by Maddie Wade
All my love,
Claire
P.s I wish you and Dane as much happiness as Daniel and I had. (Yes, I dreamt that too ?? )
Xx
Dane held her while she sobbed her heart out, he’d known the letter would be hard for her to read, but also knew it would help her to heal. He had been shocked when Daniel had given it to him this morning. Daniel had found it tucked into the back of Claire’s writing desk. There had been a letter for him and one for Paige to for when she was older. Lauren straightened up and wiped her eyes.
“Feel better?” She nodded.
“Strangely yes, I do.”
“Ready to go back?”
“Can we just sit for a bit please?”
“Yes, of course.” They sat like that, with her nestled in Dane’s arms for a while until Lauren felt composed and ready to face everyone.
“I must look a right state now.”
He cupped her face, “You’re beautiful, even with red eyes,” and he tweaked her nose.
When they returned Lauren sought out Daniel, and Dane watched as they talked and embraced. She was so brave and loving and he still couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have finally convinced her to be his forever. He felt someone come up behind him and turned around to see his father.
“Hey dad, are you having fun?”
“Are you kidding, running around after my grandson and spending time with my most wonderful children, of course I am.” His father looked thoughtful then.
“I’m so glad you have found a love like your mother and I had,” he said. Dane didn’t want to talk about this, his feelings about how unfair he had been to his mother still made him feel guilty and was about to say so, when his father stopped him.
“I’m so glad you know the truth now after all these years. She was such a wonderful woman but after what happened, she changed-she just couldn’t forgive herself and the only time she stopped hurting was when she drank. But she loved you all so much and would be so proud of you all.”
Dane wasn’t sure what to say. He’d adored his mother and had such mixed feelings about her, on one hand he still loved and missed her every day. On the other he couldn’t quite forgive her for not loving him enough to stop drinking earlier. He knew he was being unreasonable and childish but after nearly thirty years of feeling betrayed, he couldn’t just switch it off, although it didn’t hurt thinking about her anymore
He didn’t understand it either and knew he would never change, but he couldn’t say that to his father. She had been the love of his dad’s life and he wasn’t going to upset him by telling how he felt, so he just said,
“I know she did.”
~~~
Colin Bennet watched his son walk towards the woman he loved and said a silent prayer of thanks. He loved and respected Lauren and could see how much she loved Dane. That’s all he ever wanted for his children-to find a love like he’d had.
He watched as Lizzie sat alone watching everything going on around her. He was worried about her; she had such sad eyes these days. Yes, something was amiss there and he would have to keep an eye out. As for his baby girl, he knew she’d been in love with Jace for years and vice versa, if those two didn’t figure this out soon maybe he would have to do a little meddling.
Looking back towards Mateo being swung round by Dane, he felt excited at the prospect of more grandchildren to spoil and had a feeling he wouldn’t have to wait long.
They all spent the rest of the afternoon playing games of French cricket and flying kites. The day had been relaxing, cathartic and almost healing just what Lauren hoped for, a day for family and fun.
Epilogue
November
The room looked beautiful; Lucy had really gone all out with it. She had white candles on every table and vases of cream roses dotted all around entrances and exits. The entire ceiling had blankets of fairy lights making it look like stars against the black fabric she had hung from the ceiling. She’d arranged for caterers to mingle with the guests and hand out canapés and then a hot buffet would be set out around 10pm
Lauren was touched by how she had been welcomed into the Fortis family. She looked around at all the people who had come to celebrate her and Danes engagement. The women all decked out in party dresses and the men handsome in shirts and trousers. She had come to love these people so much so quickly.
She hadn’t stopped smiling since she’d left the clinic. Now that the shock had worn off and the fear over Dane’s reaction, she was buzzing with excitement. Would they be early, was it a girl and a boy or two boys or two girls, and did she want to find out?
What would they need to buy, would she go back to work? So much to decide she couldn’t think straight but in the best way. She was having twins, two babies to love. She had to keep pinching herself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.
Dane had already started the overprotective thing, even trying to help her dress earlier, although that might have been a ploy, as she hadn’t ended up dressed-more like naked.
He hadn’t left her side except to get her a drink and was constantly telling her to sit down and rest. She resisted the urge to berate him, as she knew it was done with the best of intentions.
“I’m fine Dane, I just want to talk to our guests.” She laid a hand on his butt then, knowing it would distract him from his thoughts.
“You don’t play fair woman, I will get my revenge when these babies are born.” He threatened.
“Promises, promises,” she laughed.
Just then, Skye and Nate walked in and for a second Lauren didn’t recognise her. Dane followed her line of sight.
“Who’s that with Nate?”
“That’s Skye.”
“Holy hell, I didn’t recognise her, poor Nate doesn’t stand a chance,” he laughed.
“That was the idea,” she winked at him.
“What have you been up to?” he asked suspiciously.
“Nothing,” she said feigning ignorance.
“Um, why don’t I believe you?”
She just smiled. “Dance with me?”
“My pleasure.” He drew her out on to the dance floor as Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” came on. He held her then as if she was the most precious thing on earth and as they danced to the song, he sang the words to her.
~~~
Dane couldn’t remember a feeling like this, this right here was what it was all about. Life couldn’t get better, he had the woman he loved and two beautiful babies on the way. He placed his hand on her still flat abdomen and chuckled at his earlier response. That was one for the grandkids, and he was sure Lucy would take full advantage.
“What’s got you laughing?”
“Just thinking about my unmanly reaction earlier.”
“It was kinda funny, in hindsight!” she agreed. The song ended.
“So you ready to do this?” he asked.
“So ready.”
They walked to the microphone the DJ had kindly set up on the stage. Dane tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention and the lights came up a bit.
“Sorry folks, I want take up much of your time. Lauren and I would just like to thank everyone for coming and sharing our engagement party with us and a special thank you to my Dad, Colin and My pain in the butt, I mean lovely baby sister, Lucy. They’ve worked so hard and we really appreciate it. If it doesn’t work out at Fortis, you’ve always got a job as an events planner, Luce.” This was met nods of agreement from some and laughter from others.
“What makes you think I can’t do both?” Lucy shouted, with a smile.
“This is true, bratfink, but anyway back to me.” Dane said making everyone laugh. “We have however decided to put the wedding on hold for a while.” He paused then as murmurs started up. “We are going to postpone,” he continued, “as we are going to be busy becoming parents.” There were shouts of glee from their friends and family and high-fives from some. Dane frowned, well, he hadn’t expected that.
“Come on Drew, pay
up,” shouted Nate.
“You guys knew!” he said looking from them to Lauren.
“They guessed weeks ago,” said Sly, “Nate here’s been running a book. Come on you don’t honestly think you can keep anything from us do you?”
Recovering himself, Dane said, “Well,” and he looked at Lauren who winked “did we mention its twins?” The room went quiet for a second and then erupted with noise; everyone was coming over, congratulating them, and hugging them. Colin had tears in his eyes as he hugged them both.
“I’m so happy and proud right now, I think I need a whiskey to calm me down.” Colin sniffled as he headed for the bar.
They found themselves surrounded by Nate, Skye, Drew, Lucy, Sly, Zack and Daniel and Lizzie who was strangely alone. Dane was gonna speak to Lucy about that later.
“So who told you?” Dane asked them all looking at Zack.
“Not me.” Zack said holding up his hands in surrender.
“You knew!” said Lucy, in mock outrage.
“Only because he found me after a particularly vicious bout of morning sickness,” defended Lauren.
“Oh I hear ya sister,” said Lizzie and Skye nodded her agreement.
“Your dad mentioned something that got me thinking” said Nate, so we paid attention and when we noticed you downloading ‘what to expect when you’re expecting’ onto your IPad and we guessed.”
“So you have been spying on me and gossiping like old women.”
“Well, Lucy did that bit,” said Drew.
Lucy looked at Drew then, with her hands on her hips, “Thanks buddy.”
Dane looked at Lucy and was about to lecture her when Zack said.
“We’ll talk about the gross misuse of company property on Monday.” But everyone knew he didn’t mean it.
“Seriously though, congratulations, we couldn’t be happier for you,” said Lizzie hugging them both. “If I can do anything to help or if you need to ask anything just call,” she said this to Lauren, but turned to include Dane, “you too, I know you, and you’ll drive her crazy so if you’re worried call me.”
“Thanks sis,” he said hugging her. “So where is Marco tonight?” Lizzie looked around but luckily, people had started to wander off.
“Oh um, he had to work, he sends his apologies.”
“Um okay.” he said not believing a word of it, but he knew better than to push too hard right now. Lizzie was very different from Lucy, she was intensely private and hated to show any sort of weakness in front of people. He’d talk to Lucy later and see if she knew.
Dane watched Lizzie walk back over to Lucy and relaxed a little as she smiled at something Nate said.
“So how long before we can leave?” Dane asked as he nuzzled Lauren’s neck. She looked at him lovingly.
“Not long its 11:30 and we pregnant women get very tired very quickly.” Dane looked up at her suddenly serious.
“Really, if you’re tired, why didn’t you say so, let’s sit down.” he said feeling like an inconsiderate jerk.
“Relax Dane I’m joking, I just meant if we leave early nobody will wonder why.”
“Oh I see!” understanding dawning on him. “Oh I see.”
“Let’s do the rounds and say goodbye to everyone and then we can go.”
~~~
Sly sipped his whiskey and watched Lucy as she danced and laughed with Smithy. He’d realised when Nate walked in with Skye that Lucy and Nate were not together and felt foolish. But she was still not his and he had no right to ask her to wait until he came back from the second half of his tour. Sly had been, ridiculously pleased when they had granted his request for his two week R&R to fall in line with the engagement party for his friend and even happier that it had been Lucy that had asked.
When he did come back he was going to claim his woman. He’d taken enough time to try and get her out of his system, but it just wasn’t happening, so friend or not Dane would have to get used to it. He loved him like a brother, but his feelings for Lucy had never been brotherly, she’d held his heart for so long now, he didn’t even know how it felt not to love her.
He was going to have to take his time with this though, Lucy deserved to be wooed and that was what he was going to do. Sly wasn’t sure how yet but he had some time to think about it while he was away.
She loved to collect shoes, anything to do with shoes, rare shoes, baby shoes, famous shoes; she even had a shoe lamp. Her one bedroom at her place was filled with just shoes that she looked at but never wore. He didn’t understand it himself, but it was one of her little quirks and he loved it. Maybe he would try to find out what rare shoe she was after and try to get it for her.
He watched her now gliding around the dance floor and laughing at something, Dane said as he and Lauren danced by. She was sunshine and light, he loved how she was so friendly with everyone around her from the postman to the chief of police-all received the same warmth and kindness from Lucy.
She looked beautiful tonight. That dress clung to her like a second skin, and her toned legs seemed to go on for miles. The look on her face as she laughed at something Smithy said, made him want to be the one holding her in his arms. Crossing the dance floor, he politely cut in.
“May I?” he asked turning, to his friend
“Yeah, of course man.” Smithy said, stepping aside. Pulling her into his arms, as the voice of Adele filled the air. He fitted her against him tucking her head under his chin. He just held her there as they swayed slightly to the song each quiet in their own thoughts. He inhaled her sweet scent and rubbed his face in the softness of her silky hair.
~~~
Lucy’s heart was in her mouth, something felt different this time, she had danced with Jace before and had never felt the raw need that she did now and it wasn’t only her. With him pressed so tightly against her it was impossible to ignore the reaction, he was having to her and it thrilled her.
The song ended and they slowly pulled apart. He looked at her with such need, never before had she seen that look on his face aimed at her. He cupped her cheek in his large palm.
“I’m gonna miss you when I do this last tour, but, I have a way to make sure you won’t forget me.” He kissed her then as if she was the only person in the room. It was brief but packed a serious wallop. When he pulled back, they were both breathless.
Lucy went to say something to him, but before she could decide what to say to that, he left leaving her standing in the middle of the dance floor. Lucy was stunned. She stood there for second before anger took control.
He did not just leave her standing there, after kissing her senseless! Racing after him, she caught up with him as he was slipping out through the French doors. Grabbing his arm, she swung him round to face her and promptly found herself pressed up against the cold rough stone of the stately home, by the solid hard muscle of a very aroused man.
Oh, man he was so hot like this -all dominant and commanding. Lowering his head, he feathered light kisses along her neck, as he held her wrists tight to her sides, he was so tender and yet so commanding it made her heart ache and her body sing. Lifting his head, he looked at her with so much raw passion in his eyes she thought she would go up in flames on the spot.
He lowered his head and took her mouth like a starving man at an oasis, he licked and nipped at her mouth until on a sigh, she opened to him and then their tongues were duelling for dominance. She could feel the hard ridge of him pressed against her core and it was more than she had ever dreamed, she always knew it would be good between them but this was so much more, he was so powerful and she could feel the leashed power making his body tremble. Pulling his mouth from hers, he pressed his forehead to hers while they got control of themselves.
“I can’t do this now, but when I get back from this last tour, this ends. All this trying to get you out of my system is over. You are mine Lucy, and I intend to make sure everyone understands it.” He walked away then.
“Jace!” She chased him down, in her new Jimmy Choo’s. �
�Jace, stop.”
She saw him slow and turn to her.
“Go back inside Lucy, its freezing out here.”
She walked up to him then. Lucy reached out and put her palm along his rough jaw. He’d let a beard grow in while he was away and it tickled her hand.
“What did you mean, by all that?”
“For years I’ve watched you, your humour, your caring nature, your compassion and I’ve wanted you and that’s not even touching on your beautiful face and heavenly body. I just can’t fight it anymore. I want you to be mine. You deserve so much better than me. But I’m selfish enough not to care.”
“But I don’t want anyone else. I never have.” Lucy said.
She saw him suck in a breath, and he closed his eyes.
“When I come home, will you give us a chance? I don’t mind going slow.”
“Jace this is like a dream come true for me,” she said stroking his jaw.
He pressed his lips to her palm.
”Will you email me while I’m away? Nothing saucy, mind I can’t be sharing a bunk with Smithy with an erection.” He scrubbed his eyes and pulled a silly face of revulsion. Which made her laugh.
“Okay I promise, no naked pictures.”
“Argh no, no talk of nakedness, either.”
“You’re crazy,” she said patting him on the chest playfully. That was one of the things she loved about Jace, he was never serious for too long.
“I have to go or I’m going to forget all my good intentions of wooing you and drag you to bed.” He kissed her gently on the cheek and left.
Lucy watched him go and had never been so happy. She touched her lips that still tingled from their explosive kiss. If that was what a kiss felt like then how would it feel to have him in her bed? This was gonna be a long couple of months.
