Page 99 of Almost By Design

Kenya stood up. “Who is it?”

Adanne didn’t say anything, just stepped back to reveal Solomon, looking resplendent.

Good word choice,Kenya. High five!

What he’d worn for her cousin’s wedding had been more elaborate, but this top and pants had an elegant cut with off-white fabric trimmed in bronze and gold embroidery. It was subtle and luxurious.

Kenya stood up to meet him.

Before she could say a word or look him in the eyes, she ran a hand down his sleeve.

“Hope Couture,” she breathed. The new line that his mother was creating for the Hope Springs boutique.

“Yes.” His voice tumbled over hers. “The first in the line.”

She met his gaze. “But what are you doing here?”

He held up the garment bag in his arms.

“This is what my mom created. If you would like to join us at the vow renewal that was conveniently delayed.” Solomon smiled down at her, his eyes embers, and her a moth to that flame. “Seems that a certain planner mattered too much to miss it.”

She watched his strong fingers unzip the garment bag to reveal one of the most beautiful garments she’d ever seen. The design was like his, with intricate embroidery and layers of material that could only be described as artistry. Solomon lifted the dress up so that it barely touched the floor. The fabric and design elements matched his exactly. She was accepted. She was invited to be family.

“I love you,” she breathed, careful not to crush the dress as she leaned up to brush his lips with hers.

Two hours later, Solomon led Kenya onto the dance floor of the botanical gardens. She stepped out gingerly, careful not to snag this precious dress on anything or harm her almost healed ankle.

Rounded windows lined the oval room, giving the small group a 360-degree view of the setting sun. Golden hour was upon them, and it added a touch of romance to the beautiful and simple renewal.

Kenya giggled as a man she remembered from the bowling night sashayed by them dramatically with a curvy brunette in his arms. “Ben, right?” she greeted him.

“Made it to the invite list, I see!” Solomon added with a wink.

“You know it!” His friend saluted and guided his date to the other side of the floor. Solomon turned his attention back to Kenya, wrapping his arm around her waist, the moment too full for words.

She turned her face toward the window. She couldn’t look at him. Her eyes were heavy with the clumps of tears hanging on to her lashes.

“Kenya, look at me?”

“I don’t want to.” She bit her bottom lip, blinking rapidly.

“Please.” He moved his free hand to tip her chin toward him. She squeezed her eyes shut, tears slipping down.

“I don’t have any comebacks, no jokes. I don’t even have any words to mess up.” She smiled, opening her dripping eyes. “It’s just me. And everything that comes with me.”

“And every part of you makes you into a woman that I love.”

Solomon leaned close, kissed her softly once, twice, and the third time about made her woozy.

“I love you too, Dr. Solomon Peter Ikechuckwu Ephraim Anruchi.”

As they pulled apart, Kenya noticed Favour staring at them. She nodded her head in slow greeting. It didn’t seem like overwhelming support, but it was a start. Or a small step, rather. Kenya would take that and dance a little victory two-step of her own—heels off, of course.

TheEnd