Somebody's Husband

by Robbi Renee

Genres: African American Mystery & Detective; African American Romance; Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

A grieving doctor and a nurturing professor join forces on a potentially groundbreaking medical study that sparks a profound connection neither saw coming in this unconventional romantic drama, perfect for fans of Briana Cole, Tia Williams, Kennedy Ryan, and Mary B. Morrison.

Dr. Dresden Xavier moved his family back to his hometown of Monroe City after an unfortunate tragedy. Searching for an escape from the reality of grief and depression, Dresden buries himself in a grueling medical research project that could yield life-changing results. What was supposed to be a short-term partnership with the Professor of Nursing at Monroe University, quickly morphs into a case study of love… or maybe just an experiential error.
 
Harper Kingsley, a loving wife, mother, and professor, was not only seeking tenure but a little peace and happiness in her fast-paced life. In the public eye, Harper is a poised perfectionist, but behind closed doors, she desperately fights to mend the broken threads of her feeble family. Lies, sickness, and secrets that could destroy her family permeate her soul until the healing touch of Dr. Xavier changes her trajectory. What was supposed to be a clinical research assignment evolves into something much greater and beyond their control.

Release date: December 24, 2024

Publisher: Black Odyssey Media

Print pages: 288

Sample

Chapter One

“Dres, you don’t think this house is too big? Too expensive? And it needs a ton of work, babe,” Nina said, looking over her shoulder at her husband as they toured the dated 1970s home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Dresden gazed at his wife with the same dreamy eyes that landed on her pretty face across the yard at Howard University when they were college freshmen.

Dr. Dresden Xavier and Nina Rose Hanover married three years ago after graduating from Howard University. Dresden was premed, and Nina was an education major.

Dresden continued his studies at Howard University Medical School, where he recently graduated after completing his residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nina joined Teach For America and worked as a middle school math teacher for two years.

The Xaviers decided to make Maryland their permanent home after Dresden was offered a coveted position as a lead researcher in the university’s Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“No, it’s not too big, and yes, it’s too expensive, and yes . . . It’s a diamond in the rough,” Dresden said, chuckling as he shortened the distance between them.

Gliding his hand around her swollen pregnant belly, he pulled her into his body.

“Rosie, we deserve this. Sweetheart, you deserve this,” he uttered the words against her neck before kissing her there.

Nina rested in his protective embrace and smiled.

“Baby, you’ve been my rock since the day we met. You’ve supported my dreams even when it meant postponing yours. I owe you this, Mrs. Xavier.”

Dresden spun her around to face him. Leaning into the kiss, they chuckled at how her protruding belly blocked their intimacy. He cupped her face, drew her lips closer, and kissed her softly.

“I guess we’re moving on up,” she sang sarcastically, mocking the classic television show’s theme song.

An audible sigh echoed through the empty space. Dresden stood in the middle of his living room, slowly circling, digesting all the memories that resided in the walls and crevices of his family’s home.

He recalled the night he carried his wife, Nina, over the threshold of their new home, although they’d already been married for a few years. And the day they brought home their identical twin girls, Bella and Bryn, from the hospital. He reminisced on the nights he and his wife, who he lovingly called Rosie, would slow dance to Teddy Pendergrass in the sunroom after the girls were asleep.

After nineteen marvelous years in the four-bedroom home nestled on a cul-de-sac, much had changed in just two short years. Dr. Dresden Xavier was a forty-four-year-old single dad to his now-nineteen-year-old twins . . . and a widower.

Two years ago, in the very home that they eventually made their dream home, his wife of twenty-two years peacefully passed away. She was surrounded by her family and close friends after a valiant eighteen-month battle with ovarian cancer.

“Daddy, you ready?” Bryn asked.

Dresden slowly spun around to view his beautiful baby girl. Both Bryn and Bella carried so many features of their mother, but Bryn . . . Bryn was Nina’s clone. Gorgeous cinnamon skin was speckled with freckles, and auburn-brown curly hair grew back after she shaved her head alongside her mother. Bryn had the widest smile that could brighten the foggiest day, just like his Rosie.

He nodded, opening his arms to receive her. Bryn hadn’t said she needed comforting, but the reddened gloss in her eyes told all her secrets. She quickly diminished the gap between them, burrowing her face into her daddy’s chest. Bryn tried her best to compose the brewing emotions, but something about her dad’s caress allowed her to release them. A deafening wail whirled through the space entwined with the family memories. She was a daddy’s girl, but her mother’s death crippled her. It disabled the entire family.

Nina was the bedrock, . . . the foundation of the Xavier clan. She always had been. Postponing her desire to attend graduate school, she worked tirelessly as a schoolteacher while Dresden completed medical school and then his residency. She dreamed of starting an education nonprofit serving Black kids in the Baltimore area. Nina’s dream was further deferred when she became pregnant. Raising twins who quickly transitioned into rambunctious toddlers became her full-time job.

Dresden kissed the top of his daughter’s head as she settled. Although they were surviving, the grief was often unpredictable and overwhelming. The decision to leave the only home his daughters had known revived so many unexpected emotions that they’d vainly attempted to erase.

“We’re going to be OK, sweetie. Leaving the house doesn’t mean we’re leaving Mom because she’s—”

“The sun, the moon, and the stars. Mommy is everywhere we are,” Bryn said, sniffing and swiping away her tears.

He nodded.

Dresden covered her cheeks with kisses until his daughter reluctantly released a boisterous giggle.

“Dad,” Bryn groaned, playfully pushing him away.

“Is Daddy giving sloppy kisses again, B?” An identical voice to Bryn’s rang from the front door.

Bella crossed the threshold into the house and joined in on the embrace. Where Bryn was feisty and fearless like her mother, Bella was somewhat timid and cautious, similar to her dad. She had to calculate and forecast every possibility before making any decisions. The one choice that she was absolutely resolute about was delaying college to stay home to care for her mother.

Nina and Bella were always a close-knit unit, but during those final months, they were inseparable. Their moments were sometimes filled with lively chatter, and other instances overflowed with tearful yet silent exchanges. They’d document family recipes, journal, paint, and even select a design for Bella’s wedding dress so that Nina could participate in the process whenever that day came.

When her mother died, Dresden expected Bella to be the most devastated, given the numerous hours they spent together over the last several months of Nina’s life. Surprisingly, Bella had been the most grounded throughout the entire ordeal. She managed her grief in what her mother would consider an “appropriate way.”

Bella allowed herself to feel . . . everything. She cried, screamed, laughed, and braved the woe whenever and wherever she needed to, whereas Dresden and Bryn went numb, suffering in silence and solitude. They busied themselves with school and work.

Bella’s eyes surveyed the only home she’d known and mouthed, “Wow,” stunned and saddened by the emptiness. The space that used to be filled with beautiful paintings and artifacts that Nina personally selected was now bare, mirroring the void in the Xavier family.

Dresden rested his arms on his daughters’ shoulders as they took one last look around the house. A sconce light on the wall flickered, and a soft gush of air prickled their skin. Bryn and Bella chuckled in unison, sounding so much like their mother. Their melodic chords discharged a pang through Dresden’s chest.

Twin eyes gazed at their dad, and then Bella uttered, “Mom said you were never going to fix that light,” she quipped.

Dresden lifted the corner of his mouth in a sorrow-filled smile.

“Yeah, I guess that was her reminding me,” he said, hugging his daughters tighter before they walked toward the door.

Bella and Bryn walked to the truck, leaving Dresden to bid his final farewell alone. He closed his eyes and inhaled the familiar scent of the home for the last time. Whimpering, he faintly whispered, “I love you, Nina Rose.”

A second breeze drifted by, tickling his nose. He closed his eyes, allowing the gust to dry his tears. Dresden smiled, seeing visions of Nina as he recalled one of their last conversations.

“Who the hell am I going to be without you, Rosie? You were supposed to love me forever. We were supposed to do this thing for forever, remember?” Dresden allowed himself to cry in front of his wife for the first time since her diagnosis.

Nina rubbed the thick carpet of hair on his head while he wept, but there was no sound, just muted tears.

“You can love me forever, Dres, and still have room in your heart to love again. I don’t want you to finish this race alone. Our girls will need a strong woman to guide them through life’s decisions, heartbreak, and love.” Nina swallowed hard, taking a moment to catch her breath.

“You give the best kisses and hugs and have the biggest heart, Dresden Xavier,” she said, cupping his chin. “It would be a disgrace to keep all that goodness to yourself.”

Nina kissed his cheek, taking another deep breath. As of late, she relied heavily on oxygen to sustain her energy.

“And while it pains me to say this, you can’t keep all that good dick stored away,” she said as her laugh turned into a cough.

“Nina,” Dresden groaned but couldn’t quell the faint laughter.

He stroked a finger down her face, which was thinner than usual but still gorgeous. Dresden admired how his wife maintained her sense of humor through their tragedy.

“What, babe? You know you had me under a spell, sprinkling all that ding-dong dust over me the first time we had sex.”

Dresden howled, burying his face into her lap as she giggled, kissing the top of his head.

“And it’s OK if she’s pretty, but not too damn pretty, OK?” she teased, cupping the powerful curves of his face in her hands to lift his head.

“Promise me you’ll try, Dresden. The way you love is too good not to share it with the world. Promise me,” Nina pleaded, gazing directly into his misty eyes.

“I promise, baby,” Dresden declared as his voice broke.

He climbed into bed with his wife. His big body shielded her like a coat of armor.

“Touch me, Dres,” Nina whispered, stroking her fingers through his beard.

She traced her fingertip down the slope of his neck, across his firm chest and stomach, finally landing on his growing manhood. Nina caressed his shaft through the thin fabric of his shorts. He moaned because even in her condition, his wife was the cause and cure of his need. He would never deny her the desires of her heart. Nina’s wish was always his command.

Dresden showered gentle kisses all over her face before reaching her lips. After a few soft pecks, he parted the seam of her mouth with his tongue. Even in her delicate state, the kiss was wild and reckless. Their hands explored each other boldly . . . lustfully. He lifted her nightgown, wandering his fingers up her thighs, lightly caressing her center. Nina’s head collapsed back onto the bed, moaning in pure bliss. It had been too long since they’d shared a passion-filled moment like that.

The chemo and other treatments wreaked havoc on her body but, unfortunately, did nothing to fight the aggressive disease. Three weeks earlier, Nina decided that she was done and opted to discontinue all treatments. Without the debilitating medication, she gained bursts of energy that allowed for brief instances of the insatiable connection they always shared.

Dresden knew she was nearing the end, so he cherished every opportunity to demonstrate his desire and adoration for her. That night, he made fervent, yet gentle, passionate love to his Rosie for the very last time.

“Dad, you ready?” Bella muttered from the doorway.

He nodded. “Yeah, baby girl, I’m coming.”

Dresden exhaled an exasperated breath as he walked out of the house and locked the door. Life without Nina had been excruciating, crippling to the point that he thought he was going insane. But after two years of battling grief, he believed that he was finally ready to partake in a new journey.

While his Rosie would never grace his presence again in this earthly life, the best of her resided in his girls. Her soul would forever dwell in his heart.

Chapter Two

A month ago, when Dresden and the twins decided to drive from Maryland to Missouri, they were elated by the adventure. Now that they were two days into their four-day journey, the Xavier family was already exhausted.

Bryn and Bella were bickering more than usual for some unknown reason, while bouts with unexpected traffic due to construction slowed them down. And a botched hotel reservation caused the trio to pile into one room, more than any of them could bear for even one night. Dresden had an achy back from sleeping in a chair the night before and a migraine from the high-pitched squabbling from his daughters.

“Girls, that is enough!” he shouted aggressively, maneuvering the SUV off the highway and into a rest area.

The twins’ eyes widened because their father rarely raised his voice, let alone directed toward them.

“Dad—” Bryn tried to speak, but Dresden abruptly tossed up his hand.

“Please. Don’t. I just need a minute,” he said, annoyance deepening the bass in his voice.

He exited the truck, rubbing a hand down the back of his newly bald head to massage the nape of his neck. Bella and Bryn stared at his back until his stately frame disappeared in the wooded area. Twin orbs stared at each other, a bit panicked and perplexed.

“Do you think he’s going to survive this?” Bryn’s angst couldn’t be denied as she spoke.

Bella nodded. “Daddy is strong. The first few weeks will be tough, but he’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, but Mom’s love for him is what made him strong. Without her . . . and in a new place,” Bryn countered questioningly. “I don’t know. Maybe we shouldn’t have left. Daddy is a creature of habit.”

“True, but it’s time for him to find a new habitat, B. Daddy is a natural nurturer, and pretty soon, he won’t have us there to dote over. Being closer to Granny, PopPop, Auntie, and the rest of the family will be good for him. Trust me.”

“You really think you’re the daddy whisperer, huh?” Bryn uttered, rolling her eyes.

“Because I am,” Bella smirked.

“Seriously, B, how can you be so certain that this move is what he needs?” Bryn inquired.

Bella paused, turning to look out the window at her father seated at a table under a large tree. She really didn’t believe that she was the dad whisperer, as Bella called it, but their mother was. Nina had a unique ability to know what Dresden was thinking even before he spoke any words. During those late-night chats, her mom willed some of that savviness on to her daughter.

“Mom told me,” Bella said with the utmost confidence.

Dresden gulped down the cold water before he released a bothered breath. When they planned this trip, he envisioned spending quality time with his girls, visiting landmarks, and making new memories. He had no dream the adventure would be filled with disorderly arguing and gloomy silence. His girls either disagreed over what to eat or buried their heads in their phones.

Dresden was ready to ditch his truck and his daughters to find the nearest airport headed anywhere. They’d just left Ohio and were driving into Indiana, so there was still a ways to go before reaching their destination. While he hated admitting it, he understood that his testiness was not all about his teenage daughters. He was surrounded by so much love, but he still felt alone. The farther he traveled away from the place where he became a man, fell in love, nurtured his family, and lost the love of his life, Dresden felt more disconnected from his anchor, his cornerstone.

A kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttered around Dresden as Nina’s lyrical tone echoed in his psyche. Lately, he’d been seeing her face more vividly than ever. The reminiscence of moments during her final days played continually in his mind.

“Why would I sell the house, Rosie?” he asked while they played cards on the balcony attached to their bedroom.

Nina was in good spirits and wanted some fresh air, to play games, and to drink wine. Dresden obliged. The twins were gone with their friends, and it was a rare night that they had the house to themselves. Their home had become somewhat like an open house. Friends, family, and health-care providers circled in and out daily.

“Because it’s our house, Dres. It’s my house. We picked every speckle of paint, cabinet fixture, and piece of furniture. I would rather know that another family is enjoying what we built instead of you and whoever her ugly ass will be living in here,” Nina said, laughing.

“But I thought you said she could be pretty,” Dresden cackled, teasing her.

“I changed my mind.” Nina rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. “She better be ugly as hell with even uglier feet,” she giggled.

“But seriously, babe, I want you to explore. Go back home to Monroe like you’ve always wanted to. We’ve both been so engrossed in these girls and our careers that we became comfortable in our cushy suburban lifestyle. That is not what we originally planned, but it’s the cards that God dealt us . . . And it’s been beautiful.”

Dresden frowned. Considering their current situation, he would not describe it as “beautiful.”

“Yes, even now. It’s probably more beautiful right now,” she spoke as if she could read his mind.

“How so?” Dresden scoffed. He could not comprehend how losing the love of his life was beautiful.

“Because we have no other choice but to live life richly, fully, and meaningfully. If I weren’t sick, we’d be stressing about the girls going to college or your next research project. But now, under the circumstances, every single second counts, and each and every one has been breathtaking with you, my love.”

Dresden stood from his chair and repositioned to squat in front of her. Nina rested her head against his and shared one of those beautiful moments she spoke about.

“Discover a new world, Dres. Don’t get comfortable. Live . . . for me, babe,” she whispered against his lips. “Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“Dad,” Bryn whispered, carefully approaching him.

Bella wasn’t too far behind her big sister, who was older by seventeen minutes.

Dresden stirred, wiping the traces of memories from his face. He turned to face his girls, who were joined by locked arms. At that moment, they’d reverted back to little girls who always seemed to unify when they were in trouble. He chuckled a little at the bashful expressions on their faces, contradicting their demeanor less than an hour ago.

“B is going to drive while I find us a nice restaurant near the hotel in Indianapolis so you can get some rest,” Bryn said.

“And we promise only to fight maybe once more until we get to Monroe City,” Bella bantered, and they both lifted their hands for a pinkie swear, unsuccessfully holding in their matching smiles.

Dresden shook his head, unable to suppress his grin. Bryn and Bella leaned in to place a kiss on each cheek before wrapping their arms around their dad. Dresden acted unfazed for about half a second before he wrapped his girls in so much love. They happily headed back to the truck to complete the final leg of their journey.



Welcome to Monroe City!

Dresden flashed a closed-mouth smile as he gazed at the sign leading him into his hometown. Monroe City had been home from three years old until he left for college. Moving from a small town to a big city like Washington, D.C., was a significant transition. While he would return several times a year to visit his parents when they weren’t living their best-retired life traveling around the world, Dresden was confident he would never return to the town permanently.

Never say never, Dresden thought as he drove by what used to be Mr. Carson’s meat shop. It was now a large grocery store. His head was on a swivel as he navigated some familiar streets, noticing that the city had drastically changed since his last visit almost three years ago. When Nina was diagnosed with cancer, Dresden’s family from Monroe City would visit Maryland as much as possible.

Monroe City had definitely matured, offering chain stores, restaurants, and even a mall with high-end boutiques. Family-owned establishments once occupied downtown, but now bars and fancy restaurants owned by young entrepreneurs lined the streets.

Monroe University was still the center of attraction for the city. But even with all the upgrades, the Midwest pace would take some getting used to for the Xavier family.

Turning in the driveway of his parents’ blue and white ranch-style home, he honked the horn to get their attention. They’d downsized in recent years, but the quaint, regal home was just as luxurious as his childhood dwelling.

Dresden’s mother, Marcella, was sitting on the wraparound porch enjoying the light breeze offered by the spring afternoon. He shook his head, hearing his mother give his father instructions as she watched her husband, Dresden Sr., plant flowers in the yard.

Dresden laughed when his mother yelled, “Hey, Junior,” while she waved. Marcella was the only person in his life that called him Junior. His father usually called him son, while his sister, niece, and nephews called him D and Uncle D, respectively.

The twins quickly exited the truck to greet their grandparents. Similar to the connection with her dad, Bryn had a special relationship with her PopPop, while Bella was a granny’s girl.

“Hello, my rays of sunshine,” his father greeted the twins.

“PopPop! You lookin’ good, young man,” Bryn teased, repeatedly kissing against his bearded cheek that bore more salt than pepper.

Bella joined in on the other side.

Their grandmother descended the steps with open arms. She was wordless and emotional. Every time she laid eyes on the twins, she saw the best of her daughter-in-law in the chocolate marble eyes of her granddaughters.

Whenever Marcella allowed herself to think about the family’s loss, she was affected. Nina was more than a daughter-in-law; she was her friend. Bryn and Bella fell into the comforting embrace of their grandmother and held on until their own sensitivities were quelled.

“Pop, you look great. How are you feeling?” Dresden said, drawing his father into a hug.

“I’m good, son. Walking every day and enjoying this garden your mother started but didn’t finish,” he chuckled, saying the last part loud enough for his wife to hear.

“Move, Senior,” Marcella said, playfully shoving her husband.

“Ma,” Dresden drawled. “It’s so good to see you.”

It had been several months since his parents visited, and he was thankful to see them in good health and spirits. The more he gazed at them, the more the loneliness faded.

Cupping the curves of his face, his mother cooed, “It’s wonderful to see you, Junior. You lookin’ just as handsome as your daddy.”

Dresden smiled, cradling his arm around her shoulders. They slowly ambled up the steps and into the house, making a fuss over each other.

After dinner, Bella and Bryn were in the house with their Aunt Adriana and their cousins while Dresden rocked in the chair alongside his parents on the patio. He’d almost forgotten how beautiful Monroe City was when the sun retreated to make room for the moon.

Watching the sunset was a regular routine for his parents. After many years of marriage, his father still looked at his mother like a precious gemstone. Dresden smiled, blessed to have an amazing example of lifelong love and respect in his parents.

Dresden Sr. and Marcella were married for forty-six years and still behaved like newlyweds. At sixty-nine years old, thankfully, they were both in excellent health, financially stable, and enjoyed life together while maintaining their separate identities and activities.

At forty-four years old, Dresden had no dream that this would not be him and Nina in another twenty years.

“Glad you survived the drive with the girls,” his dad said, chuckling.

“Barely,” Dresden countered, shaking his head. “They got it together near the end, though.”

“When will the moving truck get here?” his mom asked, sipping her iced tea.

“A few days if they don’t run into any problems. I’ll sign the papers and get the keys to the house tomorrow.”

“Rodney and his team will be ready to paint as soon as you say the word,” Dresden Sr. announced, referring to his nephew who took over the family’s painting business.

Dresden nodded.

The breeze on the beautiful spring evening was relaxing. He rested in leisurely silence, enjoying the com. . .