Page 95 of Essence of his Soul

“Again,” he commanded.

“I love you, Mark.”

He eased me backward on the bed until I lay beneath him and kissed me with every bit of the love I felt. I looped my armsaround his neck, feeling the heat of his skin burn into mine, glorying in the thrust of his tongue and fierce pressure of his mouth.

Mark lifted his head long enough to glance over at the clock. “We have ten minutes to midnight. How about we bring in the New Year with that bottle of champagne I spotted at the back of your refrigerator?”

“That’s a wonderful idea.”

We scrambled into the kitchen. With the aid of a stepstool, I reached for a pair of crystal flute glasses while Mark found the champagne. After he popped the cork, we returned to my bedroom. While he filled each glass, I flicked on the television just in time to hear the crowd at Times Square counting down. We joined in.

“Seven-six-five-four-three-two-one… Happy New Year!”

Mark kissed me, a powerful kiss that left us winded when we parted.

We clicked our glasses together and then took a drink.

I took another sip and said, “Here’s to the start of a fabulous new year.”

“I agree,” Mark said. “Any New Year’s resolutions?”

“Only to marry my soulmate.”

“Me too, sweetheart. I’m getting everything I could have ever hoped for this year.” He reached over, took the flute from my hand, and placed both over on the nightstand. Scooping me up into his arms, he laid me at the center of the bed. “You know what they say; whatever you’re doing at midnight is what you’ll be doing all year,” he murmured, covering my body with his.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and met each kiss. “And what would that be?”

“I should show you.” He palmed my breasts with one skilled hand. “It’s been too long.”

“Mark, it hasn’t even been an hour.”

“Too long, in my opinion.” Mark’s deep voice vibrated against my cheek.

With enough said, he planted kisses from my lips down to my toes. By the time he spread my legs wide enough to accommodate him, I was on the verge of exploding. Mark entered me with a leisurely glide and a powerful kiss.

“You’ll never regret your decision. I plan to love you the way a man should love a woman,” he said as he moved slowly.

We quickly rode the storm. I shattered with a long shudder, adding another declaration of my love to him that he answered with one of his own. Even after our bodies parted, I knew we would never be separated again.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

It was my wedding day.Ourwedding day.

I sat in the bridal room, staring at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back. Tamara was behind me, fussing with my veil, while Kelly sat on the couch, smiling as she scrolled through photographs from the bridal shower on her phone. The day was exciting, and yet I could only feel a quiet, nervous energy simmering beneath my skin.

The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over everything, making the blue accents of the room pop against the creamy walls. My white dress, fitted and elegant, hugged my growing belly in a way only two people knew about. I hadn't told Mark yet—about the baby. Our second child. I wanted today to be about us, but a part of me couldn't wait to see his face when I finally told him.

"Essence, you look stunning," Kelly said, breaking my train of thought. She was beaming, looking gorgeous in her royal blue bridesmaid dress. It matched perfectly with the flowers, the decorations, and everything Mark’s mother had meticulously planned for this day.

"You’re glowing," Tamara added softly as she stepped back to admire her work. She was my rock through all this, from wedding planning to keeping my secret about the baby. I’d told her first because Tamara could keep it under wraps until I was ready.

I took a deep breath, smoothing my hands over the front of my gown. "I can't believe we're really doing this," I whispered,mostly to myself.

"Oh, believe it, girl," Tamara teased. "Mark ain’t the type to play. He’s been waiting for this day since he put that ring on your finger."

Kelly chuckled. "Honestly, he’s probably more nervous than you are right now. Diamere told me he’s been pacing around the backyard like he’s about to go into battle or something."

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