For the Sake of Love (20 page)

They arrived at the upscale downtown hotel where they were planning to spend their first night as a married couple. They made their way to the entrance where Spade literally swept his bride off her feet and carried her over the threshold.

The bridal suite had been done up right, complete with a king-size bed, double shower, a Jacuzzi, and a private swimming pool. Bria placed the ice pack in the freezer. She hoped he wouldn't need it, but just in case, it was there.

Spade took the liberty of ordering room service.

Bria and Spade acted like they were addicted to each other. By the time room service arrived they were exhausted from all of their foreplay. Spade had feasted on the buffet of her body to the point where she was begging him to make love to her. He promised he would, but not right then.

She felt embarrassed when Spade opened up the door for the waiter and she was holding her strapless bra and panties in her hand. Her dress was only halfway zipped up, and her hair was completely disheveled. Spade hadn't fared much better. He had taken off his shirt, jacket, and pants. Trying to put them back on proved futile, so when he answered the door, his shirt was on but unbuttoned. His pants were practically falling down because they were unzipped and unbuttoned. Through it all the waiter kept a straight face as they tried to make themselves presentable.

The waiter placed the food on the table and Spade tipped him as he walked out the door.

“I ordered room service because I had a feeling we'd be working up an appetite,” Spade told her.

She could agree with that. She had worked up an appetite all right. An appetite for Spade. She was so hungry for him she peeled her body out of her dress and stood before him as naked as the day she was born and probably feeling equally as carefree and said, “I want us to make love in as many areas of the suite as you can handle.”

He stripped out of his clothes immediately. “As many as
I
can handle? You're the virgin. I think you meant to say as many as
you
can handle,” he chuckled.

“Whatever.” She pranced in front of him and got a clear view of the swimming pool looking refreshing and inviting. She pointed. “I want to make love in the pool.”

Spade had previously stocked the refrigerator with protein shakes. He grabbed one and guzzled it down. “Let's go, baby.”

“Wait!” She remembered Nya's warning about the condoms. She hated to mention it, but she felt he needed to know she wasn't on any birth control. She explained to him about the birth control or lack thereof.

He rubbed his face. “I don't want any barriers between us. I want to feel you. We can use the withdrawal method, or we can take our chances and go half on a baby. You know I want kids, so I wouldn't be mad if you got pregnant.”

She wanted to have his babies, but she thought they should spend some time enjoying each other before throwing babies in the mix. She figured she'd be ready to start a family in about a year. She couldn't wrap her mind around the concept of going straight from being a virgin to motherhood.

“Are you sure you can do the withdrawal without slipping up?”

“Trust me.” He put on the most romantic, baby-making CD Bria had ever heard.

She took off her purity ring and handed it to him. “I saved myself for you.”

“You didn't save yourself for me.”

She gave him a questioning look, wondering if he was serious.

“God made you for me.”

Once in the pool Spade handled Bria with pure love and tenderness. He took his time with her and made her feel comfortable. Attentive and caring, Spade often asked her if she was okay. If she made a noise or had an expression on her face that indicated she felt any pain or discomfort, he'd stop and try something else. Tears streamed down her face as he deflowered her. Pain turned to pleasure as he felt so good she never wanted him to stop. She could've sworn she'd seen a glimpse of heaven as she cried out, “Oh God!”

Bria and Spade took a break from their love fest to get some high-protein snacks and rehydrate themselves. Spade had been putting in the work, and Bria was certain he needed to replenish all the fluids he had lost. His cell phone rang, but Bria pressed her chest against his back. “Don't answer that,” she said, nibbling on his ear.

He checked the screen. “Sorry, baby, I have to. It's my publicist.” He picked up, and she could tell he was getting an earful. He appeared upset when he got off the phone.

“What's the matter?”

He seemed to be thinking of the right words to say. “Nothing. She was just filling me in on my release party this weekend.”

She hugged him. “I'm so proud of you!” She gave Spade a seductive look and led him to the kitchenette where he propped her up on the cold counter and had his way with her. Afterward, they made their way to the king-sized bed and had some more fun.

“Now I get what Nya was talking about,” she giggled.

When they finished, Bria felt sore and exhausted. They showered together before taking a much-needed nap.

Two hours later, Bria was awakened by Spade groping her. Surely he wasn't ready to go again. Nya had been right. The more men got it, the more they wanted it. She stretched and yawned.

“You look so peaceful when you're sleeping.”

She wrapped a bedsheet around her body and snuggled close to him.

He spoke to the top of her head. “I was just thinking we should have our wedding here.”

She thought about that for a moment. The hotel was definitely upscale and plush. She doubted she could find another facility more extravagant or lavish. And they certainly had the room to accommodate 250 guests. Plus, she could pull it together faster. She could see it. “Good idea. I like it.” Her stomach growled, and she let out a slight chuckle. “I'm famished.”

“Me too.”

Spade threw on a pair of boxer shorts, and Bria put on his T-shirt. They brushed their teeth before going into the kitchenette to eat some of the leftover room service.

“How's your hand?”

“It's okay.”

“Do you need your ice pack?”

“Not really. I don't think it's going to swell.”

When they found their meal of crab cakes made with real crab meat, asparagus, and twice baked potatoes, they warmed it up. They had chocolate trifle for dessert, but Spade surprised her with a small fondant all-white wedding cake. They cut a slice of the moist, delicious cake and took turns feeding each other. They topped the evening off with a champagne toast.

Bria thought her husband was the most romantic guy ever. She loved him so much. She looked at him with the most admiring eyes, convinced this was the happiest day of her life.

 

 

Rolling over in bed Bria expected to feel Spade's warm body next to her. Instead, her arm fell flat on the cold empty space. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. The time read 4:15 a.m. She sat up to see if maybe Spade had gone to the bathroom, but the bathroom door was open and no lights were on.

She went into the separate office area and found her man. He looked up from his computer and said, “Baby, what are you doing up?”

“I noticed you weren't in bed and wanted to check on you.”

“I'm fine. I get up every morning between three and four.”

Better him than her, she thought. The only thing she did at that hour was turn over in bed and check her eyelids for holes. “Are you coming back to bed when you finish?”

“Afraid not. I like to get an early start on my day. It helps me to get more done.”

“Oh, okay.”

He pecked on the keys.

She yawned and covered her mouth with her hand. “I'll let you get back to work. I need some more sleep.” She went back to bed but couldn't quiet her thoughts long enough to doze back off. Additionally, her enthusiasm about her new life kept her up too. She finally quieted her mind long enough to get some more much-needed rest.

When she did wake up, Spade was still working. He had drawn the curtains and sunlight lit the room. “Are you going to the spa?” he asked.

“No, I want to hang out with you awhile longer.” She draped her arms around his neck.

“I ordered us some breakfast.”

“Yummy.” She licked her lips as she took a seat at the table.

Spade blessed the food. Bria sprinkled pepper on her omelet and used her fork to cut off a piece. “I can't believe we got married.” She smiled at him.

He bit into a piece of crunchy toast and chewed. “About time,” he teased.

Looking down at her dry toast she decided to spread soft butter on top. “Are we checking out of here today?” She drained her glass of orange juice.

“That was the plan, but if you want us to stay an extra night, we can.”

“I would like that. I'm not ready to go out into the real world yet.” She dabbed her mouth with a napkin. She looked at her handsome husband and said, “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Every time she heard him profess his love for her she felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

“I have about another hour worth of work. After that, it's me and you,” Spade told her.

“No problem, honey.” She finished up her food.

The clock on the microwave read seven-thirty.
That's it?
Bria thought. Her body felt as though it should've been at least two-thirty in the afternoon. It was too early to call Nya, because she didn't get out of bed before eight o'clock. The only person she knew would be up at that time of the morning was her mother, and she was mostly having her usual morning cup of coffee. She went into the bedroom part of the suite and called her mom while Spade resumed working.

“Good morning,” Mrs. Murray said. “You must've read my mind. I was going to call you this morning, but I didn't think you were up yet. What are you doing up this early?” She sounded suspicious.

“Hey, Mom. I-uh . . .” Bria couldn't believe she was tongue-tied. Then she realized her mom had said she was going to call her. “Why were you going to call me this morning? Is everything okay?”

“That's what I wanted to ask you. Last night I had the most bizarre dream about you. I dreamt you and Spade ran off and got married.”

Bria could've sworn her heart stopped beating. She then realized it wasn't her heart but her breathing. She really didn't want to tell her mom this over the phone, but how could she not? Here her mom was having intuitive dreams, so Bria had to come clean.

“Ma, you know how much I love you, right?”

“Oh Lord. Let me sit down for this one.”

Her mom didn't like for her to skirt around any issues, so she blurted out, “Spade and I got married yesterday, but we're planning to have another ceremony and reception for our family and friends.” She didn't want her mom to worry, so she didn't tell her about the encounter at the courthouse.

She heard her mom getting choked up. “My baby is married now? Congratulations.”

“Yes, Ma. He makes me happy. Please say you're happy for us.”

There was a pregnant pause. “Your dad and I raised you to believe in love and trust your heart. Spade's a good man, and you're fortunate to have each other. I just don't understand why you couldn't wait. You've waited this long, why not wait and have it all?” Bria could tell by the sound of her voice that she was disappointed.

“We love each other and didn't see the point of waiting any longer. All we've ever done is wait. We wanted to start our lives together now.”

“I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't disappointed. I would've liked to have been there, but since you're having another ceremony I'll have to accept that.” She paused. “My baby's all grown up. I'm proud of you, Bria. And I'm happy to call Spade my son. He's exactly the type of man I prayed you'd end up with.”

“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot to me. I just wanted to let you know what was going on. We're staying at a hotel in Buckhead now.”

“Okay. Give Spade my love. I'll wring your necks later.” She let out a slight chuckle.

 

 

That night, Bria gave Spade a sensual massage complete with oil and candles. When she felt his body relax that's when she kissed him on the side of his neck. He turned over on his back, careful not to knock Bria off of him. She rubbed his muscular chest and shoulders. She flashed her white teeth at him and traced his pecs with her finger.

He folded his arm and placed his hand behind his head. “Feels good, baby.” He licked his lips. She could tell by the naughty look in his eyes, and his nature rising beneath her that he was ready for dessert, and not the fresh fruit tart they ordered from room service either.

Spade couldn't believe how his life had come full circle. A few months ago he was engaged to Bria and signing a record deal. And then he found himself facing his own mortality. Today, he was married to the love of his life, his CD was dropping, and he didn't have a life-threatening illness. Nobody could tell him that God didn't exist; he knew better. He had gotten to know God for himself. He had promised God that if He restored his health and gave him back his woman, he'd thank Him every day for the rest of his life. He also promised to use his life to glorify the kingdom. And he did. Before he even stepped out of bed in the morning Spade thanked God for waking him up. He started and ended every day with prayer and gratitude.

He had started moving some of his belongings into Bria's house. Since the lease for his condo wasn't up for another six weeks he had time to figure out what to do with his belongings. The way Bria had turned up her nose at his furniture she wouldn't have cared if he donated his belongings to Goodwill.

He adjusted his pillow. Bria looked like a doll when she slept, Spade thought. So peaceful and beautiful. He stared at her as she lay next to him. He was still trying to wrap his brain around the fact that Bria was his wife, and he was her husband. He was glad they had finally come together, and she was definitely worth the wait. He prayed that she would never change. He loved her exactly as she was right now.

Bria's eyes fluttered before she opened them and looked into Spade's face.

“Why are you staring at me?” she said, turning her face in the opposite direction.

He smirked. “Girl, ain't nobody staring at you.” He touched the small of her back, causing her to move.

She covered her mouth with her hand. “Are you excited that your CD drops today and the release party is tonight?”

“Yeah. I can't believe this is my life. Dreams do come true.” As happy as he was, he still wished his grandmother could've been there to see how he turned out. Due to his spiritual beliefs, he chose to believe that she was in heaven and already knew exactly how he was doing.

“You deserve all this and more, honey.”

The doorbell chimed, and they didn't appreciate the interruption. Spade got out of bed and threw on a T-shirt and sweat pants. When he got down the stairs to answer the door, he could see his mom through the glass panes. He yanked the door open.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” He pulled her close for a hug. He noticed she had a suitcase with her and a rental car in the driveway.

She rubbed his back. “I wanted to surprise you. Surprise!”

He looked at her. “I'm surprised.” He showed her in and grabbed her suitcase.

“Where's Bria?” she asked.

Bria came to the top of the stairs wearing a robe. “I'm right here.” She trotted down the stairs and gave her mother-in-law a hug.

The elder Ms. Spencer explained, “I knew that Spade's release party was tonight, and with your recent wedding, I figured now was the perfect time to visit.”

“We're so happy to see you,” Bria said sincerely.

Ms. Spencer smiled hard.

They went into the kitchen and talked over coffee.

“How was your flight from Detroit?” Bria asked.

“It was fine. Now that the two of you are married,” Ms. Spencer said, “I'm thinking about moving to Atlanta. I want to be nearby when you start having kids.”

Spade thought that was a hint and a half. “That would be cool.” His lips curled upward. “How long are you staying this visit?”

She held up five fingers. “Five days.”

“I'll get the spare bedroom ready for you,” Bria offered.

“Thank you. That's why you're my favorite daughter-in-law.” She pinched Bria's cheek.

“I'm your
only
daughter-in-law,” Bria clarified.

“Yeah, yeah, but even if you weren't, you'd still be my favorite.” She giggled.

 

 

That night, Bria, Spade, and his mother went all-out for the release party. Spade looked debonair in a dark suit and red power tie. Dressed in a bloodred-colored dress, Bria looked striking. Ms. Spencer looked too sexy decked out in a backless black dress to have a grown son. Spade even rented an Aston Martin to arrive in style.

On their way to the event, they heard Spade's song on the radio and turned the volume up. They could hardly hear the song because they were too busy screaming like a car full of teenagers. Spade took that as a good sign. It put him in a party mood.

Once at the event, it was on and poppin'. They walked the red carpet as soon as they got out of the car. The night air felt perfect. Cameras were in their faces, and all they could hear was, “Over here,” “Hey, over here.” They stopped and posed for the photographers and waited until all of the photographers got their photo ops. Bria and Spade held hands as they walked inside the building. People treated Spade like he was already a celebrity. He couldn't move two feet without someone giving him hugs or daps or a conversation.

He whispered in his wife's ear, “You're the baddest chick in the room.”

Men were eyeballing his wife, making Spade's chest stick out just a little bit further. He felt proud to call her his wife, knowing every guy in the room wished they could have a woman like her. Some guys were even ogling his mother, and he didn't appreciate that.

“I'm going to take a seat,” Ms. Spencer said. “I'm only here to support you, baby.” She kissed Spade on the cheek and left him with his wife.

Spade encouraged Bria to work the room. He told her to meet people and socialize. He could tell that she was having a good time socializing with celebrities, popular radio personalities, and other industry professionals. She handed out business cards promoting the spa.

Spade had to disappear for a brief spell to meet with some of the people in his camp. When he returned, the chatter that had filled the room suddenly went silent. People stopped talking midconversation and turned to face the door. Spade entered with his entourage and the crowd gave a roaring applause. He loved every minute of it. He stood in front of a huge display poster with his image and his CD cover.

He waved, posed for pictures, and searched the crowd until he found Bria. He felt better knowing where she was.

“Come on, there's some people I want you to meet,” he spoke directly into her ear as he grabbed her hand and led her through the crowd. She smelled so good he wanted to take her in the bathroom and handle some serious business. He loved a good-smelling woman.

He introduced her to the members of his team: his publicist, manager, booking agent, record producer, record promoter, music attorney, and the record label's A&R department.

“Guys, I want you to meet my wife, Bria Spencer. We just got married this week,” Spade said.

Everyone congratulated them. They were all very nice and welcoming to Bria.

Bria said to Spade, “I have to go to the ladies' room.”

She scurried away, and he followed her. Two women rushed out of the bathroom when they saw him. Knowing he had limited time, he paid the bathroom attendant fifty-dollars to clear out everyone except Bria for the next twenty minutes.

Bria exited the stall and washed her hands. “What are you up to?” she asked. She could see his reflection in the mirror.

He locked the door and came up behind her. He kissed her on the neck and hiked up her dress. “You look so good, I couldn't resist, Mrs. Spencer.”

She batted her eyes and said in a flirtatious tone, “Mr. Spencer, shouldn't you be out there with your guests? This is
your
party.”

“The party's in here.” His hands caressed her body. “This is one of my fantasies for you.”

She laughed. “Oh, really?” She sounded playful and went along with his plan.

He knew that he didn't have a whole lot of time before people started getting restless about not having access to one of the bathrooms, so he made every moment count. He took his sexy wife right there on the sink.

When they finished they washed up in the sink using paper towels and straightened out their clothes. Bria applied a fresh coat of lip gloss and headed back to the party. She walked out ahead of him, trying not to draw any unwanted attention.

Spade came out just in time to hear his opening act perform. They had just taken to the stage.

“Baby, let's dance,” he said to his wife.

She took his hand, and they danced a couple of songs. There was a woman gyrating next to them, and the woman in front of them was backing that thing up.

Spade couldn't overexert himself because he still had to perform.

“I need to take a break. My dogs are killing me,” Bria complained.

“All right, while you go take a breather, I have some people I need to talk to before I get changed.” He handed her a glass filled with Sprite from the bar, and she carried her drink to the table where Spade's mother was sitting. He disappeared into the crowd.

 

 

As soon as Bria sat down, she kicked her shoes off underneath the table, hoping that no one would notice. “Are you having a good time?” she asked Spade's mom.

“The best.” Someone tapped Ms. Spencer on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Bria.” She moved over, putting some space between the two of them and spoke to the red-haired lady.

Shortly afterward, Kerryngton invited himself to sit next to her at the table, away from her mother-in-law.

She sucked air between her teeth and rolled her eyes. “Ugh,” she said with disgust. She resisted the urge to throw her drink on his designer-label attire.

“Calm down. I didn't come over here to fight with you,” he said. “I want to apologize. I shouldn't have called you a gold digger.”

“You got that right. I never cared about your money. You're the one who acted like money was a love language. All you did was spend money. I didn't ask you for anything.” She felt good getting that off her chest.

She noticed that the red-haired lady had left and that her mother-in-law was looking at them. She suddenly felt uncomfortable. She hoped Ms. Spencer couldn't hear their conversation even though there was some space between her and Bria.

“I guess I deserved that,” he said. “I'm not going to lie, you messed my head up when you refused my marriage proposal. Talk about a bruise to the ego. No woman had ever rejected me like that before.”

She softened her stance, and she could feel her anger melt like the ice cubes in her drink.

“I'm not ready to be your friend, but since Spade is my artist, we at least need to be civil,” he explained.

She gave a faint smile and nodded. “I got you.”

“Um, Bria.”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations.”

She could tell that was difficult for him to say. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“Good. Stay tuned. I have an announcement to make before Spade performs.” He stood up.

Bria didn't know what that meant, but she was sure Kerryngton wasn't crazy enough to say or do anything embarrassing at Spade's event.

“Bria,” he kissed the back of her hand, “as always, you look stunning.”

Bria tactfully pulled her hand back and gave him a toothless smile before he walked over and spoke to Spade's mother. Bria couldn't hear what he had said, but whatever it was upset Ms. Spencer. Her eyes welled with tears.

Bria felt protective and moved closer to them. “What's going on? What did you say to her?”

He didn't say anything.

Ms. Spencer got up and went into the bathroom. Bria felt like punching Kerryngton in the throat, but she refrained. Instead, she gave him a mean look before running behind her mother-in-law.

Once in the bathroom, Bria heard sniffling sounds coming from one of the stalls. A stark contrast from what she and Spade had been doing in the ladies' room earlier.

“Please come out and talk to me,” Bria pleaded.

Ms. Spencer unlocked the stall and walked out. She dabbed her watery eyes with tissue.

“What's going on? What did Kerryngton say to you?”

A woman washing her hands in the sink looked at their reflections in the mirror. Ms. Spencer waited until she walked out before taking a deep breath and exhaling. “Bria, you're young, and you may not understand what I'm about to tell you. I can only pray that you, and especially my son, can forgive me one day.”

Bria felt her heartbeat speed up.

Turning her face away from Bria, she said, “Many years ago I had a drug addiction. Before Spade, I had another son.”

Bria gasped. “What?” She covered her hand with her mouth.

“Yes.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I wasn't in any position to care for a child. I didn't have money for an abortion, so I put the baby up for adoption.”

“Oh God.” Bria's heart sank.

She sniffled. “About four years ago a young man reached out to me, telling me that he was my son. He wanted to meet me, but I . . . I refused. I didn't want to revisit that time in my life. I was so ashamed. I didn't want to face him or Spade.”

Bria swallowed hard, dreading to hear the rest of the story.

“The child I put up for adoption had found me. He knew my name, address, telephone number, everything.” She cussed. “Nothing can stay hidden forever. At least not if somebody really wants to find out.” Sighing, she said, “A while later I received a letter telling me that he had been locked up.” She shook her head. “I know this is going to sound sick, but I felt relieved. I never responded to the letter.”

Bria frowned at her. “Why would you feel relieved?”

“Because I didn't have to deal with it, and I hoped he'd forget about it. Then tonight . . .” She closed her eyes and lowered her head. “When I saw you talking to that guy, I had a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. And when he came over to me, I knew.”

“You knew what?”

Her lower lip quivered. “That he was my son.”