FAMILY FIRST

A wedding was no place for someone with a freshly broken heart, so Sarah did the best she could to hide her misery. The good thing was that she never had a moment to herself. From the time she woke up the next morning, she was part of the wedding whirlwind. The bridesmaids had breakfast together again, and gifts were exchanged with the teary—but radiant—bride. Then, the women had hair and makeup done, last-minute fittings and stitchings into their gowns, and then they all took a limo to the far side of the island, where a massive white tent had been erected to shelter the wedding party as the others arrived for the outdoor wedding. The wedding itself would take place on a white pier built especially for the ceremony, with tiers of steps for the bridesmaids to stand on. A cobblestone path had been created through the sand and smoothed over for the high heels of the women, and the chairs for the guests were carved wooden benches placed in the sand with white and red umbrellas dotting the aisles.
It was a mixture of beach, extravagance, and wedding finery, and Sarah had never seen anything like it. And yet, somehow, it fit Lilian and her husband to be perfectly.
Strains of Pachelbel began to float through the air, and pair by pair, a bridesmaid went down the aisle with a groomsman. First was tiny Angie with taller, lean Jonathan. Then, it was Lilian ’s turn to walk with Brown Brooke , a man as gorgeous as he was kind even though she avoided him after the whole kiss situation . They emerged from the tent, Sarah towering over him in her heels. She probably would have matched Brown ’s height better if she was a little bit taller , but for once, she didn’t care. If Drake had found her beautiful in tall heels—and for some reason, she believed that he had—then she knew she wasn’t the hideous storky monster she’d always envisioned. So when she went down the aisle with Brown , she walked proudly, her head held high, the white roses in her bouquet clutched in a hand that did not tremble.
They glided up the cobbled pathway down to the beach, then across the platform to the stairs. Brown led her to the spot where she was to stand, gave her a wink, and then moved to the opposite side to stand with the other groomsmen. Next up the aisle was sunny Maylee, white-blonde curls piled atop her head, beaming up at her fiancé, Griffin. The rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, Sarah knew after guessing , were paired up in real life, and it was fun to watch them go down the aisle together, knowing they were picturing their own weddings. She had a dreamy look on her face, while her husband ’s expression was carefully blank.
Next came Audrey and Reese, and Sarah’s heart melted a little at the sight of them. Audrey was heavily pregnant, and her dress had been refitted half a dozen times before they’d given up on the mermaid skirt entirely and changed her dress to an empire waist, so her belly could expand as needed. Her shoes were flats, and she looked small and round and very very expectant. In contrast, the man at her side was utterly suave and gorgeous, his tuxedo fitting to perfection. They looked like an utter mismatch, except for the way he looked down at Audrey as she waddled down the aisle—like she was the most precious, perfect thing in the world. There was so much love shining from his eyes that it made Sarah ’s own gaze grow misty.
Then, Gretchen and Hunter appeared from the tent. Gretchen’s gown was a mirrored contrast to Sarah’s own—white with just hints of red peeping from the skirts, and a red bouquet. The man at her side was . . . well, the kindest word was “disfigured,” Sarah decided. One side of his face was twisted and reconstructed, and he looked extremely uncomfortable in front of the staring crowd. But as if she knew her own fiancé would be uncomfortable, Gretchen began to blow kisses, hamming it up for the crowd that laughed as she strolled up the aisle. Sarah wondered how much of Gretchen’s obnoxious show was because of Gretchen and how much was to take people’s attention off of her man, who preferred quiet instead of crowds.
Once Gretchen swanned her way down the aisle, she gave Hunter a quick kiss and a slap on the ass before he returned to his designated spot as best man, which made the audience laugh again.
Then, the music changed, and all eyes went to the back of the path, anticipating the bride. Sarah kept her gaze on Lilian ’s face—she’d seen Sarah in her all-white lace mermaid gown with a floor-length veil and a waterfall of red roses as her bouquet. She looked utterly gorgeous and serene, but what Sarah wanted to see was Drake ’s expression when he saw his ex Lilian coming down the aisle.Jealousy came calling even though she pretended not to see him.
She knew the exact moment the bride appeared, just by watching him. Drake ’s cool expression changed. His eyes lit up like stars, and then shone with pride. A small, private smile tugged at his mouth, his gaze completely and utterly focused on one woman. Sarah felt the insane urge to cry again at the sight of it. Would she ever have him look at her like that?Does he want her back in his life . One week have passed and he didn’t reach out to her , exactly how they broke up the last time.
Drake did hurt her, her traitorous mind told her, but she shushed it. DrakeDake was a liar and a horrible person. She couldn’t be with someone like that. Heart aching, she watched as Lilian glided up the aisle, and her father passed her hand to her husband. The groom still looked to be bursting with pride, and the bride radiant, as the minister began to speak.
For all the preparations and endless weeks of work, it seemed like the ceremony was a short one. Lilian and her husband had made their own vows, peppered in with quotes from Plato, Aristotle, and a few more of Lilian ’s favorite philosophers. The rings were exchanged, and then the groom drew his bride against him in a long, sultry kiss that made Sarah ache all over again.
Cheers exploded as the couple left the altar, hand in hand, and then everyone stirred to life once more. The wedding was over officially, but the party had just begun. And for a heart-weary bridesmaid, the day was far from done. Most of the guests returned to the resort to await the reception, but the bridal party remained for endless photo after endless photo. Sarah’s smile began to ache and felt more and more forced. She wanted nothing more than to return to her room and hide, but this was Lilian’s day and the only reason she was here .and she was going to suffer in silence and enjoy herself for the contract sake.
Eventually, they headed back to the resort, where the reception was picking up steam. The beautiful, ten-tiered cake was the centerpiece of the table, and there was an open bar and a dance floor. Sarah looked longingly at the open bar—how nice it would be to get sloppy drunk and forget her heartache!—but she skipped it and sat at her assigned table instead.
Bride and groom showed up, and the cake-cutting ceremony was held. Each delicately put a piece of cake into the other’s mouth, though the bride suggestively licked the groom ‘s fingers in a way that made the bride blush. Sarah began to re-contemplate the open bar.
“Is this seat taken?” A voice said.
Sarah looked up and smiled at Brown Brooke. It was hard not to like the guy. For one, he looked like an angel, all blond hair and blue eyes and gorgeous, friendly smile. She leaned over and examined the place card at the seat next to hers. “It looks like it’s taken by you.”
“What a stroke of luck,” he said, and sat down next to her, grinning. “How come you’re hiding back here in the lonely hearts corner?”
She gave him a halfhearted smile. “My date had to go to the mainland for a dialysis appointment.”
His brows drew together. “What?”
“My date was Dewey. A nice old man I picked up at the shuffleboard courts. He told me he loved weddings, but not as much as he loves his kidneys.” She smiled. “It’s all right. I’m bad company today anyhow.”
Brown smiled and sat next to her. “I’ll join you in the bad company ranks, then.”
“Where’s your date?” she asked politely.
His friendly smile faltered, and for a moment, he looked incredibly sad. “She had a sudden and last-minute change of plans.” He shrugged. “I should have expected no more from her, but I find I’m still disappointed.”
She knew the feeling. She knew she shouldn’t want Drake , but she still did. She still missed him, even though she knew he was bad news. Only time would heal this wound, and she hadn’t had a chance to properly grieve for her broken heart yet.
“It’s a beautiful wedding,” she said softly. “And Lilian and her husband look so very happy.”
“They do,” Brown wn agreed. “I’m thrilled for them—for all of my boys, actually. There’s quite a few weddings coming up and I’ll probably be a groomsman at all of them.”
“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride?” she guessed.
He gave her a quick flash of grin, and then gazed back out on the dance floor again, his thoughts far away. Again, she got the impression that he was just as achingly lonely as she was. After a long moment, he turned and gave her another smile that didn’t quite catch his eyes. “I suppose so, I am sorry about the other night Sarah , I let my emotions get the best of me .”
Poor Brown . He seemed almost as miserable as she was. She was poor comfort for a brokenhearted man when her own had been trampled to shreds.
“ it fine , I heard Drake bought your building.”
“ it’s business Sarah , it was worth it , anyways we are cool now and back to being friends, we decided to move on .I let him apologize to Lilian too . I am glad he came to the wedding .”
“ wow ! great, I just thought he did that out of emotions.”
“ I will drop you off if you don’t mind.”
Sarah felt a bit of pain in her heart about being so judgmental about Drake but she wasn’t in her right state of mind to judge herself right now . She hadn’t even given him a chance to talk before she flare up on him .
She tried to pick the glass of wine again but Brown stopped her immediately “ you can not get drunk Sarah.” He took the glass from her hands quickly standing her up and picking her bag leading her out.
A week later Sarah thought Drake was full of shit, he still have not given her a call nor come to see her except the sms he sent regarding the extension of their stay for a week before they travel back home due to some business he needed to attend to . The last line broke her heart when he specifically provided if she could not wait till then, he would arrange for her traveling as soon as she wants.Why on earth will he think she was interested in leaving him behind.She had spent every morning bent over the nearest toilet or rest room emptying her stomach. Not only did she never want to eat Chipotle or chicken wings again, Sarah was certain she had almost ruled out food all together.
“I think you need to see a doctor, Sarah.”
Brown sat opposite her with concern plastered on his face during their lunch date while they discuss their business plans . Sarah looked up with a shake of her head. “Nah, it’s probably just a case of food poisoning. I’ll live.”
“I don’t think so,” Brown own frowned. “You can’t keep anything down, and you’re throwing up even when you haven’t eaten.”
“I’m not going to see some damn doctor.”
“Sarah,” Brown warned
“No.”
“Sarah!” Brown barked. “We’re going to a doctor.”
Sarah let out a whimper before glaring at her soon to be boss. “You know I don’t like when you use that voice.”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Brown began.
“Fuck off. I don’t care. You’re not gonna command me to do shit.”
Brown was apologetic. “I’m sorry, Sarah I’m just worried about you. Admit it. This isn’t normal food poisoning. And how often does anything affect you?”
“Never,” Sarah admitted. She’d grown up rough, with just her father er to look out for her. Getting sick was actively discouraged.
“Something could be seriously wrong here. One hour only. Tops.”
Sarah sighed. “Alright. I’ll go. Might as well agree before you bring out the damn bossy boss look, but you owe me.”
“Sure. I’ll owe you for saving your behind.”
“And if you try that voice on me again I will kick your ass,” Sarah stood then swayed. “Uh, I think you should drive.” The words were barely out of Sarah’s mouth when she looked at Brown wn in horror. “Doctor. Now.”
*****
“I hate this,” Sarah muttered about three hours later. They had a private doctor who was willing to see them but without an appointment there was quite the wait. His waiting room was packed with patients. Sarah was hard put to contain her impatience. She was fidgeting in the chair and trying to sneak away from every cough and sneeze passing her by.
“I know you do.”
Brown sensed Sarah’s nerves. “Could you chill for a minute? You’re freaking me out.”
“Sorry,” Sarah offered before running her fingers through her hair again. Sarah rolled her eyes and tried to get comfortable.
“Miss Rosewood ?”
Sarah looked up at a young woman. She held up her hand. “Here.”
She smiled briefly. “If you’d follow me?”
Sarah took the lead with Brown right behind her. She looked surprised for a second before Brown explained, “I’m her guardian .” She nodded and directed them to a small room in the back.
“Where’s the beer?” Sarah joked. Brown glared, and she stopped. “Tough crowd.”
“The doctor will be in momentarily.”Brown thanked her while Sarah sat on the table. “Well this is just awesome.”
“We’re almost to the end.”
“Have you done anything recently, Sarah, that might be considered dangerous or harmful?” Sarah mimiced. “Like what? Maybe, I don’t know, hang out with my mob boss about work while he tries to figure out whose trying to short him?”
“You might want to leave that out,”Brown answered dryly.
“It was on the top of my list,”Sarah started when the door opened.
“Miss. Rosewood ?”
“Uh, yeah, that’s me,” Sarah nodded. He gestures to her boss. “And that’s my boss. Brown .”
The doctor shook both their hands before sitting down. “So, Sarah, what brings you here today?”
“Well,” Sarah hesitated. “I think I have a bad case of food positioning, but my boss here seems to think it might be something else.”
“Why’s that?”
Sarah shrugged. “I don’t know; I just never get sick, you know? But I had some Mexican and leftover hot wings one night, and I’ve spent every day since puking out my guts.”
“When was this?”
“About a week ago.”
The doctor nodded and typed a few sentences into the computer. “Any diarrhea or abdominal cramps?”
“No,” Sarah shook her head.
The doctor’s quiet for a second, and Sarah exchanged a glance with Brown . “How’ve you been sleeping?”
Confusion swirled in Sarah’s head. “What does that have to do with anything?”
She smiled. “Just trying to get to the bottom of what’s ailing you.”
Sarah grunted. “Same as usual I guess. It’s been hot lately so maybe a little less.”
“Any mood swings?”
“What? No!” Sarah protested just as Brown choked. Laughter pulled at the doctor’s lips, and Brown was burning inside. “No, none.”
“Uh huh,” she responded before typing a few more words. “Are you sexually active, Sarah?”
“Yes,” Sarah managed to blush. “But I’m on birth control.”
She nodded. “It’s unlikely, but I’d like to rule out the possibility that you are pregnant.”
Sarah’s mouth was at her knees. “There’s no way.”
“And you’re probably right. But before I can prescribe anything, I need to rule this out. It’ll only take a second. I’ll get a pregnancy test for you if you could follow me, and I’ll direct you to the nearest restroom.”
Sarah pretended her knees didn’t buckle when she stood above the toilet minutes later and the double lines appear. “Well, fuck.”
*****
Silence consumed the SUV, and it had for the entire trip from the doctor’s to home. Sarah barely muttered a word after the test came back positive, and she wasn’t sure what Brown wn was thinking.
“You haven’t said anything.”
“You haven’t either,”Brown countered.
“Yeah, well, I’m pregnant,” Sarah offered.
Brown turned. “I know Sarah. I wasn’t sure about what to say , but I think you should let Drake know about this , I let Lilian situation hidden from him and to be honest, it didn’t end well , so I think he deserves to know.”
“So, do you have any thoughts or opinion on this you’d like to share aside Drake ? I’m batting a whopping zero right now.”
“Oh that’s cute coming from you,” Brown snorted. “Ms. I Keep Things To Myself. I have to spy on your mail just to make sure that you’re really okay money wise. I don’t see why you just won’t let me open an expense account for you.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “You pay all the bills anyway for my stay here . And yeah, okay. So I’m not good at sharing my feelings. Sue me. But I’m fucking pregnant, Brown , and God damnit, I need to hear your opinion on this.”
Brown threw up his hands. “I don’t know, Sarah. I’m still trying to process this. I mean, you know what I am, what I do…And now you are having a baby for my friend, I don’t know how Drake is going to digest this.”
Sarah frowned. “I know. Can I even raise it? How dangerous is it anyway to have kids in this life? And will I even be able to work?”
Brown eyed her. “Do you want to keep it?”
Sarah was silent for a moment. “Yeah,” she answered finally. She looked at Brown . “I want this baby, Brown . Even though Drake isn’t okay with this?”
Brown broke into a grin. “It’s the best news I’ve heard.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really,” Brown laughed. “I have always known you to be damn strong Sarah , I am super proud of you, I will always be there to support you in every way .”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re a nut,” Sarah chuckled. “But I guess I better let Drake aware first before any further decisions.”
Brown snickered. “Especially since it’s both yours.”
“Shut up. I’m a joy to be around,” Sarah retorted. “Speaking of which. How the hell are we gonna do this? Are you gonna leave the life or are your kids gonna be one of those who have to have bodyguards 24/7?”
“Hey, give me a break. It’s my first pregnancy. I’m not exactly caught up on all the bringing up the babies of mob bosses etiquette. But I know people who have kids.I can be better prepared for next time, or probably never try again ”
“Whoa, hold up. This is it. One and done?.”
“Right and since you got pregnant on the pill this time, what’s your plan? Abstinence?”
“Good point,” Sarah responded. “Next pregnancy it is.”
Brown own laughed. “That’s what I thought.”
“So where are you taking me to eat?”
“It’s not even noon!” Brown
protested.
Sarah waved him off. “Don’t care. I’ve got pregnancy cravings to take care of.”
“Unbelievable,” Brown muttered.
“And I expect excellent treatment and promotions from now on. I am pregnant after all.”
“You’re going to use this to get away with everything, aren’t you?”
“Pretty much.”
“I repeat. Unbelievable.”
*****
Sarah rubbed a hand over her slightly distended middle. At three months pregnant she wasn't huge, not nearly as big as she knew she would get; but getting to the point where back pain was a common problem as well as all the other symptoms that came with pregnancy as she got farther along.
Brown had been amazing though, likewise Eniola who came over immediately she heard the news, offering back and neck massages, foot rubs, and getting her whatever she needed whenever she needed it. Anything to make her more comfortable.
Sighing Sarah focused her attention back on the book she was reading, suddenly there was a soft, but definite, nudge underneath her palm. Stilling suddenly Sarah held her breath, hoping she hadn't just imagined what she thought she just felt. Rubbing the area some more, Sarah was rewarded with a stronger, very obvious, kick. Quickly setting her book down, Sarah called out to her friend who was on the phone in the bathroom . Hearing heavy footsteps coming her way Sarah held her hand to the same spot hoping her son would kick again.
Up until this point her son hadn't kicked, though Sarah had felt him. She had definitely felt him, moving around. She could only describe it as butterflies or bubbles though. Nothing this obvious, not an actual kick.
Drake appeared in the doorway to the living room, quickly dropping down his bag to the chair and walking towards Sarah who was in complete shock
"What is it Drake ? Is something wrong? What are you doing here?-"
Drake cut her off angrily digging his hands in his brain with tears sticker in his eyes. Taking a step backwards again he looked at Sarah again . Looking into Drake ’s confused eyes Sarah waited till suddenly she felt a kick, and watched as her Drake’s eyes widened in surprise and disgust .
Quickly Drake looked at her tummy again , this time like he had a lot to say but trying to wrap his head around it . Sarah stared in wonder, a stupidly dopey sad grin on his face. "He's kicking, for the first time. Drake our son's kicking."
“ Sarah you were pregnant all this while without letting me know?.”
“ Drake I tried to let you know.”
If you think you can pin someone else’s child on me ...I saw you kiss Brown and I saw you too on dates countless time" Drake smirked as he turns towards Sarah who was beginning to shed tears

" I didn't do this on my own Drake,I came here for the money , that’s the only reason I came back to Haiti, I have only been working with Brown and that kiss was a mistake I swear ." tears flowed down her eyes , there was no way Drake was accepting her child after the incident with his best friend Brown and now he wouldn’t let her explain.
" I will wire the rest of your balance to your account in the morning, I am disappointed in you and you know what is more annoying, the fact that I trusted you, I was ready to do anything for you, I even bought that building in your name because of the memories we had there but all this while you were only interested in my friend.You label me evil enough to take over my friend’s business because I had more "
" At least hear me out ." Sarah managed to stand up in tears . " This baby ...."
“ this contract is over Sarah , I only came here because I doubted the rumors ”
“ Drake this baby is....”
He cut her off before she could finish
Drake walked out of the room before she said anything more.
Enny grinned placing her hand over Sarah's tummy after Drake had left. "Yeah he is Drake’s son, and he kicked just when his father arrived .”
Enny rubbed her hands over Sarah's swollen middle, pressing a kiss to the tight skin. "Hey there buddy. Your mama and I can't wait to meet you. We love you so much. I'm going to teach you so much, how to bike, how to meet girls, how to throw a ball, how to fish and swim, most of all how to annoy your mama." Sarah flicked Enny behind the ear slightly at his last comment. Enny just grinned up at her. Then stood up then and cupped her face, giving her a warm smile. Leaning her forehead towards Sarah. . "Thank you Enny, so much for this. Thank you for for standing by me, till this very day."
Sarah pressed her hands back against Enny’s . "You don't ever have to thank me Sarah. You are going to be an amazing mum."
For at the end of it all I will always be by your side , Enny kept a hand on Sarah’s middle, smiling every time the baby kicked.She so much seem to be enjoying it.
“ but I think you and Drake still need to sought out your misunderstanding, I won’t like your baby taking his journey without his father.”
Later that night when they went to bed Sarah kept thinking about the right thing to do , if only she had told Drake about the kiss or let him explained his situation with the hotel , but she didn’t, now it was her turn . Karma is truly a bitch , just the same way she hadn’t given him a chance to explain his situation back then he hadn’t given her a chance either and now she regrets it . Her thoughts back then of not informing him was only because she wasn’t sure he would want a baby considering the fact that he bought her pills himself. She was scared he wouldn’t want her to keep the baby and now things were more than complicated. Brown was just there all this while for the comfort even when she had gone back to New York after she left Drake behind she tried to decline Brown job but she decided to keep it till she had Drake consent of keeping the baby which she had no courage to do .Yet she and Brown had remained just friends and nothin more than a boss and a employee. She gently wrapped her hands around her stomach and whispered "I love you baby, so much and I cannot wait to meet you."

*****
Sarah decided that the best way to let her nearest and dearest know about her news was to have a family dinner. She
haven’t seen her families much since the two weeks she came and went back to Haiti for the job she was offered , She traveled back to New York with Lilian who also had business to do in New York. what with Brown’s work problems and the total lack of free time Sarah had since. Since Enny had arranged all the plans she needed to do . She talked to Ben on the phone and told him she had a surprise . She called her aunt Mrs Willls who most times wasn’t involved in the family since she was most times coming around to see her dad . She wasn’t that close to her mom family because they mostly kept to themselves.
Furthermore, her family and Enny’s family had so much bonded and so Enny family were in the picture. What with one thing and another, they were virtual strangers. That would have to change if they were all going to be connected by this child.
“I just want my baby to have a family atleast .” Sarah said quickly
“Anywhoo, I’ll make dinner and what not, play nice…but I’m just saying don’t expect everyone to be over the hills about you having a child especially Mrs Wills.”
“No expectations.”Sarah responded
*****
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Mrs Willis wanted to know.
“How do you mean?” Sarah asked and there was a drop in her voice that made it sound ten times more dangerous.
“I..mean, with the business you’re in and the fact that you aren’t even married …is this the best time for children?” Mrs Willis said.
Sarah admired her bravery.
“In any case, it’s a moot point ain’t it? I’m already pregnant,” she said with a grin.
Mrs Willis tried to smile back, she did. But the worry was evident in the furrow between her eyes and her
agitated fingers. Her two daughters, Andrea and Chanel were over the moon though, at the thought of a little cousin to play with, dress up like a doll, comb her lovely mixed hair…they were six and nine and already women of the world. Sarah could just imagine the sort of things they would teach her little munchkin. Her dad and Ben were excited especially Ben who went all about with her tummy .
Boris and Vera Enny’s cousins were talking in low voices to each other. From the look on their faces, it wasn’t a happy conversation. Alexei was occasionally translating whatever Sarah or Mrs Wills said into Russian. Enny spoke a mix of English and Russian; while Mrs Willis ignored everyone that didn’t speak the same language as she. It was a chaotic dinner, but upside; no interfamily fights. Sarah would take it.Now that she was done sorting her family, it was time to sort her life with Drake.