Page 68 of Caught off Guard

Zora cocked her head and shook it as if she wanted to say no when she saw Luther’s movement. Because of her public image, I knew she wouldn’t leave me sitting alone and looking foolish in front of everyone. She rose and walked toward me with her hands by her side. She followed Luther’s trek and sat next to me.

“What is this about?” she mouthed.

I shrugged, then looked toward a side door. Her eyes followed mine and landed on Lena and our parents. When they were settled in the seats reserved for them at the back, I resumed speaking.

“The woman sitting beside me is here for a reason. She has been a steady presence, not only during this transition but as I’ve continued to process the loss of my late wife, Cece. I never thought I’d love again, but God has blessed me twice in this area.”

As she did when she was nervous, Zora pressed her fingers against her throat.

“Zora, baby, I can’t get down on one knee, but I want the world to see what the next phase of my life is going to be for me. I’m taking a big risk asking this question in front of everybody, but it’s time for me to move forward from the injuries to my body and heart. Will you be my wife?”

A collective gasp and thunderous applause erupted across the room as Zora tilted her head toward the heavens and covered her mouth with her hands. She shook her head from side to side and stared at me as if she was frozen.

“Yes!” Lena’s loud ass voice cut across the room.

That jerked Zora from her statue-like state.

“He didn’t ask you, Lena.” She laughed through her tears as everyone joined in.

“Well, answer the man, sis,” she snapped.

“I am.” She took a deep breath and held my hand. “I said yes to you a long time ago. Of course, the answer is yes.”

I reached for my baby’s hand and placed the five-carat platinum, oval cut diamond solitaire engagement ring on her finger. She held it out and admired it briefly before kissing me hard. I tenderly matched her loving energy before releasing her and holding her hands in mine.

“Let’s see that rock,” a reporter cried out.

Zora giggled then bent her wrist forward. She playfully moved her hand from side to side as camera bulbs flashed. As was now my habit when mics were hot, I lowered my voice and covered it before speaking.

“At least we’re consistent with these press conferences,” I said.

“Yes. And I can’t wait for our next chapter to begin.”

OOPS

For the next month,my family went into wedding planning mode. Since Lena and I had never been engaged or married, preparation became a family affair. Cairo and I decided to have a big December wedding since I would be off for several weeks during the winter holiday.

Despite having a better relationship with the Liberation University board, I still bristled against their antiquated ideas and demands. That, coupled with federal mandates that caused budget cuts that could shut us down one day, had me ready to throw this job in the dumpster.

A month and a half after Cairo’s press conference, my appetite diminished, and I could no longer sleep at night. I meditated, prayed, and did everything to calm down, but nothing worked. I even broke out into cold sweats at random times. Within a month, I’d lost most of the weight I gained during the first months of my presidency.

“Babe, please go to the doctor,” Cairo begged. “I don’t want to scare you, but I’ve gone through sickness with one wife. I don’t want to bury another. Your job is stressful, so if you need to make changes to live your best life, please do it before it’s too late.”

The angst in Cairo’s voice moved and convicted me. I was used to being an independent woman, but it wasn’t fair to avoid a visit to the doctor when I had signs that something was off with my body.

“You’re right. All I need is to get a disease and die after finally finding happiness. Since Black women presidents drop like flies in this country, I’ll contact Dr. Knowles.”

I called my family doctor but couldn’t get an appointment until the next week. My appetite was still off when Cairo accompanied me to my visit. They drew blood and urine samples, making me feel as if I was a lab rat. I fidgeted on the examination table, preparing myself for any number of diagnoses. Although Cairo put on a brave face, I could tell he was worried. He sat close to the examination table and squeezed my hand.

“Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together. Since I’ll have more time at the end of the season, I can do more around the house and be close when you need me. Maybe Whitney can take some tasks off your calendar too. And we can take a long vacation anywhere you want to go. We’ve got this. Whatever it is.”

I smiled and lowered my head, praying silently until Dr. Knowles entered the room. Her solemn look concerned me.

“Give it to me straight,” I said.

“Did you say you’re getting married in December?”

My eyes bucked, and Cairo stared at the doctor.

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