〰 Take a redhead that uses her assets to get her way in business, a curly nanny who believes in true love, a dark-haired, drop-dead gorgeous stripper and you've got a curved t(h)reat.
Then add a nerdy personal trainer, a tall, dark and handsome bo...
I put all the cupcakes on the beautiful plate Carmon handed me. She sure has fancy stuff here. She landed herself a good man. No not because of his money, don't get me wrong. Trent is perfect for her. He is calm and collected, but at the same time matches her freaky side.
They work so well together, one exchanged look is enough. They decorated their garden, allowing the kids to swim in their pool with a certified lifeguard keeping an eye on them, and set up a petting zoo and a bouncy castle too. Fae has never had a birthday party like this before.
I'm used to baking my own cake and entertaining the kids with games and candy. But Carmon insisted and just told Fae she was having her party here.
I wonder if Anthony will make it in time. If he really got on that plane that is.
Carmon walks into the kitchen and hugs me tight. "It all looks great, doesn't it? And look at Fae's face. I love that girl so much. I love you both." She kisses my cheek and I lean into her, looking at my little angel run around with the widest smile.
Nicky and a few other kids from her class are here and Troy and Loraina were instructed to watch the little ones and they take their job seriously. They all get along well and there's a happy, relaxed atmosphere.
The first adults are arriving, dressed up in their pretty dresses and suits. Fae came up with the dress code and chose my dress. It's a floor-length, figure-hugging, dark-green silk dress. I hear her little voice in my head, "Princesses wear long dresses mom!" So that's what this mom did, she bought the long dress her daughter chose. She's turning five after all.
Five years of being a mom. When I ran away pregnant, I never imagined myself here. And the future is starting to look even better. Ama has some wonderful ideas for the club. Ideas she wants me to be involved in. She's going to bring the club to a whole new level. She's perfect for this.
And like I summoned her she walks in, wearing a gorgeous velvet black dress. Intricate detail on the top and a slit showing off her legs. Leave it to my girls to show up dressed to the nines just because my little girl asked them to. She scans the house and a smile appears on her lips when her eyes land on me.
She makes her way over to me and hugs Carmon first. "You have an amazing house, Carmon. Thank you so much for hosting Fae's party here. This place is fit for a princess." Carmon smiles as her eyes roam over Ama's curves. She's never going to change.
Ama kisses my cheek and hugs me. "Congratulations mommy. Five already. I bet she chose your dress."
I laugh, "Yes, she did. Princesses wear long dresses apparently."
"Well, she has her mom's taste. You look fab babe. Am I early?"
"A little, but I love seeing you first. It helps with my nerves."
She looks into my eyes and I don't need to say anything else. She cups my face, "You're going to be fine. People don't fly halfway across the globe on a whim. There's something there. And you deserve love. If you don't go for it, we'll make you."
Her eyes connect with Carmon's, who agrees. And right on cue, I hear Mona's voice, "Yeah girl. Unless you want three angry bitches on your ass, you better go for it. Finally follow that heart of yours."
I take in her look and smile wide. She looks gorgeous too, wearing a gold, sparkly swing dress. I get teary-eyed from all the love for Fae. And for me. This crew is all I need to get through anything life throws at me. I love them and I owe it to them to give it a shot with Anthony.
Owe it to Fae.
And myself.
Montell and Donté walk in, followed by Noah and Noelle, all dressed up too. I love this group of people I've surrounded myself with. Fae is going to love the way they all look. I'm about to go outside and get her when I see Trent walk in with Fae on his hand.
She struts in like a true princess, wearing her Belle dress and tiara. When she walks into the kitchen she does a slow spin to show everyone her look. They all applaud and cheer for her and she runs up to Mona for a hug.
Mona picks her up and hugs her lovingly. "You look so beautiful Fae. You are the prettiest girl here."
Fae smiles wide and when Mona puts her down she starts inspecting everyone's outfits, hugging and kissing every single one of them. She loves the way they look and dances excitedly. How did she get so big so suddenly?
I look at her with tears in my eyes and feel grateful for the fact that she's so free and loving. Loving to everyone she meets. Not judging people by shape or color, she looks at them all with her heart. I watch her admire Ama's dress, touching the soft fabric before walking up to Donté and tapping his knee to get his attention.
He looks down at her with a smile and she holds her arms out, asking him to pick her up. He does it without a second thought. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses his cheek. I hear her sweet voice say: "You look handsome."
Donté chuckles and thanks her for the compliment, dancing with her on his arm. Montell joins in and makes funny faces at her, making her giggle. These men, I can't even express how grateful I am for them. The loving male presence in her life is something I never thought I could give her, considering my past. But it's exactly what she has thanks to them.
She holds her hands out to Noah and Donté passes her onto him. Noah puts her on his shoulders and she squeals. She pets his hair, "You have pretty curls like Nicky." Noah smiles and dances around with her, making her grab a hold of his hair as a constant stream of giggles escapes her.
Noah puts her down and she does a cute little solo dance, surrounded by my friends, who all look at her with love in their eyes. I can feel the love in the air and I just know I will never have to do things alone in this life again. I will always have them. Fae will always have them.
The circle of friends breaks and I look up, my heart skipping a beat.
He's here. How is he here?
Oh my god, he's really here.
♡♡♡
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This is part 1, part 2 is also published so you can read on.
