Page 61

SERENITY

I hadn’t stepped foot into my office at Bradshaw Legacy Group, since the day he and my mother told us about their divorce.

It used to be a place of security for me, a space where I’d sit across from him as he worked, watching the way he commanded a room without raising his voice.

Now, as I stood outside the heavy oak doors, I felt nothing but a pit in my stomach.

I inhaled sharply before pushing the doors open.

The room smelled of mahogany and leather, just as it always had, but something felt... off. Maybe it was me. Maybe it was the fact that the man I once thought was invincible, a man who built our family name on loyalty and discipline, was just as flawed as the rest of us.

My daddy sat behind his large glass desk reviewing a stack of papers, but when he saw me, he immediately set them aside. His eyes softened, a small, hesitant smile appearing as he gestured for me to sit.

“I wasn’t sure when you’d come,” he admitted, voice laced with something I couldn't quite name. Guilt? Relief? “I’m glad you’re here.”

I sat down slowly, my body tense, arms crossed as I studied him. My father always carried himself with an air of confidence, but today, he looked... tired. The man who once stood as a pillar of power looked like he had been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“I wasn’t sure if I ever would,” I said honestly, my voice void of emotion.

He exhaled deeply, leaning forward, resting his forearms on the desk. “I understand.”

Silence filled the space between us, heavy and suffocating.

I swallowed; my throat tight. “I just need to know… why?” My voice cracked slightly, but I held my ground. “Why would you risk everything? Our family, your marriage—Mommy?”

His jaw tensed; his fingers laced together. “Serenity, I never wanted to hurt your mother. I never wanted to hurt any of you.”

“But you did,” I shot back, my voice rising. “You did , Daddy. And you didn’t just cheat, you had a kid —an entire child outside of your marriage! How the hell does that happen?”

Lenox rubbed his face, sighing. “It wasn’t supposed to happen. I was weak, I made a mistake?—”

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “A mistake ?” My hands clenched into fists on my lap. “You were out here making comments and judging Creed after he cheated when you were doing the exact same thing behind Mommy’s back. How does that even make sense?”

His eyes flickered with shame. “I know.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I know I have no right to have said anything to you about Creed. I was a hypocrite. And I’m sorry.”

I scoffed, looking away as tears burned the back of my eyes. “Do you know how hard it’s been to look at you?” My voice trembled. “To hear you say you love me, that you love our family, knowing you betrayed it?”

His face twisted with pain. “Serenity, I love you more than anything in this world. That will never change.”

“But you changed,” I said, finally meeting his gaze. “You’re not the man I thought you were. And I don’t know how to be okay with that.”

He let out a deep breath, nodding. “I don’t expect you to forgive me overnight.

I don’t even expect you to forgive me at all.

But I need you to know that I regret what I did.

Every single day. If I could go back and undo it, I would.

But I can’t.” He leaned forward. “I lost your mother, and I might be losing you and Sevyn too, but I will never stop fighting to be in your life. No matter how long it takes.”

Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall.

“I don’t know if I can forgive you,” I whispered, voice shaking. “I don’t know if I want to.”

His face broke, but he nodded in understanding. “I get it,” he murmured. “I do.”

I inhaled sharply, sitting up straighter, steadying myself. “And don’t expect me to have a relationship with that little boy.”

His brows furrowed. “Serenity?—”

“No,” I cut him off, voice firm. “I’m not interested in meeting him, in playing big sister, in pretending any of this is okay.

That child represents everything that shattered this family.

And I can’t be a part of it.” He sighed heavily, but he didn’t argue.

“Mommy didn’t deserve this,” I whispered. “She deserved so much better.”

“I know,” he said softly, his eyes glistening. “And if I could take back every tear, she’s shed because of me, I would. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness. But I pray one day, you can see me as the father I was before I messed up.”

I stood, my chair scraping against the floor. My chest felt tight, my emotions threatening to consume me, but I forced myself to stand tall.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to,” I admitted, voice low. “But I do know that I love you. That much hasn’t changed.”

His lips parted slightly, as if my words were both a relief and a knife to the heart. “I love you too, baby girl.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat before I turned to leave. I didn’t look back.

The ocean breeze drifted through the slightly open windows of the luxurious bridal suite at the Bel-Air Bay Club, carrying with it the scent of fresh gardenias and roses from the outdoor ceremony setup.

Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the soft champagne and ivory décor, casting a golden glow over the floor-to-ceiling mirrors where we were getting ready.

Arielle sat in front of one of those mirrors, a vision in white, her dress a stunning custom Zuhair Murad gown with delicate lace sleeves and a fitted bodice that accentuated her curves before flowing into a breathtaking train.

A long, sheer veil cascaded from her perfectly styled curls, framing her radiant face.

“Damn, cousin,” I whispered as I walked up behind her, smiling at her reflection. “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”

Arielle turned, her eyes glossy with emotion, and grabbed my hands. “You really think so?”

I nodded. “Absolutely.”

“She ‘bout to have Brodie passing out at the altar,” Egypt teased, standing off to the side in her silk champagne-colored bridesmaid dress.

“He better not!” Averi giggled, slipping earrings into her ears.

We all laughed, but the moment quickly turned emotional.

“You good, Ari?” I asked softly so that only she could hear me.

She exhaled, nodding. “I just… I can’t believe this day is finally here. And I’m pregnant again, I don’t know why I’m nervous to make this announcement.”

I squeezed her hands. “It’s gonna be perfect. And when you tell everyone later, it’s only gonna make it that much better.”

Ari smiled, then suddenly turned to Cree, who had been sitting on the plush white sofa, playing with a bridesmaid’s bouquet.

My baby girl looked adorable, dressed in a soft pink tulle dress with matching satin ballet flats.

Her hair was freshly curled, a tiny tiara placed perfectly at the crown of her head.

“Cree, baby,” Ari called, “do I look pretty?”

Cree gasped dramatically before clapping her hands. “Auntie Ari! You a princess!”

Arielle laughed, wiping a tear away before reaching for her bouquet. “Okay, let’s do this.”

The outdoor ceremony was set against the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing softly in the background as Arielle walked down the ivory petal-strewn aisle toward Brodie.

Gold-trimmed chairs, white hydrangeas, and floating candles lined the space, creating a dreamlike scene straight out of a fairytale.

When Brodie saw Arielle, he damn near lost it—his jaw clenched, eyes welling up as he took in the sight of his soon-to-be wife. The love on his face was undeniable, and it only made me glance at Creed, who was standing slightly behind Brodie, holding Gio’s hand.

He caught my gaze, winked, and mouthed, “You fine as fuck.”

I smirked and playfully rolled my eyes, even though my heart melted.

The ceremony was beautiful, filled with love, and when Arielle and Brodie finally said their vows and shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the entire crowd erupted into cheers.

The ballroom was bathed in golden candlelight, the tables adorned with champagne linens, floral centerpieces, and fine crystal glassware. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and celebrating—just enjoying the love in the air.

I had been dancing with the kids all night, but at some point, Creed pulled me onto the dance floor for a slow dance.

“You’re glowing, Mrs. Langston,” he murmured against my ear.

I tilted my head up at him. “That’s because I’m happy.”

Creed’s arms tightened around me. “Good. Because I still feel bad that I only gave you a Vegas chapel.”

I smiled softly. “Creed, I don’t care where we got married. All that mattered to me was that we did it. That we’re together.”

He exhaled, then pulled back slightly to look at me. “Still, I owe you a real wedding. One with your whole family there. One where I can see you walk down the aisle to me. That shit inspired me. So, on our first anniversary, I’m giving you the wedding of your dreams.”

I blinked up at him, heart fluttering.

“I already legally changed my last name,” I admitted. “Even though my brand will always be Bradshaw, I’m Serenity Langston in every way that matters.”

His grin widened. “Damn right, you are.”

As the reception was winding down, Arielle stood, tapping her champagne glass with a fork.

“I just want to thank everyone for coming and celebrating this special day with Brodie and me. But before the night ends… we have a little surprise.”

Brodie wrapped an arm around her, grinning like a fool, before kissing her cheek.

“We’re pregnant!”

The room exploded into cheers, with family members jumping up to hug them, and I felt tears prick my eyes at how happy my cousin looked.

I found Creed’s gaze across the room, and he smirked at me.

Neither of us knew at that moment just how much Arielle’s announcement would change our own plans.

A few days after the wedding, with my show on hiatus and Creed’s season officially over, we packed up the kids and flew out to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for the summer.

We brought Ms. June to help with the kids and, surprisingly, invited Tasha along too.

Our private villa was a modern paradise, perched on a secluded cliffside overlooking the ocean. The house was all floor-to-ceiling windows, infinity pools, and white marble interiors—luxury at its finest.

By the time we got the kids settled, it was late, and after tucking them in, Creed and I finally crawled into our massive king-sized bed.

I was relaxed, happy, and exhausted…but also thinking about something.

Creed turned on his side, draping a strong arm over my waist. "You good?"

I bit my lip, staring at the ceiling. "...Ari's baby news got me thinking."

He arched a brow. "Thinking about what?"

I turned my head toward him, my voice soft. "Maybe it’s time for another baby."

Creed went still for a second before he leaned up onto his elbow. "You serious?"

I nodded.

He exhaled a slow, deep breath before grinning, that signature Creed Langston smirk making my stomach flip. "I thought I’d have to convince you first."

I laughed, rolling onto my side to face him. "Nope."

He brushed a curl behind my ear. "So what you saying?"

"I’m saying… I’m getting off birth control. Whatever happens, happens."

His grin deepened, and he pulled me closer. "You know I want you to have all my babies, right?"

I smiled against his lips. "How many we talking?"

Creed smirked. "Like six."

“I know you fuckin lying.”

“Two more then. One more of each.”

“I think I can do that for you.” I giggled, pulling him down for a kiss. “I love you Langston.”

“I love you more Beautiful.”

Whatever the future held for us, we were ready.