DONT PLAY WITH THE COMMENT SECTION ON THIS CHAPTER! I PUT MY HEART INTO THIS! I AINT PLAYING EITHER! 🥺
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
BRADLEY HUGHES,
Bradley smiled as she opened we arms up for Rashad to give her a full embrace. He and Alex had successfully completed their stay in Lithuania and had now returned back home. Bradley and Iris were awaiting them, anxiously with full smiles on their faces.
"I missed you," He tilted Bradley's head up, pecking her lips twice. "You got big—"
Bradley cut her eyes at him playfully. "You don't have to remind me," She allowed him to place his hands on her rounded stomach. She was now four months along and she looked about five or six months along. The twins were really working her, but she didn't mind.
"I'm sorry baby," He chuckled. "You look great,"
Bradley smiled up at him, her cheek bones raised high as her face heated up."Thank you, babe," She wrapped her arms around his neck loosely, while he kept his hands complacent on her hips. He leaned down, meeting her for another kiss. His lips lingered over hers while she smiled throughout the kiss.
Pulling away from one another, their eyes locked in a gaze of happiness and fulfillment. A week and a half away from each other was harder than the two weeks they had spent away from each other before. The pregnancy has them both feeling clingy as hell. Rashad had nights where he just couldn't sleep since Bradley's rounded stomach wasn't in his gentle grip. While Bradley mostly had troubles in the morning since she had gotten used to stomach kisses in the morning.
"Uncle Alex is back baby!" Alex shoved Rashad aside so he could be standing before Bradley. "Look at you—all pregnant and glowing!" He exclaimed while extending his hands out and placing them on either side of Bradley's stomach. "This shit big as fuck, I can dribble this hoe," His eyes widened.
In laughter, Bradley swatted Alex's hand from her belly. "You're so annoying," She pushes him lightly.
Alex laughed before pulling her into a hug. He had been gone for a full two months, he was about to be hugging everyone. Two months was a long time, and he missed being in an atmosphere where he's loved and actually cared for. Lithuania was just awful when it came to feeing at home. Everyone treated him like an outcast. His New Orleans accent didn't help much, whenever he spoke people often confused his words and simple ebonics as gibberish. "I missed you Brad. I missed your heavy handed ass,"
"Iris get your man before my heavy handed ass go upside his head," Bradley laughed, shaking her head.
Iris waved her off. Alex was bound to be annoying no matter how long he was gone. "Alex c'mon, give the pregnant woman some space before she pops," Iris cackled as she pried Alex off of Bradley.
Bradley rolled her eyes. "Y'all jokes are so lame," She shook her head.
Rashad drapes his arm over Bradley's shoulders, pulling her in closer. "They're meant to be together with their lame ass jokes," Rashad chuckled, teasing both Alex and Iris.
Iris was fixing to get into her usual, playful banter against Rashad, but Alex stopped her. "Don't even waste your energy boo, he not worth it," Alex screwed his face up at Rashad causing both Rashad and Bradley to laugh.
"Are you guys coming over, I'm making those wings you like Iris," Bradley smiles cheekily in hopes to sway the two to come over.
Alex and Iris both scoffed. "Bradley, we're about to go fuck—with condoms of course," Alex informed her before he began dragging Iris off towards the car.
Both Rashad and Bradley scrunched their face up in disgust. "Y'all use condoms?!" Bradley asked with a tone of distaste as if the use of condoms was the most revolting thing ever.
Iris and Alex both nodded their heads in confirmation. "We all know Rashad don't use rubbers, look at you," Iris laughed hysterically while pointing at Bradley, before she and Alex got into her car.
"You damn right!" Rashad responded to them as he and Bradley made their way towards Bradley's car. "Rubbers are for the weak,"
The four said goodbye to each other before they went their separate ways. Rashad took initiative on driving which gave him freedom to play any music he wanted. The rap music he played from his phone were known vaguely by Bradley. She only piped in during some of the hooks of the songs causing Rashad to chuckle amusingly.
Arriving home, Rashad hauled his luggage in while Bradley walking in front of him. She had her right hand perched on her belly while unlocking the door to get in. Upon entrance, Rashad chuckled at the fact Bradley managed to rearrange the living room once again. "Who helped you move all of the around?" Rashad shook his head.
"Me, myself, and I," Bradley smiled. "You like?"
Rashad nodded. "I do, but you know I don't want you doing no heavy labor, I barely want you on the shop and you over here being Muscle Man moving furniture," Rashad wasn't scolding her so he wasn't stern. He just wanted her to be careful and not do too much while pregnant with twins.
Bradley groaned. "Babe, I'm fine, it wasn't too much heavy labor, all I did was push things around. Stop being such a tight wad,"
Rashad scrunched his face up. "The hell is a tight wad?"
Bradley laughed at the look on his face. "Something you're being right now,"
"Alright Farrah," Rashad waved off.
Bradley scoffed at the use of her middle name. "Same here, Kason," She retorted utilizing his middle name.
Rashad simply just laughed before he made his way upstairs. He could hear Bradley's footsteps trailing behind him. They both made it upstairs where Rashad set his bags down near the closet. Bradley sat on the bed, just watching him attentively. "I really missed you," Bradley told him while resting back on her elbows so she could still be propped up.
Looking over his shoulder as he now stood at the dresser taking off his jewelry, he smirked. "Is that right?" He fished in hopes of her stroking his ego even more.
Unknowingly, Bradley fell for it by nodding her head. "I did, I use to play ESPN at night and the morning so it could seem like you were here," She shamelessly admitted.
A smooth chuckle rolled out of Rashad. "That's cute," He said as he took off his watch and aligned it right next to the chain he had just taken off. "I missed you too Brad,"
Bradley's face warmed up as her insides fluttered at the way her name rolled off his tongue so effortlessly. "You make my pussy throb just as much as you make my heart do," She blurted out.
Rashad couldn't help but to laugh while shaking his his head. "You're abnormal," He settles his laughter down into a chuckle.
Bradley shrugged carelessly. "You love me," She smiled cheekily.
Rashad nodded his head as he began making his way towards her. His eyes sauntered down at her causing Bradley to shift around in her spot a bit. He had that look in his eye that was just as much intoxicating as it was intimidating. Bradley desperately wanted to look away from his deep gaze, but she simply couldn't. His golden brown eyes had enslaved her into a loving trance. She watched as he knelt down on both of his knees before her. Without a word, both of his hands went to her sides shimmying the dress she had on, up to her waist.
Bradley remained propped up on her elbows knowing she wouldn't be able to lay directly on her back due to her pregnancy.
She observed Rashad as he feathered his fingers over her covered pussy. His cold fingertips glided from her center, to her sides where the waist band of her panties clung on to her smooth skin. Bradley allowed him to take her panties off, leaving her bottom half bare.
"She looks pretty," Rashad complimented her smooth center. "You got a wax?"
Bradley nodded her head confidently with an ear to ear smile. "Yup, two days ago. Just how we like it,"
Rashad chuckled at Bradley's antics. "Thanks for taking me into consideration," Rashad states before he began sauntering his head low so it could be in between her legs.
Bradley felt his tender and plush lips grace kisses onto the sides of her thighs causing her to let out a breath of relief. She missed how delicate he was with her. Rashad always treated her like she was a privilege that he never wanted to loose, Bradley just loved that.
A moan flowed from Bradley's lips once she felt, Rashad kiss her folds. His tongue crannies between them, separating them. At the taste of her warm, and wet flesh, Rashad couldn't help but bask in her sweetness. He kissed her second set of lips slowly causing the tense muscles in Bradley's body to relax.
Her ears grew satisfies at the sound of Rashad sucking and slurping her up. The moistness of his mouth and her natural juices harmonized together making everything feel graceful and effortless.
Rashad lapped his tongue up and down twice before her asserted his attention onto her clit. He blew his minty breath onto it lightly, causing Bradley to jump a bit at the cooling sensation it washed over her.
Rashad swirled his tongue against her clit causing Bradley to take in a sharp breath. "I missed you—I missed this!" Bradley howled out just as Rashad picked up the pace of his lapping tongue. He had now focused his mouth piece, slurping and sucking on her clit, while his two fingers of his right hand glided in and out of her folds slowly.
At her chant of satisfaction, Rashad chuckled against her clit. The vibrations that casted out of him, sent a shudder up Bradley's spine causing her back to arch ever so slightly.
She threw her head back in satisfaction as moans filtered out of her. Her melodic sounds waved into Rashad's ears, powering him with motivation.
Her legs stiffened as they rested on Rashad's shoulders. Bradley took in a deep breath as she exalted a loud moan while cumming all over Rashad's fingers. Slowly, he eased the two fingers he had penetrated her with, out of her. He marveled at the glistening coat her juices left behind on his fingers.
Reaching his hand up, he placed his fingers that was coated with her, at her lips. Bradley took them into her mouth, slowly licking them clean.
Rashad returned the favor by licking his tongue from the bottom of her folds, to the top, collected the rest of her cum with the bristles of his tongue.
Once she was cleaned up, Rashad stood up, extracting his fingers from her mouth. "Move up on the bed," Rashad instructed her as he began unbuckling the belt he had on.
Bradley did just that, scooting up so she could be propped up against the pillows that decorated the made bed.
While Bradley stripped herself from her dress and bra, Rashad freed himself from his shirt, pants, and briefs. His dick stood at full attention, erect to its full length of ten inches.
Bradley's mouth watered. She had an urge to have him deep in her mouth instead of deep inside her pussy. Crawling towards the edge of the bed, Bradley curled her index finger, calling him over.
Rashad smirked as he neared her. Instantly, her small hands wrapped around his thick member. Her head lowered as she opened her mouth up partially, only taking the tip of his dick in at first. She slid him out of her mouth before spitting on his shaft, lubricating it. In a uniform manner, Bradley motioned her hands up and down.
The teasing sent Rashad mad. He eyed her coldly before she smirked in a devilish manner. Her mouth parted open before she took him in fully. Rashad could feel himself touch the back of her throat as she bobbed her head back and forth finally conceding to his wants.
She eyed Rashad as his jaws clenched in pleasure. The sounds of her gagging and sucking on his dick filled his ears as he looked down at Bradley, his eyes filled with love and fulfillment. "Fuck," Rashad grunted once he felt Bradley's hands reach down to his balls. She fondled with them as she picked up the pace of her head shifting back and forth. Her tongue wrapped around him comfortably. The feeling of him swelling up in her mouth caused her to go faster. Rashad's hand immediately clenched the roots of her hair hoping that would make her ease up, it didn't.
He ended up releasing completely in her mouth.
Gliding him out of her mouth Bradley smiled up at him. Rashad placed a sentimental kiss onto her forehead.
"Bradley Farrah Farewood," He concluded before entangling their lips in a passionate kiss while picking her up so she could slide down on his dick.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
The day had finally came and Bradley was set to open her second shop, Allure Me Hair Studios. The entire day, she had been a nervous wreck. She wanted everything to be perfect. This was her reputation and her business on the line and she couldn't risk anything going wrong.
"Honey, calm down, everything is going to be great," Paige places a soothing hand on Bradley's shoulders.
Bradley was currently over at Paige's house getting ready for the grand opening of the salon. Kimora was doing her make up as Rome did her hair. Paige was excited for this grand opening as if it were her business. Rashad filled Paige in on how hard Bradley worked for it and the passion she had for her business. Paige supported her future daughter in-law 110 percent.
"I'm trying," Bradley shakily let out with her eyelids shuddered close due to Kimora applying eyeshadow on her lids.
"Well you suck at it," Rome laughed as she passed the flatiron through Bradley's hair.
Paige chuckled. "I'm gonna go call Rashad, I'll let you know what he says," she informed Bradley who simply just nodded.
Rashad was back at the second salon with Georgia and Posh. They were making sure everything was perfect for Bradley. Throughout the past weeks, the stylist of the salon and the gentleman apart of the Farewood family had taken the liberty to promote this grand opening like hell.
Bradley wasn't really intending on it to be a party, but after getting convinced by Alex and Posh's brother Kyle to "turn that bitch out," she went along with it. Alex and Kyle joined forces and handled it all, while Rashad made sure his little brother didn't get out of hand with his insane party planning.
Paige went ahead and called Rashad making sure things were okay back at the new salon. "Hello," Rashad shouted over the loud music that was playing.
Paige couldn't help but to chuckle. She knew Alex's creative freedom with this party was stressing poor Rashad out. He sounded agitated and over it quite honestly. "What's going on down there?" Paige could hear Rashad make his way towards a much more quiet setting.
Rashad let out a sigh. "Your son is stressing me the hell out ma," Rashad complained.
"What he do now?"
"Ma, he made a section for people to shoot dice," Alex and Kyle were just feeding off of each other. Every idea they shared with each other was a good one. They knew Bradley wanted to keep the inside of the salon elegant and classy, but they had plans on turning shit up outside. Alex had Mama Sonya on the food, Kyle got his father Mr. Frank on the grill and mixing drinks, Kyle also got his little brother Manny on the music. So far, things were going great. Alex loved the fact Kyle saw his vision instead of Rashad who was being a stick in the ass.
Paige couldn't withhold the laugh that slipped out of her. "Let him have fun, Bradley doesn't mind,"
Rashad should have known his mother wouldn't have sided with him to slow Alex down a bit. "Alright mom. How's Brad?"
"She's a nervous wreck, we've been trying to calm her down. Kimora is doing her make up, and Rome is doing her hair," Paige kept Rashad updated.
Rashad chuckled at the thought of everyone dealing with his nervous girlfriend. "Just tell her to call me when she's done,"
"You got it. And please refrain from going at it with Lex. He's young Rashad,"
"He's 21," Rashad reminded his mother with a light scoff.
Paige shook her head with a light laugh. "Exactly, young,"
Rashad sighed at the sight of Alex hooking up another loud speaker to make the music even louder than it already was. "Alright mom, I have to go,"
Before Rashad could hang up the phone, Paige could hear Rashad shout, "Alex what the fuck are you doing?!"
Paige laughed before ending the call.
After a couple of more minutes, Bradley was completely finished with her hair and make up. Rome and Kimora both assisted her with getting dressed. After another half an hour, Bradley was in the passenger seat of Kimora's Mercedes driving towards the new salon.
"I heard you was having a panic attack," Rashad chuckled over the phone. Just like Paige told her to, Bradley called him as soon as she was done getting ready and in the car.
Bradley pouted lightly. "It's not funny. I'm still kind of nervous,"
"Don't be. Posh done told everyone she would personally beat their ass if they fucked anything up," Rashad laughed.
Bradley shook her head with a laugh. She expected this out of her best friend. "Just keep her at bay, I'm only five minutes out,"
Rashad nodded his head. "Cool. I love you,"
"I love you too," The call ended and it seemed to take forever to get to the salon. Once Kimora finally pulled up to the salon, Bradley was in awe at how many people showed up. Alex and Kyle had set up tents which served food, drinks, and even set up a raffle for eight lovely ladies to get a chance to get a free hairstyle from anyone of the stylist in Allure Me.
They had turned the grand opening out into a block party and Bradley didn't mind or bit. The more, the merrier.
Kimora parked the car, and Rashad walked up to it assisting Bradley out. "You look stunning," Rashad complimented, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
Bradley smiled up at him. "Thank you baby, you look handsome," She caressed the sides of his face before pulling him down to peck his lips lightly so her lip gloss wouldn't get onto his lips.
The music got cut into before Bradley heard Alex over the mic. "Bradley baby is that you?! Looking all fine in that dress!" He playfully complimented her over the mic. "Everybody put y'all greasy ass hands together cause I know y'all been fucking up my grandma fried chicken, to congratulate the HBIC herself, Bradley!" Alex introduced her from behind the DJ station and speakers. He pointed his finger at Bradley casting all the attention onto her.
Rashad shook his head with a laugh at how stupid his little brother could be, but he definitely knew how to host a party though. "Brad we got good food, good drinks—alcoholic and virgin, ice cream and the bounce house for the kids, good music, niggas shooting dice off on the side, old heads playing dominoes in the back, and we got the raffle," Alex spoke to Bradley over the mic while everyone was still congratulating her. "All my ladies, make sure you grab your raffle tickets so y'all could get a chance to get hooked up by anyone of the lovely stylist of Allure Me, except Georgia cause she don't know how to do black people hair for shit! Make sure y'all turn this bitch up, we open up shop in two hours!"
"Screw you Alex!" Georgia retaliated.
Alex laughed as he handed the mic off to Posh's brother Manny so he could continue with the music. He hopped off the DJ station and made his way over to Rashad, Bradley, Kimora, Iris, and Victoria.
"You did good with this Alex, thank you," Bradley thanked him as they hugged.
Alex excepted her gratitude with a smile. "You know, me and Kyle had to pull through. Even though tight ass here was doing the most," He shot his eyes over at Rashad who simply shrugged.
Bradley laughed, Rashad was a lot more reserved than Alex so this was expected. "Where's Kyle? I need to thank him too." Bradley looked around.
Alex made a face that caused Bradley to furrow her brows. "He's chopping it up with Duke, him and the rest of Posh's brothers,"
Rashad couldn't help but to laugh at what Duke was in for. He should have known better to expect Posh's five brothers to let him skate just how Posh had. Rashad was sure they weren't gonna rough Duke up, but it was gonna be a confrontational talk. Knowing Duke who never let anyone see him sweat, he was probably being nonchalant as hell—barely even responding even.
Eventually, Bradley had managed to greet everyone she needed to greet and fall into a swing of the party. She was currently stuffing her face at a table with Rashad, Georgia, Free, Posh, Usiah, and Liam. Everyone else was mingling and enjoying themselves before the actuall grand opening began. "Eating for three I see," Usiah pokes fun at Bradley who had just finished off her plate and ate some of Rashad's food.
"You know this bitch mad sensitive, don't come kill her vibe," Posh nudged Usiah for His joking comment, causing the table to laugh.
"Thank you friend," Bradley smiled at Posh before cutting her eyes at Usiah. "Liam, put him back in time out,"
"Oop," Usiah said. "Let me be quiet and let you have your day,"
Conversation and laughter flowed through the table. Just like at the club when Usiah and the girls first met Free, she vibed with everyone being a general source of laughter like Usiah and Posh.
"Babe I'm getting hot, I think I'm about to go change," Bradley stood up from the table causing Rashad to instinctively do the same. She had asked Rashad to bring her a change of clothes from the house and he did just that. Not wanting to spoil the grand opening for anyone else, Bradley and Rashad entered the salon through the back so Bradley could go change in the bathroom.
"You really have to be in here while I change?" Bradley chuckled once she noticed Rashad entered the bathroom with her.
He nodded his head. "Yeah, gotta make sure you're good at all times," He took the dress Bradley had just slipped off and folded it. In exchange for the dress, he handed her the biker shorts she requested and the slightly over sized Girls Tour shirt from Kimora's clothing brand. Rashad and Bradley alternated spots so she could take a seat on the covered toilet and he could assist her with putting on her classic white high top Converses.
"Thank you my baby," She puckered her lips for a kiss, which he granted.
Rashad kissed her once more while placing a hand on her stomach that was slightly concealed by the size of the shirt. Together they exited the shop from the back and returned to the party.
Rashad got pulled elsewhere since Duke tempted him with some weed. He ended up passing a blunt between him, Free, Kyle and Duke who apparently swept everything under the rug.
Bradley on the other hand, mingled around with her friends. She held up conversation with a few people who congratulated her and asked her questions about her business. Absentmindedly she ended up resting her hand on her stomach which provoked everyone she spoke with, to also congratulate her on her pregnancy.
"Brad, you need to eat for the babies, you hear me," Mama Sonya handed her another plate after she had just told her that she was no longer hungry. Mama Sonya claimed that Bradley was only eating for herself. She swore a second plate was the only way the twins will be fed as well. Bradley found her completely amusing but took the plate nonetheless.
"She's keeping you fed huh?" Jerome chuckled at the sight of Bradley pushing her food around since she was full already.
Bradley nodded her head. "I'm full as hell,"
Jerome reached down and took the plate from Bradley while Mama Sonya wasn't paying attention. "You better dip before she notice you're gone," Jerome shooed her off.
Bradley laughed before thanking him for being her escape from Mama Sonya. Bradley went off elsewhere and ended up with Rome, India, Monroe, Georgia, and Free. Seeing that Free was now around and no longer in the midst of a smoke session, Bradley looked around for Rashad. "Free where's my baby daddy?" Bradley playfully scrunched her face up causing everyone around her to laugh.
Free looked around. "Last time I seen him, he was kicking it with his little brother," Free responded to Bradley nodded her head before she excused herself from the conversation.
She went on a search for Rashad and ended up finding him crouched down in an intense game of craps. Bradley shook her head at the fact that he was the main one talking shit about Alex providing a section to shoot dice, but now he was partaking in the gambling. "Y'all making this too easy for me," Rashad laughed in a victorious manner before blowing on his hands of the dice prior to rolling them out.
"This nigga cheating bruh," Rico, Posh's little brother shook his head as he stood up from the huddle they were in.
Bradley extended her arm out and tapped Rashad on the shoulder. Rashad looked over his shoulder and was shocked to see Bradley standing over him. "What's up baby?" He stood up from his crouched position.
"So this what you've been doing huh?" Bradley smirked up at him.
The men apart of the game of craps all laughed. "I gotta make money for the kids someway Bradley," Rashad joked while holding up his earnings. There was no bill less than a fifty in the stack of money causing Bradley to nod her head in satisfaction.
"Don't fumble my money Rashad," She warned him with a stern eye.
"Heard you," Rashad nodded his head before pecking her lips so he could resume back to the game.
After a while longer of partying, it was finally time to start the grand opening. Bradley wasn't sure why, but she was nervous as hell. The day was still young, and the people who came out energy was still on ten with the help of Alex and Kyle of course. The two guys were able to settle everyone down as Bradley, Posh, and Georgia stood in front of the salon. "Alright everybody shut the fuck up and let my good sis Bradley give her speech!" Posh called out on the mic, grasping everyone's attention for Bradley.
She handed off the microphone to Bradley who thanked her with a small laugh. "Well first I want to thank everyone for coming out. This has been a great day and I'm grateful I could spend it with everyone. I don't want to harp on anything too long so I'll keep it short. Throughout the time I was opening this salon my life got crazy as hell, I almost gave up, but I had a ton of great family and friends supporting me. This salon is a team effort. Although Posh and Georgia are aware of their title within the shop, what they are unaware of is that they now have part ownership of this salon," Bradley eyed both of her friends as they stood beside her with their mouths agape.
Bradley knew there was no way she could handle the management and ownership of two salons so she divided the ownership and the wealth amongst her friends. While Georgia and Posh both owned twenty five percent of Allure Me, Usiah gained his twenty five percent of Allure. Bradley felt like it was only fair. She wanted her friends to evolve alongside of her.
"Bitch don't lie to me!" Posh warned Bradley. She was usually the one pulling the sick jokes, not Bradley. However, it was still surreal.
"I'm dead serious, I'll show you guys the paper work later," Bradley assured a speechless Georgia and Posh who was in disbelief.
"Anyways," Bradley continued. "I also want to thank my wonderful boyfriend. He's been the best throughout the entire process. Thank you for letting me take my frustration out on you and you be nothing but patient and understanding," She glanced over at Rashad he jokingly held his hand over his heart to indicate that he was touched.
"Without further ado, I want to welcome you guys to Allure Me Hair Studios!" Bradley announced as everyone cheered. Together, she, Posh, and Georgia used the oversized scissors to cut the gold ribbon in front of the entry door of Allure Me. Once the ribbon was cut and the doors were open, Bradley and the girls welcomed everyone in. The ladies who won the raffles got seated in chairs to being in the process of doing their hair.
An out pour of love and positivity was given to Bradley, Posh, and Georgia. Everyone continued to congratulate the three as they all scoped around the new shop.
Allure Me was just as gorgeous as Allure. There was a sleek and modern touch to it. Bradley remained consistent with the color scheme of black, white and gold decorating the salon with splashes of marble here in there. There was a nice source of natural light from the grand windows which were bullet proof and slightly tinted upon Rashad's request and under his expense. The shop was extremely spacious, there were ten booths oppose to the eight booths Allure had. There was a small room for the nail tech along with a second small room for the second esthetician Georgia hired to work along side of her. Allure Me, was literally an expansion of Allure, and Bradley nailed it to perfection.
As she stood at the back of the salon watching everyone look around at the hard work she had put in, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind. The smell of Rashad's Dior cologne which intertwined with weed and D'ussé danced within her nostrils. "I'm proud of you," His deep voice slithered into her ear as he spoke lowly.
"Thank you," She tilted her head up for a kiss which he granted her.
Rashad's hands gravitate to her rounded stomach. He caresses it as he held her in his arms making her feel even more loved and accomplished. "This time tomorrow we'll be landing in Greece," Rashad slyly told her.
Bradley bumped her brows together as she looked at him with a puzzled expression sprawled against her face. "Greece? Tomorrow? Shut up," She waved him off in disbelief.
Rashad chuckled with a shake of his head. "I'm serious B, we're going to Greece," He assured her, this time with a lot more confidence and confirmation.
Bradley rotated herself in his arms. "We're going to Greece!" She shrieked in elation as she threw her arms around him.
Rashad laughed at how cute her excitement was. He knew Bradley had been dying to go to Greece for a very long time. It was her dream destination, she never got the chance to go though until now. Rashad was glad that he was the one making her dream come true. It made him feel accomplished and happy that she was happy. Rashad kissed her lips passionately. "We're going to Greece baby,"
IN AIR TO ATHENS, GREECE
RASHAD FAREWOOD,
Glancing his eyes to the left, Rashad couldn't help but to smile lightly at Bradley sound asleep next to him. The first class plane ticket accommodated Bradley and Rashad well. Surprisingly Bradley wasn't in too much of a panic about the plane ride like she was when they flew to Bali, Indonesia. Rashad was sure her excitement had taken over her nerves as a whole.
As much as she wanted to stay up and take advantage of her window seat, the babies were forcing her to take a well needed nap. She had been tired since they boarded the plane. Rashad's plans to go to Greece were pretty sudden. He had packed Bradley's bags for her, and packed his bags as well. Once Rashad and Bradley got home from the grand opening of Allure Me, they were able to get four hours of rest before they had to get up to head to the airport.
At the beginning of the thirteen hour flight, Bradley was bustling in energy, talking about all the things she wanted to do, and sights she wanted to see. After four hours of chatting a hole into Rashad's head, the twins knocked her out cold. She made Rashad promise to wake her before they landed so she could catch an arial view of Greece from her window, but Rashad planned not to. He was just going to snap some photos of the sight for her then act as if he had fallen asleep right after her so she wouldn't be upset that he didn't wake her. Bradley needed all the rest that she could get.
Luckily for Bradley, she had woken up before two hours before landing. Rashad urged her to go back to sleep but she went against it since her excitement had taken over once again. "Thanks babe," Bradley looked up at him with gleaming eyes and a bright smile.
Rashad tilted his head down to look at her, cuddled against his chest. "You're welcome baby, you deserve everything you've gotten so far," He applied a light kiss onto her forehead. "You make two times as happy as I make you,"
"I love you," Bradley expressed genuinely.
Rashad smiled down at her. "I love you too,"
For the remainder of the flight, Bradley's remained in Rashad's arms content with his presence and the security he offered her.
ATHENS, GREECE
Landing in Greece felt a bit surreal. Occasionally Bradley had to check her own location on Rashad's phone to make sure it said Athens, Greece. She had no idea how the trip was going to operate since everything was planned by Rashad so she let him take the lead and she followed.
Rashad knew Bradley wanted to get into a car and drive all around Athens to sight see and capture memories, but there wasn't much they could do now since they landed around 11:25 PM, Greece time. With Athens being a full eight hours ahead of New Orleans, Bradley felt the sudden urge to sleep once she noticed how dark it was when they landed. Rashad got car service from the airport and they drove all the way to their luxury hotel.
Rashad has plans on only staying in Athens for a total of two days before they took a long and romantic boat ride to another outer city of Greece called, Mykonos. After a revitalizing three days spent in Mykonos, the couple will endure another boat ride to head to another outer city of Greece, Bradley's fan favorite, Santorini.
Bradley couldn't contain herself when Rashad told her they would be visiting the three highlighted spots of Greece. When she found out they were headed to Santorini, she almost cried. She just loved everything about the culture, architecture, and the beauty in the land. Bradley usually wasn't a picture person, but she planned to have Rashad be her own personal photographer since she wanted these memories to last forever. Bradley felt like a little girl's who's dreams had just come true.
Once they got to the hotel, the couple took turns showering the plane ride off of them. Once they were dressed in something suiting to go to sleep in, Bradley cuddled into Rashad, he rested his hand onto her stomach. "We're cuddling in Greece," Bradley sighed out in content.
Rashad chuckled, his eyes closed in hopes of falling asleep rather quickly. "Go to bed crazy,"
"I will," Bradley fluttered kisses all over his face. "in Greece," She concluded causing Rashad to laugh at her excitement.
After a full eight hours, Rashad was awaken by Bradley who was up two hours before him. After sitting out on the balcony and over looking the gorgeous view of Athens, Bradley got anxious and thought it would be best to go shake Rashad up so they could start their day.
"Alright crazy, I'm up," Rashad sat up in bed with a yawn.
"Good because we were getting bored," Bradley planted her hands onto the sides of her bare belly.
Rashad reaches out and touched her stomach. "Why I feel like you were the only one that was bored and you pulling my kids into your mess?" He side eyed her jokingly causing Bradley to laugh.
She shrugged her shoulders with an innocent bat of her lashes. "However I feel, they feel, we're one right now," She used her hands to motion to her body.
Rashad nodded with a chuckle. "Alright Brad. I'm about to get ready, find a place where we could get some breakfast,"
"Yes sir," She obliged as he got out of bed and headed straight into the bathroom so he could get his hygiene in order and get dressed for the day. Since Bradley has been dying to go sight seeing, Rashad has arranged a tour with a tour guide. Paige who had visited Greece three times before, put Rashad in contact with a tour guide who made her really enjoy her trip. Rashad was hoping that this lady really lived up to the hype his mom was telling him about.
It took Rashad all of thirty minutes to take a nice shower and get dressed. Bradley rolled her eyes as she bypassed him wearing another of of his Nike tracksuits. "C'mon my guy, how many of those do you have?" Bradley gestured towards his attire.
Rashad looked down at the tracksuit that he had just purchased a few days ago. "I lost count," He shrugged. "Why?"He raised his brow
Bradley laughed with a shake of her head. "No reason babe, you look good,"
Rashad stale faced her. "You got something to say about my fit?"
"No, no," Sarcasm laced her voice. "You're good," She assured him before entering the bathroom so she could get ready.
"She's gonna be real mad when she opens her suitcase," Rashad snickered lowly. Since he had the liberty of packing for her, he packed things he thought were fly and essential. Half of her suitcase was filled with clothes and shoes, while the other half was filled with things for her hair and make up. He felt like he did a pretty good job with packing for her.
"Rashad really?"She stormed out the bathroom holding up a Nike tracksuit that matched the one he had on to the T.
Rashad laughed with a nod of his head. "You're gonna look good in it. I was trying to be romantic and do headass shit with you,"
She eyed him, still holding the matching tracksuit in her hands. "You're lucky you're cute, and you have enough money to take me to Greece,"
Rashad laughed. "Oh so that's the only two reasons why you love me?"
"No comment," Bradley teased before she entered the bathroom.
Rashad chuckled before scoffing lightly. "You better put that tracksuit on with no complaints. I'll cancel this whole little trip if you give me a hard time," Jokingly, he spoke in a much deeper voice, mimicking an authoritative figure.
Bradley laughed to herself. "Our kids will never take him serious," She mumbled to herself with a shake of her head.
Once Bradley was all done with getting ready, the couple left the hotel and took the elevator down to the nice restaurant they had apart of the hotel. Bradley read some of the reviews online and every tourist she saw, raved about the food, so she was excited.
Once they were seated and had their food before them, they joined together for a prayer before indulging into their food. Bradley who had an open pallet for food wanted to try everything. Rashad on the other hand, he kept it simple and just got a hearty omelette.
It was funny watching Bradley squirm around in her seat in excitement. Rashad pulled his phone out, recording her go on and on about how she wanted to walk the Path to Paradise in Santorini. "I mean you might end up carrying me the rest of the way since I get tired easily but—" She looked up from her plate, realizing that he had his camera pointed right at her. "Ugh, you're so annoying," She laughed.
Rashad stopped recording with a laugh before posting it onto his Instagram story. "You always want to catch me when I'm not paying attention," Bradley pouted lightly.
Rashad shrugged. "Maybe because that's when you're the most beautiful,"
Bradley's lips curled into a smile before she puckered her lips for a kiss. Rashad reached over the table, pecking her lips.
Wrapping breakfast up, the time was right to go meet the tour guide. Rashad and Bradley took a car to the location which wasn't too far out.
Boarding a touring bus, Rashad and Bradley landed seats on the outer deck of the bus so they could catch sight of everything. The tour guide was just as Paige described her to be, funny, exciting, and she incorporated everyone.
Bradley was being the ultimate tourist. She took pictures, recorded videos, and asked questions. She was often the source of laughter amongst the entire group of tourist with her silly questions and her giddy reactions to everything. Once the tour was over, Rashad took Bradley to dinner. They sat at a table under the moon light enjoying conversation with one another.
MYKONOS, GREECE
Rashad laughed at how much in awe Bradley was when they stepped into their suite. After the hours long boat ride from Athens, all she wanted to do was relax. Rashad had truly outdone himself when he booked them a room called the cavern suite.
The luxurious suite with a king side bed, modern appliances, and a gorgeous view over the ocean of Mynkonos also came equipped with its own personal cave like swimming area. Booking the suite costed a hefty penny, but Rashad said to hell with it and got it for his woman anyway.
"Babe do you see this?!" Bradley squealed in elation as she pointed at the swimming area.
Rashad stood beside her over looking their personal pool areas that overlooked the ocean. "You wanna get in?"
Bradley nodded her head eagerly before her face panned out into a concerned expression. "I don't know how to swim while pregnant,"
Rashad chuckled finding her innocence adorable. "I don't think it's a difference Bradley,"
Bradley shrugged her shoulder before nodded her head. "I packed you a bathing suit, go put it on," Rashad urged her. He knew Bradley wanted to get into the water more than anything. Athens was great and all, but it was more for site seeing and backpacking around the city. Mykonos however, it accommodated anyone who simply just wanted to relax by the water and feel the sun against their skin.
Bradley hurriedly got changed into her bathing suit while Rashad changed into his swim trunks. Wanting to bask in the moment, he poured two glasses of wine, allowing Bradley to have her one glass limit while in Mykonos. By the time she was all done changing, Rashad was already in the water awaiting her.
His back was facing her as he set his orbs on the view the cavern overlooked. Using her phone, she snapped a quick photo of Rashad gazing at the view while he was waist deep in the water. The photo was nicely taken, capturing Rashad's toned backside along with the stunning view of the ocean from the cave. She posted it onto her social media with a simple caption.
@bradleyhughes_
Mykonos, Greece. Two cinematic views in one. 💙@shad
Once the photo was successfully posted, Bradley turned her phone off to enjoy her time with her man.
As Bradley eased into the water, it caught Rashad's attention. Seeing her in the two piece bathing caused Rashad's mouth to water a bit. She had her hair pinned up allowing Rashad to bask in her beauty in all dimensions and angles of her face. Rashad met her halfway in the water and Bradley seemed to melt into his arms. The water surrounding them both, coating their skin, as small ripples appeared in the water within every movement they made.
"You make me live in the moment," Bradley whispered to Rashad. Their noses were touching causing their faces to be centimeters apart.
As Rashad secured her in his arms, Bradley felt invincible. He gave her that sense of security she had always longed for and she was so grateful for him.
Rashad smiled before kissing her lips. "I'm glad that your moments are spent with me," Rashad professed.
Colliding together, they met for another passionate kiss. This time their tongues danced together in jubilation. Bradley wrapped her arms around Rashad's neck loosely while he secured his massive hand at the back of Bradley's neck. Slowly, he sucked on her bottom lip just how Bradley liked. Their passage ways were in desperate need of air which caused them to pull away from each other
"C'mon," Rashad disbanded his hold from the back of her neck and alternated it for her hand.
"Where we going? I just got in the water," Bradley pouted her lips as she trailed behind Rashad like a lost puppy.
Rashad looked over his shoulder at her with a smirk. "We're just gonna get accustomed to the view, that's all," He shrugged his shoulders as he got himself and Bradley out of the water. He grabbed two fresh towels, drying Bradley's body off with one before drying himself off with the other.
"You trust me?" Rashad peered down at her as she stood before him with a sense of intimidation lingering over her.
With no hesitation, Bradley nodded her head.
"Use your words," He encouraged her.
Feeling herself sink into a pit of nervousness, Bradley nodded her head once more. "With my life,"
Hearing that propelled Rashad to crane down and apply his soft and tender lips onto her forehead. "You love me?" Rashad questioned her once more. He didn't doubt her one bit, he just wanted to hear her say it.
Absentmindedly, Bradley confesses. "Sometimes more than I love myself,"
She could see the look in Rashad's eye alternate from genuine happiness to concern. Bradley struggled a lot with emotions and feelings projected towards herself, which is why Rashad invested so much time boosting her confidence and giving her affirmations. He cupped her face into his hands, guiding her head up so she could look at him. "I want you to love me, but never love me more than you love yourself. Okay?" Bradley was sure that Rashad wasn't warning her of anything, he just wanted to confirm that the love she had for herself never interfered or declined for the love she had for him.
Rashad who was a victim of loosing himself to love someone unconditionally never wanted that to be the case for anyone. He saw how that mentality affected him first hand, and he didn't want Bradley enduring that, especially over him. "Okay," Bradley let out faintly.
She felt the urge to cry. She couldn't necessarily blame her unbalanced hormones due to her pregnancy. Her tears were the result of Rashad touching her emotionally and mentally, rather than physically.
Rashad knew all the right lessons to teach her at all the right times. Bradley sometimes had trouble balancing the love for herself and the love she had for Rashad. With her mother passing away while giving birth to her, her upbringing always made her feel wrong for loving herself.
Rashad made it feel okay. It was a normality to love yourself more than anyone else. Matter of fact—it was an obligation. Rashad always made it clear to Bradley that he could never teach Bradley how to love herself, or feel confidence within herself, what he can do is introduce her to the feeling so it could be less of a rarity. So far, he's been doing a pretty good job.
Rashad used the pads of his thumbs to swipe away the fallen tears that graced Bradley's face. "You're everything I could ever imagine," He spoke affirmatively. "Never doubt that,"
SANTORINI , GREECE
As Bradley was getting ready in the bathroom of their hotel room, Rashad sat out on the balcony. The sun was due to set in a few hours. The skies meshed together in light hues of blue, pink and lavender while thick lustrous clouds scattered amongst it.
The view of Santorini was one that was unmatched. Rashad felt complacent just gazing out before him.
Letting out slightly shaky sigh, Rashad averted his eyes from the view and to the small box he had nestled into the sweaty palm of his hand. All morning he had been trying to conceal his nerves, but he sure he only looked like a fool to Bradley.
Although she had to ask him a few times if he was okay, Bradley couldn't sense or suspect a thing. She was to entangled in the fact that she was in her dream destination.
Opening the box, Rashad eyed the ring that sat propped up nicely in the center. It had been a complete two months since making the purchase on the ring and Rashad didn't regret it at all. All night, while Bradley was sound asleep he toyed with her hand trying to imagine how the ring would look on her finger. He was hoping and pray that the ring was the right size. Unfortunately just a few minutes ago he had began overthinking and came up with a ton of negative scenarios that could ruin his entire plan to propose to her.
The ring could be too small and he wouldn't be able to slide it onto her finger until they got back to the states to get it resized.
Or it could be too big and glide right off and be lost forever.
He could stumble on his words and confused the hell out of Bradley.
He could trip and fall and the ring could just pop out of his pocket ruining the entire surprise.
His hired videographer could have the lens cap on the camera the entire moment.
Bradley could end up feeling sick and they would have to cancel their outing.
Just so many things could go wrong!
However the one thing that never crossed his mind was Bradley saying no.
This was something they both wanted. Something they both dreamed of. Finally finding that person they can't live without. This was it, the day had finally come.
Looking over his shoulder, Rashad made sure that Bradley was still in the bathroom doing her hair and make up. He gave her special instructions to look extremely nice today because he claimed he wanted to have some photos taken of them. Technically he wasn't lying. However he didn't mention a thing about him proposing.
His phone ringing caught his attention. Looking down at it, he realized that it was his mother. Sliding the balcony door shut, Rashad answered the phone call.
"Did you do it yet?" Was the first thing Paige asked causing Rashad to laugh.
"No mom, she's still getting ready," Rashad informed her.
Paige let out a little groan. "Tell her to hurry up! We have to get you two engaged already!"She rushed impatiently.
Rashad laughed. "Excuse my language, but mom I'm nervous as shit," He let out a distressed sigh as he raked his fingers through his short curls.
"Kason, don't be. She loves you wholeheartedly. She isn't Rayven," Paige scoffed as he mind transitioned to what Rayven did to her son. The girl was vile and tainted.
"Really ma, you bring her up right now?"Rashad screwed his face up not believing his mother's awful timing.
"Sorry honey," Paige apologized for her carelessness. "Back to what I was saying. You're a great man. You love her as much as you possibly can. You're the father of her first set of kids. There's no way she can say no," Paige had no doubt in her mind that Bradley would take the chance of being Rashad's wife. I mean what woman wouldn't? Paige was confident in the man she raised her son to be. Sometimes she wished she could take some of Rashad's attributes and instill them into his father, but that was only wishful thinking.
Rashad nodded his head confidently after his mother encouraged him. "You're right. She loves me,"
"Now you go make her your wife, call me when it's all said and done," Paige chuckled.
Rashad smiled. "Thanks mom, I love you,"
"I love you too," They said their goodbyes before the phone call ended.
Rashad was alone once again a. He twiddled the ring in between his fingers. Looking up at the sky, Rashad sighed. "God, you make someone for everyone. There's no doubt in my mind that Bradley is my somebody. Please let everything go as planned, for me...for her,"
After a couple of minutes of waiting, Bradley finally made her grand exit out of the bathroom. "Oh my God, Bradley Hughes can you tell me about your look tonight?" Rashad jokingly imitated paparazzi as he crowded her.
Bradley did a slow spin around so he could catch sight of the entire ensemble. "Today I'm giving the people vintage glam with the silk dress . I'm also giving them mommy on the go in Greece with the growing belly. Lastly, I'm giving them fashionably late with the glasses," She slid on her Dolce & Gabanna catalogue shades.
Rashad found her completely amusing causing him to drop his act and double over in laughter. "C'mon babe quit playing and snap a picture," She stood before him doing various poses.
Rashad knew that Bradley would have his head if he didn't at least get one picture. He fulfilled her little impromptu photo shoot and let her swipe through the slew of photos he took while they made their way down to the car.
Bradley was completely distracted by the task of choosing the right picture to post on her social media. She didn't realize that Rashad was occasionally looking through the rear view window to ensure that his videographer was trailing close behind them.
"This is the one, isn't it?" Bradley turned the phone to Rashad so he could examine the photo himself.
He liked it, but he could notice her baby bump. "You wanna reveal you're pregnancy tonight?" Rashad raised his brow at her.
Bradley pouted. "Your so right," She told him as she exited the gallery app on his phone and handed it over to him.
Together the couple had been concealing their pregnancy pretty well. Bradley had been posting nothing but selfies and photos that were angled towards her backside that kept the same frame. Rashad refrained from posting anything that could possibly hint to the fact that he and Bradley was expecting. They weren't necessarily trying to hide from the world, they just wanted to keep their privacy and something so beautiful like having twins, to themselves.
The drive to the Path to Paradise sight was pretty lengthy in Rashad's opinion. He just wanted to get there and get things over with.
Once they arrived, he tipped the driver before assisting Bradley with getting out of the car. Together they walked hand in hand up the multitude of stairs, taking frequent breaks to bask in the beauty of Santorini and let Bradley catch her breath.
Once they finally got to the top, the both of them were in awe. They marveled at the sight of the sky swirling in a beautiful hues of purple and pink as the sun began to drift away and set. In the distance, they could see the rocky areas that surrounded the island. Ships were sailing the sea giving a gorgeous addition to the scene.
Glancing away from the view, Rashad scopes around and sure enough the videographer was only a few feet away, capturing everything.
"It's just so relaxing and beautiful up here, don't you think?" Bradley let out a content sigh as the cool breeze swept against her smooth skin.
Rashad nodded his head. "Definitely baby," Rashad agreed with her as his hand sunk to the bottom of his pocket where the ring box was. He clenched his hand around it nervously as Bradley stood before him, looking out into the view, her back facing him.
"I've never seen anything so beautiful," Bradley continued.
"Eh, that's debatable," Rashad shrugged with a scoff.
In disbelief that he didn't agree with the fact that the sight was the most beautiful thing ever, she turned around on her heels. She was fixing her lips to rebut the fact that he truly hadn't seen anything as beautiful as this, but her throat dried up and she choked on her words at the sight of Rashad on one knee with a dazzling ring out in front of him.
"Because I've seen you," Rashad completed his statement, explaining why the view wasn't the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Bradley was. She was a masterpiece without even trying.
By now, attention from others who were visiting the Path to Paradise plunged into Rashad who was on one knee and Bradley who was completely lost for words.
Rashad cleared his throat trying his best to keep from bursting into tears himself. "From the moment I met you Bradley, I knew that you were going to be someone special to me. You were head strong, hard to get, and damn near impractical sometimes, but that made me want you more! You've watched me go from the weak and damaged man that once thought he had all his shit together, to a man who now truly does have everything together. You've motivated me, groomed me, prayed for me, and loved me despite all my flaws and faults. You accepted me for who I am and encouraged me to be who I want to be. Without you, I wouldn't know how it feels to trust again, to love again, to be selfless again, to be a father again. I owe it all to you,"
Bradley's tears had now taken over her face. She had her hands over her mouth in complete shock as Rashad continued to profess his love to her in front of hundreds. "I know sometimes I may frustrate you and make you want to scream, but I promise that this is just as much as a learning experience for me as it is for you. Bradley you introduced me to true love. You're the reason I get up so early in the morning, so I can see your face. You're the catalyst to my laughter through out the day. You're the best subject I've ever studied and learned inside and out. You're my happiness, Bradley. Without you I wouldn't be myself. Although you may know this already, but I feel the need to tell you again. I promise to love you unconditionally. I promise to never leave you. I promise to take you into consideration within every choice I make. I promise to be there for you whenever you need me. Lastly, I promise to protect you with all my might and being,"
Rashad felt as if Bradley had cried enough. He had so much more to say, but the way his baby's cries were exalting out of her, he didn't think she could take it anymore.
"Bradley Farrah Hughes, could you do me the honor of marrying me and allowing me to become your husband, and you my wife?" Kneeling down on one knee, Rashad was before her displaying and professing it all. His passion for her, his respect for her, and most of all—his love for her.
Bradley had never felt like this before. This is how true love felt. Bradley was finally experiencing the feeling women raved about. She found it in Rashad.
"Yes!" Bradley exclaimed as she held her hand out.
Although Rashad knew the answer already, hearing Bradley confirm it, alleviated a heavy weight from his chest. As everyone who had surrounded them in awe, cheered and clapped for them, Rashad glided the engagement ring into Bradley's finger. A perfect fit.
Getting up from his one knee, he stood over Bradley cupping her face in his hands, kissing her lips. "I love you so much," Bradley confessed, still with tears cascading from her eyes.
"I love you too," Rashad replied in between kisses.
Pulling away from the kiss, Rashad pointed over to the camera which captured the entire moment from beginning to end. Bradley turned her face away with a laugh before she buried her head into his chest. "You always wanna catch me when I'm slipping," She playfully scolded him as he dabbed away her tears.
Rashad chuckled. "My bad,"
Bradley looked down at her hand that was still slightly trembling from the shock. She did a little double take at the sight of her engagement ring. "Good God!" She blurted out. "How much did you buy this?!"
Rashad laughed at the fact that she still managed ending up worrying about the wrong thing. "It doesn't matter, as long as you said yes,"
Bradley leaned in and kissed him once more. This time, her hand which was now decorated with her engagement ring caressing his face. "What's my name?"
Rashad chuckled knowing he was going to have to deal with this until she got off her high about the engagement. "Bradley Farrah Farewood,"