Oceans Deep

Oceans Deep

Atlanta Hunter

(Sequel to Testing the Waters)

Oceans Deep

Atlanta Hunter

Copyright © Atlanta Hunter 2017

Published at Smashwords

All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this eBook may be copied or sold. This eBook is fiction. All characters, locations, and situations are purely fictional, coincidental, and for entertainment only.

Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons— living or dead— is entirely coincidental.

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Table of Contents

Summary

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Upcoming: Back to Life

About the Author

Other Works by Atlanta

Connect with Atlanta

Special Thanks from Atlanta

Summary

Yazmin

I love Jamal and the life we have together, but I can’t help wanting more. I don’t want him to look at me differently. I know I shouldn’t let past insecurities tear us apart. I’m trying to fight through them, but will he understand and stay by my side?

Jamal

Yazmin is everything I’ve ever wanted and I look forward to our future together. So, why does it look like she’s pulling away from me? I can’t let that happen. I won’t let it happen. No matter how much we want this, it’s not worth losing each other.

The story of Jamal Parker and Yazmin King continues, only now they are Mr. and Mrs. Parker. They are coming up on their three year wedding anniversary! Life couldn’t be better but…

Oceans Deep

(Sequel to Testing the Waters)

Prologue

Present, September 20th, 2015

Yazmin

I can’t believe it! I’m Mrs. Jamal Parker! All I can do is smile as I stare at my ring finger. My engagement ring is a platinum, princess cut two-carat diamond ring. My wedding band is a platinum seven-diamond channel. I loved my wedding dress even though it took me two months to find. I know a wedding is only for one day, but I didn’t want to wear just any dress. I was marrying my best friend. I had waited so long to meet my husband, and it surprised me when it turned out to be Jamal.

My wedding dress was an ivory lace off-the-shoulder mermaid gown. I loved its floor length with a court train and a scoop neckline. I loved the tulle and the flower-laced patterns that ran from my shoulders all the way down the train. The way Jamal stared at me as I walked down the aisle confirmed that I had made the right choice.

I am now standing in the master bedroom of a beach house in Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas. I can’t describe the beauty of this place. I’ve never seen water so clear. The beach looks like a postcard. I still can’t believe Jamal’s parents sent us here as a wedding present. I nearly passed out when they surprised us with their gift during the reception.

The Wedding Day, one day earlier

Mr. Parker, Jamal’s father, looked debonair in his black tux. His bald head made him look distinguished; for a man in his mid-fifties, he was in great shape. Jamal looks like him, but he had his mother’s brown eyes. Mr. Parker had hazel eyes.

I was in tears over the speech my own father gave and I didn't know if I could take much more. He said I would always be his little girl and was happy that I had found happiness. Thank God for waterproof mascara. I chose more of a natural look with regards to my makeup, but my eyes did make a statement with the purple eye shadow to bring out my brown eyes. I went with purple, silver, and white for my wedding colors. Jamal didn’t care, he just wanted to marry me. I felt his arm drape over my shoulder.

Mr. Parker cleared his throat once he took the microphone. He appeared to be holding a manila folder tucked underneath his arm. Yazmin and Jamal, I’ve watched you two these last twenty years and I’ve seen the friendship you two have shared. Yazmin, I want you to know that I already had you picked for my son, but it took him a while to reach this conclusion. I love you, son.

The crowd laughed as Jamal shook his head in obvious embarrassment. I kissed his cheek.

Anyway, you two started off as friends, and that’s what’s going to keep you together. Marriage is not easy, but it’s worth it. No matter what life throws at you, never give up on each other. You two were made for each other. Remember that. Yazmin, I can see how much you love my son and I know he adores you. I wish you both the best. He raised his glass and the rest of the crowd joined in.

By now I was dabbing my eyes with my napkin. Jamal walked over to hug his dad. I stood to join the embrace, but when Mr. Parker signaled his wife to join us, I was certain something was up. Mrs. Parker stood at five-seven with salt peppered shoulder-length hair. She regarded herself as a full-figured woman and was always telling me that a man likes meat on his woman. I always laughed it off since she knows I struggled with my weight growing up. I like my size-six body.

As a gift, Mr. Parker continued, we are sending you on an all-expense paid seven-day honeymoon to Paradise Island, the Bahamas.

I covered my mouth in shock as Jamal took the folder from his dad to look inside. I saw the plane tickets along with a brochure for the beach house. I looked up at my parents who had joined us; my mom embraced me.

Did you know about this? I asked her.

Of course, she replied. We knew you two would get together eventually. Your father and I agreed that we would take care of the wedding while Jamal’s parents would take care of the honeymoon.

I don’t know what to say, Jamal answered.

I just wish you’d proposed to Yazmin sooner, Mr. King, my father, added. We’ve had a pool on you both for years and I was starting to get concerned.

I was so happy when Jamal broke up with Danielle, Mrs. Parker stated.

And don’t forget, sweetie, my mom said, your faze with Brad.

I can’t believe you are bringing up our exes at our wedding, I said, trying not to laugh. They had actually betted on when Jamal and I would hook up.

It doesn’t matter, Mr. Parker uttered, you both grew from the experience and it made you better for each other. You’re his wife now Yazmin, which makes you officially our daughter.

I kissed his cheek. You guys are amazing. Between the wedding and this trip to the Bahamas, I’m… I… thank you.

Jamal, just make sure you both use protection when you two consummate, Mrs. Parker said. We all turned our eyes to look at her. Yazmin doesn’t need to get pregnant right away. You two need time to grow as a married couple, although it would be nice to have a grandchild.

Mama, seriously? Jamal replied, clearly shocked.

Oh that would be nice to have our first grandbaby, my mom said.

All I could do was eyeball my father and father in-law. Understanding the message, they each took their wives’ arms and directed them back to their table. Our moms were still talking to each other as if nothing had happened. Ever since Jamal and I started dating, they have been waiting for the day of our marriage. I felt Jamal’s hand embrace mine.

They are something, he said.

I know, I replied before laughing.

Dance with me, Baby? he whispered.

I nodded as he led me to the dance floor.

Present, September 20th, 2015

The beach house has a modern décor. The palms trees outside sway to the cool salty breeze. We have a pool outside and the private beach is close by. I’m standing in front of the window. The sun is starting to set; it is dipping into the crystal-clear water. The colors in the sky are breathtaking with oranges, pinks, and purples. It looks like it was painted by God.

I haven’t seen Jamal since lunch and I wonder where he is. He was out on the Jet Ski earlier and he even dared me to join him. Just to rattle him, I did and ended beating him in a race back to the shore. We ate lunch and I guess I must’ve still had jet lag because I fell asleep. I do remember him carrying me to the bedroom and although I was a little groggy, he did say he was going into town for something. I didn’t plan on sleeping that long and I’m surprised he’s not back yet. Just as I’m about to go the kitchen, I see someone walking along the beach. I’d know that frame anywhere. It’s my husband.

Jamal

My bare feet are cushioned in the sand as I watch the waters crash over each other, the sun descending into their wild embrace. I let Yazmin sleep because I know she is tired. I’m feeling it too but not as much. It’s our first night here and I couldn’t be happier. I’m married to my best friend. I stared at her so long during the wedding ceremony that the preacher, Reverend James, had to remind me to say my vows.

I couldn’t help it; she was so beautiful. She kept saying I was going to love the dress but I loved the woman in the dress. Then again, the dress did bring out her natural beauty, not to mention her curves. I loved the way her hips looked. I close my eyes as the memories flood my mind.

The Wedding Day, one day earlier

Dearly beloved, Reverend James began. We are gathered here today in the sight of God and the company of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate instituted by God Almighty and should not be entered into lightly, but soberly and in the fear of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yazmin and Jamal have opted to recite their own vows. Yazmin.

I watched as Alana handed Yazmin a small piece of paper and I prayed she didn’t break me. Then again, she always did. I didn’t know what it is about this woman, but I couldn’t help loving her.

Jamal, Yazmin began. I watched as she leaned her head to the side, tearing up. You’ve been my best friend since we were nine years old. Over twenty years, you’ve been a part of my life as a friend, but now you’re in my life as my one true love. I never knew that I could fall in love with my best friend, but I did. I was scared to admit my feelings, but that was because I didn’t want to lose what we had. You taught me how to be brave, to love wholeheartedly, and unconditionally. As I stand here today, I vow to love you no matter what. I know it won’t be easy and I won’t be perfect. I do promise my heart and love to you and only you. You’ll always have me as a lover, friend, confidante, and encourager. I’ll always support your dreams, because God knows you’ve fulfilled mine. I love you forever.

All I could do was stare. Her eyes were glistening and I brushed her falling tear away with my thumb. She mouthed, I love you. I mouthed it back just as I heard Reverend James.

Jamal? he said.

Oh right, I replied only to hear the crowd laugh at my slip-up. I didn’t care because Yazmin was here. I turned and Phillip handed me the paper with the vows I wrote. I couldn’t decide between him and Deshawn as my best man, so I asked them both. Phillip was in charge of the vows, while Deshawn had the wedding band. I turned back to face my gorgeous bride.

Yazmin, I started. I remember when I first kissed you. You were so sad that night of homecoming in high school and more than anything, I wanted to take your pain away. I hated to see you hurt and if I could do anything to shield it away from you, I would put myself on the front lines of life to protect you. What I didn’t know was that kiss would lead me on a journey and that the destination would be you. The most freeing experience was admitting to falling in love with you and the most joy I felt was when you said it back.

She dabbed her eyes but I had to keep going.

You are, I continued, everything I wanted. I love that we can clown and kid each other. I love when you tease me. I love that I can open up to you, but most of all, I love that I can be myself with you. You’ve seen me at my lowest moments and still you saw the best. You once said I ‘broke down your walls,’ but Yaz, you broke through mine. I love you more than you know. It’s you and me, Baby. It’ll always be you and me. My vow to you is my love. I vow to love you every day for the rest of my life.

Jamal, I heard her whisper.

I love you, I repeated and tucked the paper in my pocket. I took her hands in mine.

I love you too, she replied.

Reverend James moved to the rings and Yazmin and I placed them on each other. He said one final prayer of blessing over us and finally said the words I’d been waiting to hear all day. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jamal, you may kiss your bride.

I cradled Yazmin’s face in my hands as hers grazed up my back. I didn’t want to rush the moment, but I couldn’t contain the passion I felt when our lips met. We joked that we didn’t wanted to slob each other down in church, but in my mind, we were married. So if I wanted to tongue-kiss my wife, I was going to tongue-kiss my wife.

However, I did try to keep it as appropriate as possible since I didn’t want her to be embarrassed. She still gets a little shy when it comes to PDA. Me, I don’t care because she was mine. As much as I wanted to devour her mouth right then, I held back some, knowing there was always later. I could kiss her everywhere then. I couldn’t wait.

I present to you for the first time, Reverend James stated, Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Parker.

I grinned against Yazmin’s lips. She gave me one last peck before grabbing my hands and laced our fingers. She beamed. We turned to see our family and friends on their feet cheering and clapping. Yazmin and I walked down the aisle to exit the church hand in hand as husband and wife.

Present, September 20th, 2015

I feel her arms embrace my waist and I clasp her hands in front of my chest. I feel her mouth kiss my back through my collared shirt. I turn into her embrace and lower my head to meet her mouth. She’s running her hands up and down my back as her tongue meets mine. My hands are in the waves of her hair. She’s been on the natural hair kick for almost a year, and I think I’m beginning to like it. The natural kinks of her hair feel soft against my fingers. They look amazing when the wind blows them in wind.

Where did you go? she asks me in between kisses.

I went to a souvenir shop. I thought we could take something back for our parents, I reply.

I still can’t believe they did this.

Me neither.

She looks up at me. You happy?

Yes, I reply. There are not enough words to describe what I’m feeling.

Me too, she states. It’s so beautiful here. She pulls away and starts to walk closer to the water. I hadn’t seen what she was wearing until now. Her mint green sundress hugs her waist, the hem grazing her legs at mid-thigh. She’s barefoot, which I love. The sun is just about set, but the way it illuminates my wife is breathtaking.

Yazmin

I turn back around to see Jamal sitting on the beach. His arms are resting on his knees as he stares back at me. He looks sexy in his white collared shirt, which is rolled up to his elbows. I love the khakis shorts he’s wearing and I’m loving his clean-shaven face, although I did tell him I prefer his facial stubble. I saunter over and kneel before him. He opens his arms and I move to sit back between his legs. He wraps his arms around me as we watch the sky darken. I sigh when I feel his lips kiss my cheek.

I got you something, he whispers in my ear.

I smile when I see a necklace hover in front my face. It’s a simple silver chain with a scripted word, Yazmin, as the pendant. Again, just when I think he’s not listening, he surprises me. I’ve complained over the years that my name is uncommon and how I always wanted something with my name. Yeah, I know I could’ve gotten it myself, but it means so much more that it’s