Misunderstood (Toussaint Mafia #4)

Chapter 21

E xtensive gold towers of white peony trees, compliments of Meilani and her business, lined the walkway and head of the building as white peonies covered the side of the room as well. The guests wore black, as requested by the couple, as the bridesmaids wore cream silk gowns while the groomsmen wore cream tuxedos.

Promise looked handsome in a way that the residents of Marcy Falls had never witnessed before as he stood at the front near the pastor. His cream tux was custom, tailored to fit his tall, lean frame. While his thick curly tapered fade was precisely lined up, along with his beard. His jewels had an array of gleams to them as they covered his neck, wrist and ears. As the late Whitney Houston began to serenade the crowd from the Dolby speakers, Promise swallowed hard and stared down the aisle, awaiting his bride.

I found out what I’ve been missing

Always on the run

I’ve been looking for someone

Now you’re here like you’ve been before

The audience stood and Maia began to walk slowly down the aisle in her cream lace long-sleeved gown that had a train of three feet. Maia looked beautiful with her real hair in retro pin curls that fell past her shoulders and a face so beat that even her watery eyes wouldn’t ruin it. She walked with Ossa by her side to the beat of Good Love by Whitney Houston. It was one of her favorite old school songs that fit her love story with Promise perfectly. He came into her world and gave her all the good love that she had been missing. A good love that she never knew could exist until she met him, and she was so very grateful for him. Grateful of the man he was and the heart he possessed because it had been enough to drown out her fears and slay her worry away. Damn, it felt amazing to receive his good love.

So good, take this heart of mine into your hands

You give good love to me

As Maia arrived at the front of the room, she hugged Ossa. Ossa made sure to dap up Promise before he took his seat. Maia then approached Promise, and her heart stammered in her chest as she saw that Promise, a man that was bred to be a killer, was becoming teary-eyed. Maia caressed his cheek as she peered up at him.

“Keep it G up in here, baby. We can’t let them know how I do you,” she teased.

Promise smirked. He sucked in his emotions as his eyes looked her up and down.

“Emotional or not, I wish a nigga would. You look,” Promise swallowed hard as he grabbed her hand. “Like my wife,” he said in such a proud manner that it did something to her heart.

Maia closed her eyes and tears fell down her face at his words. His wife. Who would have known that she would get to see the day that she became someone’s wife by choice? They chose each other, and it was real. The realist shit she ever felt in her life, and she was so deeply grateful for it.

“Because I am,” she replied softly before allowing for the pastor to speak.

After capturing their nuptials and saying the coveted “I DO” it was time to party. A celebration that Maia never wanted to end. Maia was on her second look of the night, a silk Versace cream mini dress that had a lace bodice while having the time of her life. Maia thought that the night would be off because her father wasn’t there, but she hadn’t shed a tear for him once. It was strange and sad most of all that his presence hadn’t been missed. However, she couldn’t harp on that because she was enjoying her wedding as every bride should have.

While on the dance floor with her sisters hustling to Tamia’s amazing song Can’t Get Enough , she watched Promise stare at her from the table they were sitting at that faced the expansive dining hall.

“You are a beautiful bride, and Promise can’t wait to take you up out of here,” Masami smiled, hustling beside her.

Maia blushed as they spun in a circle and did a step up before stepping to the side and spinning, then following back into line with the dance.

“Thankyou. I’m happy to see you let your husband come to the wedding with you. Regardless of what you and he have going on, he took a bullet for Ossa. Don’t let that shit go over your head. Not to mention you married, AR fine ass AR at that, you better forgive that man,” Maia advised her before Meilani hugged her from the back and twirled her around.

“The last Toussaint girl is married, and they said we were some mean bitches, yeah right!” Meilani teased, spinning Maia in a circle.

Maia grinned.

“We are, but we’re fine, so that saves us. Plus, you know niggas love a pretty bitch with an attitude,” Boston laughed.

“And do,” Maia added.

“Well mom, despite everything you did something right because all of your girls are married,” Maia quipped, feeling good as her mom watched near the dance floor with teary eyes.

Her mom made a strange face before smiling.

“And I’m so proud of all of you. Boston, the baby is back sucking her fingers. You wanna feed her now or do you have more bottles in the bag?” Jazmine asked.

Boston groaned as she stopped hustling.

“I guess I can feed her now. Peace grabbed the wrong bag and all of the bottles I pumped are back at the penthouse. Can you come with me to the bathroom while I feed her?” Boston whined and held out her hand for Jazmine.

Jazmine smiled as she took her hand.

“Of course I can.”

Maia and her sisters rolled their eyes at Boston’s spoiled ways before the music was cut off. Maia looked towards the DJ as Meilani let her go.

“We have some people that wanna share a few words with the happy couple,” the DJ announced, and Maia retreated to the table with Promise choosing to sit on his lap.

Promise kissed her cheek as his hands went to her waist.

“You look so fucking sexy, Maia. Love you.”

“Only you I love,” Maia conveyed back and, like always, her words made Promise give her a brief smile before Imani started speaking.

Imani looked gorgeous in her cream lace D&G gown as she held the mic while rocking her dreads in a high ponytail while sporting red lips. She looked so sultry that Ossa couldn’t hide his love for her as he gazed at her intently from his seat.

“I must say that meeting Maia wasn’t pleasant,” Imani admitted and Maia, along with her sisters, laughed, remembering how mean they were to Imani initially. “However, once they realized that I was matching energy, the vibe changed, and I was able to finally have the sisters I have always wanted in life. When I said I Do to Ossa, I said that to this family as well. Through the good and the bad y’all stuck with me. For me to be here to witness this union makes me so happy. Maia, you are going to be a good wife, and I can’t wait to see you pregnant with a belly while I sip on your lemon drop,” Imani smiled. “The best advice I can give is for you two to never stop being friends. Respect each other always and don’t let anyone or anything come in between the marriage you have. Not even me and your nosey ass sisters. Congrats to the beautiful couple,” Imani expressed and raised her glass.

“Congrats, sis and Promise,” Ossa added, raising his glass.

Maia and Promise nodded at Imani, and when Maia looked back at Promise, her heart swelled with love for him. “I’m really your wife,” she whispered.

Promise chuckled. “Hell, yeah, and that shit’s never changing. Give me a kiss, sexy,” he commanded, and Maia happily obliged, basking in the glow of being married to the love of her life.

“This has been a longer journey than expected. With the recent events of the temporary guardian leaving town without notice, I had no choice but to explore other family options before handing over custody to a non-family member. Bailiff, can you bring in Mrs. Tillman?” The judge’s voice was sharp, his usual frown deepening the lines on his weathered face.

Maia tried to keep her cool, even as her nerves tightened. Her eyes drifted back to Promise, her husband, sitting behind her. He looked as handsome as ever, the faint tan from their short honeymoon on his skin making him even more striking as he gave her a subtle nod.

“The court would now like to introduce Mrs. Tillman. She is Kalvin’s paternal grandmother and has been searching for him for over ten years,” the judge continued, as Maia watched an elegant older woman walk into the courtroom.

Dressed in a chic navy shift dress, accented with a Chanel brooch, her long, bluish-gray curls perfectly styled in tight spirals, Mrs. Tillman was a timeless beauty. Despite her age, it was clear she still had plenty of fire in her as she moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the room.

“Is he here, your honor?” she asked, her voice warm yet commanding.

“He’s in my chambers,” the judge replied. “This young woman is seeking custody of Kalvin. She’s been caring for him, despite not being related by blood. She was once involved with his older brother, Kygo. Are you familiar with him?” the judge asked as Mrs. Tillman was sworn in.

Mrs. Tillman shook her head slowly as she took her seat. “No, I’m afraid I don’t know of this, Kygo. Kalvin’s mother had a few sons I never met. She was always losing her children to the system, but when Kalvin was taken, I made it my mission to find him. Only he ended up in a foster home that I couldn’t track down, and by the time I found him, he had been taken. My family and I have been looking for him ever since. His father passed away trying to find him.” She paused, then turned to Maia with soft, grateful eyes. “And you, sweet girl... thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for my grandson. Judge, may I give her a hug?”

The judge, who was always irritable and uptight, cracked a smile as he nodded.

“Sure, why not,” the judge said, seeming to become friendly with each minute the woman stayed inside of the courtroom.

Kalvin’s grandmother stood, and Maia found herself standing as well. As Kalvin’s grandmother advanced on her, she opened her arms, and Maia wistfully went into them as she recognized what was happening. After praying, hoping, and fighting so damn hard, she was about to lose Kalvin. However, as Kalvin’s grandmother hugged her, something in Maia’s spirit told her that Kalvin would be just fine.

“I wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart, sweet child. You took care of our baby, and you can forever see him. Come over and he can visit you anytime, sweetheart. I promise you and you can call me grandma Vickie,” the woman spoke, becoming emotional.

Maia clung to the woman as she started to cry. Between her wedding and the custody case, Maia was feeling overcome with emotions.

“It’s okay baby and I truly owe you my life for doing right by my baby,” Vickie expressed before letting Maia go.

The judge eyed Kalvin’s grandmother with a slight smile.

“Bailiff let’s bring Kalvin out,” the judge ordered as Kalvin’s grandmother sat in the front on the opposite side of Maia. However, Maia felt like she was everything but her opponent.

Minutes later, Kalvin stepped into the courtroom, and when his eyes landed on his grandmother, his eyes widened. He stopped walking and his grandmother smiled so hard it stretched her face.

“Granny?” Kalvin asked, shock and bewilderment blanketing his face.

Kalvin’s grandmother nodded before he rushed to her side and hugged her so tight that it filled Maia’s heart with love and joy. She glanced over at Promise, and he winked at her.

“He’s good, baby,” Promise said lowly, and she nodded. “Love you,” he added, and Maia wiped her tears while staring at him.

“Love you too,” she whispered before watching Kalvin rejoice with his granny, being the happiest she had ever seen him.

Maia watched Kalvin and his grandmother embrace, and her worry relaxed. This was Kalvin’s new beginning and while it wasn’t ending with her having custody of him it was still the best resolution for him. So much so that Maia was able to push her sadness to the side and be happy for him.

“Maia, it’s my granny,” Kalvin grinned still hugging his grandmother.

Maia wiped her tears as she smiled at him.

“I know, and she’s so beautiful. She’s your family,” Maia told him.

Kalvin nodded and abruptly let go of his granny. He rushed to Maia’s side and hugged her while she was sitting down. He buried his face into her shirt as she started to cry again.

“Thank you for finding her Maia. Now I have my granny, you and Promise. I’ma be okay,” Kalvin whispered, voice filled with emotion.

Maia’s tears fell rapidly down her face as she nodded.

“And none of us are going anywhere,” she told him.

After court, Maia had lunch with Kalvin and his grandmother, then made plans to see him soon. Hours later, she walked through the park with Promise guard, trailing a few feet behind her.

The weather was chilly, but Maia didn’t mind. She stared at the trees and everything in the park that reminded her of how peaceful life could be—how peaceful her life had become with Promise by her side.

Everything would be okay.

She could feel it.

“Hey, Maia, can we talk?” Her therapist, Jackie, appeared, still dressed in running gear, headphones draped around her neck.

Maia gave her a small smile and nodded. They strolled over to a bench and sat down, watching kids playing with their parents and dogs running around, everyone enjoying the day.

“Maia, your wedding photos were gorgeous. I saw a few online. Thank you for inviting me. I wish I could’ve made it, but I was in New York and couldn’t get back in time. How are you feeling now, after everything?” Jackie asked.

Maia glanced at her therapist, giving her a side-eye. “Are we clocked in right now? I thought we were chilling. I don’t need a session,” she sighed. “But, yeah, I did lose the case. Kalvin’s going to live with his grandmother in Texas, but honestly, I’m okay with that. If you could’ve seen the way his face lit up when he saw her... you’d understand. This was meant to be. In my heart, I know it’s what Kalvin needs. Even though he had me and Promise, it’s important he knows he’s got family out there too.”

Jackie smiled warmly, but her expression shifted to something more serious as she crossed her legs. Clearing her throat, she hesitated, clearly uncomfortable for the first time in front of Maia.

“Maia, I have a confession. I need you to keep this between us, okay?” Jackie’s voice lowered, her usual confidence faltering.

Maia’s curiosity piqued. She raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. “Jackie, what’s going on? Just tell me.”

Jackie’s uneasy smile returned, but her eyes held a heaviness Maia hadn’t seen before. “I’m the reason your case against your father moved so quickly. I turned in evidence against him—showing that not only is he a mafia boss, dabbling in all kinds of illegal stuff, but that he’d hurt his own children to protect himself.”

Maia’s eyes widened as Jackie continued, swallowing hard.

“I—I showed recordings to my uncle, illegally, because I was worried for you. Recordings of you talking about how your father drugged you, locked you up against your will, how he beat your brother while you and your sisters watched from the doorway. And how he basically sold you all off, like you were nothing more than property. You buried some of it deep, like how you saw him beat your mom when you were a kid, but it was all there. Once my uncle and father had that, they started digging. Eventually, the Feds got involved. At first, I was relieved… until I realized they’d lied to me. They wanted to take all of you down, not just him. That’s when I got scared.”

Jackie’s voice cracked slightly, and she looked down. “If you never wanna see me again, I get it. But Maia, I swear, I only wanted to protect you and your family. None of you deserved what he did to you. Especially after you were kidnapped. All you ever wanted was a father, and he gave you everything but that. I’m so sorry for the pain and trauma you went through.”

Jackie’s words hung in the air, heavy with emotion. Her words fused with her emotions made Maia relax. Maia grabbed her hand and shot her a playful smirk before giving Jackie her CBD vape. Jackie drew a deep hit, and they laughed when she started to choke.

“It’s okay, and while I am pissed that you were recording me, I don’t hold it against you. I do want to see you again, but let’s avoid any misunderstandings. You’re not putting me to sleep again, fuck that,” Maia replied, and they both laughed.

Maia remained in the park, speaking with Jackie for another thirty minutes before returning to her penthouse. Maia halted in her tracks when she entered the room and was greeted by a silver cat adorned with cheetah-like markings. She slowly shut the door as Promise bent the corner holding a Tiffany’s bag. Promise wore his black slacks with his favorite house slippers, a black beater and his signature smirk. Maia’s gaze shifted between him and the cat, taking in its large ears, stunning blue eyes, and calming aura that strangely appealed to her. She wasn’t a cat person and already she was smitten with the animal.

“What you gone name her? This can be our baby until you wanna give me some,” Promise smirked.

Maia leaned down and stared at the cat that was looking at her intently, like the cat was seeking to fill her out as well.

“What kind of cat is this? She’s so pretty and big as hell,” Maia smiled.

Promise sat the Tiffany’s bag onto the corridor end table before pulling out a blunt to spark up.

“A Savannah cat. I had someone I used to do business with get her for me. She’s a rare breed and was bred in Dubai. You like her?”

Maia exhaled as she held out her hand to pet the cat. The cat slowly moved her way and when Maia started to rub the cat’s back, the cat purred, leaning into her touch. Maia felt an instant connection with the cat.

“I love her, and I love you more. Thank you,” Maia whispered, and Promise leaned down to kiss her lips.

“Anything to see you smile, ma,” he swore, and Maia knew in her heart that he meant those words.