| |
Black River Jamaica~ 20 months later...
The palatial grounds of the Nkosi Museum Jamaica had been transformed for an event that was far beyond the usual.
Under slightly overcast skies, Mustafa Nkosi stood with Cafrey Sibanda. Amidst the vivid green landscape with its towering palms and the quiet roar of the distant ocean, they exchanged wedding vows before a crowd of family and friends.
The long and varied guest list included attendees from all the feline clans. It was a lively and happy occasion flooded with love and laughter. As delighted as all the guests were for the happy couple, the vast string of conversation never veered far from the serum.
News had circulated among the clans at lightning speed. It ignited feelings of hope and excitement in some-concern and downright outrage in others. The creation, termed The Ondou, began to change lives from the moment it was announced to the world. In some cases, the life-changing had started long before. Naysayers of the serum did their best to spread unfounded claims that it was a dangerous concoction. Some believed it was capable of bringing on the extinction of the entire shifter race. Still others disapproved of the way the product was released, feeling more regulation was necessary-regulation by way of an expensive price tag.
The naysayers, however, were vastly outnumbered by supporters of the wonder drug. Galas and luncheons were abundant. Many were eager to bestow high honors on those involved with the discovery. It was a discovery that was already changing the face of many difficult pregnancies.
Several of those outcomes were also part of the day’s guest list. Much of the laughter and liveliness in the air was owed to the children in attendance.
Saiida and Bach Nkosi were only married five months when they were blessed with a healthy son. At 18 months old, Ekudayo Izem Nkosi was already trying to keep up with children twice his size. It took a group effort to keep an eye on the toddler, but the newly engaged Ali Okonkwo and Kieli Dodge did their best. Still, the task was difficult with two younger Nkosis hot on their cousin’s heels. At 16 months old, twin girls Chetachi Anuli Nkosi and Kemi Halima Nkosi were as lively as their cousin and taking full advantage of being off their parents’ radar for the moment. Kamili and Chisulo Nkosi had taken to the dancefloor where they enjoyed a soothing set by the live jazz quartet that performed from the museum’s stately rear portico. Though the twins’ freedom to run wild, was restricted, the girls didn’t mind, especially when their father called them over for hugs and kisses.
“We’re spoiling them terribly,” Chisulo told his wife.
“You’re spoiling them terribly!” Kam laughed, once the girls had taken time to kiss her belly where their unborn baby brother slumbered. A second later, the two toddled off toward the bride and groom who were beckoning them to the dancefloor.
“Think this’ll ever get old?” Chisulo posed a second question to his wife.
Kam shook her head. “I don’t see how it could. We’re about to be outnumbered here,” she nodded toward the girls, “they’re already welcoming him into their group,” she lovingly rubbed the barely noticeable rise of her belly.
Chisulo sighed. “Now that’s a tug of war I’m looking forward to.”
“You know they’ve already marked you as a pushover?”
“A role I’m happy to play.”
“And you’re very good at it!” Again, Kam laughed.
“A long way from the guy who once kidnapped you.”
“Mmm...but so much sexier,” she shifted on the lounge to pin him with an alluring smile.
Chisulo watched her intensely. “You mean that?”
“Absolutely. I love you,” Kam vowed. “I’m impossibly in love with you and fatherhood looks very good on you.”
“You’re very good for my ego, woman.”
“It’s truth.”
“Truth, huh? Well, here’s a little more,” his pitch stare narrowed with intensity and desire as he shifted closer to her. “Motherhood looks divine on you,” he said. “I didn’t think you could ever be more stunning than you already are. Seeing you now- my wife, the mother of my treasures-our children...I love you endlessly, Kami.”
Tears misted her eyes. “Chisulo,” she whispered, stroking her fingers down his whiskered cheek.
Their lips met in a sweet, powerful kiss of devotion and adoration. The two were lost in one another as the sounds of family, love, and hopes for the future shimmered around them.
****************************
Dear Reader,
The road was long, but at last, we’ve reached the end of our journey.
For those of you who are new to this saga, welcome and thank you. For those who have been waiting for closure since you first met Kamili Okonkwo and Chisulo Nkosi back in 2010, we made it! For those of you who follow the “AlTonya’s Library” podcast, you may have heard me say that this was not the story I would have or could have written back then. Making the serum such a positive and truly life-changing product didn’t occur to me then. What a difference the years have made. The growth of the characters and the storyline has made this one of my most rewarding projects to date.
Thank you so very much for your interest in this world. Special thanks for your loyalty as readers and for your patience with this busy mom, librarian, and writer. I hope this story and all the Happily Ever Afters made it worth the wait. Thanks in advance for your reviews and ratings, whatever and wherever they may be.
Peace and Blessings, AlTonya
www.altonyasblog.wordpress.com
An AlTonya Exclusive