Chapter 20

RAINA

“Can you promise me that nothing happened between you and Annabelle except what I misinterpreted in your office?” Raina said to Ronald.

“I promise, Ray. Nothing happened, and I promise never to keep anything from you.” He wiped her tears. “Gabriel told me about the surprise office party. I’m so sorry I ruined your plans,” he said sincerely.

She could see the regret in his eyes. “You threw a surprise party for me on my birthday. You gave me the best gift I could ever ask for, and I thought I should do the same for you.”

Ronald felt guilty. Despite his wife being unwell and placed on bed rest, she went out of her way to plan a surprise party for him.

“I’m so sorry, love.” He kissed her forehead.

“I’m sorry too. I’m sorry for judging you—”

He cut her off. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, Ray. I would have thought the same if I were in your shoes.”

He took her hand in his, kissed it, and said, “Don’t worry about anything. Annabelle is just making empty threats. Once my team gathers enough evidence on her, we will send her to jail, where she belongs.

“I love you for who you are. Never compare yourself to Annabelle because you’re nothing like her.

“You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Ray, and I promise to love and cherish you and our children till my last breath.”

“I love you too, Ronald.”

Ronald closed the gap between them and gave her a passionate kiss. They were interrupted when they heard a knock on the door. It was Jemma.

Ronald kissed Raina’s forehead before he pulled away.

Jemma smiled. She was relieved the two lovebirds settled their differences.

“Gabriel told me to inform you guys that the staff said thank you for the party. They’ve devoured all the food, but he managed to save the cake.

“So, Gabriel decided we will have a small party here instead of at your place because he doesn’t want you guys to go through the stress of cleaning.

“He has called a few restaurants, including Raina’s restaurant, and ordered food, drinks, pie, and snacks.

“I’ve reached out to Magda, Elena, and her boyfriend, Liam. Clarice will soon be here with Alexa and Adrie, and my mom is coming with a friend and Debbie. Gabriel has invited some of Ronald’s close friends too.

“Thank God it’s Friday. We can party all we want,” Jemma said finally.

“Thank you so much, Jemma.” Raina smiled.

“Thank you,” Ronald added.

“You guys have been there for Gabriel and me, even when we didn’t need you. No more thanking us because I’m sure the two of you would have done the same for us and more.”

***

A few minutes after Gabriel arrived with cake, the food, drinks, and snacks were delivered. The few family and friends they invited showed up, and everyone was having fun.

“My goddaughter is growing up so fast.” Raina showered one-year-old Debbie with kisses on her face, making the child giggle.

“Yes, she is. Sometimes I wish she could just stay little forever,” Gabriel said. “She is not going to start dating until she’s in college,” Jemma said.

Raina chuckled. “That’s what Ronald said about Alexa and Adrie,” she said.

“You scared me, Ray. I thought I was going to lose you when you said you were going far away. Gosh, I can’t even begin to imagine what would happen if you did. I’m so happy and relieved that you and Ronald are good.”

Raina smiled. “I’m glad I listened to his side of the story. Annabelle had the opportunity to be with Ronald, but she didn’t use it wisely. Now, Ronald is mine, and I won’t let her take him away from me and our children.”

Jemma grinned. “I like this side of you.”

Alessandra and Adrie came to join Raina and Jemma, where they were seated and started playing with Debbie.

“Mama, how many days do we have left for Jayden to arrive?” Adrie asked.

“Daddy said in two months, right, Mommy?” Alexa chipped in.

“Yes, Adrie, your sister is right. Jayden will be here in two months.”

“I can’t wait to share my toys with him,” Adrie said.

“And I can’t wait to play dress-up with him. It’s going to be so much fun,” Alexa cooed.

“They are more excited than we are,” Jemma smiled.

“I have no doubt they will be protective of their brother,” Raina said proudly.

“Can I have a dance with my wife, please?” Ronald interrupted.

“Of course,” Jemma said, then collected Debbie from Raina.

“Permission granted, Daddy. When you are done dancing with Mommy, it will be Adrie’s turn, then my turn.”

“No problem, princess,” Ronald gave Raina his hand and led her to the dancing floor.

“Why do I have a feeling this is more than just a dance?” Raina teased.

Ronald smiled. “Because I have news for you.”

“Which is?” she asked, curious, as Ronald twirled her around.

“I got a text from my lawyer a few minutes ago. We have enough evidence against Annabelle to take her down.”

“Really?” Raina asked with a relieved smile.

“Yes, my love.”

RONALD

By the time Raina and Ronald tucked their girls into bed and got ready for bed themselves, it was almost midnight.

Raina walked up to Ronald as soon as he came out of the bathroom with nothing but his sweatpants on. “I’ve been waiting to give you this. Happy birthday, my love.”

She handed him a gift bag and stood on her tiptoes a little to kiss him.

Ronald smiled as he reached for the items in the bag. A Rolex, a wallet that had pictures of him with Raina and their daughters, and a knitted sweater.

Since she stayed home more than she went to work, she started taking knitting classes to keep herself busy.

“I hope you like the sweater,” she whispered as Ronald looked closer at what his wife made.

He placed the items back in the gift bag and dropped them beside the bed. He approached Raina and wrapped his arms around her.

“I love my present, most especially the sweater, because you made it, and it was made with so much love from the woman I love more than anything in the world.

“I promise to wear it as much as I can. But I think you will have to make another one for me so I have something to wear when this one is in the wash.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you love it.”

“I love you, my queen,” Ronald said and connected his lips with hers.

He was about to pull away when things got pretty intense, but she pleaded, “Don’t stop, Ronald. I want you.”

Raina pulled away from the kiss and let go of her robe.

Ronald’s jaw was literally on the carpet. He couldn’t believe what he was looking at.

Raina was in sexy red lingerie, which enhanced her well-defined bump.

Ronald could feel himself getting hard. He was sure a cold shower couldn’t cure his erection this time around. He wanted her so bad.

“This is the best birthday gift, my love. I promise to be as gentle as I can.” He lifted her bridal style, ready to make love to the queen of his heart.

~The End~