The Last Chance by Darrien Lee Page A

the same way.”
    She laughed and said, “I understand, but you don’t know my brothers. They can be quite extreme.”
    He frowned and asked, “Why?”
    Keilah smiled and said, “My brothers are ten-plus years older than I am. They basically raised me, so I think they look at me as not only their sister but their child as well.”
    â€œI see,” Michael replied.
    The waiter returned to the table interrupting them. “Sir, are you ready for me to take your order?”
    Michael nodded at Keilah and she recited her order to the waiter. Michael gave the waiter his order as well before returning to his conversation with Keilah.
    â€œHaving older siblings can be difficult, and in your case I can see how it can be a little overwhelming. Are your parents able to make them ease up on you a little bit?”
    Keilah lowered her head in silence. Michael immediately noticed her withdrawal from the conversation. “Keilah, are you OK? Did I say something wrong?”
    She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She waved him off and said, “It’s not you, Michael, I’m sorry. You see, my mother died of breast cancer when I was ten years old and I never knew my father. He was murdered before I was born.”
    Michael reached across the table and held Keilah’s hand to comfort her. “I’m so sorry, Keilah. I didn’t mean to pry or upset you.”
    â€œI’m fine, Michael. Enough about me, tell me something about you.”
    â€œWhat do you want to know?” he asked.
    â€œHow old are you, Michael?”
    â€œThirty-five. What else do you want to know?”
    â€œHave you ever been married or had any children?”
    He sipped his wine and said, “No on both questions, Miss Chance. Now answer a question for me?”
    â€œOK,” she replied.
    With a gleam in his eyes, he asked, “Do you want children?”
    â€œOf course I do, and since I was raised in a house full of men, I want at least two girls.”
    â€œHow many children do you want to have?”
    Keilah blushed. “I don’t know. I guess at least three. Now it’s my turn. Do you want children?”
    Michael smiled and softly said, “Yes, and as soon as possible. Whoever I choose as the mother of my children would have to start right away.”
    Keilah frowned and said, “I see you’re on a mission.”
    He took a sip of champagne and said, “Most definitely. My mate would also have to be beautiful, intelligent, educated, and in excellent health.”
    Keilah didn’t know what to think of Michael’s requirements. He actually spoke as though he was looking for a baby machine instead of a wife, so she decided to ask him.
    â€œWhat about a wife, Michael? Aren’t you looking for a wife too?”
    He shifted his position in his chair and took a long sip of champagne. He sat his glass down and smiled. “Of course. Now, do you have other questions?”
    Keilah giggled. “As a matter of fact, I do. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
    He raised his glass to her and said, “Luckily for me, I’m an only child.”
    â€œIt’s not so bad having several siblings. I loved growing up in a big family. What about your parents? Are they still alive?”
    â€œMy father’s deceased, but I still have my mother. She’s in an assisted-living facility in Virginia. My mother and Aunt Teresa are sisters, but my mother is much older. Her health is not so good right now, but she’s a tough old lady.”
    Keilah played with the bouquet of roses in the center of the table. “Were you close to your father?”
    â€œI was. He was a career military man as well.”
    â€œLike father, like son,” Keilah said.
    â€œI do. Losing someone you love is never easy, Keilah. Now, let’s change the subject. This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Agreed?”
    Keilah smiled. “Agreed.”
    Michael