Chapter 17

Three months later, Whitney gave birth to three beautiful girls and to her surprise, they told her she was having twins, but the opposite happened. She was grateful God has blessed her with three little miracles, although she’s saddened by the fact that Fox wasn’t around. Her world hasn’t been the same when she had learned about his indiscretions, which crushed her spirit horridly.

Alicia, Amelia, and Amerie Crane were resting peacefully in their cribs. She was smiling when she saw Julian coming into see his grandchildren. “Did I miss the moment on my granddaughters?” He whispered, noticing they were out for the count. Whitney gesticulated for him to step outside the nursery room, so they can have a chat. She closed the door quietly, leading him downstairs. They sat on the couch as soon as they made it into the living room.

“Are you here to see my mother?” Whitney murmured, sitting down on the cozy sofa.

“Yes, and my granddaughters. They are so beautiful.” He complimented graciously.

“Yes, they are beautiful. And they mean the world to me.” She beamed proudly. “So, what’s going on between you and my mother? You two have been really close ever since she and my dad had their divorce.” Whitney intertwined her fingers, resting her hands in her lap.

“Well, that’s what I want to talk to you about … the reason why you haven’t seen your mother and I after we stayed the month you had given birth. We had kept this secret long enough—and we thought you should be first to know.” Julian cleared his throat.

“Don’t hold back, spit it out!” Whitney expressed ecstatically.

“Well, your mother and I had eloped. But not to worry, we will have a public wedding.” Julian assured her when he saw the worried look plastered on her countenance.

“You two are married for how long?” Whitney was stunned and excited.

“For two months now … and we were wondering would you like to be in the wedding?” Julian questioned cautiously.

“Of course I would love to be in the wedding! I am so happy for my mom. She has never been this happy in her entire life. In fact, she’s happier with you than she was with my father, not that she didn’t love him, but you bring this sparkle in her eyes that my father hasn’t brought to her. I’m grateful you two have reunited. And yes, you have my blessing.” She told him.

“Thank you, Whitney …” he smiled in relief. “Your blessing means more to us than you’ll ever know.” Julian reached for her and, squeezing it caringly.

“My mom’s happiness means everything to me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She confessed.

“Good. Now, I want to talk about you.” Julian grinned halfheartedly.

“What about me?” Whitney gazed at him bizarrely.

“Whitney, I know this is a very sore subject for you, but there comes a time when we must discuss it.”

“Julian, what is it? If you’re going to mention his name—I rather not hear it.” Whitney fussed.

“Whitney, my son misses you. He’s been yearning to see his daughters.” Julian interjected.

“Please don’t side with him, Julian. He has constantly lied to me and I don’t appreciate it.” Whitney grimaced incredibly at the older man.

“But you can’t be mad at him forever. Yes, he’s a Crane through and through, however, his heart melts for you, Whitney. Please don’t let your hurt ruin what you two have. You should see how he mopes for you. It’s terrible.” Julian said dryly.

“Julian, he should have thought about it before eloping me without letting me know what he has done.” Whitney countered.

“Hasn’t it occurred to you he didn’t want you to think the worst of him?” Julian questioned out of nowhere.

“Julian, Fox should have given me a little more credit than that. It’s not my fault he didn’t keep it in his pants.” Whitney stated crossly.

Julian was slightly intimidated by Whitney’s fierce look. “I’m highly aware that Fox was lecherous, but that’s a part of being a man.”

“Julian,” Whitney scowled even more.

“It’s true. Every man must sow his wild oats before he takes the big leap.” Julian shrugged, grinning.

“I guess I’ll never get men.” She frowned.

“We’ll never understand women.” Julian debated lightheartedly. “But we still love you.”

“And we love you, too. But why are you insisting that I forgive Fox? I don’t think he has learned his lesson.” Whitney soughed annoyingly.

“I would say he has … why don’t you give him a chance, Whitney. The man never meant to hurt you. He didn’t know that both women had kept a secret from him. It’s not his fault. He just got caught up in a bad situation. Have mercy on him, Whitney. The man loves you.”

“Well, I don’t love him!” she lied out of hurt.

“Whitney, you’re only saying this out of hurt. I know you love him, because I heard you every night, before I left with your mother to elope, on how your heart grieves for him. Whitney let down your scorned pride and please let you two reunite. He’s miserable just like you are. I know you two can work it out. You don’t want your children growing up not knowing their father, do you?” Julian indicated.

“No, but I’m not ready to face him—not now, not ever. He has hurt me repeatedly.” Whitney disagreed.

“Whitney, I want you to consider one thing. If the situation was reversed on you, wouldn’t you want Fox to forgive you and welcome you back in his life?” Whitney was about to respond but Julian held up his finger to silence her. “I don’t want you to remark on that query. Take some time to think about it. I mean really think about it.” He sagely advised her.

“Julian, you can play with them once they’re awake.” Was all Whitney said and she went into the kitchen.

“Julian, did you have that talk with Whitney?” Eve walked through the door, hoping he did.

“Yes, but I’m not sure if it has registered … we can only hope she’ll make the right decision, dear.” Julian treaded to her and held her.

“Thank you, Julian.” Eve stated in gratitude.

“For what?” He pretended to not know what she’s thanking him for.

“For asking her to be in our wedding and giving her sage advice. I know you want your son and my daughter back together. I hope Whitney takes what you have said to her into consideration. She can’t let his mistakes ruin their marriage.” She confessed worriedly.

“Tell me about it.”

“Is Fox really missing her?” Eve couldn’t help but wonder.

“Oh, yes. He’s miserable, and it’s terrible to see him sulking for her. I hope Whitney can make the decision quickly.”

“Julian, don’t worry. I know my daughter will make the right decision. In time she’ll see that love is not worth losing, it’s worth keeping.” Eve reassured him.

“You always know what to say … why don’t we check on the little ones. I think Whitney needs a break.” Julian suggested.

“Good, idea. I can’t wait to hold them and kiss our beautiful granddaughters.” Eve smiled, ascending the stairs with her husband.
 

Whitney ambled all the way to the park to get some fresh air after leaving the house, and to clear her mind from all the excessive stress she’s been under for months.

She can’t deny it in her heart that she misses Fox with all of her heart. And there’s nothing more she want than to take him in her arms and tell him that she wants to give their marriage another try. The good part that came out of this bleak situation is she hasn’t divorced him, so that must be a sign, right? Whitney took the time to sink herself into the music of the birds singing, and the mild wind rushing through her recently straightened locks, and inhaled the fresh scent of nature wholeheartedly.

“I don’t know what to do … everything seems confusing to me.” She glowered. “I want to do right by all of us, Fox, but how can I when you keep on lying to me? How can I get past that?” Whitney quizzed herself.

“Need some advice?”

Whitney was startled by the man’s voice and she looked up to see who was standing there. “Daddy?” She wiped her tears. “What-what are you doing here?”

“I figured to take a walk in the park and I happened to see my daughter. And I see she needs her daddy’s advice.” He took the seat that was available to him and she didn’t argue for him to sit.

“Shoot.” She sighed.

“Simone has been telling me what’s been going on in your life. Is it true that you’re married and you have three beautiful babies?” TC pumped softly.

“Yes, it’s true, but why should it matter to you?” She lashed out.

“Whitney, I know you haven’t fulfilled my dream of being a tennis star, but you’re sill my daughter.”

“I’m not your daughter. Because the daughter you once loved did what you wanted. I can’t be that girl to you. I want to live my own life and you disowned me for it.” Whitney expressed in devastation.

“I was wrong to treat you that way, Whitney. I was blinded by my selfish desires.” TC admitted.

“Are you my father, because the father I knew would lose his temper?” Whitney retorted.

“Whitney, I’m trying to understand you.” TC soughed.

“I don’t want you to understand me. If you knew who I was married to you, you would turn around and leave right now.” Whitney scoffed.

“Whom are you married to? Simone never told me his name.” TC marveled.

“Oh, no, I’m not telling you so you can beat him up. You don’t know how to keep it together, you’re like a loose canon, waiting to annihilate the ground.” She retaliated bitterly.

“Whitney, where is all this bitterness stemming from?” TC was shocked by her attitude.

“And you mean to tell me it surprises you? Well it came from you. All you do is lose your cool and beat up people. What kind of person goes around hitting people just because you don’t like them? It doesn’t sound like a rational person to me.” Whitney laid it on him thickly.

“Whitney Russell, I know we may have our disagreements but I’m still your father and I don’t like the tone you’re using towards me!” TC’s nostrils were flaring with anger, as her shaking was obvious to him.

“No, Daddy, I don’t think it’s right for you to push your weight off on people, letting them know that you are in control. You’ll lose friends instead of keeping them.”

“Whitney,”

“No, Dad, if you’re going to say something negative, then I prefer that you don’t say anything at all. Good day.”

“Whitney, what I came to tell you is—don’t let your marriage slip out of your hands if you and this guy love each other so much.”

“I guess I can’t take your advice when you didn’t do the same thing.” Whitney grumbled.

“Whitney, whatever you decide to do, it’s entirely up to you. Just make certain that this is what you really want. One day, I would like to see my grandchildren. That’s if you’ll let me.” TC lowered his eyes from his irate daughter.

“I’ll think about it.” Whitney’s feet guided her to stand up as she strolled away from her estranged father.

“Whitney, all I want for you is to be happy.” He stated out of regret and went his way as Whitney went hers.
 

Julian and Eve’s wedding reception:

Whitney was chatting with Chad about his life and how things are going with him. “Have any girls you met?”

“Well, there is someone I am seeing … she’s over there talking to Simone.” He pointed his eyes in the particular direction.

“She’s lovely.” Whitney complimented, examining her. She smiled at the woman who stands five feet eight, with cinnamon highlights complimenting her black tresses. Her milky mocha complexion accentuates her hazel orbs as her smile dazzles under twilight. She even looked beautiful in her cream chiffon dress. “How long have you two been going together?”

“For a while now … she makes me happy and one day I want to make her my wife.” Chad said distantly.

“When that day arrives, Chad, you better invite everyone to your wedding.” Whitney warned him jokingly.

“You know I will. Y’all are the only family I have. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Chad’s smile has disappeared as concern was drawn on his visage. “Fox hasn’t been harassing you, has he?” He asked, glaring at the man from afar.

“No, Chad … Fox hasn’t said a word to me ever since we arrived at our mother’s reception.” Whitney responded causally.

“Good, ’cause if he bothers you … I will fix him myself.” Chad hissed.

“Chad, no need to resolve to violence. This is our mother’s day.” She reminded him. “Mom wouldn’t be too happy with you fighting on her wedding day.”

Chad inhaled slowly and exhaled the same way, rejoining. “You’re right … I’m going to tell the disc jockey to put in the last song to finish the evening before the bride and groom takes off.”

“All right, Chad … you have fun dancing with … what’s her name?” Whitney looked a little flustered.

“Her name is Camille.” Chad told her.

“Tell Camille that I’ll be looking forward to meeting her sometime this week, all right?” Whitney smiled and waved.

“Yes, I sure will.” Chad winked at her and sauntered over to the music set.

“Chad, I’m so happy for you.” Whitney murmured to herself.

“Hey, lovely wedding, isn’t it?” Fox stood before her in his white tuxedo.

“Yes, it is … remind me of ours except there were less people.” Whitney giggled slightly, looking pretty in her violet gown.

“Yes, it does … Whitney, who would ever thought my father and your mother would reunite?”

“I know; no one had seen that coming.” She muttered disbelievingly.

“Funny how life has sweet surprises for people.” Fox planted his bottom on the unreserved seat that was next to his wife.

“I guess. They’re madly in love with each other.” Whitney blew out a gentle sigh, staring at everyone ambling to the dance floor.

“Just like I know we are.” Fox outstretched his hand to hers intimately.

“Fox …” Whitney groaned, trying to pull her hand away.

“Whitney … I’m not trying to push you back into my life. All I want is one simple dance with you. I’m not asking for much.” Fox was already out of his chair, extending his hand for her to place her small one in his large.

Whitney studied his palm meticulously, hesitating on her decision whether she wants to dance with him or not. It’s just one simple dance, Whitney. It’s not like he’ll coerce you into coming back home with him. It’s over between us. Fox will go his way and I’ll go mine. That’s the way it has to be.

“Whitney? Have you made up your mind?” Fox was hoping she wouldn’t decline.

Whitney didn’t answer and she slipped her hand into his. “Does this answer your question?” Her dark brown eyes gazed intensely into his.

“Very much.” Fox pulled her close to him dearly when the music had begun:

 
You come to me with a casual flow
And suddenly, my defenses start to go

Fox concentrated on her ever since the verse had started and he kept his hand with hers, trying not to push too far for her, because he knows that Whitney is still scorned from his hidden past. Whitney, I wish you would let your defenses down, I never meant to hurt you. You must know that I really do love you.

Fox, I want to give my heart to you and forgive you … but I am so scared of loving you all over again. A part of me wants to forget everything that has happened and just let us be a big happy family. Whitney deliberated with sadness.
 

When you talk to me in that sensual tone
It envelops me and I lose my self-control

“Whitney, I know I was wrong, but do you think you can find it in my heart forgive me?” He whispered in her ear with sweetness.

“Fox, we’re only dancing right now, nothing more, nothing less.” Whitney noted to him, keeping him in check.

“Right, right. Whatever your heart desires.” Fox sighed discreetly, hating the fact that Whitney is still tense on them reuniting.
 

And baby, I just melt away
Fall like rain
Every time I see your face, I go off

His bedroom eyes enchanted her deep brown as they were telling her how much he loves her and adores her and how every second he keeps on thinking about her, never wanting to let her go. Her heart is melting for him rapidly while his body heat coaxes her senses to ultra divinity.

Fox inched himself closer during the slow melodic flow of the song while his heart was dripping with love for her. He breathed in the lovely scent of her hair, the aroma of her skin, and the sweet myrrh dancing behind her ears.
 

I just want to break it down
Anytime you come around
Maybe I could melt away in your arms

“This is a nice way to end the evening, isn’t it, my love?” His voice was smooth as the calm waves in the sea as Whitney drowns herself into his manly redolence.

“Yes, Fox, it is … stay close to me.” She inadvertently demanded, forgetting about her damage pride.

“I want to stay close to you. I love being near you, baby.” Fox replied passionately, causing her blood to rush more swiftly than usual.

“Then stay close to me, I love you being near me, Fox. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Whitney confessed, looking into his eyes.
 

Imagining that your taking it slow
And so tenderly
Till the feeling overflows

Fox didn’t take his eyes off of her when his hand slowly slides down to her back, staying put, not wanting to leave from the feeling of her skin. He moaned inwardly, desiring to hold her for the rest of the night, but his mind was constantly reminding him he couldn’t blow his last chance to be with her by moving too fast.

Whitney instantly smiled when she felt his hot hand caressing her back like a loving husband should. She cooed at how well his body was responding to hers, telling her he wants to be with her and only her so badly. I should give Fox a chance.

I hope she will change her mind. I don’t think I could take another minute of living without you. Fox mused impatiently, overly craving for her love.
 

When you look at me I go soft and cave in
And I can't conceal that I'm slowly weakening

“Whitney, do you ever think there’s a possibility for us to make amends?” Fox refused to bite his tongue and go with the motion, taking a risk on losing her love completely.

“Fox, it all depends.” She exhaled calmly.
 

And baby, I just melt away
Fall like rain
Every time I see your face, I go off

“Depends on what? Is there a condition, Whit?” Fox grunted seductively, keeping her next to him constantly.

“Depends if you’re willing to serve the penalty with me for life.” Whitney acknowledged.

“Oh, baby, you know I want to be sentenced as your lover, husband, and friend for life.” He purred excitedly.
 

I just want to break it down
Anytime you come around
Maybe I could melt away in your arms

“Are you truly dedicated to being with me for infinity?” Whitney managed to ask without trying to choke on her utterance.
 

You and me in a cloud of reverie
Spin around inside my head unendingly

“Yes, if you’re willing to claim me as your own, like I will with you, my darling.” He dipped her once.

Whitney beamed like a child going to kindergarten on her first day. “I want to claim you as my own, as long as I know I’m yours as well.” She mumbled sweetly while being lifted up by her charming husband.
 

Thoughts run wild as I sit and rhapsodize
Pretty pictures of what I'd do if you were mine

“Oh, baby, you are mine. Can’t we let this madness go and be together? This just isn’t right … it doesn’t feel right. I can’t take not knowing what you’re doing without me.” He revealed to her.

“I hate not having you by my side either. It’s a terrible feeling.” Whitney sulked somewhat while she pressed her back against his chest, swaying her hips with his enticingly.
 

And baby, I just melt away
Fall like rain
Every time I see your face, I go off

“So, why don’t we come as one? My flesh is yours and yours is mine. You know we are one, and we can’t do without each other.” Fox indicated, adoring her sweet smelling tresses.

“No, we can’t.” She conceded in lost thought, being twirled around by her man, forced to stare at him with love in her eyes.
 

I just want to break it down
Anytime you come around
Maybe I could melt away in your arms

“Then what are we waiting for, sweetie? You can’t go another day without me and I can’t go another day without you. I want to be there for my daughters and you.” Fox pleaded.

“You really want us to be a family again, don’t you?” Whitney could see the longing in his eyes.
 

And baby, I just melt away
Fall like rain
Every time I see your face, I go off

“Yes, I do … your heartbeat is mine, Whit. Your soul mixes with mine. You are my heart and soul … I never regret the day I met you. I knew then you were going to be mine.” His lips rubbed against her cheek as he was talking to her.

Whitney shuddered endearingly and drinks his manly aroma once again. “I knew you were mine, too.” She stated at last, setting free what was in her heart all along.
 

I just want to break it down
Anytime you come around
Maybe I could melt away in your arms

“Then why are we here?” Fox questioned after the song has ended. “Let’s get out of here.”

“You’re right, Fox, I want to get out of here. I can’t take another night not being with you. Our little girls and I miss you so much.” She massaged his chin with her affectionate touch.

“Let’s not waste anymore time than we already have.” Fox expressed, breathing anxiously adoringly.
 

Whitney and Fox stormed in Julian and Eve’s house, ascending the stairs swiftly, excited to make mad love to each other after being apart for so long.

Fox didn’t waste any time to pick her up as she allowed her legs to cling to his waist snugly.

“Fox, make love to me … show me how much you care.” She implored, emitting her sexual cry to him.

“Oh, I’m going to show you how much I care.” His sparkling smile seduced her with exuberance and they shut the door behind them, throwing themselves on the bed that was calling them to make the headboard squeak as their bodies compose beautiful music harmonically.
 

Fox snuck out of the room to check on his baby girls in the nursery room. He was amazed to see three cribs in there. He remembered his father saying that Whitney had a successful night of giving birth to girls, but his father never mentioned the number. “Maybe my old man wanted me to be surprised.” He chuckled softly. He saw their names being carved on their cribs to identify who is who. Fox pressed his large hand on the Alicia’s cheek with a fatherly touch, soothing her easily.

He grinned when he noticed her smiling in her sleep. “She’s a little sneak …” Fox crept over to Amelia’s crib, stroking his hand up and down on her belly, doting how she was giggling in her sleep. “She likes to laugh a lot.”

His beam wouldn’t fade as he checked on Amerie, playing with her black curly, silky hair, sleeping peacefully while he caresses her scalp gently. “She’s definitely shy.” Fox jerked a bit when he watched Whitney stepping in. “You’re checking on the little ones, I see?” Whitney couldn’t stop smiling.

“Yes. My father told me you didn’t have any difficulties with giving birth. But he didn’t tell me you had triplets.”

“Maybe he wanted you to be surprised, Fox.” Whitney shrugged.

“Maybe …” he concurred halfheartedly.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” Whitney commented, inquiring.

“That they are … just like their mom.” He flattered her with his suave words.

“Oh, you’re saying that to get over.” Whitney teased.

“Uh, uh.” Fox shook his head quickly.

“Uh huh.” Whitney whispered.

“No, really, Whit. They remind me of you and me …”

“You? How do you fit in?” Whitney struggled to keep her laughter in.

“Alicia is a lot like me … I’m telling you, Whit, she’s going to be a handful, Amelia, too, to a certain extent, but Amerie, will least likely give us problems.” He winked at her.

“You’re so sure, huh?” Whitney wrapped her arms around him ardently.

“I help created them, did I?” Fox lifted a brow at her.

“Yes, you did, Fox. And we have three beautiful girls who we will love to pieces.” Whitney ravished his mouth with hers.

“Yes, we will love them to pieces just like I will love you in the same way, Mrs. Crane. I love you.” He fondled her cheek fervently.

“I love you, too.” Whitney remarked back.

“Does this mean we’re a family again? You can come home now?”

“Yes, my love. We’re a family again until the end of time.” Whitney assured him.

“I can’t wait to start a new chapter with you tomorrow because we have so much to look forward to.”

Whitney didn’t say another word, her only response was kissing him to guarantee him that she has forgiven him and that she will always love him no matter what.
 

The End

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Song: Melt Away
Artist: Mariah Carey