April 26, 2022

Sequel to When Love Finds Me

Tangie Nelson is officially engaged to former NBA star Nathan Chambers. When Nathan is featured on a national talk show for his successful work with underprivileged youth, someone from his past shows up on his doorstep. Nathan’s former fiancée claims he’s the father of her son.

Sensing something else is brewing beneath the surface, Tangie pulls the brakes on the wedding planning. Until the dust settles, she’s hoping she can hold on to love.

Excerpt

I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face if I tried. Someone might have thought I’d won the lottery, but most people in Crown of Beauty Salon already knew about my blessings. My story had become well-known in the community. I was a single mother of three boys, and my twins were graduating in a few months. One of those twins, Martin Nelson, made his own mark in the world recently helping his team win the state championship as point guard on South Meck’s high school basketball team. So, most people knew me as the mom yelling and cheering for my son.

In the past year, I had a companion by my side also cheering Martin on. Former NBA player, Nathan Chambers. I’d found love for the second time in my life, or rather love found me. I definitely wasn’t looking for it. It had been me and my boys until Nathan. 

My fiancé.

I  noticed I’d been absently twisting the engagement ring on my finger and stopped. Instead, I clasped my hands together in front of me. I had plenty of stylists booked in the salon today. So on days when I wasn’t doing hair, I kept the ring on my finger. As a precaution, if I had to have my hand in soapy water to wash a client’s hair, I kept the ring tucked away in my bag in the salon’s office.

I never expected to be engaged to be married again. My first husband had succumbed to injuries in a car crash eight years ago. All these years later, I’d settled into single motherhood. But the man I was intensely watching on the television screen had captured my heart. 

Usually bustling with chatter, the salon remained quiet today with only the sounds of flat irons clicking and splashes of water from the sink area. Everyone close to the salon’s television, including me, watched as Nathan chatted on the WSIC Morning News Show. It could have been my imagination, but the morning host seemed enamored with Nathan. She smiled and tossed her blond highlighted hair a few times. I discovered that most women were flustered around Nathan. I couldn’t say I was totally used to it, but Nathan always made me feel special, like I was the only one for him. 

I’m not worried about any other woman. He is mine. I am his.

How was it possible that he looked even more handsome today? His chocolate skin almost glowed under the bright studio lights. He’d recently cut his hair low and shaved off the beard he’d been sporting since the fall. I wasn’t a beard woman, but I’d grown to like the distinguished gentleman look. Nathan and I were the same age, thirty-four, but the gray streaks in his beard made him appear older. 

Today, freshly-shaven, he reminded me of the first time I met him at the Charlotte STEM Lab, also known as “The Lab,” where my youngest son attended school. Nathan’s eyes were warm and radiated confidence as he chatted with the host. I watched his lips move. 

Mmmm, lips I knew up close and personal. 

The host asked, “Mr. Chambers, how have you been able to transition from playing in the NBA to being a guidance counselor?” 

Nathan flashed his million-dollar smile. “I love it. One of the best career moves I could have made. Well, of course, the ankle injury helped me along, but I have no regrets. I help young people, who would be overlooked in other schools, be able to excel in math and science. And I really enjoy coaching the robotics team. In fact, if I hadn’t been so caught up in playing basketball in school, I’m sure I would have been an engineer.”

I laughed softly. My youngest son, Drake, was an incredibly bright boy who took after his deceased father. My brilliant child was known to enjoy reading the encyclopedia. Nathan and I both agreed that Drake would probably follow in his dad’s footsteps and become an engineer. He had the aptitude for it and I was glad that he’d been given the opportunity to explore and excel.

It was crazy that over a year ago, while attending public school, Drake had gotten into a fight with a bully. This unfair attack led to Drake being suspended. But despite this small setback, God had a master plan with The Lab accepting Drake into their school program.

“You must be so proud.”

Not recognizing the voice, I turned to find a beautiful woman with smooth honey-colored skin. I’d never seen her before, but something about her seemed oddly familiar. One of our newest hair stylist, Wanda, was flat ironing the woman’s hair. 

I smiled at the woman, trying to think where I’d seen her before and how would she know about my connection to Nathan. I twisted my engagement ring again. “Do I know you? Is this your first time here?”

The woman’s hazel eyes appeared bright and shiny. I suspected they were contacts, but you could never be sure. Her eyes shifted down to my hands and then slowly back up to my face, like she was checking me out. “I’m new in Charlotte. I haven’t been here long, but I saw you on Nathan’s Instagram profile. You’re his fiancée.”

I felt the curve of my mouth slip downward. I received this kind of attention more than I cared for. There were some disadvantages to being in a relationship with a former NBA star. “Yes, I am. Thank you for choosing Crown of Beauty for your hair care needs today.” I glanced at Wanda who was almost finished flat ironing the woman’s hair. 

The woman answered back. “I appreciate the service.”

We locked eyes for a few seconds before I turned my attention back to the television. I hated that I’d missed part of the conversation. Suddenly, I felt self-conscience about turning my back. I could almost feel the woman’s eyes boring into my back.

Who is she? Why is she giving me the creeps?

The anchorwoman was asking Nathan another question. “Tell us more about The Assist Group. What is it you hope to achieve?”

“Thank you for the question. The Assist Group is a foundation I started two years ago. I’ve been out of the game of basketball for about four years now, but I’m still in touch with my old colleagues. I have at least five NBA players who have pledged their support for the programs being offered through The Assist Group. Basically, we are here to support students, primarily middle grades. I kept thinking about when I was in school and the only real opportunities offered to me were sports. I would have loved to have been more exposed to opportunities in STEM.”

The host interrupted. “Just for our viewers who may not be familiar, what is STEM?”

Nathan gave her a head nod. “Yeah, right. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are tons of opportunities to go into these high technology fields. The Assist Group has started with supporting programs here in Charlotte, like the robotics program at The Lab. We sponsor the team making sure they have access to equipment and the ability to travel to competitions.”

“Sounds so exciting. I understand you have friends in the NBA who have taken up the cause in their own cities?”

“That’s correct. We’re looking to branch into Florida next.”

The host clasped her hands together. “I heard you used to be tight with Drex Armstrong. Could he be one of the players you are bringing on board?”

For a moment, Nathan’s smile slipped, but he caught himself. “Yes, I’m in talks with Drex. He would be an amazing supporter of the program.”

“Thank you, Mister Chambers. Our viewers will be excited to hear how you have moved past your injuries and found a passion for helping young people.”

As the morning show went to a commercial, I frowned. The host didn’t have to go there. It was true that at one time Nathan and Drex were tight as brothers, even playing for the same team. Nathan’s injuries tore him away from his old friends. I also knew Drex had moved in on Nathan’s woman at the time. Or rather his woman decided she preferred to stick with an NBA player as a mate.

 I turned away from the television to catch a glimpse of Candace, my co-owner, as she headed back to the office. Almost ten years ago, Candace took a chance on me when I wasn’t really in a good place. She hired me to be a stylist at the salon. I knew there were times back then when I worked her last nerve. But the Christian woman she is helped groom me into the woman I am today. She also saved me from making a horrible mistake.

 I glanced back at Wanda’s station and noticed the strange woman was no longer sitting at the booth. I looked at the front of the salon and didn’t glimpse her at the cash register. 

She must have left. 

I don’t know why, but there was something about her that bothered me. Most people were aware of my relationship with Nathan, but no one pointed out the fact that they’d seen me on his Instagram profile. Last time I checked Nathan’s IG, it wasn’t a lot of photos of us. I didn’t take selfies that often, and when I was photographed it was usually with one or all my sons.

I tried to rack my brain for the last photo I’d taken with Nathan. It had to be last October. Someone snapped a picture of Nathan and I cheering in the stands at South Meck high school. It was March, and due to the frequency of Nathan’s posts, that photo would be way down on his IG profile. Not wanting to give it anymore thought, I headed towards the office in the back of the salon.

Candace looked up from where she’d been opening a box of hair care supplies. I spied shampoo, conditioner and some curly cream from a natural hair representative who’d recently visited the shop. Both Candace and I liked the formula which was created by two black mothers. I’d been natural a long time choosing to wear my hair in braids, twists and on occasion, goddess locs. Candace had recently gone natural in the last year but liked blowing her hair out and wearing her classic bob she’d been sporting for years. Her hair had turned salt and pepper since I’d met her a decade ago, but she still looked the same.

Candace turned her monitor around showing the familiar Facebook interface. On the screen was a video player with a screenshot of Nathan’s face. “Nathan did great. The camera loves him. I know you are so proud of him.”

“I am proud of him. I didn’t know the station streamed this on their Facebook page.”

“Yes, you’ll be able to watch it again and again.”

I laughed. “I don’t know if I will, but I’m sure Nathan is going to and gripe about how he did. He does really great work, but there are times he pushes himself a bit too hard. That last question the host asked was a bit invasive.”

“Oh, you mean about Drex Armstrong? They played together, right?”

“Yes, but Nathan hasn’t talked to Drex since his injuries, although it had more to do with women issues. Drex married Nathan’s former fiancée.”

“Ouch. I didn’t realize that. I imagine that’s a sore spot for Nathan.”

I grinned. “It was until I came along.”

Candace burst out laughing. “Of course. You put any woman he was ever with to shame. He only has eyes for you.”

I laughed with Candace, feeling the spark of hope that washed over me when I thought about Nathan and our pending nuptials.

“So how are the wedding plans going? I know it was a bit impossible when Martin and Mark were traveling with South Meck High for basketball games.”

I grimaced. “Yeah, things have slowed down with the twins, but graduation is around the corner. And both boys are waiting to hear back from the colleges they applied to. With so much going on, I want to keep this wedding simple.”

Candace tilted her head. “You know you can reach out to Lenora Freeman to assist. This is her thing.”

Lenora Freeman, the first lady of Victory Gospel Church, owned Lenora’s Bridal Boutique. “I might have to. I reached out to her a while ago. She does have two wedding planners that work for her, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to commit. I have the checklist she gave me, but it still seems like so much to do. I just know next I have to get my dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses and we have to pick out a cake. Oh, yeah, and the counseling session with Reverend Freeman. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I didn’t do all this the first time around when I got married. We just went to the justice of the peace.”

“I know, but that’s why you should go all out this time. It’s a lot of work; but it’s going to be your day, Tangie.”

“You have always had my back with this engagement. Just to think I almost said no.” Yeah, this wedding almost wasn’t going to happen. I foolishly hesitated when Nathan popped the question, not understanding that God was giving me a second chance. This would be my second marriage and Nathan’s first. He’d been a bachelor all these years. Sometimes it was too hard for me to grasp how he’d not been snatched up during his NBA career.

I looked over at the big clock on the wall. “Nathan’s family is coming over for dinner tonight at his place. You know how that stresses me. I need to get out of here early and make sure my boys are ready. I will see you all on Monday at Lenora’s Bridal Boutique.”

Candace waved. “I wouldn’t miss it! I love weddings, girl. And no problem on leaving early, Wanda and Jackie will close up. Just be sure to not let anyone get to you, okay. I know his family knows you are the best thing that ever happened to him.”

He might be the best thing that happened to me. Really us.

Nathan had managed to make us a whole unit; something I hadn’t realized I needed. Even more astonishing to me, Nathan had been accepted by my boys who experienced the same loss I did. 

My twins, Martin and Mark never had a relationship with their father who skipped out as soon as he found out I was pregnant. At seventeen, to the disappointment of my mother, I’d followed in my older sister’s footsteps and fallen into the cycle of teenage pregnancy in our family. Years later, when the twins were five, I fell seriously in love with the man who would become my first husband.

Christian Nelson took the role of being a father to two young boys with joy. His death devastated the twins just as it did me. While Drake, my only child with Christian, was three years old, he had faint memories of his dad that he held with a tight fist. All of my boys had managed to find something in common with Nathan. For Martin, it was obviously basketball. For Drake, Nathan had a chance to embrace his nerdy side with my youngest. Mark was the family musician as well as South Meck’s drum major. While his twin hit the court, Mark was in the stands leading the band. Surprisingly, both Nathan and Mark had a similar passion for jazz.

How could I not marry the man I’d fallen in love with and who’d embraced my sons? That was a single mother’s hope and prayer in a relationship. I had to constantly remind myself to not get caught up in my feelings and fears. The dating life had not been good to me and the one man I loved was snatched away. I couldn’t help but feel like my relationship with Nathan was too good to be true.

Trust in the Lord, Tangie.