They had gotten to the beach house late at night, but Nala texted Roman to let him know they got in ok. The next day, she walked out into the living room. Eve had opened the doors to the back to let fresh ocean breeze in.
"Hey, breakfast? Serena is still asleep", Eve said.
"Breakfast sounds so good right now. I also don't think she's asleep, I know her and she probably went for a run on the beach.", Nala said.
Eve nodded. A few minutes later, Serena walked in with some magazines.
"Look what I found. Wedding magazines", she said, before sitting beside Nala.
Nala grabbed one and started looking through it.
"Wedding magazines huh", Eve said.
Serena looked at Nala. Eve noticed the look.
"What's going on?", Eve asked.
"Um, I'm going to go and take a shower before breakfast", Serena said.
Eve waited till the door closed before looking back at Nala.
"Roman asked me to marry him and I said yes", Nala said.
"Did he ask because you're pregnant?", Eve asked.
"No. Trust me, I thought it was that too, but he loves me. We had a future planned before we even found out I was pregnant. He's who I want to be with", Nala said.
"As long as it's because he loves you", Eve said.
Nala nodded.
"So, do you have a color in mind? Decorations? A dream dress? How many bridesmaids? Who your maid of honor is? When do you two plan to get married? Obviously after you graduate", Eve said.
"Also after these babies, which won't be till September.", Nala said.
"How about December?", Eve asked.
"A winter wedding?", Nala thought about it.
"You should pick everything else. You and Roman should be the ones to decide on the date and where. New York or New Orleans?", Eve said.
Nala nodded.
Kathan had gone for a run in the morning. She had found herself thinking about everything again. Her anger was rearing its ugly head. Once she calmed down, she sat down on the back porch. Sabrina wasn't up yet. Grabbing her phone. She texted Mark.
How are you? K.C.
Alana was pushing her eggs around when he got a text from Kaye. He smiled.
Good. Missing you. I'm taking Alana to talk to Mickie today. I might talk to someone too Mark
Kaye knew he needed someone to talk to as well. Mickie could help him.
I miss you too. That's good, Mickie can help. I'm glad you are asking for help. K.C.
Maybe when you get back we can go together. I know you need to talk to someone too Kaye Mark
She sighed. Mickie had helped her once, she knew she could help her again.
I think that's a good idea K.C.
Have fun Kaye. Alana and I will see you when you get back Mark
Tell her I said hi. I'll see you both soon. I love you K.C.
We love you more K.C. Mark
K.C.? She almost forgot she was engaged. Hearing the back door open. Kaye turned to see Sabrina. She had a cup of coffee in her hands as she sat beside Kaye.
"Its chilly this morning", Sabrina said.
Kaye nodded.
"How was your run?", Sabrina asked.
"Good. Refreshing", Kaye said.
Sabrina nodded, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Brina", Kaye said.
"Yeah?", her friend asked.
"I'm engaged. I have been for a few weeks now", Kathan said.
Sabrina's jaw dropped open.
"What?", she asked.
Kaye nodded with a smile.
"I haven't told anyone. With everything going on, it just slipped my mind", Kaye said.
"Well, congratulations Kaye.", Sabrina said.
"Thank you", Kaye said.
"Thank you for coming with me", Mark said.
"Anytime", Roman said.
They had a few minutes before meeting Mickie. Alana held her dad's hand as they walked into the jewelry store.
"I still can't believe you proposed without a ring", Roman said.
Mark chuckled.
"Tell me about it, but she understood. Now that nothing and no one is stopping us, I'm doing it the right way", Mark said.
Roman patted his back. They were looking over rings and Alana was looking at the bracelets.
"Look daddy, Kaye would love that one. Its so pretty", Alana said.
Mark smiled.
"You know, Alana makes a point.", Roman said.
"As an engagement bracelet?", Mark asked.
"Or a graduation gift", Roman suggested.
Mark nodded. It had white sapphires and green emeralds. He found the lady who was helping with the rings and she took it out to show him better. He nodded and she placed it in the box for him. Going back to the rings. Mark sat Alana on his lap.
"Now, let's find Kaye a beautiful ring.", Mark said.
Alana nodded. They had shown him their best ones, according to them.
"Maybe we could look somewhere else?", Roman suggested.
Mark was about to give in when the owner of the store walked over to them with the young woman who was helping him.
"My daughter said you couldn't find a ring you liked. May I suggest creating a ring from scratch. It's a little more expensive. I'm Ric Flair by the way, my daughter Charlotte", he said.
Mark nodded. Money was no worry.
"Yes", Alana said.
Mark and Roman laughed, along with the owner and young woman.
"Charlotte can finish helping you here", Ric said.
Charlotte grabbed a sketch pad and waited for Mark to describe the perfect ring. They had all kinds of sets. When he put the perfect ring together in his head, he started describing it.
"Silver band, 1\4 karat emerald in the center. Two white sapphires on each side.", Mark said.
Charlotte smiled as she drew it. Once done, she turned the sketch to Mark and he smiled. It was perfect.
"That's it", Mark said.
Charlotte smiled, pleased that she was able to help him find the dream ring.
"By when would you need it?", she asked.
"As soon as possible", Mark said.
"It will take about two to three weeks. If we get it in sooner, I'll call you", Charlotte said.
Mark nodded. He paid for both the ring and the bracelet. Taking Alana to the store to find a beautiful gift box.
"Can we get a bow daddy?", Alana asked.
"Go for it", Mark said.
"This is a good distraction for her. She seems in happier spirits", Roman said, nodding towards Alana.
Mark nodded.
"She does", Mark said.
Eve had gone out while the girls were eating and bought a notebook. She set down pens.
"I want you to go through these magazines and write down everything you love. Cut out pictures of your favorite dresses, pick place settings, hair styles. The wedding won't be for a while, but we can still plan it", Eve said.
Serena nodded.
"Sounds good to me", Serena said.
Nala nodded and grabbed a pen. Opening the notebook, she wrote down a color scheme.
After Mark dropped Alana off, he drove to Glen's house.
"Hey, want a beer?", Glen asked.
"Please", Mark said.
Glen walked over to his fridge while Mark sat at the bar. Glen set down his beer.
"Where's Alana?", Glen asked.
"Therapist. Its helping her", Mark said.
"And you? I think it can help you. We've been friends a long time and I know this whole situation is affecting you too", Glen said.
"Want to be my therapist?", Mark asked.
"How much you paying me?", Glen asked.
Both men laughed.
"If you need a ear, you don't need to ask. Just talk", Glen said.
Mark nodded.
"Kathan thinks I blame her. I don't, not even a little, I didn't even think it till she brought it up", Mark said.
Glen nodded.
"Its not even Michelle's fault. She didn't know what that woman was capable of, what those men would do to help Ruvé.", Mark said.
"But you're angry", Glen said.
"I'm angry Kaye got hurt. As soon as I saw those headlights pull in, I should have started my truck and got the hell out of there. I should have warned Michelle to keep one eye open, knowing what that woman did to hurt Kaye. I knew and I didn't say anything, all because I was angry", Mark said.
"You couldn't have anticipated that she would result to murder. By the time you found out what that woman was actually capable of, it was too late. Doesn't make it your fault Mark.", Glen said.
"I let her take Kaye. I should have tried harder to stop her", Mark said.
"And what happens if she would have kept shooting you? You would be dead right now and no good to Kaye or Alana", Glen said.
Mark nodded, knowing that was true.
"You are alive, Kaye is alive, and Alana is alive. I'm sorry about Michelle, but it's like I said, no one could have predicted that Ruvé would murder anyone.", Glen said.
Mark nodded.
"Thanks man", Mark said.
Glen squeezed Mark's shoulder.
"Anytime", Glen said.