After their vibrant lunch, where Norma made jokes about Christopher’s chicken salad sandwiches, the couple went their separate ways so that they would be ready in time for the fundraiser.

“Save me a dance,” Christopher told Norma.

“A dance?” she asked.

“Yes.” Christopher twirled her out, then back to him. “A dance, my lady.”

Norma blushed, and her nerves shot to the roof. “Okay…”

Now in the bathroom mirror, Norma accessed herself. She braced her hands on the porcelain sink and took in a deep languorous breath as her head dropped. Thoughts tackled her about what the children would think when they saw them dancing, when they saw them holding hands, when they saw them kiss.

Putting one foot in front of the other, Norma ran her shower and commenced to getting ready. Her mind was in a constant state of fog as she moved around the bathroom. There was a knock on her bedroom door, and with the bath towel still wrapped around her, Norma peeked her head out of the vestibule and called out.

“Yes?”

“Ms. Rodriguez, I’m Taylor. Mr. Rose sent me to help you with your dress.”

Norma took a glance around the room and tightened her towel. She wasn’t in the habit of letting people dress her, but if Christopher had sent the woman, then Norma would allow her entrance. Opening the door, Norma came face to face with a tall, thin, Caucasian woman with bouncy red curls and piercing blue eyes.

“I’m aware that you’d rather do this yourself,” Taylor said, “so instead of bringing a small crew, and for the sake of your sanity, I’ll be your stylist, makeup artist, and anything else you need.”

Taylor was holding a small black suitcase with God knew what was inside, Norma thought. Taylor followed her line of sight.

“Every and anything you could possibly need.” Taylor smiled. “Let’s get started.

The women moved throughout the room as the hours passed by. When Taylor sprayed the last sheen of hair spritz on Norma’s soft brown hair, a smile spread across Taylor’s face.

“You’re smiling,” Norma said, “that’s a good thing, right?”

Taylor grabbed Norma’s shoulders and walked her to the full-length mirror. A gasp flew from Norma’s lips, and her hand instinctively covered her mouth. Being as kind as possible, Taylor reached for Norma’s hand and removed it from her face—that Taylor had so elegant brushed with a perfect foundation finish.

“I can’t believe this is me,” Norma said.

“Believe it, Ms. Rodriguez. Come on, your escort awaits.”

Norma turned to Taylor with wide eyes. “My escort?”

Taylor’s eyes roamed from side to side. “Yes, Miss,” she said. “You are riding in the limo with Mr. Rose, correct?”

“Oh, yes,” Norma retorted, taking her eyes back to her mirror’s image.

Taylor smirked and held out her hand, to which Norma accepted it. Pulling her forward, Taylor strolled beside Norma and helped her down the spiral staircase. In the foyer, Christopher Rose stood, dapper in a Brioni Italian tailored suit that fit his magnificent frame like he was born in it. His eyes were cast through the glass doorway with one hand resting inside his pants pocket. Norma’s heart rate increased at the sight of his handsome persona. Silver streaks of hair were dashed through the sides of his head mixed with mostly solid black strands.

“Señor,” Taylor called.

Swinging his head toward the voice, Christopher’s gaze skipped right over Taylor and went straight for Norma. Slowly, the rest of him turned as he took in her full countenance. Christopher’s pupils dimmed as he perused the maroon evening gown. With one shoulder draped with the silky material and the other bare, Norma shivered as she watched his gaze drift from her perfectly arranged face to the semi form fitting top. His eyes roamed over her breasts and caused a fire inside her belly to bloom. As the dark orbs spanned down the length of her dress, Norma shifted her weight, causing the jewels that chased the outer edges to sparkle just lightly.

Christopher stepped to her with an outstretched hand. “Eres impresionante…” he said.

A red hue covered Norma’s tan cheeks as she blushed. “Por favor, mi señor. Y eres igual de guapo…” she responded.

A striking grin grew across Christopher’s face as a warm settling in his heart stirred.

“Shall we?” he said, opening his arm for her. Norma linked hers with his, and they moved to the front door.

Taylor stepped out behind them and watched them disappear like a proud parent seeing her kids off to prom. On the ride over, Christopher couldn’t take his eyes off Norma, and heat like shooting stars covered Norma the entire ride.

“Why are you over there?” Christopher asked, his voice baritone and smooth.

“Are we picking up anyone else?”

“Fred, Sampson, and their dates.”

Norma seemed to be fine with that, so she slid closer to him. Christopher draped his arm across the top of the seat, getting comfortable next to her as they made their way to the Marriott to pick up Fred and Sampson. Surprisingly, the duo were ready and in the lobby with their escorts when they arrived. Everything moved smoothly from there with them enjoying a pleasant conversation and laughing at Fred’s and Sampson’s would-be jokes.

Norma’s nervousness had thinned out until the limo came closer to the Symphony Center. Traffic began to slow down as the attendees clogged the intersection to make their appearance known.

For the fifteenth year, the Jan’s Roses event was held at the Beaux Art concert hall. When the limo inched to the front of the Symphony Center, Norma’s heartbeat was at an all-time high. Paparazzi were no doubt in full swing, standing out from behind a golden roped barrier. Chicago’s elite made their way down the red carpet, answering questions from reporters and pausing for pictures. As if sensing her nervousness, Christopher glanced over at Norma who was trying with rigor not to bite down on her lip.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” his dark voice grooved.

Norma brought her attention from the crowd to Christopher. “No,” she said.

“What can I do to make it better?”

Norma smiled softly. “You’ve done everything there is to do. I just need to settle in. I’ll be okay.”

She spoke as if the event made her anxious, but Christopher knew it was the conversation they’d have soon that caused her anxiety. He leaned down to rest his lips right above her ear.

“Everything will be fine, sweetheart. Trust me.”

Norma glanced to his handsome face with a smile and a nod. It was the most she could give him at the moment. The couples sat idle for another minute before the driver opened the limo’s doors. Before they could step foot outside, flashes from the cameras popped instantaneously. Gliding out first was Fred and Diane. They made their way to the red carpet just as Sampson and Joy slipped out of the limo. Behind them, Christopher glided out, and his famous face brought a plethora of flashes just as Norma went to slid out.

“Just a second, sweetheart,” Christopher said, making sure security was in place enough to keep the paparazzi from becoming overbearing. When he was satisfied with their distance, Christopher turned back to Norma with a hand held out. Norma slipped her hand in his, and with a tug from him, she stood at his side. A conglomerate of lights burst into a radiation of heat as the bulbs popped faster.

“Christopher Rose!” Several paparazzi yelled, attempting to gain his attention for a quick snap.

With Norma on his arm, they eased to the red carpet and made their way through the same line of reporters, stopping briefly enough to give the photographers what they wanted. When Norma stood back so Christopher could take a few pictures, he frowned then reached out to pull her to his side. More bulbs popped as they stood with his hand covering the small of her back. They gave the chorus of paparazzi their best shot. Then they moved arm in arm, making their way inside.

The maroon and gold décor of the Beaux Art concert hall’s interior was the signature color for Jan’s Roses. The wall was wrapped in the golden color while accents of maroon and red roses took up space around the venue. Shining hardwood floors gleamed underneath their feet, and the hall was abuzz with boisterous activity.

“This event gets more beautiful every year,” Norma chimed.

Christopher agreed. “Indeed, it does.”

“Oh my God, Norma, is that you?”

At the mention of her name, Norma spun around. Desiree approached with her arms open and Adeline by her side.

A bright smile covered Norma’s face. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Rose,” Norma said.

“Oh gosh, you look great!”

Norma blushed. “You’re looking beautiful yourself, cariño.”

“Oh, you’re just being kind,” Desiree said as she swept her gaze over Norma with an approving nod. “You are lightning this place up!”

Norma laughed. “I just got here… or, we just got here,” she said, glancing at Christopher.

“And what a pleasure it is to see you,” Adeline said, batting her eyes at Christopher. Desiree cleared her throat and prodded Adeline with her elbow. Turning to look at her daughter with a questionable glance, Adeline reiterated, “It’s a pleasure to see you both.” She held a phony smile at Norma then gave her full attention to Christopher.

“You look gorgeous, Ms. Stevens,” Norma chimed. “Doesn’t she, Mr. Rose?”

Christopher gave his attention to Adeline, deciding not to hold Norma with a glare for calling him Mr. Rose. He knew she would play her previous role until the moment they informed every one of their decision to wed.

“Both of you ladies are equally as beautiful. The perfect mother-daughter duo,” he said.

“Awe,” Desiree said, “thank you, Daddy Rose.”

“Yes…” Adeline sang, “you clean up nice yourself.”

Christopher’s smile grew, and Adeline soaked him up with her stare.

“Did you ladies happen to ride over with my boys?” Christopher asked.

“Yes,” Desiree said. “Julian’s over by the far wall talking to the mayor. Jonas and Jaden are with him.”

Christopher and Norma swept their eyes across the room. Julian, Jonas, and Jaden were engaged in a conversation that had them all in deep thought. While Julian held a hand to his chin with a serious face, Jonas stood with his hands tucked inside his suit pants pockets, and Jaden drank from a champagne flute.

“Any idea what that conversation is about?” Christopher asked.

“Not one iota,” Desiree responded.

“Any sign of Jordan and Jacob?” Christopher asked.

Desiree swung to her left. “They are both seemingly entertaining some guests.”

Jordan’s handsome smile pulled a pair of dimples on display as he spoke to a woman dressed down in a maroon and black body hugging dress that stopped casually above her knees. The woman also wore a brilliant smile as the two went back and forth over something they both found entertaining.

Standing seconds away from the couple, Jacob chatted with Desiree frowned and thought about her friend Carla, who had a thing for Jacob. Although Carla had been invited, she couldn’t manage to pull time from work to make an appearance.

Beside him, Quentin stood dapper in a black Saint Laurent two button suit, and red bow tie. A black Rolex clutched his wrist, and his shoes were polished to a crisp shine. Apparently, the lady standing next to him in the little blue dress was with Daniella, and Quentin seemed uninterested in both women as his gaze roamed the crowd in search of someone he hadn’t quite made out yet.

“Well let’s get to our table, and we’ll mingle until the fundraiser officially begins,” Christopher said.

The women walked in line, trailing their way to a huge round table that sat in the middle of the venue right before the stage. Already seated was Octavia, Santana, Claudia, and Samiyah. All four women were elegantly dressed, looking stunning in their evening gowns.

“Well, you ladies are the most gorgeous in the room,” Christopher said with a giant smile.

They all nodded with deep grins, except for Samiyah. She sat with a hor d’oeuvre stuck in her mouth. Upon seeing her, Norma chuckled.

With everyone’s smirks and stares Samiyah’s way, she shrugged and swallowed. “I’m sorry,” she said, dabbing her mouth at the corners with a napkin. “This child is hungry.”

They all chuckled.

“We understand,” Octavia said. “I’m not pregnant yet, and I could eat a good Sunday dinner right now.”

“Don’t think we didn’t catch that yet,” Claudia said. The women smirked and gave each other knowing nods.

Octavia smiled sheepishly. “Jonathon wants kids now,” she offered.

Everyone gasped.

“Already?” Santana asked.

“Yes, he’s really excited to start a family.”

“I, for one, am excited for the both of you as well,” Christopher said.

“Thank you, Daddy Rose.” Octavia blushed.

“Well, all right then,” Santana said.

“What?” Octavia cocked her head at Santana. “You and Josiah aren’t having any babies?”

Santana choked on her champagne and cupped a hand to her mouth. Clearing her throat, she sat the flute down on the table top and composed herself.

“Josiah and I are having too much fun to have kids right now. Have we mentioned it? Sure, but we’ve both agreed to live a little before we dip our toes into mother and fatherhood.”

“Amen to that,” Jasmine said as she, Phoebe, and Eden pulled up to the table.

“Hey!” Everyone chimed. They all hugged and air kissed each other.

“Are you ladies just getting here?” Desiree asked.

“No, we’ve circulated the place,” Phoebe said.

“I’ll say,” Eden added. “We’ve been here for about an hour.”

The three sisters nodded and took their seats after hugging their father.

“Norma, you look lovely,” Jasmine stated.

“Doesn’t she?” Samiyah said. The ladies all murmured, agreeing collectively.

“Thank you,” Norma said, “You all are beautiful as well. If there’s one thing I’ve learned being a part of this family, it’s the Rose men and women know how to be the talk of the town.”

They all chuckled.

“Hey, where’s Selena?” Phoebe asked, inquiring about the fourth member in Samiyah, Claudia, and Octavia’s group. The four girls worked alongside each other at S & M Financial Advisory, and Selena was currently crushing hard on Jordan.

“She had plans to come, but her parents are getting a divorce and today their having a family meeting to get everything out in the open,” Octavia said.

“Ouch,” Phoebe responded.

“That has to be awful this time of year,” Jasmine said.

Octavia nodded. “I’m sure it’s really hard on her, which is why we’ll need to make sure to check on her.”

“I will when we leave,” Claudia said.

“I’ll get her the next day, so we don’t bombard her,” Samiyah suggested.

The ladies all nodded.

“Good afternoon, Christopher.”

Christopher turned to find Martha Jean standing to his left. Her smoky gray eyes were highlighted, and her lips were colored a stark red. Without trying, Christopher also noticed the dress Martha Jean wore. It was saucy enough to show a hint of cleavage. Her way of being sexy without being disrespectful at his late wife’s event.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Martha Jean,” Christopher spoke. “How are you, my dear?”

“Much better,” she oozed, “now.”

Norma tried to hold in a giggle, but the low chuckle seeped out. It caught Martha Jean’s attention, and Martha Jean turned to Norma.

“My, my, my, don’t you dress up nicely?” Martha Jean said. “How was the rest of the Edible arrangement?”

A resplendent smile fell across Norma’s face. “It was great,” she said.

“Sure was,” Christopher nodded. “We appreciate you bringing it over.”

Martha Jean couldn’t help but notice the “we” in Christopher’s sentence, but she decided to ignore it.

“I’m glad you were able to have some,” Martha Jean purred. “It was my pleasure.”

“It’s interesting,” Christopher stated. “Norma mentioned you brought it over for her birthday, but her birthday isn’t until the first of the year.”

“Hmm,” Martha Jean said. “I must’ve gotten the date wrong.”

“I figured as much,” Christopher said, silently amused.

At that moment, Antonio made his presence known, walking in like the lead singer in a Rhythm and Blues band. Behind him, Antonio’s sons Xavier, Kyle, Isaac, and Isaiah sauntered up in sync, completing the R & B group. The suits they wore were sharp, fitting them just as much as their confidence. Dark brown, gray, and hazel eyes ran around the family. When Antonio’s deep brown gaze met Martha Jean’s, it changed the mere air she breathed. Behind their group, Fred, Sampson, and their dates strolled to the table.

“I think we’re about to begin,” Fred said.

As the family moved to take up four tables, Phoebe tossed a glance to the table next to them at Quentin. When she’d first strolled in, Phoebe cruised the room while making sure not to bump into him. Not that she hadn’t seen Quentin, she had. Every time she changed positions and shook a different hand or leaned in for a soft hug and air kiss, she’d seen him. But he didn’t know it because she’d been that good to evade his probing gaze. It was bad enough his stare gave off a burst of heat that seeped into her skin with daring penetration. But to Phoebe’s delight, Quentin hadn’t brought a date, and neither had she.

Everyone took their seats as Jonathon approached the podium. He tapped the microphone a few times to test the sound and a high-pitch sound flooded the room.

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the fifteenth annual Jan’s Roses Fundraiser,” his deep voice boomed.

The crowd sent applause through the room, and a charming smile slipped across Jonathon’s handsome face.

“I’m Jonathon Alexander Rose, and I have the honor of being the executive director of this beautiful charity. Some of you may know how this foundation came to be, but for the ones that don’t, I’ll catch you up to speed. When my siblings and I were barely considered teens, a group of masked men kicked in our front door and stole our mother’s life. She was still young and had a full life ahead of her, but unfortunately, she was robbed of her time with us from that home invasion.”

The crowd was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“Going through a tragedy this severe can cause mental strain, post-traumatic stress, and recovering from it can be impossible without the right assistance. If you’ve ever known someone who is distressed, unable to sleep or do normal activities like going to school or work, someone who feels guilt, anger, or shame because of a calamity; then you’ve witnessed what a home invasion can do to someone you love. It is a silent killer. So as a collective, my family and I, in honor of our mother, decided to make sure no one in the city of Chicago were left without the resources they need in the ill-fated case of a home invasion.”

Applause ran throughout the building, piercing and stifling in an echo. When they settled, Jonathon went on.

“Fast forward two years later. Jan’s Roses was born. Although Jan's Roses was created with the memory of our mother in mind, this organization is greater than any single person. From the beginning, our undertaking has been to give the city of Chicago an outlet for the mental services they may need due to the aftermath of a home invasion.”

Jonathon took his gaze around the room to land on the sea of individuals there.

“This year, Jan’s Roses has been able to facilitate one on one mental health services not only in the city of Chicago, but also, it’s surrounding areas. With more families being displaced after this life-changing event, Jan’s Roses has given keys to brand new homes to over two hundred and seventy families.”

An applause went throughout the room, and Jonathon lifted his hand slightly in a gesture of pause.

“That is good news, and sad news wrapped in one, but with the help of fine people like you, and the ocean of volunteers that assist us every day, Jan’s Roses will stand the test of time, and continue being an open door to all in need.”

More applause echoed around the room, and Jonathon let them continue until they calmed.

“If you’ve been here in previous years, then you know how this tradition goes.” Jonathon stepped to the side of the podium and moved his feet in a smooth glide. “You’ve got to dance your way to the donation center located on both sides of the aisle.”

The attendees laughed.

“If you have a partner, you guys can go two at a time.” He wiggled his brows, and they laughed again. “When you finish, make sure to see my family and I so we can thank you personally.”

The crowd clapped as Jonathon stepped down from the stage. He strolled to the table, a handsome grin on his face.

“Gee, Jonathon, I didn’t know you had moves like that,” Octavia said.

“Yes, you did.” He wiggled his brows more, and everyone laughed.

Octavia blushed. “Okay, I’ll take that back.”

“I love you, baby,” Jonathon said.

“I love you, too.” Octavia reached out to him, and Jonathon pulled her hand to his lips, placing a kiss, soft and warm, on her fingers.

Octavia blushed again, and Jonathon winked and threaded their fingers together as he took his eyes over the table.

“Well, you ladies are looking exquisite tonight.”

“Thank you,” they all chimed.

“What about us?” Josiah prompted.

Jonathon looked him up and down.

“You aight,” he joked.

Everyone laughed.

“I’m just playing, little brother.” Jonathon snapped and pointed at Josiah. “You got it.”

Josiah made a show of modeling his side profile, making everyone laugh again.

“Do you mind if we eat?” Samiyah said, breaking into the laughter. “I don’t mean to be a buzz kill, but I have got to get some real food.”

“What’s wrong with the hors d’oeuvres?” Octavia asked.

“It’s not real food,” Samiyah said.

“We have dinner planned after the event,” Jonas said, “but if you need a full meal now, just say the word, and I’ll have something special made just for you.”

“Word,” Samiyah responded, causing another round of laughter.

“I’m on it, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, baby,” Samiyah said, making a show of rubbing her belly.

Jonas kissed her on her cheek and left the table.

Claudia smirked. “Poor ting,” she said.

“Watch it now,” Samiyah returned. “This will be you one day.”

“One day soon, I hope,” Jaden added.

“Oooh,” Samiyah cooed. “Let me be the first to welcome you beforehand. It’s a beautiful thing, and if you’re lucky enough to have a caring spouse like mine, he’ll hold your hair back when your morning sickness flares up.”

Claudia laid a hand across her belly, and her eyes widened. Samiyah chuckled.

“That’s okay,” Claudia said, “my baby will be here every step of the way.”

“Mmhmm,” Samiyah said.

“Excuse me.”

Everyone turned around.

“Clifford!” Adeline said. “What are you doing here?”

“Hello to you, too, sweetheart.”

Clifford looked to everyone else at the table. “Ladies,” he said, “Gentlemen.” Taking his gaze back to Adeline, Clifford took in the full dress of her. “You’re beautiful,” he said. “I hope you don’t mind me stopping by. I wanted to pay my contributions to Jan’s Roses also. Do you mind dancing with me to the donation center?”

Adeline opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

“You can do it,” he ushered. “I’ll be with you the entire time.”

An easy grooving smile spread across his freshly groomed face.

“Dad,” Claudia spoke, “I’ve never seen you in a suit before.” She half gawked at his spiffy transformation.

“You like?” he asked.

“I love,” Claudia responded. Desiree agreed with a nod then glanced to Adeline.

“Mom,” Desiree said, snapping Adeline out of her haze.

“Oh, ah… I don’t know.”

Clifford reached down with both hands and pulled Adeline to her feet. She gripped his hands tightly and smiled up at him before glancing around to everyone else at the table. Stepping to her side and sliding his arm through hers, Clifford took small steps with Adeline, and before long, they were strolling in a comfortable waltz.

Watching their retreading back, Josiah spoke up first. “It looks like your father wants that ol’ thing back.”

They all laughed, chuckled, and agreed; then Claudia looked at Desiree. “Is this weird or no?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out myself, sis.”

“Would it be a bad thing if your mother and father reconciled?” Jaden asked.

“No,” they both chimed. “It’s still weird,” Claudia said, and again Desiree agreed.

“I guess there’s no sense asking how he found out about Jan’s Roses since it’s been all over the news,” Martha Jean tossed out.

“I also sent him a formal invitation,” Christopher added.

Everyone turned to Christopher with surprised eyes. Christopher smiled with a twinkle in his eye, and a grin so bright covered Martha Jean’s face you would’ve thought she’d won the lottery.

Of course, in her mind, she had. Surely, if Christopher had sent Clifford an invitation, it was because he wasn’t interested in Adeline, but Martha Jean. Feeling confident, Martha Jean fixed her lips to speak to Christopher when Antonio moved in to sit next to her. His nearness caused her body to react, effectively pulling her attention over to him. When their eyes met, a grin grew on Antonio’s face.

“It’s good to see you again, Ms. Martha Jean.”

Hearing his voice sent a flare of chills down Martha Jean’s shoulders and the warmth was conflicting, and alerting.

“Hello, Antonio, it’s good to you see you, too.” Martha Jean glanced around to find everyone else pretending to not be paying attention.

“If I’d have known you would be attending without a date, I would’ve asked you to be mine. What a missed opportunity,” his deep voice grooved.

“Hmm,” Martha Jean hummed, “you can create opportunity at the drop of a dime, so previous misfortunes are not to be considered.”

Antonio’s brows rose, and a devilish grin trekked across his face. “Is that so?”

Martha Jean nodded with a playful smile, her flirtations with Christopher all but forgotten. Sitting so close to Antonio, Martha Jean could smell his spicy cologne, and it lingered under her nose, beckoning her to move close.

“What do you say we make a dance to the donation center?” Antonio said.

Butterflies tussled in Martha Jean’s belly. She pretended not to be overly excited. “Sure,” she said.

Antonio held out his hand, and Martha Jean accepted as they got up and trailed away.

Norma stole a peek at Christopher who covered her hand with a light pat and rub as they held a lingering smile on each other.

“Oh, thank God,” Samiyah blurted as Jonas sailed back across the room with a plate in his hand.

He sat it on the table in front of her and uncovered the dish. Steam vaporized as it rose, drifting away from the chicken fettuccini alfredo.

“Aww, baby, it’s my favorite… how did you get this?”

“I can’t tell you all my secrets, sweetheart. Just know that I would go to the moon and back for you and my baby.”

“And I love you for it.” Samiyah kissed Jonas on the cheek and said a quick prayer before digging in. After taking a few bites, she looked up at the others and spoke, “You guys don’t mind, do you?”