Page 84 of See No Evil

“You told me that you’d choose me, over and over. I appreciate that. But I just want you to know, I choseyoubefore you even considered me an option. Before you even decided to give me a chance, I was determined that I was going to have you. When you know, you just know. I had no doubt you were the one for me soon after the first time we met. Never in my life had I had that feeling before, or the type of connection we had. It blew me away. The love of cooking brought us together, a shared dream of having our own business. The love for each other is what will keep us together. You taste like a beautiful dream. Your aroma is that of the heavens, a perfume of the goddesses. I see you there, and you remind me that there is beauty still in this world.

“People change. Things change. Sometimes, we hold onto a fear so tight, we refuse to even ask, ‘Why?’ I’m lettin’ go of that fear today, Desiree.” She tilted her head to the side, her gaze searching. “We cook together all the time. We make magic in the kitchen, baby. We make culinary masterpieces. Still, I’m a better chef than you.” She playfully swung at him, and pockets of laughter emerged among the guests. “It’s true and you know it.” He smiled lightheartedly.

“But one day, I’m going to give you a complex recipe. It requires both of us to make. It takes nine months to bake this special dish. I know the desires of your heart, and though you’ve kept quiet, out of respect for my feelings, I know, as your husband and best friend, how much you want this recipe… Now, your desires aremydesires, too. Fears be damned. I will give you the recipe and trust you to take it from there. Let’s get started on that magical creation as soon as possible. I can’t wait for you to bake a bun in the oven for me. And I will be there every step of the way.”

He pressed his hand against her stomach, and she burst out in tears.

He held and cradled her, feeling her shake in his arms, while the crowd cheered and clapped.

“When things get hard for you, baby, you can lean on me, so I can make it easier. When you get lost and lose your way, I will put you on my back and be your navigation. When you can’t see the light, I will lie next to you in the dark. My name is Legend, but with you, I become legendary.”

The crowd burst into applause and whistles. After they quieted down, the minister proceeded with the traditional wedding vows, and then, they exchanged rings. Soon, it was time for Legend to kiss his beautiful bride. Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her forehead… her nose… then poured all of his desire and love into a heart-pounding kiss upon her soft, succulent lips. He smiled, then laughed as people cheered and made silly comments. Desiree’s eyes sparkled with joy, and it was inevitable that they’d kiss again, this time refusing to tear apart from one another…

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Epilogue

6 Months later…

The day hadfinally arrived! ‘LEGENDARY DESIRES’ was open for business. The ribbon had been cut, and family and friends rushed inside, securing booths, grabbing menus, and taking in the scenery. The state-of-the-art double kitchen was open for guests to see—covered by a glass panel. Legend had hired and trained four cooks, while Desiree used her customer service skills to train several servers and hosts. The place had a rustic, yet modern feel, with country black lampposts, wooden tables that were purposefully uneven, and comfortable wide seats. There was a small store from which to purchase various sauces and pies, as well as candles and soaps that Desiree had created herself. The chatter was loud, and the pans and woks were being heated up to start feeding the lunch crowd. He’d been there since five that morning, ensuring that all the prep work was done for the dishes, and had planned to be hands-on in the kitchen for at least a year. Desiree quit her job and was working full time at their restaurant. Furthermore, his BBQ sauce was already selling well online.

“Aye man! Get your ass over here and show me some love!” one of his old prison buddies yelled, who’d arrived with his girlfriend and daughter.

Legend wrapped Greg in his arms, then made sure he and his family were seated. Axel, English, their boy Cameron and their new baby girl, Felicity, were sitting down, going over the menu. Desiree was decked out in a gorgeous light beige pantsuit, talking to patrons. After she was finished, he pulled her aside.

“Did you see my DNA results?” He smiled big and wide. “I left the printout on the kitchen table this morning for you to look at.”

She rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth.

“Legend, that little 2% African means nothin’. This ain’t no one-drop rule.”

“…It was two drops.”

“You ain’t Black, and youstillain’t invited to the picnic!” she teased.

“Oh, it counts! I’m claimin’ it.” He looked her up and down, and his dick jumped. “Damn, you look sexy today, baby. Boss lady. I might have to drag you out back and throw this dick up in ya.”

She playfully attempted to push him away, trying to wiggle out of his grasp.

“You gotta pay the toll first before I let you go.”

She huffed, pretending he was getting on her nerves, then humored him, giving him a big, juicy kiss. Running his hand along her stomach, he kissed the side of her neck, feeling horny as hell.

“Boy, stop!” She laughed, skirting away. “We’ve got business to take care of!” Off she went, and he watched her being gracious and professional as ever. They’d just found out she was pregnant—only four weeks. They were keeping it under wraps, and would announce it once she was at least two months along.

Instead of feeling nervous or afraid when she told him she’d taken a test and it turned out positive, he was excited, eager to meet his new daughter or son soon. He picked up one of his BBQbottles. On the black label was a white feather. The signature sauce was called, ‘Florence Feather.’ On the back of the bottle, it was explained that the name came from a teacher who had influenced his life. There was also a donation link for people to contribute to their favorite teacher, to show them how much they cared.

“Legend!” Melanie sauntered in, wearing a red jumpsuit and designer sunglasses.

“Where you been?” He barked.

“I was at where I was at, and I’mma be where I’mma be! You ain’t my daddy.” She grabbed him and hugged him tight, and he returned the gesture of affection.

“Where’s Lorenzo?” Lorenzo was Melanie’s new boyfriend. Some older Italian cat who came into the bar one day on business, and became smitten with her.

“Oh, he’s trying to find a parking spot. It looks so nice in here… LOOK! They’re holdin’ my menu! I designed that menu cover, y’all! That wasallme!”

Legend rolled his eyes as Melanie acted ghetto as ever—and he loved every second of it. He talked with his sister a bit longer, then decided to slip out back to get some fresh air.

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