Page 28

Penny

A dult time, that’s what my husband calls it. I still can’t believe we got “married” in my mother’s car. Tarek’s dad did really get ordained. We had some legal things to sign over the past couple of weeks. But we are legally married. I am Mrs. Tarek Fairisles. Just the thought of it makes me giggle.

Tonight, Tarek has arranged for our parents to take care of the boys. It’s been six weeks since we have been blessed with twin boys. Secretly I think Dereck wants some time alone with my mom. I caught her looking at him when she thought no one was watching. I want to hear about their history, the full story, not just the fragmented pieces. Maybe someday in the future, they may fall back in love, and they will tell us their story.

I sit on the edge of the bed, waiting as Tarek finishes a phone call in the closet. He’s pacing, talking quietly, wearing a grey Henley and a pair of black jeans that hugs all the right parts.

“You ready, wife?” he asks, grabbing his money clip and keys.

I extend my hand to him and with his help I get off the bed. I thought that after a baby your body snaps back instantly. Stupid girl, I am wearing a faja to tuck my belly in. I can hardly breathe but I got this.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“It’s a surprise. Do you trust me?” Tarek states.

“Always. Do you love me?” I ask.

“Now, forever and always.”

* * *

TAREK

I hope I’m doing the right thing. I blindfold Penny and drove to the airstrip. Miranda, my father, our children with our new nanny are already on board.

Parking the Mercedes in front of the private jet, I reach across the seat and untie the blindfold.

Penny blinks and looks around. “Um, Tarek, where are we?”

“Lakeshore private airport,” I reply.

She brushes her locs away from her face. “Why is there a plane here?”

“Because I am taking you to Greece, Crete.” I hold my brea. I pray for her excitement, and I am delighted when I see joy spread across her face. Then it drops.

“What about the boys?” she asks gripping the seat belt.

“Our parents, the boys and the nanny are on the plane. I booked us a private trip so we can see all of your mythological gods and heroes,” I reply and swallow.

She remains silent and bows her head. Shit, I fucked up.

“If you don’t want too?—”

“I adore you so much, Tarek Fairisles.” She unbuckles her seat belt and jumps on me. Peppering my face with kisses

I exhale. Thank God.

We board quickly. Soon we’re in the air. Our parents sit side by side, pretending not to notice each other, like two teenagers to scared to admit they still care? What the hell is going on?

I let it go and swivel my seat toward Penny. She is gazing out the window, chin propped up in her hand. God she is beautiful.

I reach into my pocket and pull out a brooch, a gold pomegranate, adorned with tiny rubies.

“Hey,” I draw her attention to me.

Her eyes instantly land on the brooch, her smile widens. “You got me a gold pomegranate.”

I swallow hoping that what I am about to say doesn’t bite me in the ass. “I melted all the necklaces and added rubies to it.”

She squints at me. “Pen, you own every part of me. There is no future without you. You called me Hades. I had to give you a physical reminder that you are mine forever.”

Her eyes brims with tears. I turn the brooch over to her to see the etched words.

“Nunc, Semper, Aeternum. Latin?” she says as her fingers glides over the words.

“It means Now. Forever. Always,” I reply.

Penny squeezes the brooch and pulls face to face toward her. Her lips graze mine. “Nunc, Semper, Aeternum.”

I close my eyes and repeat softly, “Nunc, Semper, Aeternum,” I reply.

I pull her from her seat and kiss her, letting the depth of her love pour into me. Secrets may have been kept from us, almost destroyed us, but our love, our bonds, are eternal.