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As Autumn turned colder, Tanya finalized travel plans to return to the states for a Christmas in Miami with the family. Days of facing the regret of not getting back together with Alastair subsided as they rekindled their friendship. It wasn’t what she wanted, but it was enough for her. He had always been a good friend, and she was grateful to have him in her life.
The Sunday afternoon was a miserable one, weather-wise, and Tanya didn’t feel like leaving the flat. A good book and food were the only things on the “to do” list on that lazy day.
She forgot to look through the mail sporadically placed on the coffee table and decided to glance through before diving into the book. A big pink envelope from Shauna’s husband, Rod, stood out among the mailings. A surprised Tanya opened the envelope, finding a baby shower invite with a note written by him.
Hey Tanya,
I know you and Shauna aren’t on speaking terms. Your father told me that you were spending a few weeks in Miami during the holidays so I wanted to invite you to our baby shower. I’d love to see you, and I know Shauna would too. Please consider coming up to share in our joy. Plus, I wanted to talk to you about a few things with the house. Let me know if you can make it.
Love,
Rod.
Tanya didn’t know what to think. Rod had become a good friend throughout the years and she was appreciative of him reaching out. However, she wasn’t ready to completely forgive the best friend for throwing up the failed wedding day in her face among other things that were said and done. But, a conversation between them was needed.
“I think you should go.” Alastair said the next day at lunch.
Tanya pushed around her salad with the fork. “Really!?!? I thought you would be on my side.”
“I am T. I want what’s best for you. And what’s best, in this case, is forgiveness. Forgive Shauna. She’s feeling like everyone is moving on but her.
“That’s true. Keena went ahead and moved to Atlanta before she’d originally planned. I talked to her last night, and she’s coming to the shower.”
“See, you’ll get to catch up with her too!”
Tanya took a moment to think while Alastair smacked on his sandwich.
“I’ll think about it.” She smirked. “So what are you going to do for the holidays?”
“Count the days for your return.” He flirted.
“Really?”
“I’ll be in Cambridge with my mum. I guess I’ll catch up with some old friends.”
“Old friends?” Tanya squinted.
“Friends. Not old girlfriends T.” Alastair said, giving his signature wink.
“Do you feel weird coming up here, as an ex-employee?”
“Nope, not at all. I feel relieved actually.”
“You miss me?” He asked in a sensual tone.
Tanya looked up, with doe eyes meeting his hazel stare. She didn’t know what he really meant by that questions
“Miss you?”
Alastair looked away as if there were a hidden meaning in the question. “Around the office T.”
“Oh. Yea. I mean sometimes.” She replied, returning her head back down to her salad. “Having Brie here helps.”
“That’s good. What about outside the office?”
“Huh?”
“When you go home. Do you still miss me? Sometimes?”
“No.” She replied with a straight face then broke into a soft smile. “I miss you all the time.”
Alastair laughed in relief. “I miss you all the time too T.”
“That’s very good to hear.”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Please.”
“During our relationship, there was always a fear that Kenneth would show up at your door and take you away from me.”
“Stop thinking that! Trust me, Kenneth would NEVER travel this far. Even if it were to get me back.”
“Hypothetically speaking. What if he did?”
“I’d tell him that I was in love with you. And slap him for popping up on me.”
They both laughed to break up the mood of uncertainty.
“I wish you would have told me that.”
“Didn’t want you to think I was insecure.” He leaned in, with a flirty smile.
“So we miss each other.”
“Yep.”
“Whatever happened to that girl you met about a month ago?”
“We went out once after that. Nothing came of it.”
“Oh. Sorry to hear that.” Tanya said sarcastically.
“No, you aren’t T.” He chuckled.
“You’re right.” She mumbled.
“When do you leave again?”
“Tomorrow Alastair! I told you that like, five times already!”
“Sorry. I have a lot of gigs and other stuff to remember these days. Tell you what, I’ll see you off tomorrow. You go, enjoy your family, and make amends with your friend...”
“And when I get back?”
“You’ll have me waiting for you.”
As promised, Alastair came along to the airport see her off. She was sad to leave him for three weeks but excited, on the other hand, to see her family. She also took Alastair’s advice and booked an extra ticket from Miami to Alabama for Shauna’s baby shower. Reluctant to see how the former best friend would react to her popping up, Tanya had second thoughts about the last minute change of plans.
Walking towards the gate, she felt goosebumps; not knowing how they’d say goodbye.
“Have a safe flight T. Get you some rest on the plane.” Alastair said standing in front of her.
“Thanks. And you be safe in Cambridge. Don’t have too much fun without me.”
“I’ll try.” He lowered his eyes to her lips. “I’ll be here when you get back.”
Tanya felt him wanted to inch closer and took a chance by kissing him on the lips. The sensual kiss brought back every sweet memory they shared as a couple. Which sealed the love between them.
“I’m so in love with you T.” He took one last look at her. “Hurry back to me.”
“You know I will. I love you, Alastair!”
No other words needed to be said. They had silently rekindled their relationship...again.
A long flight over the North Atlantic Ocean, and Tanya was home in the warm comfort of Miami, FL.
“Oooooh, I’m so happy to see my babyyyy!” Tamera said, holding her daughter.
“Yes, we’ve been waiting for you. Lewis and Ryann are already at the house with the kids.” Moses added loading bags into the car.
“How was the flight baby?” Tamera asked.
“Long, but it wasn’t bad.” She replied, stretching her neck.
“And how’s Alastair?” Moses grunted, closing the trunk.
“He’s doing great. He’ll be in Cambridge with his mother for the holidays. Oh! I need to let him know I landed safely.”
“He should have come with you. I know your brothers would love him.” Her mother said as they got into the car.
“I’m sure they would.”
Tanya made her call while getting situated in the back seat of her parent’s car.
“Hey! I’ve been waiting to hear from you.” Alastair eagerly answered. “How was the flight?”
“It was good. I got some rest like you told me to.”
“Good. Hey um, I have a gig starting soon and I need to talk to the band’s manager. Can I call you later?”
“Ok babe, I’m going to catch up with my parents. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Alright T. I miss you already. And....I love you.”
“I love you too Alastair.” Tanya smiled before hanging up.
“Y’all loving on each other now?” Moses asked peeking into the rearview mirror. “When did that happen?”
“Dad!”
“Mind your business, Moses!” Tamara added.
“Look who’s talking.” He said.
Settled at the family condo, the Hunter’s were all together and ready for the Holidays. Tanya’s brothers joined her and their parents on the porch while watching the kids play.
“I’m leaving a few days earlier than expected.” Tanya said.
“Why?” Ryan asked.
“Shauna’s baby shower.”
“That’s wonderful. Give Shauna, Rod, and the baby my love.” Tamera said with joy.
“I will.”
“So you two are back on speaking terms?” Lewis asked.
“How did you know that we weren’t speaking Lewis?” Tanya smirked.
“Dad. And when will WE get to meet this Alastair cat?” He pointed to himself and Ryan.
“Man, word gets around fast in this family!” Tanya laughed.
“We are a tight bunch! It’s my duty to keep the family informed.” Moses said.
Tanya enjoyed spending time with her family. Her niece and nephew had grown so much, and she hated she had missed out. Christmas Day was filled with gifts, love, laughter, moments, with plenty of picture taking. Two weeks with her loved ones helped get things back aligned in the right direction. It also helped that she and Alastair were getting back on the right track as well.
Tanya was very reluctant to leave her family to visit Shauna. She HAD to talk to Alastair to get motivated before she canceled her flight.
“Don’t sweat it T. Everything will be fine. Be cordial, normal, and let things work itself out. Despite everything, you two shared a lot over the years.” He reassured. “You can tell her how you feel about her actions without things going left. Just don’t allow your anger toward Kenneth interfere.”
“Thanks, babe. I knew you’d have the right things to say. Well, wish me luck!”
“You’re welcome. Now hurry up and get this over with. I can’t wait to see you again.” Alastair teased.
The plane landed in the place where she called home for years. Memories of her life there flashed in her mind. Tanya stared outside into the Alabama sky from her hotel room. It didn’t even compare to the London sky, however in some way, it felt good to be in a familiar place.
“Feels like a second home.” She checked her watch.
Fearing she’d run late, Tanya grabbed her coat and headed to the baby shower.
Arriving at her old place brought ill feelings of her past. The view wasn’t as satisfying as it once was when she first bought it.
“OH MY GAWD! I’VE MISSED YOU SOO MUUUUUUCH!!” Keena ran to the car. “Get out and give me a hug!”
“Keena! I’ve missed you too!” Tanya replied, hugging her friend. “Ahhh you look so good!”
“Thank you. I feel great!” Keena showed off her new fit body. “Be prepared, it’s a madhouse in there. Who throws a baby shower right after Christmas?”
“Only Shauna.” She sighed. “So I see Atlanta and your new man has been treating you well.”
“Yes!”
“Where is he?”
“He had to head back for work. Come inside. You know everyone wants to see you.”
“Are you sure EVERYONE wants to see me? I got my invite from Rod.”
“Hey, you know Shauna is sensitive and headstrong. Just go with it. Everything will be fine.”
They walked in, and Tanya was shocked to see how different her home looked. New furniture, new pictures, different setup. Even the walls in the dining room were painted. Although it looked nice, she realized she didn’t want to own the home anymore.
“Keena! Tanya! Glad you two could make it.” Rod walked towards them, holding a beer.
“Hey Rod! How have you been?” Keena asked, giving him a big hug.
“Good. Good. And you?” He replied, embracing Tanya.
“Amazing!” She replied. “I’m going to find food. This is my last cheat day!”
“Okay girl. I’ll join you in a minute.” Tanya replied.
Keena strutted over to the buffet in the kitchen. Tanya looked around to find Shauna.
“She’s in the upstairs bathroom.” Rod grinned. “She’ll be down in a minute.”
“Thanks.” She sighed. ”Well, are you ready for fatherhood?”
He raised the beer bottle. “You see I’m drinking.”
“Oh goodness!”
“It’s not too bad, but this pregnancy has been a little rough on Shauna.” He replied with concern.
“Health-wise?”
“No, she’s worried about balancing work and being there for the baby. Keena moved. YOU moved.”
“Ugh, you too? Come on Rod you KNOW how bad I was after my ‘non-wedding’. Do you feel I should have just stayed here?”
“Hey, do what makes you happy. I’m just saying that although she was happy for you at first, she took it pretty hard.”
“I don’t know what to say or what to do about that. I can’t constantly apologize for doing what’s best for me.” Tanya explained.
“And you shouldn’t.” Rod sipped his beer. “Don’t forget, I need to talk to you later.”
“Rod! I think everyone is here so we can get star...” Shauna said walking down the steps. The sight of Tanya standing in the foyer made her forget the rest of her sentence.
“Hey Shauna. You look beautiful.” Tanya said.
Shauna didn’t respond. She made it down the steps and stood beside Rod. Tanya looked at her best friend, dolled up in make-up, beautiful curls falling on her shoulders, dressed in a brown maternity dress. Tears came to Shauna’s eyes as she thrust herself forward to hug her estranged best friend.
The hug shook off Tanya’s ill feelings as she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Now THAT’S what I like to see.” Rod said before walking away.
“Thank you so much for coming. I’m happy to see you.” Shauna said.
“I had to. Despite everything, I am happy for you guys.” She replied, thinking of Alastair’s pep talk from earlier.
Shauna rubbed her belly. “Well, let’s go celebrate this bun in my oven!”
The ladies stayed in the living playing the usual baby shower games and presented their gifts to Shauna. Rod had a few friends to come over and they watched a game on TV in an old guest room upstairs which was turned into a man cave until the baby came.
After the shower, Keena, Shauna’s mother, and Tanya stayed behind to help clean up.
“Tanya, Ken was supposed to come but, he said he had a last minute job he needed to do.” Shauna said viewing her gifts.
And just like that, the ill feelings returned. She remembered that her best friend was the one putting Kenneth up to call her. Then, Shauna had the nerve to bring him up again.
“Okay Shauna.” Tanya replied, trying to hide the rising anger.
“He’s been doing well. Just working and hanging out with Rod every other day. He’s over here a lot. I think he likes being here because it reminds him of you.”
“I don’t know why because he was quick to try and sell the place.” She mumbled.
“Don’t be like that. He really misses you. I don’t think he’s seeing anyone else.” Shauna said.
“That’s on him. I’ve moved on.”
“Look, I know you LIKE Alastair but...”
“Shauna, don’t do that. Ken was an ass for the way he treated Tanya. He deserves to be alone.” Keena said, coming to Tanya’s defense.
“Keena, you know that man still loves her.” Shauna whined. “He was scared.”
“Shauna, listen to me.” Tanya said sternly. “I’m with Alastair. We are in love. If you’re going to throw Kenneth up in my face every time I see or talk to you, we aren’t going to speak again.”
“I’m sorry.” She replied with her head down. “For everything.”
“I forgive you, but you can’t continue to do this. For the LAST time, my home is in London NOT here.”
“When are you leaving Tanya?” Shauna’s mother asked, changing the subject.
“Tomorrow. I’ve been away for three weeks, and I need to get back to work.”
“AND her man!” Keena added.
Tanya and Keena laughed, while Shauna sunk her head down in disappointment.
“Rod said he needed to talk to me.” Tanya headed towards the staircase. “I’ll be right back.”
The guys were in the man cave, drinking beers and laughing about stuff that only men found funny.
“Rod, you said you needed to talk.” She said to him from the doorway.
“Yea. I do!” He joined her in the hallway. “It’s about this house.”
“Are you having any problems?”
“No, not at all. It’s great actually. So great that we want to see about buying it from you....If that’s possible.”
Tanya thought for a minute. She looked around the hallway. The memory of her smashing the engagement photo came to mind. That memory helped gave her the answer.
“Sure. By all means. Take it off my hands.” She smiled.
“Great. Ken connected me to this realtor and umm I guess we can work everything out through her.”
“Who? Shelly Fowler?” She grumbled.
“Yea. You met her before?”
“Didn’t get the chance to. Anyway, we can connect after the New Year to get the ball rolling.”
“Sounds good. And thank you, Tanya. It’s a good feeling to get my family into a home of our own.” Rod said, feeling accomplished.
Tanya saw the excitement in Rod’s eyes, and it warmed her heart. She had no reason to hold on to the place and the money from the sale would come in handy to help replenish her savings account. The thought of Kenneth giving Rod the same realtor info that he gave to her the day before their wedding annoyed her a little, but it was a step closer to leaving the Alabama life behind.
Minutes later, the doorbell rang. Shauna’s mother went to answer as Tanya and Rod looked on at the top of the staircase.
“Mama, tell whoever that is they are too late for the baby shower, they can just leave their gift and go.” Shauna yelled.
It was Kenneth. He gave Shauna’s mother a hug and stood in the foyer. He was paralyzed at the sight of Tanya coming down the stairs behind Rod.
“Aye man! What’s up?” Rod said.
“Uh hey man. I know I’m late, but I wanted to drop this off for Shauna.” Kenneth said holding an envelope with a gift card in it.
His eyes couldn’t focus on his friend entirely as he was hoping for Tanya to acknowledge him.
She finally made it to the last step and stared at him. Kenneth looked good to her. But it wasn’t in the same way she had looked at him before. Surprisingly, there was no anger or hurt. She felt nothing.
“He-Hey Tanya. Good to see you.” Kenneth finally said hoping to get her full attention.
“Hi.” Tanya replied taking the envelope out of his hand, walking it over to Shauna.
“Hey Ken! Come on in.” Shauna said opening the envelope.
“Oh no, I won’t stay long. I know you guys are trying to clean up, and I’ve been working all day. I’m beat. Tanya, ummm. C-can we talk?” He asked nervously. “Outside?”
All eyes were on them. Everyone anxiously waited to see what Tanya was going to say or do next. She turned around and reluctantly nodded. Walking past Rod, Kenneth, and Shauna’s mother out to the front porch, she took a stance with her arms folded looking at the cars and the neighborhood. He followed her and shut the front door.
“How has London been treating you?” He asked trying to find the right things to say.
“Good.” She sighed and looked at the quiet street. “Really good actually.”
“I’m glad to hear that. My business has been doing well. All I have time for is work these days. Not much play. Alabama is the same. Well, not truly the same since you left.”
She turned her head to him. “Is that so?”
“Yes it is. I know you still hate me. Hell, I hate myself for what I did to you. But you have to know that I’ve NEVER stopped loving you. Please know that. I allowed my ego, fear, and insecurities to make a dumb decision that changed my life for the worse. I want us again. I want us to be in love. I know that it’ll take a lot of time and compromising on my end. And I’m willing to do that, I promise. But just, come home Tanya. Come back to me. Losing you was HARD.”
“Hard for you?” Tanya asked. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before saying her peace.
“Kenneth, understand this. I was willing to settle for this...THIS.” She pointed to their surroundings. “I loved you so much that I was going to give up living the life I’ve always dreamed of just to be your wife. I would have given you as many kids as you wanted. Stopped the talks about moving away because it annoyed you, sell the first home I bought that brought me so much independence. All of that for YOU. The day you decided not to show up for our wedding day, the humiliation I had to go through, the pain I felt because a man I loved way too much made a last minute decision not to pledge his life to me, changed everything. I’m no longer compromising to a fault. I stopped being that push over I once was. You giving up on us, drove me to find ME again. I’ll never be that same woman again. I can’t say that I still love you. I care about you. Want the best for you, but we’ll never be the same. Alabama isn’t home for me anymore. For the last time Kenneth, WE ARE DONE!” Tanya explained.
After speaking those words, the lingering burdens of distrust lifted. It freed her, and all Tanya could think about was getting back to Alastair to love him.
“I had a feeling you would say something like that.” Kenneth held his head down. “I just can’t stop thinking about you.”
“I’ve moved on Kenneth. I found love again.” Tanya softened her tone. “We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but things are starting to look up again. You have to forgive yourself for what you did to me....to us, and move on too.”
The news Tanya dropped, killed Kenneth’s hopes for good. He loved her so much and held onto the dream that they could piece what they had back together. Kenneth had no other choice but to finally give up, and move on.
“I’m glad you’ve found happiness.” He lied. “I hope it works out for you two.”
“Thank you. Not only for those words but...Thank you.”
“For what?” He asked looking up.
“For everything.”
Kenneth knew just what she meant after that. Tanya felt grateful to him after ruining their wedding day. By him leaving, he opened her world up to happiness. And that reality crushed him even more.
“Can you tell everyone I said goodbye. I’m going to head out. Have a safe flight back...home.” He said, giving her a hug.
As he held Tanya, he gently kissed her on the forehead. The last forehead kiss Kenneth gave was the night before their wedding day. It obviously felt different back then. It was a kiss of new beginnings. But at that moment, the kiss symbolized the end.
Tanya leaned against the wooden rails and watched him walk away. He wouldn’t be completely out of her life due to their mutual friendship with Rod and Shauna. That didn’t bother her much because the conversation was the final page in their book.
The next morning, Tanya was at the airport. While waiting for the plane, she reflected on the wonderful time with her family and friends. As she boarded, she received a message from Rod letting her know that Shauna went into labor early.
After a long but smooth flight, Alastair met his lady at the airport with open arms. Tanya ran to him like they were in an old romance movie.
“I missed you so much!” She said in between kisses.
“I missed you too T.” He whispered in her ear. “How was your trip?”
“Good. Really good. But I’m glad to be back in your arms.” She smiled. “Let’s go home!”
On the way to Tanya’s place, she couldn’t keep her hands off Alastair. Running her fingers through his hair, brushing her fingertips on his beard.
“How was the baby shower?” He asked kissing her fingers while she stroked his face. “Did you and Shauna make up?”
“Yea we did. Kinda told her off. But I don’t think she’ll change. I love her, but our friendship will have to be a little distant for a while.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. Oh and I’m selling my townhome to Rod and Shauna. Then, Kenneth showed up afterward. And we talked.”
“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Alastair said, worried. “What he do? Apologize again?”
“In a way, yea. Mostly he wanted to express his love for me.” Tanya rolled her eyes.
“And your response was?” Alastair asked hesitantly. He didn’t want his girlfriend to come home only to tell him that she was unsure about their relationship, again, due to a conversation with her ex-fiancé.
“That I had moved on.” Tanya replied brushing her hands on top of Alastair’s “With you, and I wasn’t giving you or my new life up to go back to him. And I meant that. You make me happy, London makes me happy, and somehow, the job is going to be happy again.”
Alastair pulled over and gave his woman the most passionate kiss. He was content that Tanya “chose” him. Knowing that she was faced with the opportunity to go back to Kenneth, and rejected that possibility, put his lingering fears aside.
He looked into her eyes. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Soon after, Tanya’s phone buzzed with a photo message of Shauna and Rod’s new baby. It was a girl. Rhonda Shaunice Jefferson. Born, 5lbs, 7oz.
The night of New Year’s Eve. Lit candles neatly arranged in the living room, fireplace blazing, champagne, with Alastair and Tanya, dressed up sitting on a faux fur rug. Hours before, they enjoyed a romantic dinner. Instead of sticking around for the party crowd, they decided to go home and bring in the New Year making fireworks of their own.
“So T. What do you want in the new year?” Alastair asked.
“I want....to continue loving you. Sharing moments with you, get further in my career, learn how to drive in this country.” Tanya laughed. “And be whatever you need.”
“Well, I can teach you to drive, help you with the career thing, but I think you’re already on the right track.” Rubbing his hands through her hair. “For the record, you’re already everything I need, and I can give you moments...in Paris.”
“What do you mean babe?” Tanya squinted at him feeling tipsy.
“For Valentine’s day, I have something planned for us, in Paris. Since your last Valentine’s Day wasn’t....good.”
“You mean me getting left at the altar.”
“I wanted to make sure your next one would replace that. Spending it with me, meeting my father, walking the streets holding hands....creating moments.”
Tanya didn’t have to say anything. The expression on her face was all the confirmation he needed to show she was on board with the plan.
She stroked his face. “What do you want babe?”
“You’ll find out in Paris.” Alastair replied with a wink.
The clock struck 12 am, and sweet kisses brought them into the New Year. Their love transitioned them from the old and into the new. Fast, unexpected, adventurous love. Tanya started the New Year with her destiny.