll see you on Saturday if I don’t get a chance to see you Friday night.”

“Okay. See you later.”