THE HONOURABLE MAN

Episode 43

Kiana impatiently waits for Bryan to fall asleep but because he had a nap late afternoon he is still wide awake.

After Kiandra sleeps she forces Bryan to go to bed, "but I'm not feeling sleepy yet," he protests. "It doesn't matter it's way past your bed time," she counters.

"Daddy.. mommy is forcing me to sleep," he looks to him to save him but his father disappoints him by siding with his mother, "She is right, it's way past your bed time little man. You need to sleep, come on I will read you a bed time story," he offers.

"Okay," he excitedly races his father to his room. He tucks him in and reads him his favorite bed time story and soon he drifts to sleep.

He joins his wife in their bedroom, he finds her standing naked while rummaging in her closet searching for a night dress to slip into.

He can't get enough of how gorgeous his wife is, even after bearing him two children she maintained her sexy figure. Shivers fly down his spine and his p***s starts to harden. Unfortunately she is not in the mood for s*x as she has been impatiently awaiting an explanation from him.

"Don't dress up," he nearly says that out aloud as he watches her slipping into her gown.

"I didn't hear you come in," she is startled when she turns around to meet his gaze.

"The door was open," he says.

"Bryce...It's been a long day I really need my beauty sleep. I don't mean to rush you but do you mind if we quickly continue the conversation we started earlier on?"

"Of course," he figures she wouldn't be able to sleep without getting answers to her questions.

"Janet want's me to legally adopt Sam," he blurts.

"What?" She gapes.

"But...why now...after all this time?" she stutters.

This is something Kiana would have never guessed and she has no idea how to feel about the thought of Bryce legally adopting Janet's child.

"A lot has happened since the last time I saw her.. it's actually a shame," he sighs.

"Tell me about it,"

"Sam's biological father overdosed and died when Sam turned seven. Janet has been struggling to raise him ever since then and now she is being prosecuted for drug distribution. She is facing three to five years in jail," he explains.

"I was thinking of hiring a good lawyer for her so she can get a reduced sentence but only if it's okay with you," he expectantly glances at her.

"I don't know what to say but this is just too much for me to process. She wants you to adopt her son and you also want to hire her a lawyer. Not to mention that you hid this from me for an entire week," she grumbles.

"I was waiting for the right time to tell you, I didn't want to spoil your Christmas mood," he states..

Kiana runs her hand through her hair before thoughtfully slumping onto her pillow.

"Kiana you must know that I don't care about Janet...the only reason I want to help her is because of that sweet, innocent poor child. I can't pretend I never raised and loved him as my own for five good years,"

"I know that but I thought you were over that. You have your own biological children now. Are you telling me you are considering adopting Sam?" she furrows her brows.

He doesn't respond right away, he meanders around the room while ruffling his hair.

"You don't know Janet, she is the most spiteful woman I have ever met and she hates me. If she is now willing to give me legal custody of her son then something in her must have changed. For once in her life she is thinking of someone else besides herself. You were willing to marry Remy and become a step mother to two of his daughters this is no diff...."

"Stop right there! Don't you dare drag Remy's kids or my past life into this. The mother of Remy's children was an innocent woman who never caused me any pain unlike Janet Jules who was the reason you dumped me to be with her just because she lied about Sam's pregnancy being yours," she huffs.

Kiana is not one to hold grudges but she has never liked to hear the name Janet Jules. She has never met her in person before but she did check out her f*******: page to get a glimpse of what she looks like following her broken engagement to Bryce.

"That was a long time ago sweetheart...you are the most pure, kind, loving and forgiving person I know. I'm confident you would make an amazing mother to that child. He needs someone like you in his life,"

"We are not talking about adopting a puppy or a kitten. Sam is a human being, a fragile and broken child for that matter. How am I going to be able to mother him?"

"All you need to do is to accept him and show him love that's all. I can't let that child go to foster homes," he dolefully states.

"Looks like you have already made up your mind," she smirks.

"No...of course not. I was just saying... Kiana the decision is yours. I would never do anything you are not comfortable with. You are my wife and therefore you are my first priority. But I'm begging you to give Sam a chance. You know Bryan would be happy to have a big brother to play with," he pushes.

"I have never met Sam before and you haven't seen him for years now. He may no longer be the sweet innocent child that you remember. Shouldn't he be around ten years old now?"

"Yeah he should be ten years old now...I have an idea.. how about we schedule a day out with Sam and you get to know him?"

"I guess that would be okay but I need to meet his mother first,"

"You want to meet Janet?" His eyes widen in surprise.

"Yes...what's so surprising about that? I can't consider adopting her child without talking to her first," she insists.

"Oh...okay...I will make a plan so the three of us can meet," he agrees.

"Not the three of us...I want to meet her alone," she emphasizes.

"Why?" He is baffled.

"I have my own reasons, don't worry...you can trust me,"

"I know I can trust you, it's Janet I'm concerned about. She has a venom tongue," he warns.

"I can handle her and if she genuinely wants us to adopt her son then she won't be foolish enough to provoke me," she confidently utters.

"Alright then...enough about Janet, come closer," he whispers seductively as he draws her body nearer to his.

He considers that she is exhausted so he doesn't ask her to perform. She lies on her left hip and he straddles her with his right thigh. He takes advantage of the physical closeness and kisses her neck, strokes her n*****s and massages her clits.

He guides his manhood into her hallway and thrusts slowly and gently. A moan of pleasure escapes her mouth as his movements feel like a gentle massage.

Putting into consideration that they are both tired and in need of rest, he finishes early but not before satisfying her.

***

Two days later Kiana leaves the kids in Bryce's care as she drives to Deli's café to meet up with Janet Jules.

She is nervous as hell but she does not intend to make that obvious to her. She catches her breath a moment before she saunters inside the café.

It takes her only a few seconds to spot Janet thanks to the café being nearly empty. She glances at the woman who has had more s****l intimacy with her husband than anyone else in the world. Janet was with Bryce for nearly six years and she has only been with him for less than five years, the thought bugs her.

"Janet Jules?" she asks for confirmation before taking the chair across hers.

"Kiana Ray," she glances up at her.

"Actually it's Kiana Adams now," she corrects.

"Of course, how do you Mrs. Bryce Adams?"

She can't decide if she is being sarcastic or not? She brushes it aside.

"I'm doing well thank you...and yourself?"

She delays her response as she fixates on Kiana causing her to feel more uncomfortable than she already is.

She silently envies her wavy and shiny healthy hair, her eyes dart to her thick eyelashes and her perfectly manicured nails.

She suddenly remembers what it was like living off Bryce's credit cards.

She used to dress in the most expensive designer clothes and was living a lavish life until she messed it all up and now she looks like someone the world has given a thorough beating.

"You are beautiful," she compliments catching her off guard.

She was not expecting any fluttering comments from her.

"Thank you," she falters.

"Bryce sure knows how to nourish and upgrade a woman," she smirks.

Kiana is a bit offended by her statement. She feels she is suggesting that it's Bryce's money that turned her into the polished and sophisticated woman she is.

She is not about to turn down the chance to set her straight. She clears her throat before responding.

"You obviously didn't do any research on me. I was a branch manager at Raunchy Magazine and also a share holder at Alandro Rehabilitation Centre. I was living in my purchased apartment in Rosca Towers and taking very good care of myself before Bryce and I reconciled but the truth is he really does know how to treat a woman. He is a good honorable man and I feel lucky to call him my husband," she quirks her lips.

"Well I hope you didn't come here just to gloat," she smirks as she leans back against her chair.

"Of course not,"

"Then do you mind telling me exactly why we are here?" She lifts an eyebrow at her.

"I just thought to personally meet the conniving and heartless woman who got in between me and Bryce and caused us to spend six years apart," she sneers.

Janet bursts into laughter, "Are you kidding me?" she cackles.

"Does it look like I'm kidding?" she huffs.

"I know what I did to Bryce and my son was wrong but I didn't know about you?" She rolls her eyes.

"Would it have made a difference if you did?"

She takes a few seconds to think about it, "I guess not," she snickers.

"Why am I not surprised?"

"Listen Kiana, I don't need you to judge me for my past mistakes. I wronged Bryce and my son and I'm honestly trying to make up for my wrongs. That is why I'm offering Bryce a chance to legally adopt my son. I know for a fact that he never stopped caring about his very first born child," she states.

Kiana is appalled by the woman's nerve, "how dare you say that to me, the only mother of his children. Bryan is his first child you need to get that straight," she scoffs.

"My bad! I didn't mean to offend you. I know Sam isn't his biological child but he still is the first child that your husband raised, regardless of biology Bryce was Sam's father in everyway,"

"Yeah only because you lied to him for over five years," she glares at her.

"Hey! I did not come here for this useless argument. If you don't want your husband to adopt Sam then just say so. I'm not going to force my son on you," she barks.

"I'm sorry...you are right...I didn't come here to fight with you. I should get going now but before I leave I need to know if you are okay with Sam joining us for lunch tomorrow?"

"Of course...we will be there," her eyes brighten.

"I think you didn't hear me clearly. You are not invited we only want Sam," she clarifies.

"Oh...right!!" Janet feels silly for deluding herself into thinking her presence would be requested

****

"How did it go?" Bryce curiously questions his wife the minute she walks in.

"Definitely not as bad as you imagined," she responds.

"Tell me everything," he probes.

"Bryce....no!" she chuckles

"Why not?" He throws his hands in the air.

"Because it's none of your business," she shoots.

"Fine! So will Sam be joining us for lunch tomorrow?"

"Yeah... she agreed and she thought she was invited as well. I made it clear she wasn't,"

"Good...I would rather not have Janet step foot in my house. She has a tendency of bringing trouble with her wherever she goes." He snarls.

"Do you think Sam still remembers you?" She questions.

He looks away for a few seconds, "I don't know but I hope he does. I am nervous about seeing him again after so long," he confesses.

She places a comforting hand on his back, "If he doesn't remember you then you will create new memories," she flashes him a confident smile.

"Does that mean you will let me adopt him?"

"Bryce... you do know that legal adoption isn't the only way for you to be in Sam's life? You can be his guardian until he turns 18 and you need to stop pushing me to make a decision. I thought we agreed we would first spend time with Sam before any decision making," she gripes.

"I'm sorry...I will try and be patient...Let me make you some hot cocoa," he offers as he presses down her shoulders forcing her to sit down.

Bryce spends the rest of the day reminiscing about his five year journey with Sam. He hopes he is still a sweet and innocent good boy that he used to be. Because he has spent five years alone with a toxic mother like Janet he is not so sure how Sam has been affected but he will find out soon enough.

**

The day fades away quickly and a new day is born.

"Janet just called, she is bringing Sam to town in fifteen minutes," he nervously announces. "Should he come to the house or we should take him out?" she questions.

"I think it's too soon for fun and outings, the best way to get to know him is to have him in the house where he will be comfortable, relaxed and focused," he states.

"Do you want me to go pick him up?" She offers.

"I think it's best if I go.. I don't want him to be overwhelmed," He says.

Kiana would had preferred to tag along and not miss Sam's reaction when he sees Bryce again after five years but she understands that her husband is nervous about it and therefore wants a little privacy.

"I'm heading out...I will be back soon," he hollers. "Noted. I will make sure you find lunch ready," she shouts.

What does one prepare for a ten year old? She wonders. Feeling too nervous to cook she decides to order some takeaways, wraps, pizza, burger and fries.

****

Bryce anxiously hops out of his car and walks towards Janet and Sam, whom he can see has grown tall from afar. Sam startles him when he runs into his arms, screaming "Uncle Bryce," he is too stunned to respond but after a few seconds he also wraps his arms around him.

"Hey...you still remember me," he casts Janet a stunned look hoping she would explain how that is possible.

"Of course I remember you, mom kept our picture albums and the videos. I used to watch them every night especially my fifth birthday video and the one where you were teaching me how to play soccer," he babbles.

"She did?" Bryce is shocked he clearly did not expect that from Janet. Perhaps he was wrong to think there was no goodness left in her.

"Yeah but she told me you died in a car crash," he blurts.

Bryce frowns at Janet and his expression silently demands an explanation from her.

"It was the only way I could stop him from crying his eyes out begging to see you," she twists her lips.

"Does he know the truth about everything?" He questions.

"Of course I do.. I'm not five years old anymore," he cuts in.

Bryce exchanges a few words with Janet before they drive off.

**

Kiana hurriedly strides outside the house the moment she hears her front gate slide open.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Adams, thank you very much for inviting me to your beautiful home," he greets causing her to put on a chuffed smile.

"I'm happy to have you here," she grins.

Kiana instantly falls in love with Sam, he is a handsome, respectful and smart kid. Definitely someone she would love to have around her children.

After dinner Sam volunteers to clear the table and insists on washing the dishes.

Bryan and Sam click right away, Bryan excitedly leads Sam into his play room to show him his toys and they start playing together.

"Aww isn't that a beautiful sight," Bryce crows.

"I have never seen Bryan this excited," she beams.

"Neither have I," he agrees.

They get to ask Sam a few questions about his preferences and school and he too bombards them with questions.

"Would you like to live with us?" Kiana asks the final question.

His eyes tear up, "You would do that for me?" He is struck with amazement.

"Absolutely," she responds.

"Yes! I would love to stay here with you guys," he runs into their arms for a group hug.

A couple of days later Kiana and Bryce sign the documents which state that they are now Sam's foster parents until he turns eighteen. Although Bryce was keen to legally adopt Sam he is grateful to his wife for opening up their home to Sam.

To protect their children's inheritance, Kiana refused to legally adopt Sam after all what Sam really needed was a loving home and not their inheritance. He too didn't want a legal adoption. Despite his mother being a screwed up mom he adored her and never wanted her to give up her legal rights on him.

Janet is grateful to both Bryce and Kiana for taking in her child. The lawyer that Bryce hired for her manages to have her sentence reduced to two years.

Bryce agrees to bring Sam to visit her in prison at least once a week.