by C Renee
“But the gown, why is that necessary?” I don’t know where he is going with this.
“We didn’t get a chance to enjoy ourselves at the fundraiser, so I want to create a night just like that. Will you please wear the gown? I have to go into the agency today to sort out yesterday’s events but there will be a car picking you up at six tonight.” He leaves the bed and walks over to get dressed. I watch him from where I am laying. I don’t want to leave this massive bed today; maybe Steph might come over and help me get ready.
“Can Steph come over and help me get ready?” Not knowing if he had someone else coming over to help me.
“Of course, Precious.” Once Alex is dressed and ready to leave, he comes over to the bed and leans down towards me.
“I shouldn’t be too long, please if there are any issues, you must call me.” He was just about kiss me when his phone starts ringing. Talk about timing.
“Alex Knight.” He answers the phone; I’m waiting patiently to know who is on the other end. I hope it isn’t bad news; I don’t think I can handle any more bad news right now.
“Go on Mr. Thorn, I want to know the results.” It seems to me that the guy on the other end of the phone is one of Alex’s lawyers. This could be about that woman’s baby and the DNA results Alex has been waiting forever for.
“Yes, yes. I understand.” Hearing this one-sided phone call is really testing my patience.
“Can you please repeat that?” By this point, Alex has walked away from me and is pacing the room. I can’t tell by his body language whether is good or bad news.
“That is great news. Thank you, but I was wondering who is the father?” Alex waits for a response and is disappointed that he didn’t get an answer.
“No worries, I’ll be in touch.” He puts the phone back in his pocket and he stalks towards me.
He has a huge smile on his face and I’m just going to guess that he got good news.
I wait for Alex to say something; I don’t want to take this moment away from him.
“I’ve never been so happy to talk to my lawyer than I am today.” He takes another step closer.
“He just told me that… the DNA test came back…” He doesn’t finish his sentence. Instead he quickly closes the distance between us and now I’m lying on my back. Alex is hovering over the top of me, staring down while this huge smile.
“Negative!” He screams the word.
“It’s negative Precious, I don’t have a baby!” He sounds so happy.
“Not congratulations.” I chuckle, hoping he gets the joke.
He does and starts laughing with me.
“But wait, did he say who the father is?” I had to ask that question.
“No, they can’t give out those details.” He sounded disappointed but as soon as I smile at him, he is laughing again.
“This calls for more of a celebration. We aren’t leaving this bed when we get home tonight… for a week!” He gets off me, still laughing with so much joy.
He leans down again to kiss me on the lips and again on the forehead. I don’t want him to leave, not after the good news he has just gotten. I just want us to stay in bed and just do nothing except celebrate today. I’m not even going to unpack a single box, nope; I’m just not feeling it today. The boxes aren’t going anywhere, so they can get done tomorrow or even next week.
I watch Alex practically skip out of our bedroom; he turns around just outside the doorway and blows me a kiss.
I’m really looking forward to tonight.
I better start getting ready for tonight, I don’t want to miss anything and regret that I didn’t do it.
I should get Steph to come over and help me glam myself up, she knows her stuff.
I find my phone on the bedside table; I slowly brush my hand over the little black box and to think I thought it was an engagement ring. Ha.
I dial Steph’s number and I wait for her to answer.
“Hey, oh my god. Are you okay? I heard what happened last night but Alex told Reece who told me not to call you. That you needed to rest, are you okay?” I knew she would panic but I didn’t know that Alex had already told everyone about what happened. I better call my parents next; I know they will be freaking out too.
“Yes I’m fine, there is no need to worry about me. Everything always comes out good in the end. I called you for a reason.” She needs to calm down; I’m not going anywhere, not anytime soon.
“Okay good, but you know me. I always worry. Why did you call?” I hope she agrees to come over and help me.
“Alex has planned a special make up fundraiser date tonight, just the two of us and I was wondering if you would like to come over and help me get ready?” She better not invite Reece and herself on this date. I just want it to be Alex and me.
“Of course I’ll come over and help you get all glammed up.” I look at the clock and it’s already twelve in the afternoon. Knowing Steph, she will take the remainder of the time I have left to get me ready. She better not make me late.
“Come over then, I’ll text you my new address, see you soon.” I hang up the phone and send her my new address via text.
Steph and I are halfway through with putting my hair in loose curls, she insisted that I wear my hair like this because it makes the dress stand out more. I trust her; I know she won’t make me look like a mess on a special date.
“Do you know where he is taking me?” She’s with Reece and from what I’ve gathered; he doesn’t keep anything from her. Alex must have told Reece about his plans tonight.
That’s the beauty of being best friends with each other.
“Nope, and don’t give me that look. Reece doesn’t know either.” She looks at me through the mirror. I just roll my eyes at her.
“Your hair is all done, now time for your make-up and I don’t want you fussing over it.” Steph gives me a look, that looks says ‘don’t mess with me.’
“Fine, but nothing too much.” I give her the look back.
She just laughs at me and starts working on my face.
I hear my phone vibrate on the drawers beside me, I pick it up and it’s a text message from Alex.
“Read it out loud, we all know its Alex from the massive smile on your face.” Steph continues on with the make-up.
“I’ll read it first and then I will read it out loud.” I laugh when she makes a sad face.
The text reads:
‘Can’t wait to see you tonight and celebrate after ;)’
I blush at the thought of our celebration later; it’s innocent enough to tell Steph.
So I read the text out loud and she just gives me a wink.
“Well, my dear best friend. You’re ready to get dressed and away you go to your Prince Charming.” She puts the make-up brushes down and turns me in my chair.
I look up at her and she is tearing up. Why is she doing that?
“What’s going on Steph? Why are you crying like that for?” Something is definitely up.
“Nothing, you just look so beautiful. Now go and put that lovely blue gown on.” She gives me a light push towards the walk in closet.
I spot the gown hanging up in the dress bag. I pull the zipper down and the blue gown is on display. It is such a stunning dress, I feel a little giddy about putting it on again.
I step into the dress and I walk out towards Steph to help me do up my corset.
She is standing there, wiping her tears that are falling down her face.
“Steph, you’ve seen me in this dress before. Stop being so hormonal.” Wait, why is she crying like this? She never gets teary.
“Steph, is there something you want to tell me?” I walk towards her until I’m stopped right in front of her; she has nowhere to look but at me.
“This is your special night, this isn’t about me.” She doesn’t give me an answer.
“Steph, I want you to be honest with me.” I don’t move, not until she’s told me what’s really going on.
“Turn around, lets get you
tied up in this gown.” She turns me around and starts doing up my corset. I will get my answer, maybe not tonight but sometime soon.
Once I’m in the dress I walk to my bedside table and open the little black box. I put on my teardrop topaz necklace and earrings on. I turn around and find the mirror on the wall. I look closely at the jewelry and the dress. They match, it’s incredible.
“You look stunning Lou, now go get your shoes on and your purse or you will be late!” She walks around the room to find my purses while I go and put my heels on. I chose my favorite black pair.
“Here, this purse matches your outfit. Go on, or you’ll be late.” She gives me another push towards the bedroom door.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll let myself out.” She nudges me again; I turn around and give her a big hug. I wouldn’t feel this beautiful if it wasn’t for her.
“Thank you, I’ll call you tomorrow and fill you in on the gossip.” I give her a wink before I walk towards the stairs.
I reach the front door; I take a deep breath and open it.
There in the long driveway is a black limo.
It’s taken my breath away; I never expected a car like this to pick me up for a fancy date. Alex has truly outdone himself; I just wish I were getting in the car with him.
We finally arrive after an hour of driving around; we pull up outside Garden Haven, the Thai restaurant that Alex took me to on one of our dates.
I wouldn’t have picked a better place to have our fancy date, this restaurant is beyond beautiful.
I don’t see Alex anywhere, he must be inside. I do hope I get to see him soon, I miss him so much.
I hold my dress up from the side and I slide out of the limo.
I walk up the pathway to the front door to the restaurant and I see a note on the door.
It’s from Alex; I can recognize his handwriting anywhere.
It reads:
‘Open up your mind and heart then come find me.’
That doesn’t make any sense, why do I have to go find him? Shouldn’t he be here, waiting for me?
I close my eyes and I let all the emotion in, all the emotion that Alex makes me feel and I push open the door.
I open my eyes and it’s pitch black, except the floor is lit up by little flower lights, it’s a red carpet walk way.
I can see the flower lights hanging from the roof and I can hear the water fountain flowing.
If it weren’t for the dress and the thought of tripping over, I would think I was in paradise.
I keep walking down the lit section and I come to a stop when I see a small white round table with two chairs, in the middle of the room.
There are red roses in a vase on the table. I slowly walk towards the table and a bright light blinds my sight for a few seconds. I blink back the light and notice there is a spot light shining on the table now.
That’s when I see Alex; he is standing next to the table in his black tux. He looks incredible.
I can see his smile from here and the twinkle in his eyes when they land on mine.
“Precious.” He breathes.
I pick up my pace now, I want to be in Alex’s arms right now.
“Hey.” I say when I reach him; the room is still pitch black when I get to him.
“Hey yourself, Lou you look beautiful. Thank you for wearing your gift tonight.” He pulls me into his embrace and kisses the top of my head.
This night has just gotten better by the second.
“This is perfect, just what I needed. Thank you Alex, not just for tonight but for everything you have done for me.” I lean back in his arms and I reach up to his face and bring it down to mine. I kiss him slowly, getting the feel of him and breathing him in. I don’t want this moment to end.
Alex breaks away from me and smiles. After the news from today, no wonder he is smiling.
“Have a seat, meals will be served soon.” He is still standing when I take my seat.
I try to look around the room, to see if I can see anything but it’s no use, everything is just too dark. I look back in front of me and Alex is sitting opposite me.
I quickly look to where he was standing but instead of standing, he is now kneeling.
“Alex, what are you doing?” I ask, my heartbeat has picked up. I am having trouble breathing.
This can’t be it.
This can’t be happening.
Alex smiles up at me and whispers ‘Breathe Precious.”
I take a deep breath; I look into Alex’s eyes and that alone calms me down.
Alex reaches towards me and grabs my hand. He places my hand in between both of his and gives it a light squeeze.
He reaches into his pants pocket and holds the little black box in his hands and he clears his throat.
“Louise, my Precious. From the moment I saw you in that red dress, I knew you were trouble. Sexy as hell and that attitude made me want to stay away but I couldn’t. You were stuck, in my head and now in my heart. Lou, I want to build my life with you, I want to grow old with you and have beautiful babies, you and me against all odds. Louise, I am here tonight, on my knees to ask you to become my wife, to become my forever and to the day I die, I will keep fighting for us, for our happiness.
Louise, will you become my wife?” Tears are falling down my cheeks, I quickly wipe them away.
“Yes, Yes!” I whisper to Alex.
He opens the black box and inside is a teardrop topaz ring, the missing piece in my set that I’m wearing tonight.
He slides the ring onto my ring finger on my left hand. I hold my hand up to the light and watch it sparkle.
Alex stands up and helps me stand, I’m a little wobbly but he always catches me.
He gives me a deep kiss and then the lights turn on.
We aren’t standing in blackness anymore.
“SURPRISE!”
I jump out of Alex’s arms and I look around the room.
My family and friends are here, all dressed in suits and gowns.
I cry even harder now, they have been here the whole time and I never knew it.
“Did… did you… do this?” I sob to Alex.
“Yes Precious, I wanted them to witness one of the best days in our lives.” He kisses me on the head. I scan the crowd of people and I spot Steph. That sneaky bitch.
She sees me watching her and she just winks at me.
Alex doesn’t leave my side when our family and friends come up and congratulate us.
“Congrats baby girl.” A voice from behind me gets me turning so fast I get a little bit dizzy. I’ll just blame the wine.
“Seth! You’re here. Oh my god, you’re really here!” I run into my brothers open arms. I can’t believe he is here.
“Of course, I just got into town a few days ago and Alex contacted me, told me his plans and I told him I wouldn’t miss it.” I hold onto my brother a little bit longer, I don’t want to let go just in case he leaves me again.
“Lou, I’m not going anywhere.” He pulls me in tighter.
“What do you mean? Don’t you have to go back to Paris?” I look up at him.
“No, Lou. I’ve found her; she’s been here all along. She lives in LA and I know her name and where to find her. That’s why I came back, I’m going to find her Lou.” His happiness is radiating off him, I’ve never seen him this happy before. It’s refreshing.
“Who is she?” I have to know, maybe I know her.
“Her name is J…” We get interrupted when our parents come and give us hugs.
“We are so proud of you sweetheart.” My mother says.
They take turns giving us kisses and hugs. I turn back to my brother to finish our conversation when he is gone.
I guess I won’t know who she is yet.
Alex is back by my side, I lean against him. I’m suddenly feeling tired and weak. It’s probably the wine.
Reece and Steph come up and give us a kiss and hug.
“You knew and you didn’t say anything!” I smirk at Steph, tha
t’s why she stayed back at my house, to get ready and that’s why I was driving around for an hour before I got to here.
“Yes but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise for you. It was totally worth it, seeing you so happy.” She steps towards me and gives me another long hug.
I try not to tear up again.
Alex and Reece shake hands and then Alex comes towards me.
He knows I’m ready to leave.
“Let’s say goodbye to everyone, I need to get you home.”
We walk around every guest to say our goodbyes and I invited everyone to our house next month for a get together dinner. It would be good to see everyone again and to actually catch up with them.
Alex takes my hand and we walk towards the entrance.
It’s time to start our celebration.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Louise
WE ARE IN OUR kitchen fixing lunch, we haven’t stepped foot out of our bedroom since Alex proposed to me, which was three days ago. We haven’t stopped celebrating so many things.
The stalker being killed, Alex isn’t going to be a dad and I’m going to be marrying my favorite person.
Things around here are amazing, I don’t want to step outside into the real world, and I’m not ready to face responsibilities just yet. I know Matt is still out there but right now; I just want to soak up Alex and our happiness.
“Did you want to visit your parents today?” Alex asks me once we have finished eating our steak salad. I knew Alex was a good cook but I never knew he was a great cook. I’m lucky that I’m marrying him.
“No, not today. I want to stay here for a few more days and then I will face the outside world.” I lean back in my chair; being in this house with Alex feels like we are in our own little bubble. I love it.
“Alright, sounds perfect but I do have some work I have to do in the office. No Lou, it will be from home but I do have to make an appearance eventually.” I was hoping he didn’t have to ever leave this house but reality is slowly creeping in.
