Page 65 of Beast: Part Two

“It’s gorgeous,” I say shyly.

“Mmhmm,” she hums putting her hands on her hips. “Gorgeous enough to have a certain someone ready to strip you out of it?”

My entire face heats up. I clutch the package to my chest as embarrassment fills me. Does everybody know how desperate I am for Gabriel? I wonder do they think I’m crazy or delusional for even trying.

Ms. Reese places a hand on my arm. I look up into her soft eyes.

“Everyone in this house has done crazy things for their menfolk. Don’t be ashamed.”

“You think this is all for nothing?”

She chuckles. “Sweetheart, it’s as obvious as night and day that man loves you. He’s just being hardheaded like most men.Trust me, I know,” she says rolling her eyes. “Now, what do you need me to do?”

I appreciated how much help she’s been. Not only has she been crucial at watching the kids for us. Gabe loved Granny Reese. But she has also been good at keeping us all straight.

“I still need help with this flower arch.”

She smiles. “Then let’s get to work.”

It takes me, Ms. Reese, Maksim, and Zel only two hours to get everything set up in the backyard. The other girls offered to help, but I wanted it to be a surprise for them.

Standing in front of my bathroom mirror I examine myself once again. My braids are parted down the middle and hanging down to my waist. The curly hair coming from the braids have been revived and are looking full. My make up is very light, but the black liner on my eyelids accentuates my almond shaped eyes. Trina calls it a cat eye look. The deep red lipstick has my lips looking fuller than usual. The black dress is simple. The hem falls to my mid-thigh. The sleeves and entire back down to the top of my ass is peek-a-boo lace cut outs. The neckline is heart shaped which is perfect for my small boobs. However, the beauty of the dress is the sides. Both sides are cut out and the peek-a-boo lace design continues there as well.

“I don’t know. This isn’t too much?” I ask Trina over the Facetime call.

“Girl, hell no. You look absolutely fuckable.”

I cut my eyes to her. She knows the overall goal of this night. But that doesn’t mean I’m not trying to be classy.

“I’m serious, Trina. Do I look sexy but elegant?”

She rolls her eyes. “Summer, you look good. I mean I would have done way more make-up but that’s just me. Now, you’re going to put those heels on, go out there and enjoy the night you worked hard to create. And regardless of if baby daddy gets hisshit together or not, you are going to have a good time. You need it. Hell, the whole house needs it.”

In that she was right. Even though I was hoping tonight ended with me and Gabriel back together, if we got nothing else from this night but good vibes and laughs, it would all be worth it.

“You’re right,” I say. “I should be going. I still have to set the food out.”

“Alright. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it went. Love you.”

“Love you too.” I pick up my phone and disconnect the Facetime call.

After putting my heels on, I head out the bedroom. Ms. Reese is watching the kids tonight while we enjoy our time. For dinner, I ordered a simple surf and turf platter from a steakhouse.

After Gabriel bought me clothes, Priest gave me a credit card with an alias name. He told me I could use it to get whatever I wanted. Until now I haven’t touched the thing.

I finished putting the final touches on the food table and stood back to admire my work.

“Wow,” Brooklyn says behind me. I spin around to take her in. She looked absolutely stunning in her red romper. Brooklyn had the kind of shape that looked good in anything she wore. Not even pregnancy can take away from her figure. Hawk was standing beside her in a button up and dark wash jeans. He looked very nice with his shaggy hair back from his face.

“You are wearing that dress,” Brooklyn says, eyeing me.

“Thank you.” I push my braids over my shoulder. “You’re looking gorgeous too.”

She flutters her lashes at me in a joking manner as she rubs her belly.

“Thanks for doing this, Summer,” Hawk says, pulling Brooklyn into his side.

“No problem,” I wave him off. “You guys can take a seat at the table underneath the flower arch.”

---