Blue Autumn in the Bayou (Gumbo Love) by Ann Clay

their wedding. He could tell by the look on her face that his late night partying was not a part of her celebration plans. He would do anything to change that look right now. “Say something, Reggie,” he pleaded.
    Autumn walked back into the kitchen at that moment. “You’re lucky.” She walked past him and slapped him on the back.
    “All you had to do was call me.” Reggie finally caved in.
    “I know , sweetie. That’s just it, not only did they kidnapped me, but my phone as well. Forgive me?” He closed the space between them. “I love you. I love you so much, baby.”
    “Oh, Lord.” Autumn slapped the towel on the counter and left through the patio door. “I need some air.”
    Trae lowered his head and trailed small kisses down the sides of Reggie’s face. “I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, sweetheart, I promise.”
    “You stink.” She pushed from his embrace. “Even after a shower you reek of stale alcohol.”
    “Sorry. Do you forgive me?” He lifted her chin with his fingers. “Please.”
    “Tell me this is not going to happen again, because if it is, we can save ourselves time and money by forgetting about next Saturday.”
    “It won’t happen again, I promise. So how about it? Did I tell you how much I love you?”
    “That’s your only saving grace!”
    “Thanks, baby.” He pulled her into his embrace and kissed the top of her head. “Now do you think you can fix your man something to eat?”
    Without a single word, she pointed to a covered dish on the warmer. Trae squeezed her tight. “That’s my girl, thanks.”
    “Hurry, we’re expecting company in a couple of hours and you still have chores to do.” She pulled away from him and continued with her task.
    Reggie was still in the kitchen when Travis arrived shortly after everyone else had gathered in the family room with a keg of beer in tow. She’d called him shortly after her conversation with Trae, and he told her that he, too, had just a little too much to drink; and that he had no intentions of drinking anything today. Still she reminded him that he was designated to bring the booze and had to pick up the wine and beer. When he arrived, Rykard trailed closely behind him with the case of wine snuggled up against his chest.
    “Rykard!” Reggie leaped toward him. She’d not seen him since their trip to Atlanta nearly a year before. However, she’d talked to him over the last couple of months. Rykard assured her that he wouldn’t miss their big day for nothing in the world. Reggie worried that his involvement in their wedding would drudge up hurtful memories of Valerie, his college sweetheart, but they hadn’t thus far.
    “Hi , Reggie. It’s great to see you, Lil’ bit. You look fabulous.” He hugged her snuggly.
    “I’m so happy you’re here. Trae didn’t tell me you were here. I’m going to skin him alive.”
    “He was just as surprised. I got here late yesterday afternoon. I hope you didn’t rag him too badly for hanging out last night.”
    “Well, I should have, but you know he’s got a way of making me really sweet on him.”
    “Yeah, I know, but it’s mutual.”
    “Thank you for sharing this time with us, Ry.”
    “Like I said, I had to be here, not just for Trae but for you too. Val would want it that way.” He looked into her sweet brown eyes.
    Reggie tipped up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. I know she’s here with us in spirit. I feel it.”
    * * * *
    “What’s all the fuss about?” Travis ’s voice vibrated throughout the entire room.
    Autumn’s body stilled as the sound of his voice reached her; the low timbre flooded her senses with anticipation. She fidgeted with the tray of deviled eggs to keep her mind from totally betraying her overwhelming desire to turn and wrap her arms around him. Energy beamed between them, so much so that she fought to control her now trembling hand. She could smell his aftershave lotion the moment he stepped into the room. The