Whereas Teonna only gave to the poor when she could get some type of recognition for it.
Sheree tried to return Teonna’s smile, but something inside kept it from reaching her eyes. “Well, it’s a nice day outside, so let’s talk at the gazebo.” There was no way she was going to let that woman inside her house again. Sheree had learned early in life to trust her instincts and right now her instincts were telling her that Teonna was up to something.
Chapter 16
The pentagon shaped mini-gazebo stood adjacent to the house. All around it were shady pecan trees preparing to release their harvest. Sheree and Teonna sat on opposite sides of the gazebo on thick beams of wood. The sun was shining and a cool breeze scattered some of the leaves in the yard. Sheree glanced leisurely around the lawn, following a few of the brown and orange leaves with her eyes as she waited for Teonna to state the reason for her visit.
Inwardly, Teonna was wrestling with the fact that Sheree had taken away a part of the control by insisting that they talk outside. She had wanted to corner Sheree in a more private setting. One where the chance of an audience was less. All the same, Teonna would go through with her plan to drive a thick wedge between Sheree and Graham. She had to. Her own happiness was at stake here.
Teonna took a deep breath and began. “I wanted to talk to you about Graham and I.” With those words, she saw how quickly she had gained Sheree’s full attention. All ears now, huh? Teonna mused sarcastically as she continued with her own unique version of the truth. “Yes, there was, still is a Graham and I. We slept together and we were going to get married until you came back in the picture.”
When Sheree simply remained silent, the suppressed rage inside of Teonna suddenly threatened to come out. She felt like wrapping her hands around Sheree’s seemingly indifferent neck. The other woman’s face was literally expressionless and that infuriated Teonna.
Fortunately, Teonna was able to successfully squash that violent urge as she realized that her venomous words had indeed found a crack in the other woman’s armor. Why else would Sheree’s eyes suddenly widen? Why else would her mouth part ever so slightly as if she wanted to say something, but was fighting not to?
But Sheree’s lackluster reaction still wasn’t enough for Teonna, so she continued to sprout her poison. “I told Graham just last night in bed that he should tell you about us, but he refused. He said that he wanted to pay you back for how you hurt him four years ago. But my conscience just wouldn’t let me stand by and watch you get led on like that.” Teonna paused to look into Sheree’s pain-filled eyes before throwing her last fiery dart. “Graham told me that in two weeks he plans on leaving you at the altar in front of everyone.”
Two weeks, Sheree mused, recalling how Graham had mentioned that same timeline to her last night as well. How would Teonna know that? They hadn’t told anyone of their change in plans yet.
Having suddenly heard enough and having her proper upbringing to kick into gear at that exact moment, Sheree raised her hand and shooed Teonna away as if she was a bothersome pest. She was.
“I don’t need to hear anymore. You can leave now,” Sheree said, holding her peace, the way her parents had raised her to do when faced with adversity. She was as cold as a block of ice now.
Teonna was incensed that she was being so coldly dismissed. She resented the fact that Sheree didn’t cry, yell, or even try to strike out at her. What is wrong with this woman? Is she frigid or something? But Teonna already knew the answer to that – no. She’d seen Sheree in action just last night, so she knew that the woman was far from frigid. No ordinary woman could have reduced Graham to putty so quickly. That fact became another reason for Teonna to hate Sheree.
Feeling as if she’d been denied complete victory, Teonna glared at her enemy and said, “When you’re left looking like a fool at the altar, don’t blame me! I tried to warn you.”
“Well, I guess this means that both of our engagements to Graham were fake,” Sheree replied coolly, not batting an eye.
At that reminder of her own faux pas, Teonna stomped off towards her car and sped away, lest she commit a homicide on
***
Now safely back inside the house, Sheree could finally let her guard down. With trembling hands, she called Graham on his cell phone. Fortunately, he was now in his car, so she was able to get him on the first ring.
“Graham Leverett.”
Sheree got straight to the point. “Graham, Teonna was just here. She told me that you two slept together. That you two are still sleeping together as recent as last night, and that you plan on leaving me at the altar in two weeks to get back at me for hurting you. Is this true?” Sheree felt herself unraveling into a ball of raw emotions.
Hold it together girl, she told herself as she paced the floor with the phone in hand.
Graham couldn’t believe what he was hearing. You fool! Why didn’t you just tell Sheree about this mess days ago? And why did you ever give Teonna the benefit of the doubt? he scolded himself as he pulled into the parking lot of a nearby gas station, lest he crash.
Deciding to tell it all now, Graham replied, “No, not all of it.” He was being very open now, which was something he should have been earlier considering all the opportunities he’d had recently.
Sheree was adamant. “Which part is true?”
“Baby, now just listen...”
“Just tell me which part is true, Graham!” Sheree screamed into the phone. She had no time for pretty words. She needed to know the naked truth, no matter how ugly.
Graham was silent for a full thirty seconds before answering. “Teonna is the only woman I ever slept with since the divorce. I slept with her one time two years ago. But it has never happened again and it never will. Everything else she said is a lie.” It was then that Graham decided to finally end all contact with Teonna. Liars were just too dangerous to keep around.
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? Didn’t you trust me to understand? I guess not.” Sheree scoffed among her free falling tears. “And you had the nerve to be upset with me over a few measly kisses with Hunter.”
With a guilt-ridden Graham now speechless on the other end, Sheree used that moment of silence to collect herself. I don’t have to put up this, she mused, thinking that she’d made it okay without Graham before. She could do it again. And this time, Sheree would force herself to get over him. No more dwelling on the past for me.
When Sheree finally spoke again, her voice was calm. Too calm. “Goodbye, Graham.” Then she hung up the phone and went upstairs to pack.
Purposefully ignoring the phone that started ringing off the hook as soon she hung up, Sheree quickly packed and scribbled Horace a letter. In the letter, she signed over the house to him as a gift from her. She also left the deed to her future clinic along with all sets of keys on the wooden island in the kitchen on her way out. She would send Graham’s black Lexus back to him later. She needed it now to get away.
Chapter 17
Graham slammed the phone down in the car. He’d been calling Sheree back ever since she hung up and he was frustrated about not being able to reach her. All of a sudden, he had a thought that she was about to leave him again and neither his heart nor his mind could bear it.
I just lost my mother. I can’t lose Sheree, too. Not again, Graham mused with anguish as he quickly restarted the car and hurried to the house. He prayed for green lights all the way there. Miraculously, he got them.
***
Sheree’s departure was delayed with all red lights, a long train, and even a traffic jam. As she waited in the car for the slow moving lunch traffic to disperse, she had time to think. Time to really think about what she was doing. Instantly, the words that she’d spoken to her mother came to mind.
I love Graham. I always have and I am not about to miss out on this opportunity to be his wife again. I won’t allow anyone, not even Daddy, to come between us ever again.”
Sheree was suddenly ashamed of herself. She now realized that she was acting immature and foolish again. But most importantly, she was about to mess up the best thing that had ever happened to her. Surely she didn’t expect the man to have waited for her all these years. She’d been the one to divorce him, remember?
Sheree was actually surprised that there hadn’t been more women than that in Graham’s life. She was also grateful. Besides, Graham wasn’t a car that she could trade in every two to four years. He was a flesh and blood man, and loving him would require Sheree to put in some work. But that’s what loving someone was about. It was about doing what’s necessary to maintain a good, healthy, fully functioning relationship. And right now, Sheree needed to work on forgiving Graham. It was not only what God would want her to do; it was the right thing to do.
Slowly, she turned the car onto the first exit she came to and went back home. Home to
***
By the time Sheree arrived back at the house, Graham was already there. When she rang the doorbell, he quickly answered it, having heard the car pull up outside. Graham couldn’t hide the fact that he’d been crying if he wanted to. His gray eyes were puffy and red, and his nose was congested.
Sheree immediately flew into his arms and hugged him tightly. “I’m so sorry, baby. I just couldn’t leave you again. I love you too much. Please forgive me.” Her tears stained the white oxford shirt he wore, but Graham didn’t care. He was just so glad that she was back.
Graham held Sheree closer as he said a silent prayer of thanks. Then he withdrew a bit and looked down into her tearstained face. “You will be my wife today. Right now,” he declared. His deep voice rumbled with thick emotion as he spoke.
Then Graham grabbed Sheree’s hand and escorted her across the street to Judge Justin Rolle’s house. He’d sold the judge that beautiful tri-level home two years ago at a very special price. Now he was ready to call in a favor. Fortunately, Graham remembered seeing the judge’s gray Ford Expedition parked out front, so he knew the man was home right now.
Sheree asked no questions as she silently followed her man to the red brick house across the street. Upon entering Judge Rolle’s home, in a matter of minutes, Graham had arranged for them to be married immediately. Then within the hour, Sheree became Mrs. Graham Leverett again.
As soon as their nuptials were over, Graham escorted Sheree back to their home across the street. It was time for the honeymoon. Once they were inside, the groom locked the front door and then swiftly scooped his bride up into his strong arms. As Graham carried Sheree upstairs, neither of them said anything in this potent moment.
Inside the bedroom, Graham laid his wife down on the bed and then locked the door. As Sheree lie watching him slowly undress, everything else in the brown room seemed to disappear, except for the two of them.
Finally, Graham spoke to her again. It was the first time since he said ‘I do’ in front of the judge a few minutes ago. Each word he spoke was laced with thick desire. “Take the phone off the hook, baby.” It was a gentle, yet unquestionable order.
When Sheree readily complied, Graham continued. “There will be no interruptions this time. We’re going to make sweet, delicious love right now and we’re not going to stop until all doubts are gone, and only love and trust remains. Do you hear me, woman?” His gray eyes pierced through hers.
Sheree nodded and began to unbutton her shirt, but Graham stopped her. “No, I’ll take your clothes off. And as I remove each item, let each seed of doubt leave your heart and mind.” Then as he undressed her, he spoke words of affirmation with each piece of clothing that was removed. “You are the only one for me, Sheree. There will never be another. No woman can compare to you, ever. Do you hear me?”
Again, Sheree nodded. She was mesmerized by the slow, sensual way that Graham was undressing her. She literally trembled with anticipation. Soon they were both equally bare.
With hungry hands and lips, Graham began to love on Sheree until she lay writhing on the bed beneath him, begging him to possess her. He even kissed her feet, lingering on each painted digit like they were a delicacy. There was no part of her that he didn’t tenderly attend to.
Graham kept himself in check the whole time he ministered to Sheree. There would be no rushing this time. This was his woman and he was determined that she would remain his forever as he prolonged each movement, savoring every moment he was with her.
In the midst of everything else that was going on now, Graham had a profound revelation about his relationship with Sheree. Their union was never meant to be outside of marriage. And it was never meant to occur while there were secrets between them. That’s why they’d had all the distractions and interruptions before. Now that those obstacles were removed, they could finally and truly be as one again.
When they connected at last, Graham began a slow ride to ecstasy. Just being one with Sheree again was happiness in itself. He watched as her hazel eyes fluttered open and closed in pleasure. She was obviously enjoying the sensation of their union as much as he was. When Sheree arched her body for more, Graham gave more until he had no more to give.
“Say you won’t ever leave me again, baby,” Graham said, adding words to his actions.
Sheree was euphoric as she responded in word and deed. “I won’t, baby. I’m yours forever.”
“Say it again. I need to hear it again.” His gray eyes glistened brightly with emotion and passion.
“Oh, baby, I’m here to stay,” Sheree uttered, barely above a whisper as she clenched at his muscular back and held him closer to her. She was nearly out of her mind with love now.
“That’s right. Now take me to that place that only you can. Take me there now, Sheree.” Graham’s deep voice was strained as their passion heightened in speed and intensity. After a year of marriage, he knew exactly what his wife was capable of giving and that’s what he craved now.
Sheree was more than willing to give Graham what he required. Especially since she wanted the same thing. Using four long years worth of pent-up passion to fuel her volcanic response, Sheree swiftly sent them both soaring over the edge of ecstasy. She ended up giving her husband way more than he requested. Yet there were no complaints from either party.
Graham was the first to speak after they descended from passion and were breathing normally again. Brown bed covers were everywhere as they lay cuddled together with Sheree resting comfortably in the nook of his arm.
“Are all doubts gone now, baby?” Graham asked, looking intently down into her eyes.
She smiled up at him. “Every single one.”
He pulled her closer. “Good, because our baby is going to need his mother and father together.” Graham lovingly stroked her flat cinnamon stick belly as he spoke.
Sheree pulled back a bit to look up into his face again. She noticed that his gray eyes were misty. “What are you talking about?”
Graham smiled down at her. “I’m talking about you receiving my seed today. Nine months from now, we are going to have a baby. Just wait and see.”
“But how can you be so sure?” Even though they hadn’t used any contraceptives today, how could he be so certain that this specific union - their first intimate encounter in four years - had produced a child already?
“I believe that when the doubt left, it left room for us to conceive,” Graham said confidently. It was that same confidence that stunned Sheree into silence. “Now get some rest,” he continued, pulling the covers around her bare frame. “You’re going to need all of your strength for the next phase of our honeymoon.”
A few minutes later, Sheree felt herself starting to drift off into a sweet sleep. Like many other days this past week, her thoughts turned to her mother-in-law. Betty was right about us after all. Graham and I are meant to be together, Sheree mused, before floating into dreamland.
***
As it turns out, Graham had been right, too. Nine months after their second honeymoon, a son was born to them. Graham Devon Leverett Jr. was just the beginning of the large family that Graham Sr. and Sheree intended to have. Everyone who knew them knew that there would be at least four more children to come.
Horace, who still lived with them, helped to entertain Sheree’s whole family when they came down to see the new baby. Kelly and her new husband, Hunter came also. They were all happy for Sheree and she them. Even Allen had warmed somewhat towards Graham. Sheree wasn’t sure if her father’s new attitude was the result of the joy of seeing his first grandchild or the impressive tour of properties Graham took him on. Either way the Hamiltons and the Leveretts were finally starting to become a real family and for that Sheree and Graham was eternally grateful.
As for Teonna, and to her mother and friends’ delight, she finally got married. Her husband was a man that she met at an anger management class. After many months of counseling the woman, Frasier Stefan fell madly in love with Teonna and now they work side by side in helping others to overcome toxic feelings and toxic relationships as well.
THE END
******************
Letter to readers
As I wrote Graham and Sheree’s tale, I began to reflect upon my own life. I thought about the times where I allowed pride to cause me to make the wrong decisions. Through this story I tried to show a pivotal lesson that I learned from my life experiences. That lesson was that pride has no place in love. In fact, everything that pride touches tends to lead to failure and thus, should be avoided at all costs.
Another thing that I sought to convey through this book was that emotional immaturity can wreak havoc on a relationship, too. In Sheree’s case, it almost cost her the man that she loved twice. I pray that you will recognize all areas of immaturity and pride in your life, and that you will then do what’s necessary to eliminate them.
In closing, I want to thank you for reading Bound by Love and I invite you to check out some of my other books at your earliest convenience. As always, God bless.
Suprina Frazier
bravenet.com