HIS AFRICAN QUEEN (DSD SERIES SPINOFF)

Surprise?

Tanya takes a deep breath as she approaches the wooden, double doors.

She is anxious, a little scared and late.

She had spent the previous hours with Carmen's little boy, James. His mom had to do an extra shift in the early morning so Tanya volunteered to watch him.

She had gotten off work at nine and when she took over from the petite, brunette Carrie– who was too happy to give James to Tanya– the little boy was all smiles and laughs.

He loves to spend time with TaTa, which is what he calls her.

They played games, puzzles, board games, video games and they even had a small game of twister. They had raided the kitchen afterwards and they made a mess while making sandwiches.

James had accidentally knocked over the jam jar and Tanya was so frightened when she heard the crash but she calmed down when she saw James was fine.

She had cleaned up the mess and they both settled on the couch watching Fairly Odd Parents reruns. James was a huge Timmy fan...

He once made Tanya dress up as Wonda and play around with him granting wishes. Tanya wasn't in the mood but he was like her little brother she couldn't deny him.

James had fallen asleep at eleven and Carmen came around at one with a major headache. Tanya had tucked in James and helped Carmen to two aspirins and a glass of water.

The young mother hopped into the shower and got dressed for bed before crashing onto the couch that Tanya was lying on watching The Nanny reruns. Thank god for TV Land.

They sang the theme song unable to resist the urge. This was a show Tanya and her mom would watch every weekday at twelve-thirty in the afternoon on local TV. It was their little tradition.

"What you doing tomorrow?" Carmen had muttered as she laid her head on Tanya's stomach.

"Al invited me to Ethan's wedding as his date so I guess dress shopping."

Carmen had been surprised at that revelation and couldn't help the smile that broke onto her face. She had promised Tanya to go with her – seeing tomorrow was their day off– and she had indeed lived up to her promise.

'I'm going to get you a dress that by the end of the night he's going to want to rip it off you with his teeth.'

With a groaning James pulling at her shirt in boredom, Carmen had brought Tanya to the best dress shops she knew and let her try on outfits that she found fit the criteria.

Edgy, modest and light but it wasn't supposed to outshine the bride.

The four-year-old boy had whined on and on before keeping himself occupied playing with an attendant up and down the store. Carmen would scold him in her mother tongue before placing him on a stool only for him to run off again and drive his mother and the attendants crazy.

Tanya laughed at the scene he had caused, he was a jovial little squirt and he reminded her of herself at that age. Carefree and happy.

They had found the perfect dress and then after that, the next morning had hours of makeup and dress prep moments. Tanya was happy when Carmen had finally allowed her to breathe. The woman had used the make-up to paint her face for what seemed like hours but Tanya had to admit she did a damn good job.

Now, Tanya is at the doors that lead to the ceremony but she hesitates. What if her choice of clothing didn't work? What if she walks in at an important moment in the ceremony causing the people to stare at her with disapproval?

She takes in a large intake of air and breathes out, calming herself.

Just push the door and get it over with, she thinks as she places her hand on the handle and turns it.

The door gives a low creak as she steps in. The room is decorated in white and blue streamers and curtains. The mahogany benches are decorated with roses of multiple colours but in a consistent order. The people on the benches are staring at the couple before them not paying attention to her and she feels relief wash over her.

Tanya walks over to the backbench after closing the door and she can feel eyes on her. She looks towards the chapel her eyes dancing over the happy couple reciting vows before they land on Alexander.

She sucks in a breath.

His hair is gelled back, a black tux hugs his muscular frame firmly, a red rose in his jacket pocket and a clean shave that brings his rigid jawline into view. Alexander has great bone structure and this face is so defined and beautiful Tanya almost swoons.

His eyes hold hers, playful baby blues to warm chocolate browns.

He smiles at her in acknowledgement and she smiles waving at him. Her heart is beating fast as he stares at her hungrily and her skin heats up as excitement runs through her.

She has this feeling throughout the entire ceremony and she is happy when they announce that it is time to go to the dining area. Alexander's gaze finally eases up as the woman he marched with grabs him and pulls him towards the dining area.

Tanya sighs as she walks towards the reception area. She holds her head up in confidence and as she passes the threshold she can feel the hungry gazes biting into her.

The outfit Tanya picked is a black and white number, it hugs her body nicely and flows to her feet. It is a backless dress that ties around the neck with a deep V-cut. It holds a little modesty but still allows a girl to look sexy. She wears white pumps with this dress and her hair is straightened and lies on her shoulders.

She walks towards the bar and sits ordering a drink. Tanya pays no mind to the males around her, hoping they'd say away.

A shadow looms over her as she sips on her drink and she looks up at the person causing it. I guess they won't.

He's tall, thick and bald with caramel brown skin, a bushy mustache, pearly white teeth and big, black eyes.

"Hello there good lookin'...What's cookin'?" he asks smoothly and Tanya mentally groans.

Oh god out of all the lines in the book he chose that one, she thinks as she sips her drink with wide eyes.

"Hello, may I help you?" she asks politely.

"Yes, you may baby," baby? "I was wondering if you could give me your number it seems I've lost mine."

Smooth, she thinks sarcastically.

"Hmm, well do you have a pen?"

"Why yes I do!" he replies cheerfully with a smooth Brooklyn accent in his voice as he reaches into his pocket.

"Good, go back to it before the farmer notices you're missing," she bluntly says and he freezes. "I'm not the kind of girl you're looking for so turn around and stick to the other side of the room. Thanks."

He takes a while to recover from her blow and comes back trying to use his title to persuade her.

"Well, Miss I surely do not approve at that comment you made earlier. I'm the bride's attorney after all. I can sue you for that disrespectful comment."

She rolls her eyes with a tight smile. "Well, Mr..."

"Ellis."

"Ellis, I am a married woman who doesn't like to be preyed upon by hungry men with carnal needs. Now, forgive my comment earlier but please exit my personal space like the gentleman you are," she gives him a 'f**k off smile' before returning her focus to the drink. "Wouldn't want a fair lady to mistake you for scum? Would you now?"

He huffs and takes off while Tanya rolls her eyes for the umpteenth time.

These big, successful men acting like they are on top of the world and that they have power over her made her cool facade snap. Just because he's an attorney he thinks he can scare the panties off her? Please!

Tanya hates an arrogant, cocky, selfish, dictating and inconsiderate guy. A guy that only thinks about his needs and expected a lady to ask 'how high?' when he tells her to jump.

Submissive. That's what they wanted a woman to be. Kneel before them, kiss the ground they walk on and follow them around like their shadows.

Tanya isn't that girl and she will never be that for any man.

The other men slowly make attempts at her trying to flaunt their success and wealth at her and she brushes off. Not long after the fourth man comes around a hand slips to her back alerting her of Al's presence.

She can feel his aura pulling at her, he looks at the man before her challengingly and the man only nods stiffly before gulping. Alexander is taller than him and thicker, he looks downright intimidating and Tanya is grateful for that alpha vibes radiating off him.

Smiling apologetically at the smaller male Alexander pulls Tanya from the man's proximity and closer to him. He walks her to the dance floor and takes her hands in his before leaning forward and kissing her cheek staking his claim.

"Thanks for pulling me away from there, I felt like a gazelle awaiting those hungry lions to pounce on me," Tanya says as she smiles at him. "Even though this gazelle would have given them a run for their money."

They glide slowly across the floor as the music plays and a grin curves on Alexander's lips. "I'm sure you would have and a few wild kicks for good measure, gazelle."

"Gazelle," he says, testing it on his tongue.

"Is that that you're going to be calling me now?" she asks amused.

"Well, you're wild, fragile, quick and have some killer long legs. Hm, I think it'll work," he grins as he spins her.

The cover for Heaven being sung by Matt Bomer plays as the guests and bride and bridegroom dances about with hungry and affectionate grins on their faces. The newlyweds aren't modest on their day with hungry kisses and wandering hands. They warm the hearts of many as they play around as best friends, kiss like lovers and stare at each other with so much love it can make Jesus cry.

Can she very be like that with Alexander? She highly doubts it.

"I wouldn't blame those lions for wanting to pounce on you. That dress brings a lot of wild thoughts to my mind," Al says tearing away Tanya's gaze from the couple.

Does it make you want to rip it off with your teeth? she wants to ask but she holds back.

"You're not so bad yourself, that tux suits you," she comments.

He smirks. "Why of course, I always look good. The clothes don't make the man but rather the man makes the clothes. I could be dressed in a tutu and still make it work."

Tanya laughs at Al's comment drawing a few eyes to them. "A tutu? I can imagine you prancing around in tights already, twinkle toes."

He glares at her playfully and is about to say something when someone interrupts them.

"Alexander," the female says as she stares at Tanya with wondering eyes.

Her red hair is curled and placed in a neat bun atop her head. Her lips are cherry red contrasting with her pale skin and making her lips appear more luscious. Her blues eyes are surrounded by black eyeliner that makes her eyes pop and her white dress sits on her body gorgeously.

The dress is an off the shoulder, low cut with a puffy skirt that trails behind her. There are intriguing mesh designs on her bust and a tiara with a veil attached sits atop her head.

"Sasha," he says in annoyance. "Finished eating off Ethan's face? I swear the way you guys been acting it was like he was going to end up down your throat."

Her blue eyes shoot to him and her lips tug to a frown. "Oh look Aly's jealous because his bestie isn't paying him any mind. I feel your pain... and the fact that I've actually caught you with girls who had you literally down their throats make what we're doing look innocent."

Her eyes go to Tanya who chokes with laughter at Sasha's comment. Sasha smiles at Tanya before holding out her hand.

"Mrs. Sasha Monroe. Nice to meet you," she says proudly.

"Can't even wait to rub the last name in people's faces, can you?" Al snickers.

"Nope, he's mine and I'm his, why hide it?"

"Tanya Rhode Blake, I guess," Tanya interrupts as Al is about to comment on Sasha's statement.

"Blake?" Sasha asks confused. "Isn't Johnattan still engaged and to that Sidney Keen girl?"

Al nods his head before grin plasters on his face. "She's my wife."

The moment those words leave his mouth Sasha's eyes widen and she stills for a moment. Her eyes look back and forth between them, her mind filled to the brim with questions.

"He's telling the truth," Tanya confirms.

"Holy s**t," she whispers.

Ethan approaches clad in a black tux similar to Al's, his hair is wild and falling over his forehead. He's freshly shaven and looks happy and worry-free.

"Babe," he says as he kisses his stiff bride's temple.

His eyes move to us in confusion. "Alexander. What's she doing here?"

That wasn't rude at all, Tanya mentally sneers.

"Hi to you too Ethan," she says curtly.

"Um, sorry. Hey Tanya," Tanya nods stiffly in acknowledgement and Ethan asks his question again.

"She's his wife," Sasha chokes out in answer.

"What?" her husband asks incredulously before laughing. "That's funny babe, but for real... Why is she here?"

"Sasha's right bro," Al says as Tanya holds up her hand with the ring.

"Surprise?"

"Holy s**t," Ethan mumbles in disbelief. "Guess you really beat me to the wedding bells, didn't you?"

More like we stumbled up the alter, Tanya thinks as she gestures to the bar.

"Any of you need a drink?"

Sasha nods. "Yes and make it something strong. I'm going an entire wine cellar to cope with this shit."

That makes two of us.

They sit by the bar conversing amongst themselves about the topic at hand.

"When did this all happen? How long were you guys married?" Sasha asks as she sips her Margarita.

"Two days ago," Tanya answers.

"How?" Ethan asks incredulously.

He's having a harder time coping with this than his wife. It's understandable though, imagine if your best friend got married and you find out days after the wedding.

"The night we went to explore Vegas we got drunk," Alexander starts.

"We ended up at Lover's Chapel," Tanya adds.

"We said some vows and exchanged rings."

"Kissed to seal the deal."

"Signed a contract."

"...and poof we're married." Tanya finishes off.

Sasha shakes her head amused. "Wow for intoxicated people you act partially sober. I however dance around like a maniac when I'm drunk."

They laugh as she chugs her drink and Ethan takes away the other as she reaches for it.

"I'd like a sober wife to entertain me tonight not a drunk one," he scolds her while she pouts.

"Oh come on Etee–wee–tee, one more won't hurt," she says trailing her fingers up his arm.

He tenses as her hand settles on his chest and she leans towards his ear, nibbling it. She whispers something to him and that sultry look on his face tells that she has him right where she wants him.

"Fine," Ethan mumbles huskily as she takes the drink from his hand.

"That's a guy who's p***y–whipped," Alexander mutters in Tanya's ear and she chuckles.

"If we were really a couple you'd be just like that or worse," she says matter-of-factly.

Alexander raises a brow.

"Would I now?" He whispers, nibbling her ear causing her to momentarily close her eyes. "You would be the one trying to jump my d**k, gazelle."

Tanya opens her eyes to laughter from the couple in front of her.

"Be careful," Sasha teases. "Those sweet words may just cause ants to chew on your ear."

Ethan and Alexander laugh at Tanya's shocked expression and she curses under her breath.

He did that on purpose, she thinks in frustration.

With revenge on her mind, Tanya turns around and kisses his cheek catching him off guard before working her way up to his jawline. He stills beneath her and she smirks as his breaths come out in pants. She nibbles on his ear and he shivers at her touch.

"Who's whipped now?" she asks cheekily.

Ethan and Sasha laugh at their teasing and Al huffs with a roll of his eyes.

"Damn you guys are already getting along in this marriage. I'm sure it'll work out..." Sasha pipes optimistically.

"It won't, we're getting divorced," Alexander says abruptly causing Tanya's face to fall.

I mean that is a given but he didn't have to say it so... bluntly, coldly, uncaringly.

"What?" Sasha asks in disbelief. "Why?"

"Sasha it's their choice if they want to divorce let them," Ethan says looking down at his wife a little defeated.

"What do you mean?! You're all about no divorce in marriages. Why change now?!" She's glaring at her husband like he's grown two heads.

"I'm sure they have their reasons," he says as he looks at Alexander knowingly.

"Ethan Lucas Monroe, what are you–?"

"It's okay, Sasha," Tanya pipes in trying to ease the tension. "We both agree to it."

Sasha stares at them incredulously.

"Plus it's already in place. We just have to go to Atlanta to sign the papers," Alexander says casually.

"Go to Atlanta?" Tanya asks in surprise.

"Yeah, we need to go there to sort all this out since we didn't sign a prenup," he says sipping his drink.

"...and when were you going to tell me this?" she asks glaring at his neutral face.

"Tonight since we leave tomorrow."

The nerve of this man!

"What do you mean we leave tomorrow?"

"Um, we'll leave you two to bicker. This early marriage quarrel isn't a good example for us," Sasha says teasingly as she pulls Ethan away with her. "We'll be over there."

Tanya stares holes in Alexander's skull as he sits casually around the bar.

"Tomorrow, really?"

"Surprise?" he says with a shrug.

Tanya clenches her fists as she takes deep breaths. Calm, calm, one, two, three, four...

"Alexander I am a working woman. I have a job," Tanya states.

"I wouldn't call that a job. Plus if you leave I'm sure there are other places for you to shake your ass for money."

He didn't... He didn't just say that.

"Well Alexander, we aren't all blessed with a rich dad to give us money to wipe our asses with. Some of us have to work to get what we want, not kiss our parent's asses." Tanya sneers. "I am not going anywhere with you... Now excuse me, your ass-kissing highness."

With that Tanya turns on her heels and walks to the happy couple.

"I'm sorry but I have to leave. I hope your ceremony ends well and you have fun on your honeymoon," she says as she approaches them.

Sasha kisses her cheek with a raised brown while Ethan gives her a handshake before Tanya scoots away.

In the hall, Alexander catches up to her and she huffs as he grabs her wrist. Tanya glares at him and he tightens his hold.

"You can't leave you're my date. It'll look bad if you leave me here alone. Let's just go back we'll have a decent conversation about it and I'll even forgive you for calling me an ass kisser."

Forgive her?

She looks at him incredulously. That's what he walked her down for? To save his ego?

She releases a humorless laugh and he looks at her with a raised brow. She pulls away her hand with her teeth gritted.

"You'll forgive me? I'm not supposed to leave to save your fragile ego? Oh, baby watch me."

With that, she swings her hips walking away from him and she did look sexy doing it.