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  Denise placed her finger to her lips. “Shhh. I’m trying to get caught up, surrounded by all this love.”

  After the five bridesmaids and the flower girl made their entrances, two musicians rose to their feet and blew their trumpets. Throughout the chapel, the guests also stood. Beaming with a proud look, Talise’s father escorted his ecstatic daughter down the aisle. From the expression on her face, one would never know that she had been married already for more than two months.

  But Gabrielle had witnessed firsthand Talise’s heartaches that came before the bliss. Standing on the sidelines, she had cheered the couple on. She was a true believer that love would find its way. Unfortunately, it hadn’t made it to her yet.

  With Talise’s move to St. Louis, Gabrielle felt the void. As close friends, they had become inseparable. Often complimented on their beauty, there was no competition between them. Now staring at Talise in yards of tulle and satin, Gabrielle doubted if she would ever duplicate that spectacular look if God blessed her with a mate.

  Turning her attention to Ace’s face, Gabrielle sighed at the tender loving way the man was looking at Talise. Her mind captured another wow moment to pen in her handbook of romance. It was one of those silly notions she had started as a teenager when she began writing fanciful ideas in a spiral notebook.

  Gabrielle loved weddings. It didn’t matter if she was a guest or part of the bridal party. It was the atmosphere, the romance, the gaiety, the peace-on-earth feeling that always engulfed her.

  She withheld a chuckle. Gabrielle was the only girl in a family of three brothers, and none of them were married. Since her brothers welcomed her to the thirties club last month—she wondered what her siblings were waiting on. For her, it was definitely the perfect God-fearing man.

  Her main requirement in a mate was that he had to be a practicing Christian man, not a Sunday morning pew warmer … Add to that description, the love of her life must be highly romantic … Okay, for her future children’s sake, she definitely needed to add good looks.

  Ace’s eyes sparkled as he locked on Talise’s every movement. Even when Lauren whimpered in his mother’s arms, he never took his attention away from his bride. When Talise was close enough, Ace stepped forward and reached for her hand. Lovingly, he escorted her to the altar.

  Admittedly, Talise’s pregnancy was the reason behind their hasty nuptials a couple of months ago. The couple’s initial vows had taken place in a pastor’s office back in Boston. However, there was no doubt in Gabrielle’s mind that Ace loved her friend. God blessed them in a mighty way after they repented for their sins and followed the Lord’s complete plan for their salvation. From now on, they had the power to live godly.

  Unexpectedly, Ace knelt before Talise and looked up into her glowing face. Gabrielle thought she would faint from his public display of seduction and admiration. She strained to hear every word of their renewed vows.

  “Baby, you gave me everything when I met you. You’re beautiful, you love God, and you love me. I promise to cherish you—”

  “Hey,” Denise whispered, nudging her again, “he even sounds a little like—”

  Gritting her teeth, Gabrielle shushed Denise. Bringing her along was definitely a bad idea.

  Ace finished his vows, stood to his feet, and slipped on Talise’s rings. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny box with a pink strip of ribbon inside. Walking over to his mother, he knelt and tied it around his daughter’s tiny wrist. Gabrielle couldn’t see it all, but the gesture was purely tender and romantic.

  “Whoa, I am so itching to ask them.”

  Annoyed, Gabrielle squinted at Denise. “And I am so itching to put you back on a plane for the East Coast. With all this love in the air, again, now is not a good time. I can swing by the drugstore and get you a bottle of Benadryl. Not only will it stop the itch, the antihistamine should knock you out.”

  Cameron smirked at the conclusion of the ceremony. Once again, another Jamieson had reached a happy ending. He didn’t know Ace had that much romance bottled up inside of him. It was mind boggling to witness the way his cousin wooed the woman who was already his wife.

  The ushers asked that everyone wait in the foyer to congratulate the couple. The photographer would be taking wedding party pictures within the chapel for a time.

  As Cameron gazed around the sanctuary, a flash of beauty assaulted him. Holding his breath, Cameron locked in on his target—a woman gathering her things from a pew—a vision of pure loveliness.

  Who was she and who had invited her? He dare not lust in church, but the woman was a striking temptress. From her body language, he deciphered that she and another woman were involved in some type of disagreement. About what? he wondered.

  Cameron noted that she was also wearing pink. The gorgeous creature could definitely be mistaken as part of the bridal party. Mentally, he scratched out the word striking from his assessment. Exquisite was a better description. As she stepped out of the pew, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her legs. Kudos on their lusciousness.

  Her hair was coal black, her face was medium brown with dark brows and eyes that could hold a man captive … and her smile … there was absolutely nothing unattractive about her.

  Evidently, other men thought so, too, as Cameron spied them admiring her. He snickered, knowing how this scenario was going to play out. Hopefully, she was planning on attending the reception. If so, no other man would get within three feet of her. Cameron would make sure of that.

  Glancing over his shoulder, the photographer was shooting Ace, Talise, and Lauren. After verifying that his presence wasn’t needed yet, he turned back to check the woman’s hands. Her ring finger was waiting for a proposal.

  Yes!

  How was she still available? Never mind, she was, and that’s all that mattered. He folded his arms as his nephews ran circles around him. Cameron was about to make his move and introduce himself when the object of his attention started heading his way.

  Unfortunately, disappointment took over when he discovered that he wasn’t the main attraction. Cameron watched her bypass him and connect with Talise. The two screamed their delight at seeing each other. Side by side they could pass as sisters or close relatives.

  “Gabrielle, I’m so glad you could make it!” They wrapped each other in a tight, lingering hug.

  Gabrielle. Hmm, an angel in disguise? Or, naughty as sin? Before the evening was over, Cameron would have his answer.

  “It was so beautiful,” Gabrielle gushed. They chatted on until the photographer broke up their reunion and Cameron’s assessment.

  The patient photographer instructed everyone to get into position for group pictures which, surprisingly, included Gabrielle. Good, she wouldn’t be able to escape.

  After countless poses and flashes, the photographer advised that he had a special request from the bride and groom. Sitting gracefully in a chair, Sandra held in each arm, her two granddaughters, Kidd’s and Ace’s babies, who were less than a month apart. No doubt, the cousins would be heartbreakers in the future. That tender moment would forever be ingrained in Cameron’s mind.

  Family. He would always have a soft spot for kinfolks. His brothers and cousins dubbed him the “family man” because of his thirst to track down his ancestors. Ironically, it was now apparent that Cameron was the only one without a family—no wife or children.

  “Okay, people,” announced Eva. Talise’s sister-in-law was the self-appointed wedding organizer. Clapping her hands to get their attention, Eva instructed, “The photos are complete for now. Our guests have formed a line outside the door leading to the Hummer limo that’s waiting for us. The sparklers are lit and everyone’s waiting to cheer the happy couple on, so let’s go.”

  Sandra’s two sons lifted their daughters from her arms. Members of the wedding party paired up and followed the happy bride and groom through the church’s double doors. Everybody, that is, except Cameron. He had his eye on Gabrielle, who seemed to be engaged in another hushed con
versation with the woman he’d seen her with earlier. What was their story?

  Gabrielle hadn’t noticed him throughout the picture taking, but Cameron planned to make a lasting impression. Before he could put a plan into action, to his surprise, her friend practically dragged her toward his way. Lucky him. Stuffing his hand in his pocket, Cameron held back. Lifting a brow, he waited.

  “Excuse me. My name is Giselle Rayford, but I go by Denise. And, this is Gabrielle Dupree …”

  “The G-Gs,” he commented, as his gaze strayed to Gabrielle and lingered on her face. “I’m Cameron Jamieson.” He shook Gabrielle’s hand first, immediately noticing her soft touch.

  “Yes, we got that a lot when we were in college, so I started to use my middle name,” Denise interjected.

  “What college?” he asked, shrugging off his cousin Ace, who was waving for him to come on. He motioned one moment with his finger but would take more time if needed. He could apologize to Ace and Talise later.

  “Howard University,” Denise answered proudly.

  “Hmm. Founded in 1867. It still remains a thriving HBCU today,” Cameron rolled out the tidbit. “Impressive list of alumni: Debbie Allen, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, Vernon Jordan, the first African-American mayor of New York City, David Dinkins … I graduated with a double engineering degree from MIT in Boston, and recently completed my doctorate.”

  “Gabrielle lives in Boston,” Denise said, appearing in awe of his knowledge.

  Could his luck get any better?

  On the other hand, her friend didn’t seem fazed, as Gabrielle added, “Yes, we take pride in the success of every alumni.”

  Did she just politely dismiss him? Cameron grinned and tried again. “Of course, I’m just trying to impress the lovely ladies. So you’re the Gabrielle who worked at the airport with Talise. Did you actually graduate from Howard?” Immediately, he frowned.

  That didn’t come out right either. Cameron always spoke his mind and got it right the first time, so why was he backpedaling with Gabrielle? Personally, he had nothing against a ticket agent position, but that job didn’t require a degree.

  Degrees opened doors. That’s why he now had three. He was looking for a woman who was well-rounded, and that included reaching for the highest opportunities.

  “Do you mind if I have a word with you?” Denise asked before he could further put his foot in his mouth.

  “Only if Gabrielle accompanies you,” Cameron answered Denise, never taking his eyes off her friend. “I hope you’re coming to the reception. Trust me, you will have my undivided attention.” He walked away toward the waiting limo outside.

  Chapter Two

  First impressions rule. Why did all good-looking men seem to be pompous? Cameron Jamieson was the epitome of cocky. There was no way that arrogant man could be the same one Talise raved about. Especially considering she had been pregnant and couldn’t stand any Jamieson. Period.

  The way her friend described him, Cameron was thoughtful and sweet in addition to being all things masculine. At the least, Gabrielle would give him credit on the last point.

  “If he’s related to you, I don’t like him. He might as well have the word pride tattooed on his forehead,” Gabrielle chided, watching him swagger out the door. To make matters worse, she was mad that she couldn’t keep her eyes off him.

  Denise, who barely could keep quiet throughout the ceremony, had no comment. Once the ceremony was over, Gabrielle couldn’t talk her friend out of holding her peace. At her first opportunity, Denise was determined to say something. Of all the Jamiesons standing at the altar, she randomly chose to approach Cameron. Gabrielle wanted to wring her best friend’s neck when she dragged her along.

  “Was it my imagination, or did he turn up his nose at my profession?”

  When Denise shrugged, Gabrielle vented silently. Her friend was burning to mention her maiden name was Jamieson to anyone who would listen. If there had been a puppy in the wedding party, Denise would probably hold it captive too. Why couldn’t she take an indirect approach and talk to Talise in a few months?

  Lord, please don’t let us cause a scene. Gabrielle inwardly groaned as she gathered her purse, program, and shawl off the front pew and prepared to leave. This was her punishment for bringing an uninvited guest. Never, ever again.

  Once they were outside the church, Gabrielle took in the joyful sight. Guests had formed a Soul Train line on both sides of the pathway. Most were serenading the couple—off key—to R&B singer Brian McKnight’s “Love of My Life.” Fortunately, the crooners got the words right since they were printed on the back of the wedding programs. The singing continued as the silver stretch Hummer limo pulled away from the curb—another wow moment for her handbook.

  “That was classy,” Gabrielle declared, as they fell in step with the crowd. Everyone began dispersing to their respective vehicles. Crossing the street, she deactivated the alarm on her rental car. In her opinion, everything had been perfect until Cameron opened his mouth.

  “And those Jamieson men are so good-looking,” Denise said, after getting inside the Ford Taurus.

  “No argument there.” After strapping in her seat belt and adjusting the rearview mirror, Gabrielle activated the GPS. In seconds, they had directions to the reception venue in downtown St. Louis.

  Gabrielle didn’t hold back her thoughts. “I wish you would reconsider talking to them. Why spoil their happiness by revisiting the sins of your father? There’s a time and place for that and, believe me, this isn’t either.”

  “Gabrielle, I do plan to use sensitivity, but I’ve traveled farther than you have from Hartford.”

  “Hartford is barely an hour from Boston,” Gabrielle reminded her. “Since I gave you a buddy voucher, the flight cost you nothing. So you’ll get no sympathy from me, sister.”

  “But who knows when I’m going to see these people again?”

  “I can always get you a free ticket, you know that. Have you ever heard of exchanging numbers or ‘friending’ them on Facebook?”

  When Denise didn’t respond, Gabrielle prayed her friend was considering the possible fallout of bringing up dirty family laundry.

  They rode in silence much of the way. Despite the British woman’s precise directions on her GPS, Gabrielle made a wrong turn. Finally, she got back on track, and they arrived fifteen minutes later than expected.

  Pulling into the valet parking lot, Gabrielle handed over the keys and they got out. While Gabrielle smoothed the wrinkles from her dress, Denise fussed with straightening hers around her hips.

  Where some women might consider Denise a bit on the “healthy side,” Gabrielle would describe her friend as a gorgeous, full-figured diva with curves. She had the height and waist to complement her hips. Regardless of Denise’s size, she was able to snag a husband before Gabrielle. And Denise was still in love with her college sweetheart. Something must have worked for her.

  As they began their short stroll down Washington Street, Gabrielle could see the Gateway Arch in the backdrop. It reminded her of a rainbow over the city. If they didn’t know where Personal Touch Banquet Hall was located, the steady stream of guests entering the building was the biggest hint.

  “I know you don’t understand my zeal for tracking down my half siblings,” Denise resumed the conversation. She explained, “But I learned that time waits for no man. When my half sister in Oklahoma first contacted me several years ago to let me know that my father had died, I had attitude up to here.” She lifted her hand above her head.

  “We didn’t even know my dad had remarried or where he was. He just walked away and we never heard from him again. I felt betrayed. I was hurt and didn’t want anything to do with her or her sister. My brothers and sister felt the same way, so we ignored their existence. Years went by with no further contact, and then my oldest brother died.”

  Gabrielle didn’t interrupt. She knew about Denise’s loss but not about any half siblings until recently.

/>   As they walked closer to the entrance, Gabrielle peered through the large windows. Adorning the tables, she could see inviting splashes of colorful flowers cascading from towering vases. The chandeliers were eye catching as the servers busily catered to the beehive of guests.

  “I remember that. I’m sorry.”

  Taking a deep breath, Denise stopped in her tracks and faced Gabrielle. She sniffed and continued. “A couple of years after his death, I reflected on that call from my half sister. I felt bad about how I had treated her. I thought about her missed opportunity to meet my brother.”

  Stepping aside, Denise cleared the pathway for other guests to go inside. “When I tried to track her down, I learned she had died several months earlier. It was too late. The window of opportunity to make it right had closed.”

  Gasping, Gabrielle reached for Denise’s hand and squeezed. She had to blink to keep her eyes from misting. She took a deep breath and recalled verse 14 in James 4: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

  “You never shared that story with me before. I’m sorry.” She hugged Denise and then released her. “Did you repent?” When Denise nodded, Gabrielle smiled. “Do you believe God forgave you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you’re free from guilt.”

  Denise nodded in agreement. “I guess that’s why I’m so eager to find those missing links. We’re all family. Whether we care to associate with each other or not, we still need to know each other.”

  Gabrielle tried to put herself in her friend’s shoes. As far as she knew, her parents didn’t have any “love children.” Neither did her brothers sire any offspring.

  Although she couldn’t relate to Denise’s quest to know an extended family, Gabrielle could empathize with missed opportunities. How many untold blessings had passed her by because she bucked the career path Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Dupree had set out for their only daughter? Then there were some decisions where she didn’t seek God’s guidance. Not to mention the men she turned away.