Miracle arrived at her last showing of the day, this was an open house for a seller who had moved out of state. As she exited her car, she couldn’t help but to admire the home. It was in a nice, newly developed neighborhood. The three-bedroom home boasted a large front porch and backyard. Inside, wood floors gleamed and in the living room there was a grand fireplace that would be perfect for cold Detroit winter nights.
Miracle sat her bag down and placed her weapon behind her back, underneath her jacket, where she usually carried it during showings and open houses. You never knew who was attending these appointments, so she was always cautious.
After completing her walk-through of the home, Miracle stepped outside to place the Open House sign. She had agreed to this afternoons showing to try to generate more traffic through the home as the sellers were very motivated. Usually, weekends were devoted to these types of showings, but Miracle was working hard to get this property sold as quickly as possible. She wanted to use her commission to help Faith and Dante with their down payment.
Miracle loved her sister and brother-in-law to death. They were the perfect couple and although her father had been against their marriage, the two had moved forward and were happy together.
Leaning against a counter, she thought back on her breakfast with Corvus. Would she dare to do the same and defy her father’s wishes for a chance at her own happiness? Granted, Faith had known Dante for longer than a week when she’d married him, but she’d also been twenty-two. Miracle was now twenty-seven, and men like Corvus Shaw didn’t come along every day, especially for a woman like her.
To be honest, Miracle had to admit that Corvus was making it very difficult to resist his charm. He had a way about him that was both confident and sexy. Yes, he was a very handsome man, with those dark eyes, brows and beard…and very fit with his firm body, that she snuggled against last night, but he also scared the living daylights out of her.
What if this was all a mirage and she was just being taken in by a handsome face? What if she made the wrong decision that was irreparable? Yet, on the other hand, what if Corvus’ words were true and he was the answer to her prayers. How could she walk away from everything she desired?
Miracle sighed. “Okay, Miracle, you’ve got work to do. You can think about this later,” she told herself, aloud.
The doorbell rang and she went to answer the door, opening it with surprise.
“Faith?”
“Miracle?”
Miracle frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“Dante and I have been driving past this house for weeks and I saw the Open House sign,” Faith explained.
Miracle laughed. “Why didn’t you just ask me about the house?”
“We can’t afford anything like this,” Faith answered. “This is just our dream. I wouldn’t waste your time like that.”
Miracle looked at her sister. “Come on inside, at least take the tour.”
Faith smiled and eagerly stepped into the home. She began looking around in awe.
“This is so beautiful,” she whispered.
“I know you and Dante are working hard to save for a house,” Miracle said placing an arm around her sister. “And when I sell this house, I’m going to give you two the commission to help with your purchase.”
Faith turned to her. “Awww, Miracle…we can’t let you do that. That’s so sweet of you, though.” Faith wiped away a tear.
“You’re my sister and I want you to be happy. I’ve spent so much money on the church, the least I can do is help the person who I love so much,” Miracle told her.
Faith hugged Miracle. “I love you too Sis, and I want you to be happy too.”
Miracle stepped back and dabbed at her eyes. “Corvus wants to get married,” she told Faith quietly.
Faith froze. “What did you say?”
Miracle nodded. “He says that he’s mine and he wants to marry me.”
“Are you serious?” Faith demanded.
“I don’t know what to do…” Miracle trailed off.
Faith looked at her. “You don’t know what to do?” She grabbed Miracle by the shoulders. “YOU MARRY HIM!”
Miracle stepped back. “It’s not that easy Faith.”
“Why not?” Faith questioned. “You want to…I can tell. Last week, you confessed that you liked him and now you more than like him. You’re in love with him.”
Miracle blushed. “You can’t fall in love with someone in a week.”
“Oh, I’m sorry…I missed that memo. What exactly is the timeframe for falling in love with a handsome man that wants to marry you and went after your ex?” Faith asked.
“He punched him in the face,” Miracle relayed. “Daddy told me this morning.”
“Hallelujah! I wish he would have done more.”
Miracle frowned. “Faith…I don’t want Corvus beating up Emanuel.”
“I would’ve let Dante.” Faith commented. “I would’ve actually encouraged it.”
“Emanuel is the least of my concerns,” Miracle said walking over to the counter. “I need to figure out this thing with Corvus.”
Faith moved to her side. “This thing? Did you…”
Miracle blushed. “No, of course not. You know I’m not until I’m married.”
Faith studied her sister and waited.
“We’ve kissed,” Miracle said quietly. “And he’s touched me.”
Faith leaned in closer. “Touched you how?”
Miracle frowned again. “Not anyplace off limits.”
“Off limits?” Faith questioned. “Miracle, I swear…I don’t know how we’re sisters sometimes. Did you just turn off your womanly feelings somehow?”
“That’s the thing,” Miracle told her. “They’re turned all the way on now and I’m feeling things that I’ve never felt before.”
Faith smiled. “Okay, now we’re talking, because if Corvus Shaw can’t get it buzzing, then I don’t think anybody can.”
Miracle brought her hands to her face in a prayer pose for a few seconds. “I don’t know what to do, Faith. This man just breezed into my life and has me turned upside down. Daddy is angry and Emanuel is acting crazy.”
Faith touched her sister’s arm. “What does Corvus say about all of this?”
“He says nothing matters except what we want and that things are only complicated if we make them that way,” Miracle relayed. “He’s so assured about everything.”
“You know, the fact that he wants to marry you says a lot.” Faith told her.
Miracle nodded her head. “Daddy says that he’s just trying to get me into bed.”
“The Bishop should take his own woman to bed sometimes,” Faith commented.
“Faith!”
She shrugged. “I’m just saying, I would never marry a man who loved a building more than me. Daddy spent more time at the church than he ever spent with Momma.”
“She was busy too,” Miracle spoke up for their mother.
“Busy doing his bidding,” Faith corrected. “Momma deserved more than that.”
Miracle nodded again in agreement. “I want more than that.”
“Why do you think I ran off with Dante? He was my escape, a chance to be with someone who loved me more than anything. You deserve that too.” Faith told her earnestly. “Don’t let Daddy or Emanuel ruin your life.”
Miracle looked at her sister. “Do you really think Corvus and I can work?”
“I see the smile he puts on your face, Miracle.” Faith said softly. “No one has ever done that.”
The doorbell rang and Miracle composed herself before going to answer. Again, she was shocked at the person on the other side of the door.
“Dante?”
He kissed her cheek. “Hey Sis, is my wife here?”
“She’s inside, come on in.”
Miracle watched as the couple embraced and kissed softly. “Hey baby,” Dante greeted his wife, still in his work uniform. “I got your text about the Open House.”
Faith smiled up at him. “I didn’t even know that Miracle was hosting it.”
“Why don’t you show him around, Faith?” Miracle suggested and the pair took off with Faith leading the tour.
Miracle smiled and went to the counter to look over her paperwork on the home. She hated that this home was out of their budget, but maybe one day soon, they’d be celebrating. The bell rang and again she went to answer.
Miracle opened the door and smiled. “What are you doing here?”
“I understand there is an Open House,” he answered.
“Are you looking to buy some property?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Maybe, I’ve heard it’s a good investment.”
She stepped back and allowed him inside. Corvus closed the door behind him and stared down at her.
“Really, what are you doing here?” she questioned.
“Dante sent me a text.”
Miracle frowned. “Dante? Faith’s Dante?”
Corvus nodded. “He’s the only Dante I know.”
She gave him a look. “Why is Dante texting you?”
“I gave him my number last night when we had a chance to talk. He was asking me about buying homes and property then he told me about a house that he and Faith were in love with and I told him I’d check it out, maybe see if I could get him a better deal.”
He smiled at her. “I didn’t know then, that my Little Goddess was the realtor on the property.”
“He could’ve just asked me,” Miracle said folding her arms.
Corvus pulled her close. “He didn’t want to bother you and…I’m Corvus Shaw.”
“You’re a mess, that’s what you are.”
He kissed her softly. “Hello Little Goddess.”
“Hello Corvus Shaw.” Miracle said softly before he kissed her again.
He lifted his head and she licked her lips. “Would you like to look over the property?”
Corvus took her hand. “Lead the way, lady realtor. Give me the full tour.”
Twenty minutes later the four stood in the kitchen and Faith began to say goodbye to her sister.
“Thanks, Miracle, for the tour,” Faith hugged her. “It’s such a pretty house.”
Miracle looked sad. “You’re welcome.”
Dante looked at his wife, then at Corvus. “Thanks for coming by man. What do you think of the place?”
Corvus rubbed his beard. “I think it’s in a great area for new families. The construction looks good and this neighborhood should increase in value.”
He turned to Miracle. “What’s the asking price again?”
Miracle quoted the figure.
“And the seller has already left the state?” Corvus inquired and she nodded.
Corvus nodded. “I’m submitting a cash offer for ten thousand less and seller pays all closing costs, seven-day closing.”
Miracle blinked. “What?”
Faith and Dante looked at Corvus in shock as he answered Miracle. “A cash offer of ten thousand below asking price, seller pays closing costs, and seven-day closing.”
“You’re going to buy this house?” Miracle asked confused.
“Yeah, I’m going to buy this house and then I’m going to sell it to Dante and Faith for a fraction of the interest that their bank is going to charge them,” Corvus told her.
Faith screamed and threw her arms around Dante.
“Why are you doing this?” Miracle asked.
Corvus looked at the young couple. “Because, I believe in black love and black families. Even while he was a little tipsy last night, all Dante talked to me about was how much he loved his wife and wanted to give her this house, and that he’d do whatever he had to do, to make this come true for her.”
Corvus lifted Miracle’s face to his. “So we make it happen.”
Miracle smiled through her wet lashes. “Thank you…”
“You’ll get the deal done?” Corvus asked.
“It’s done,” she confirmed. “They won’t get an offer better than that.”
Faith kissed her husband. “I love you so damn much!”
“I love you too, baby.” Dante returned her kiss before she broke away and ran to Corvus and Miracle.
“I love you too!” She hugged them as Dante joined her.
He stuck out his hand to Corvus. “Man, I didn’t expect this. I was just trying to get some tips.”
“It’s all good Dante. Take care of your Goddess,” Corvus told him.
Faith smiled at Corvus then turned to Miracle. “MARRY HIM!”
“Faith!” Miracle protested.
Corvus swooped Miracle off of her feet and into his arms. “You heard her.”
Miracle sighed and smiled up at him. “Okay, you’ve got me now.”
“You had me all along,” he told her.
******
Emanuel showed up at Miracle’s house with carnations. He didn’t know her favorite flower, because he’d never bothered to ask. Miracle was always happy with whatever he did, so it didn’t really matter.
He’d decided to let her cook dinner and they could chat afterwards. She needed someone to talk some sense into her. This thing she was trying with Corvus Shaw would soon fizzle out after he got what he wanted, but Emanuel couldn’t wait that long, nor would he.
Miracle was promised to him and he wanted her as she’d been promised. A pure, wholesome, virtuous Scripture wife, and by damn he was going to get her! He was assured that Miracle would not have relations with a man that she wasn’t married to, so he still had time. But if this guy was now talking about marrying her, Emanuel now had to make some other plans.
Her home was dark and he frowned as he checked his watch. Emanuel knew that she didn’t show houses after dark and he wondered where she was. He knocked on the door and rang the bell a few times with no answer.
Emanuel returned to his car, dialed her number and listened to the ringing.
“Hello?” Miracle answered just when he thought the call would go to voicemail.
“Miracle, where are you? I’m sitting outside your house,” he snapped.
“Why are you calling me Emanuel?”
He frowned. “Because I came to your house to talk with you and have dinner.”
“I didn’t invite you to dinner,” she told him.
“I came so that we can work things out,” Emanuel told her tightly.
“There is nothing to work out Emanuel. Go home and leave me alone,” Miracle said firmly.
Emanuel hit the steering wheel. “You do not tell me what to do.”
“Listen, my dude…” A deep voice came across the line. “Check this out, do not call this number again or suffer the consequences.”
“Who is this?” Emanuel demanded as the line went dead.
He threw the phone on the seat. “I will get to you Miracle,” he vowed.
******
Corvus handed Miracle back her phone. “If he calls again, he has a real ass whipping coming.”
She sat the phone on the coffee table in Corvus’ living room. “I wish he would just let it go. He never really acted like he wanted me in the first place.”
Corvus handed her a wine glass filled with sparkling cider and sat next to her. “Don’t worry about Emanuel.”
Taking a sip of the beverage, she stared at him over the glass. “Thank you for dinner.”
Corvus smiled. “I can’t cook, but I can order the hell out of some food.”
“It was delicious,” she told him. “I can’t remember a day when I haven’t cooked at all.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I still want you to cook for me.”
Miracle smiled. “I’d love to cook for you.”
He took a sip of his drink, watching her. She’d removed her shoes and blazer and now sat comfortably on his sofa. After taking care of business at the home, the four had gone out to dinner and Corvus had brought Miracle to his house.
“I love your house,” she commented.
Corvus sat back. “Thank you, I like yours too.”
“Yours is big,”
He laughed. “I just bought this one about six months ago.”
She looked intrigued. “Why would you buy such a big house just for you?”
He took another sip. “It’s not just for me. My friend Khalil taught me something a little while ago.”
Miracle waited while he studied his glass. “He said that a King should prepare a place for his Queen. He should be ready for her when she arrived.”
Corvus turned to her. “Dude had a side of the bed, a sink in the bathroom and a spot at the table. When I heard that, I knew I had to step my game up.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. He’s married to the judge?”
Corvus nodded. “Now that’s a story…”
Miracle sat her glass down. “So six months ago, you were preparing for a wife and I was losing a fiancé.”
“You were preparing for me as well,” Corvus told her.
Miracle shook her head. “It amazes me how you make things so simple.”
Corvus sat his glass next to hers. “You amaze me Miracle, with your sweetness, your pure heart and your beautiful energy.”
He laid her back against the sofa. “I was preparing for a wife, but I didn’t realize that falling in love with somebody was like this…”
Corvus lowered his mouth to hers and began to kiss her gently at first. As she responded by wrapping her arms around him and holding him close, the kiss deepened until Corvus began to touch her.
Miracle froze as he moved closer to an ‘off limits’ spot on her body. “Corvus…”
“I just want to touch you baby,” he whispered to her.
She felt the heat kick in at his softly spoken words. “You’ll stop at touching?” she asked warily.
Corvus looked into her eyes. “Little Goddess, I won’t make love to you until you’re my wife. I promise you that.”
He kissed her cheek. “I know that’s important to you.”
“Do you think I’m being silly?” Miracle asked.
Corvus shook his head. “No, I think you’re being you, and that’s why I fell for you.”
“You’ll wait for me?”
He touched her lips with his. “Baby, you’ve murdered my entire pimp game. I can’t do anything but wait for you.”
She smiled at him and he said, “See, you know what you’re doing.”
“What I’m doing is giving my entire heart to this man who seems to understand me better than I understand myself sometimes,” she whispered as he began kissing her again.
This time when his hands moved closer to her breasts, she took a deep breath. “Do you want me to touch you Miracle?” he whispered and lifted his head.
Staring up at him, she nodded slowly. “Yes, I do.”
Corvus took her mouth again, this time with fervent heat. Miracle caressed the back of his head as he teased her lips and tongue. The fire inside increased when his hand began to knead her breasts. His big palm was warm and firm before he teased her hardened bud.
Miracle moaned softly into his mouth and Corvus felt an erection like he’d never felt before from the sound. His hand moved down her side to her hip and she felt its heat through her clothing.
“Corvus…” Miracle breathed hotly before he touched her there.
She shut her eyes tightly before the experienced hand soothed her into another place. Expertly, Corvus fondled her sweet spot until she squeezed her legs together around his arm.
“Too much?” he asked staring down into her scrunched up face.
Miracle nodded quickly then opened her eyes slowly.
Corvus smiled down at her. “Okay, you can release my arm though.”
She relaxed her legs and he freed himself from her clutches.
“You’ve got strong legs,” he told her. “I like that.”
The phone on the table vibrated and Corvus frowned glancing back at it. He picked it up and saw the name on the screen. Lifting a brow, he handed it to Miracle.
“Faith? What’s up?” Miracle asked sitting up on the sofa.
“Are you okay?”
Miracle rolled her eyes. “Yes, why?”
“Emanuel says you’ve been kidnapped. He said a strange man took your phone while he was talking to you.” Faith relayed. “Momma and the Bishop are in a tizzy.”
“Emanuel is a liar and he knows good and well that was Corvus, he was talking to,” Miracle told her.
Corvus’ eyes narrowed as he heard her part of the conversation.
“Well, I told them to let me call and check on you first, before they filed a missing person’s report,” Faith relayed.
“Thank you Faith, I’m fine. I’m with Corvus.”
Faith smiled. “I figured you were, that’s why I told them to let me call you.”
“Tell them I’m fine and I’ll speak with them tomorrow. I’ve had enough today,” Miracle instructed.
“Okay, let Corvus relax you…” Faith said naughtily.
“Bye Faith.”
Miracle dropped her phone to the floor and covered her face with her hands. “When did I become a teenager?”
“What happened?” Corvus asked.
She removed her hands. “Emanuel told my parents that I’d been kidnapped and a strange man took my phone.”
Corvus looked confused. “He really is an ass.”
“Yes, a talking one too, just like in the bible.”
“He doesn’t know when to stop,” Corvus commented, shaking his head.
Miracle paused and stared at Corvus before touching his jaw. She thought about her sister’s words and felt warm. “Speaking of stopping…can we uh, try that again?”
Corvus smiled and lifted her from the couch. “We can try it better upstairs…”