Page 176 of Tarek

I nod. “Yes. I am excited for you for tomorrow.”

Tarek stops and kisses me. “I am happy. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “Same.”

He kisses me again and pulls me closer. “Would you like dinner or dick?”

I laugh against his mouth. “Can I have both for $100 Alex?”

Tarek laughs. “You sure can.”

* * *

PENNY

Demaijo truly out did himself, he is the best stylist. My locs are swept up in an elegant high-top bun. My dress makes me look like a divine goddess. It may be the soft champagne hue with a hint of shimmer. Or the flattering silhouette it gives my body. The dress is offering style, comfort and elegance. I kept my jewelry simple: delicate stud earrings, my engagement ring and the necklace Tarek gave me. I never take that off. My heart swells with joy as I watch Rhet, Tarek and Cole on stage having a deep discussion about the future of the Waterfront and Lakeshore.

“The success I have, I couldn’t have done it without my beautiful wife Zeeta,” Rhet says pointing into the audience. The spotlight swings to our table, and I hear Zeeta groan as she smiles, then blows a kiss to her husband.

Tarek grins. “And next to her is my beautiful fiancée. Hi Penelope.”

I get why Zeeta groaned, having a spotlight on you can be a lot. But I bask in it, loving the way Tarek looks at me. He may not say he loves me, but his actions speak louder than words.

Zeeta’s hand reaches over the table, and I squeeze it.

The speeches are finally over. The investors rush to talk to Cole, Rhet and Tarek. I feel happy just seeing him in action. He is mildly animated as he speaks, leaning in to hear an investors wife. Then his eyes meets mine and he gently excuses himself.

Tarek makes his way through the crowd, nodding to a few people and pointing toward me. He gives them a small wave then walks directly over.

When he reaches the table, he stoops beside me. “How are you feeling Treasure?”

His hands rest lightly on my tummy.

“I feel proud.”

Tarek turns my chair to face him. “If you are tired, we can leave now.”

My fiancé Tarek Fairisles is a caring and sweet man. He has been nothing but good to me. I think about all the midnight runs, the laughter, the quiet moments we share, and the family we are building together.

I place my hands on his cheek, and close my eyes to kiss him. He meets me halfway brushing my lips softly. Opening my eyes, I can see his love shining through. Maybe Zeeta was right, I should say it first.

“I love you, Tarek Fairisles,” I say.

The look of pure relief washes his face. He bends his head, coughing lightly before raising it again. “I love you so fucking much its driving me crazy,” he says his voice is low and fierce.

I giggle in relief that he didn’t reject me. “Aww, honey. I thought you changed your mind.”

“Never,” he saying gripping the side of my dress.

I was about to reply, but someone calls his name, and it’s Rhet waving him over with Zeeta tucked under his arm.

“Wanna come with me?” He stands and straightens his jacket. Who knew a tux could look this great on a man?

“No, I just want to sit and relax,” I reply.

“Give me forty-five minutes and we are out of here okay.” He bends and kisses my cheek before walking off. I exhale slowly, letting go of the doubt, I’d held onto for so long, because he loves me.

“Your dad told your mom he loved her all the time. It doesn’t make it true,” my mind says.

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