The Object of His Protection - Brenda Jackson [59]
“I think all of us can say that today has been full of surprises. More than anything I am glad that the man responsible for taking Harmon from us will be dealt with. There is no doubt in my mind that justice will be served.”
She then centered her gaze on Drey. “And I want to welcome a new addition to our family. At this point in my life, I don’t want to let secrets from the past be allowed to shadow the present. Drey, Harmon was your father and as such, you are a Braddock. I want you to know you are welcome here any time you want. You are one of us.”
Cheers went up around the table and Charlene had to fight back the tears that threaten to fall. Only a gracious woman such as Evelyn could accept what had happened thirty-three years ago, not hold it against Drey and move on. And she knew in her heart that although Drey had tried convincing her otherwise, he had wanted to belong.
Shondra stood up and said, “And while the family is all gathered together, I have a surprise of my own.” She smiled brightly and then reached her hand out to Connor. He took it, kissed it and then stood beside her.
“I want all of you to be the first to know that Connor and I eloped last weekend to Vegas and got married.”
Everyone was out of their seats to rush over to the happy couple and give them words of congratulations and best wishes.
When it seemed as though everyone had finally settled down, it was Tyson who got up next. He looked over at his wife, Felicia, before saying to everyone, “And Felicia and I have some wonderful news to share. We found out today that we’re having a son and we plan to name him Harmon Braddock.”
Charlene saw the tears glistening in Evelyn’s eyes. She was getting more and more good news about her family.
Malcolm stood and chuckled. “Gloria and I don’t have anything to add since all of you know about our Christmas wedding. But as we head into the final week of the campaign, we’re counting on all of you, our family, to help get me into office.”
More claps and cheers erupted around the table and then a few minutes later everyone finally settled down for dinner. And by the time it was over, Charlene couldn’t help but think it had been one glorious affair.
It was almost eleven o’clock that night when Drey and Charlene entered his home. As soon as the door closed behind them, Drey pulled Charlene close to him and reached out and took her face in his hands. “Do you have any idea how I felt when I saw Hanlon put that gun to your head?” he asked softly.
“No, tell me,” she whispered softly. She had stared into his eyes the entire time the incident had been going on and had seen the stark fear evident there. But what had touched her most was something else she could have sworn she’d seen. But she refused to jump to conclusions. She wanted him to tell her if her assumptions were correct.
“I felt like I was about to lose you,” he said, breaking into her thoughts. “I was going to lose you without telling you how I feel.”
She swallowed deeply. “And how do you feel, Drey?”
For a moment he didn’t say anything, he just stood there and tenderly stroked her cheek while gazing into her eyes. Then he spoke. “I love you, Charlene. I didn’t realize how much until today. I’ve been fighting it and denying it. But I can’t do so any longer. I know we moved quickly in our relationship, and I’m willing to slow down for us to have a long engagement if that’s what you want. But I want to marry you, Charlene. I want you to be a part of my life forever. I want to sleep every night with my body connected to yours. And more importantly, I want for you to one day love me as much as I love you.”
Charlene smiled through her tears. “That day is now because I do love you, Drey. I’ve loved you for some time, but I was afraid to let you know it. You told me in the beginning you didn’t want a wife, you wanted a bed partner.”
He chuckled. “Now I want both. Will you marry me, Charlene?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you,” she said past the constriction in her throat.
And then Drey pulled her into his