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  Contents

  You Can't Plan Love

  Worth the Wait

  A Heart to Heal

  Also Available

  You Can’t Plan Love

  Synithia Williams

  Avon, Massachusetts

  This edition published by

  Crimson Romance

  an imprint of F+W Media, Inc.

  10151 Carver Road, Suite 200

  Blue Ash, Ohio 45242

  www.crimsonromance.com

  Copyright © 2012 by Synithia Williams

  ISBN 10: 1-4405-5426-9

  ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-5426-1

  eISBN 10: 1-4405-5427-7

  eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-5427-8

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

  Cover art 123rf.com

  Acknowledgements

  I want to thank my parents for believing in me and always telling me I could be anything I wanted to be. Thanks to my wonderful husband for putting up with my late nights as I let the voices in my head become characters on paper. Finally, thanks to my Grandma Charlotte. I’ll never forget when you called me out of the blue and reminded me to keep writing. I did and now my dreams are reality. I love you all.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  About the Author

  Chapter 1

  Kenyatta Copeland felt bile rise in her throat. She looked down at the half-eaten quesadilla she’d ordered for lunch, but couldn’t blame her sickness on that. Her friend Angie chatted happily about some game her daughters had played the night before, oblivious to the lack of interest of her two lunch partners.

  She tried swaying from side to side with the Latin music playing in the background of the Mexican restaurant, hoping it would hide her anxiety. But when she caught the eye of Carol, her other friend sitting across from her in the booth, she knew she was busted. It would take a miracle to get through lunch without making Carol suspicious. Carol could sniff out a lie from a mile away.

  With a deep breath to calm her rolling stomach, she pulled her hand from her lap and slapped it on the table. “Brad asked me to marry him last night.” She looked into Carol’s eyes and smiled. “And I said yes.”

  Angie froze in the middle of her sentence before squealing and leaning over to hug her. “Oh my God, that’s wonderful!” Kenyatta couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s exuberance. There was a definite blush beneath Angie’s tan skin as she grabbed Kenyatta’s hand for a better look at the ring. “I can’t wait to go dress shopping with you! Picking out my wedding dress was the best part of my wedding!”

  Kenyatta eased her hand out of her friend’s grip. “He just asked me last night, Angie. I haven’t thought that far ahead.”

  Carol raised a well-manicured brow. “Well, at the rate he’s moving, I’m surprised he hasn’t picked your dress.”

  Kenyatta sighed and rolled her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Carol shrugged her shoulders as if she hadn’t loaded her comment with hidden meaning.

  The air conditioning blasted to compensate for the August heat, but it was still warm inside. Yet there Carol sat wearing a long-sleeved zebra print jacket over a red camisole. On any other big woman, the outfit would have looked ridiculous, but as usual, Carol made it work.

  “Don’t get your damn panties in a bunch. I’m not saying anything you don’t already know. You’ve only been dating for six months and he’s already asked you to marry him.”

  Kenyatta sat up straighter. “It’s been longer than that. I’ve known him for almost two years. We’ve only officially dated the past six months.”

  Angie jumped to Brad’s defense. “When a man knows what he wants, he doesn’t wait around for it. Brad loves Kenyatta, and that’s why he’s ready for a commitment.”

  “Maybe,” Carol answered as she ate another tortilla chip. She flung the hair from her shoulder-length jet-black wig over her zebra-clad shoulders and sat back against the booth, never taking her eyes off Kenyatta.

  Angie ignored Carol’s dry reply and kept talking, “And we can both agree that he’s better than the other guys who’ve sniffed around Kenyatta.”

  “Amen to that!” Carol agreed.

  Kenyatta turned from one to the other and laughed. “Will you two stop talking as if I’m not here? You act as if I’ve been through a dozen failed relationships. Brad is only the second guy I’ve dated seriously since college.”

  “We’re counting the fool you messed around with in college as well,” Carol said around the tortilla chip in her mouth.

  Kenyatta stopped laughing and pointed at the two of them. “I’m not alone in that department.”

  Carol looked away, and Angie gulped down her iced tea. She knew neither of them wanted to revisit the messed up situation they all were a part of in college.

  Angie regained her composure first and stared pointedly at Kenyatta. “We’re not going to get into a discussion about the fiasco with Robert, even though you’ve let that situation rule your dating life ever since.”

  Kenyatta held up her hand. “Well, it’s not as if I had any better luck with Chad after Robert. So, please don’t act as if I’ve had a multitude of brothas come through my life.”

  Angie sighed. “Okay, so we’ve all made our mistakes — who hasn’t? But Brad is a really nice guy. I’m truly happy you’ve finally found love.”

  Kenyatta suppressed the need to roll her eyes. In Angie’s world the sun rose and set on her husband; she wouldn’t understand Kenyatta’s reasons for marrying Brad. Brad was safe, and right now she only bet on sure things. Angie would just take that reasoning as another example of Kenyatta letting her past rule her future, and she wasn’t in the mood for that discussion.

  She gave Angie a stiff smile. “Brad is great, and I am happy. I just hope he’ll come around about me giving up my job.”

  Angie frowned. “Why wouldn’t he?”

  “He keeps saying he wants to take care of me, and he can’t wait for us to have children. I mean, I want a family one day, but I’m not ready to give up my job, stay home and have babies.” She twisted her napkin with frustration. “I mean, I’ve worked hard to become project manager at H20 Consulting. I can’t just give that up.”

  Carol lifted her glass of tea in salute. “Amen to that, girlfriend. If it wasn’t lunch hour I’d throw a toast.”
/>
  Angie shook her head. “But, don’t you want kids?”

  Kenyatta threw down her napkin and laughed. “Yes, one day. But not right now.”

  Carol waved her hands. “Babies, babies, everyone’s always talking about having babies.” She pointed at Kenyatta. “I don’t blame you for wanting to wait for a while.”

  Angie pointed at Carol. “Says the woman who never wants kids.”

  Carol wrinkled her nose as if she’d smelled a dirty diaper. “Hell, no, kids spoil everything. No offense, Angie.”

  “None taken.”

  Kenyatta rolled her eyes and smiled at her friends. “Regardless of the argument for or against pro-creation, I’m not ready to quit working. I don’t think Brad understands how much I love my job.”

  Angie reached over and rubbed Kenyatta’s back. “He’ll come around. He loves you and wants you to be happy.”

  Kenyatta grinned and shook her head. “You always believe in happy endings.”

  Angie’s face glowed. “And why shouldn’t I? I’ve got a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls. I have my happy ending.”

  Carol rolled her eyes at Angie before turning to Kenyatta. “You do realize that if you get married, Brad’s mother will be in your life permanently, right?”

  Nausea rolled over her, and she quickly wiped sweat from her brow. She looked at Carol who had a knowing gleam in her eye. Her composure slip would give Carol all the ammunition she needed to blow holes in her plans.

  Catching herself, Kenyatta plastered on a smile. “Actually, Brad’s mom and I are getting along better. I don’t think we’ll ever be best friends, but we’ve agreed to disagree on most things.” She continued to smile at Carol who frowned back.

  “That’s great, Kenyatta!” Angie said. “Isn’t that great, Carol?” She turned expectantly to Carol.

  Carol tossed the tortilla chip she’d picked up back into the basket. “It’s peachy.”

  Angie sighed and turned back to Kenyatta. “So, have you set a date?”

  “Not yet. Like I said, he only proposed last night. We’ve still got time.”

  She looked at the platinum two-carat diamond ring on her finger and her stomach clenched in protest, which only upset her. It must be cold feet. There was no good reason to feel sick at the thought of marrying Brad. Still she pushed the rest of her quesadilla away.

  “I think you should get married in the spring.” Angie broke into her thoughts.

  Kenyatta squirmed in her seat. “Angie, please, can I get used to the idea first before we start all the planning?”

  Carol held up her hands and pretended to tie a knot. “See? There we go again with the panties in a bunch.”

  “Where did you get that bag, Carol? It’s nice,” Kenyatta said.

  Carol pulled her napkin off her lap and threw it on the table. “Cut the crap, Kenyatta. You said yes, but you’ve looked sick since telling us. What’s the deal?”

  Kenyatta shook her head. “There is no deal. I ate too much.”

  “Carol, you always try to find something negative,” Angie said. “Kenyatta and Brad are in love. Right, Kenyatta?”

  Kenyatta’s gaze skirted from Angie to Carol before settling on the table. “I love Brad. We’ve known each other for two years, and I trust him. He’s a smart, successful lawyer, we’re compatible, and he’s been patient and understanding. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t get married.”

  Carol leaned across the table and narrowed her eyes. “But are you in love with him?”

  Kenyatta glared at her friend, who gave her a “gotcha” look.

  “I love him enough to marry him. He won’t hurt me.”

  Angie leaned closer. “Kenyatta, marriage is serious.”

  “I know. That’s why I considered all of my options. I’m twenty-eight. Thirty is right around the corner, and my chances of getting married after thirty are slim. Brad is single, straight, and loves me. Just because I’m not head-over-heels in love doesn’t mean I won’t be some day. I genuinely care about Brad, and I do love him for how great he’s been to me. I’m making the right decision.”

  Before her friends could reply, the waitress brought their checks, took their empty plates and walked away. The prickling sensation that came when someone watched you told her they were both staring. Ignoring her friends, she pulled out her debit card, laid the receipt folder on the table and waited for the waitress to return.

  She looked down at her watch. She was running late for her meeting with her boss, and he didn’t appreciate tardiness.

  Kenyatta spoke before her friends tried to continue their previous conversation. “Well, girls, it’s been fun, but I’ve got to go before the boss is all over me.”

  Carol’s frown melted into a sultry smile. “I wouldn’t mind having that man all over me.”

  Angie looked horrified. “Carol, you’re married!”

  “Oh, lighten up, Angie. Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view. And that man is fine with a capital F. Chocolate skin, tight ass, and perfect teeth. I don’t know how you concentrate at work with … what’s his name again?”

  Kenyatta avoided looking at Carol by putting her wallet back in her purse. “Malcolm.”

  “Yeah, with Malcolm around, I’d be too busy staring at that bulge in his pants.” She grinned at Kenyatta.

  Angie frowned. “I wouldn’t. Doesn’t he have a different woman every month?”

  “Yeah, who’s the new chick bringing him lunch this month?” Carol asked with a wistful gleam in her eye.

  Kenyatta sighed and finally looked back at Carol. “It’s been the same girl for the past few months.” She shrugged. “Maybe he’s settling down.”

  “Men like that don’t settle down,” Angie replied.

  Kenyatta shrugged and looked away. “Well it’s none of my business who brings him what.”

  Carol’s eyebrow shot up again, and the “gotcha” look came back. “Are you sure you’re not interested in testing those waters before tying yourself to Brad forever?”

  “Hell no! I’m not interested in sleeping with my boss,” Her denial was forced. So what if she’d had more fantasies about sleeping with her boss than she’d ever care to admit. That was one secret Carol wouldn’t pry out of her.

  Angie shook her head. “As interesting as this conversation is, I’ve got a million errands to run before picking up the kids from my in-laws.” She turned to Kenyatta. “I don’t agree with your reason for marrying Brad, but I know he loves you. I’m sure things will work out.”

  Kenyatta smiled. “Of course it’ll work out. We fit each other.”

  Carol grunted, and Angie cut her eyes at her. “They are great together.” She turned back to Kenyatta. “What are you and Brad doing tonight? Do you want to come over and hang with your nieces?”

  Even though they were not related, she and Carol both spoiled the girls so much they were like surrogate aunties.

  Kenyatta smiled, but shook her head. “I’d love too, but I can’t. Brad and I are having dinner with Michael and Joi.”

  “Brad’s best friend and his wife? Good luck with that. I don’t like them,” Carol said.

  Kenyatta picked up a chip and threw it at Carol. “That’s because they don’t put up with your bull like we do.”

  Carol shrugged and smoothed her hair. “I’m an acquired taste.”

  They laughed as they got up from the table and headed for the door, Kenyatta had to admit they all looked good. Even after two kids, Angie still had a slim figure. She’d met them after leaving the gym and was still wearing her gym clothes.

  Carol smoothed her hair and applied lip-gloss. She was the thickest of the three, but she also got the most attention. Her flamboyant, figure-flattering wardrobe, combined with too much confidence, never failed to draw m
en’s attention.

  Outside the restaurant, the oppressive humidity and heat of another summer in Columbia, South Carolina hit them in the face. Thankfully, she had no meetings with clients today, which meant she was able to wear a sleeveless V-neck knit shirt with matching skirt instead of a full suit. She pulled her compact from her purse to check for damage, reapplied her lipstick and smoothed the edges of her hair.

  “I hope you have fun tonight,” Angie told Kenyatta. “I miss those days when Jonathan and I went out with other couples, but I love my kids, so I guess it’s a trade-off.”

  Carol shook her head. “Trade-off my ass. Greg and I never want kids. It would spoil the fun. You know we like to go at it on the kitchen floor any time of day!”

  Kenyatta shook her head and hugged her friends before walking to her car. She opened the door to her black Volkswagen Passat and turned to Carol, who was parked next to her. “Carol, you’re crazy as hell.” She waved at Angie, who was parked across the lot. “I’ll see you later, Angie, call me.”

  Angie waved back. “Okay, I will. Bye, Carol, tell Greg I said hello.”

  “I will,” Carol told Angie. “Kenyatta, wait up.” She walked over to Kenyatta’s car. “I’m not fooled. Tell the truth, you know your relationship with Brad isn’t as perfect as you make it out to be.”

  Kenyatta waved a dismissive hand. “You’re over-analyzing things again. I can’t be the single friend forever. I want what my parents have, and Brad will give me that.”

  “Can you really settle for that? Angie may think love conquers all, but you don’t love Brad.”

  Kenyatta frowned. “I do love him. Maybe not as much as Angie loves Jonathan, or you love Greg, but I love him. It’ll grow stronger over time.”

  Carol just shook her head and laughed. “You’ve been around engineers too long. You think you can engineer everything in your life.”

  Kenyatta shrugged and laughed. “This route won’t hurt me. Mark my words: planning my love life is better than riding the waves of passion.”