Intertwined

Chapter Twenty Two

Scarletwas beyond exhausted. She was working her normal shift in addition to extrahours facilitating a training for other domestic violence shelters in theborough. She was doing speaking engagements, and attending social events withStone. Kindred was on her heels every second in between those things in one big planning frenzy. It had been two months since she got engaged.It was a week away from her bridal shower, two weeks away from her genderreveal, three weeks away from her bachelorette party, a month from her wedding,and two months away from her baby shower. More than anything she wanted avacation. 

 Scarlet applied a second coat of lipstick and headed down the steps. She wasn't happy with her look but the Christmas party had already started. Bryce had won the position of Deputy Mayor and was hosting a ball. Scar was a little nervous because things around him always turned messy. Nobody else knew but she knew that he and Ruby were having an affair. She didn't pass judgment. That wasn't her place but she also knew it was a matter of time before it all came out and drama popped off.

"If you weren't pregnant I'd pop three more babies in you. You look amazing Queen." Stone licked his lips as he helped her down the last few steps. He spun her around. Scarlet couldn't help but to blush as her gown flared out. She went from feeling frumpy and misshapen to feeling beautiful and amazing. "I am sure glad I am a secure man." Stone shook his head. "The way that booty is wiggling and jiggling." He bit his bottom lip. "You have the most perfect ass I have ever seen. It sits up high. Its round and firm yet has a nice jiggle when you move. You always had a nice butt but pregnancy just took it to a whole other level. I've always been smitten with you since before we started dating. I quickly fell in love with you as we spent time together. But I don't know something about pregnancy has me obsessed with you." Scarlet was cheesing from ear to ear.

Life with Stone was like a fairy tale. He was so attentive to her. He worked hard and spoiled her with attention. Whenever he wasn't at work he was doing something with her or with the kids. He was such a family man. He was romantic. Flowers were the norm. Small gifts and cards just to say I love you. Random texts professing his admiration and love for her. Sometimes it was still scary. Scarlet found herself still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The party was in full swing. The music was bumping and waiters were walking the ballroom with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The layout was very festive and elegant. Scarlet wished she had brought her good camera. Her iPhone was going to have to do. She took a few selfies ensuring to get her surroundings in the photo. Stone photo bombed a few of her pictures. Before long different people were jumping in the photo making funny faces. Shortly after that someone had her phone taking pictures as they all grouped together. The photographers took the opportunity to get some photos of a large group of guests.

"You look beautiful Scarlet." Ruby smiled and rubbed her belly. "Likewise Ruby." They smiled and took a few photos together. Stone was even feeling in a good enough mood to take a couple pictures with the two of them. They were really doing a great job at blending their lives together harmoniously. Carmine was the only person that everyone was kind of distancing themselves from. She was a walking train wreck. All she wanted to do was gossip about Ruby and make drama.

Scarlet tried to escape the cluster that had formed as Bryce approached. She didn't like him. She felt he was selfish and didn't care about anyone but himself. "Pardon me." Scarlet said trying to make her exit. She was cut off by Carmine and her new bestie Maxine. Maxine seemed nice enough but often times Scarlet thought she was trying too hard to be down. It made Scarlet suspicious.

"Hello everyone." Maxine smiled and waived. Her dreadlocks where twisted and pinned up into a high bun. She was wearing an emerald green gown with a sequin bodice that complimented her chocolate complexion. She wrapped her arm through Carmine's arm as she joined the group. Scarlet noticed Bryce lightly caressing the small of Ruby's back. He was definitely playing with fire. She quickly excused herself and headed to the ladies room.

"Hey Scar. What's going on with you?" Scarlet gave a slight smile. After that stunt at the wedding Scarlet wasn't feeling Carmine at all. She tried to stay neutral but fucked up was fucked up. One of the reasons why she only had one true friend is because she didn't bother with people who played the middle when people were being foul to her. If you could sit back and watch someone do something messed up to her you could turn around and do something messed up too. "You been acting funny lately. Did I do something to you?" Carmine looked to be genuinely concerned.

"No you didn't. I did peep how you invited Ruby to sing at your wedding." Carmine smile showed her guilt. Sadly she thought it was funny. In that moment Scarlet knew Carmine wasn't someone she wanted to be friends with. "That was classless and hurtful and you wont have no good luck." Scarlet looked her directly in the eye she wanted her to know she didn't find it funny. "You just don't understand the things I have been through with that woman. She isn't innocent like you think." Carmine said matter of factly. Scarlet wondered if she knew she was having an affair with Bryce.

"She had me present at her vowel renewal ceremony knowing about everything and forced Rod to dump me. The shock is what caused me to miscarry." Scarlet laughed. "Girl you need help. You took your ass to her vowel renewal ceremony knowing you were pregnant by her husband and got a reality check when she put her foot down. How the hell do you make yourself the victim in that situation?" Scarlet raised her eyebrows as she watched Carmine shift in discomfort. "If I could give you advice, be careful of the misery you plan for others because sometimes it finds you instead. Good evening." Scarlet left her standing there with her face dragging the floor.

"What's the matter baby? You ready to go?" Stone asked concerned. Scarlet took a deep breath. "Not just yet. I just had to tell Carmine about herself. I have officially decided I don't like her. She isn't welcomed at not a single event where I will be present. She is a mean spiteful vengeful bitch. Keep her ass far away from me because I will beat her the fuck up." Stone looked at Scarlet in shock. She rarely cursed. He hugged her and kissed her forehead trying to bring some comfort to her. "These babies got you violent Queen." They both laughed.

Scar made it through most of the event before her body needed the comfort of her bed. "Baby I am ready to go." Scarlet grabbed his hand and they headed toward Bryce to say farewell. He was standing with his arm wrapped around Ruby's shoulder as he talked her up to other politicians and business professionals. He kept referring to her as his best friend. Carmine stood at his side with a fake smile as her best friend stood attached to her hip looking just as bitter. Scarlet prayed her life never got to that place.

The drive home was swift. The shower knocked most of the ache out of her body and the pillow top mattress help ease the rest of the aching. She was drifting off to sleep when she felt a soft kiss on her exposed shoulder. "Baby I love you." Stone kissed her lips. "I am so in love with you." He kissed her chin. "You are so beautiful. Stone pulled the sheet off Scarlet exposing her completely naked body. "You are so sexy." He planted a soft kiss on one nipple. "You are everything I have ever wanted in a wife." He kissed the other nipple. "I just want to worship you from head to toe." He trailed kisses down her belly. "You make me so happy." He kissed the apex between her thighs. "I just want to be pleasing to you." He kissed deeper into her love box. Scarlet grabbed the sheet trying to keep from floating off the bed. He was so perfect. Every single thing about him was perfect. Tears slid from the corners of her eyes and down her face as an orgasm ripped through her body. She felt as if she were having an outer body experience.

As she waited for her soul to return to her body she heard the house phone ringing. When the house phone stopped ringing Stone cell started ringing. "Baby answer it." Stone kissed her thighs not wanting to let the moment passed. Scarlet's phone began to ring. "It might be important babe." Scarlet grabbed her phone from the nightstand. "Scarlet Michaels." She answered. "What hospital?" she asked after listening intently for a few moments. "We are on the way."