Three Thousand Miles - Forever, (book #3 of Three Thousand Miles, Series)

by Deila Longford

  “Sophie I am sorry, I didn’t mean to cause any awkwardness for you.”

  “It’s okay Alanna, there was no harm done.” I smile at her as I take her hand.

  “Sophie, have you told your parents yet?” She looks down at the table as my words ring in our ears.

  “Yes, I told them this morning.”

  “And?” Sophie exhales. “They weren’t too happy about it and they need time to process the news. To be honest I don’t know how they feel about it. My parents didn’t say much all they said was that they were disappointed in me.” Sophie holds back her tears.

  “They are mad now but once that little baby arrives, everything will work out.” “I hope so,” I feel awful for Sophie and I really do hope that her parents come around and soon. I feel that Sophie is worried about becoming a mom and if she is to survive it, she really needs her mom anddad to be there for her. I just hope for Sophie’s sake, that they wake up soon and realise that they need to be there for their daughter. Oh no what’s this? I turn around to see the server making his way over to our table carrying a huge, pink cake. He is wobbling towards us as he tries not to blow out the cakes, ten candles. I feel so embarrassed as he places the cake in front of me. The girls urge me to blow out the candles. I take a deep breath as I blow out the flames, my friends become to clap their hands and cheer. I laugh at them as I begin to read the message on the cake.

  Congrats Alanna,

  The server begins to slice the cake and he hands mea large piece. I take a bite and my taste buds explode.

  “This cake is amazing!” I gush. The girls tuck into their cake and they soon agree with me. Once dinner is over the girls inform me that the night is just beginning. We all step out of the restaurant and in to the black limo. The car drives us to our next destination as we sip on champagne. I find it odd as to why no one seems to have realised that Sophie is not drinking. I shake my head at my friends as they must be too wrapped up in themselves to realise. The car stops and Katharine throws the door open. She drags me out the car and as the other girls begin to pour out from the limo, I begin to scan my surroundings and I quickly notice that we are at a club. I can hear music playing from inside the building and I have a sudden urge to text Adrian. I did promise that I would keep in contact with him during the night. As we make our way into the busy night club I begin to search in my bag for my phone. I take it out and I see that I have a few messages from Adrian. As I read through them I soon realise that he is worried. With that in mind, I quickly compose him a text.

  Sorry I didn’t reply sooner my phone is on silent. Anyway I am fine and having a great time please don’t worry about me, I love you, Alanna x I hit send as we take our seats at our VIP table. We are immediately served with Bollinger champagne and strawberries with whipped cream. I cannot deny that my friends have planned a wonderful evening and I am very grateful and glad to be out with them. I have missed this feeling I have of friendship. I have missed talking with my girls and hanging out and I feel sad that after tonight our friendships are going to change forever.

  Four

  I wake early the next morning to a banging headache. I can’t believe how much I drank last night and to be honest, I can hardly remember what happened. I slowly climb out of my bed as I make my way into the shower. I start to wake up once the hot water begins to trickle down my body. My head starts to become clear and I have a sudden flashback of dinner. I remember our laughs and the delicious cake. Katharine’s detailed description of her relationship with Jeff was rather surprising and quite crazy. I don’t know why she shared her private thoughts with us, but she did. I was happy when the night ended and I was relieved that there were no male strippers. I would describe my bachelorette party as pg-13 and that’s just how I wanted it.

  “Alanna,” I hear my mom shout from down stairs. I quickly drop my hair brush and I make my way out into the hallway to see what has my mom so rattled. “Good your up.” My mom says as she stops half-way up the stairs. She looks stressed in her tight, black leggings and roll neck sweater. Her hair is tied up and she is carrying a black Filofax.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask as I gently un-tangle my hair with fingers. My mom begins to talk as she walks back down the stairs. I follow her as I take in her words.

  “Adrian is on his way here with his parents and we need to get organised.” We reach the bottom of the staircase and I follow my mom into the kitchen. I scan the room and there are so many people in here.

  “Wow, it’s a bit crowed in here.” I say a little sarcastically. My mom rolls her eyes at me as she thrusts her Filofax open. “Anyway, I think that you need to take a time-out. Adrian hasn’t called me to say that he is coming, so we have plenty of time.” My mom shakes her head at me.

  “No Alanna, he called me and yes he is on his way here.”

  “I am confused why didn’t he call me?” My mom’s phone begins to ring. “He tried calling you but you didn’t answer so he called me instead. Listen sweetie, can you please sort out the guest bedrooms? I need to take this call.” I smile at my mom as she answers her phone.

  I make my way back up the stairs and into – one of our guest bedrooms. I scan the room to see what needs done and the bedding- free bed springs out at me. I begin to rummage through the closet as I look forsome sheets. I find a new, black comforter set and some nice silver cushions. I make up the bed and then I begin to give the bathroom a once over. When I finish the first room, I make my way into the next. As I scan this room, I notice that bed has already been made and that all I have to do is freshen - up the bathroom. I grab some fresh towels from the linen closet and I replace the soaps. Once I am satisfied with the room I shut the door and head back down the stairs.

  The doorbell rings and I rush to answer it. I pull open the heavy, oak door and Adrian is standing in the doorway –with his parents, Michael and Emma. I cannot resist Adrian as I lunge into his arms. He gently kisses the top of my head as he loosens my grip on him. I smile at our guests as I lead them into our house.

  “I must say, this house is, lovely.” Mr Jenkins says as we glide through the hallway and into the dining room. My mom has prepared lunch and she was in the middle of laying the table when the doorbell rang.

  “Mom,” I say as I loosen my hand from Adrian’s. “I would like you to meet, Mr and Mrs Jenkins.” My mom places the silverware down onto the table as she makes her way over to greet our guests. Mr Jenkins gently kisses my mom on the cheek and so does his wife.

  “It’s nice to finally put a face to the voice.” My mom gushes. We take our seats at the table. I am stunned when my dad bursts into the room, he gently kisses my mom on the cheek and then he shakes hands with the men.

  “Dad,” I gush as he kisses me on my forehead. We settle into our seats and the servers begin to bring out our food. Adrian gently places his hand onto my leg and I turn to look at him. His green eyes are staring deep into mine and I can’t help but smile at him. He runs his finger up my legand now is hand is grabbing onto mine. Our families begin to talk amongst themselves. My mom and Tabatha discuss the wedding whilst Emma listens. Mr Jenkins and my dad begin to talk about business and Michael quickly joins in on their conversation. Their voices are loud and quite deafening however I am distracted in Adrian’s beauty. His soft, chocolate hair is slicked back and he is dressed casually in dark blue jeans and a black shirt. His Rolex is strappedonto his tanned wrist and his eyes are glowing. He smirks at me and then he pulls my hand upwards. He holds my hand in front of his lips and then he gently places a kiss onto my skin. I loosen my hand from his as I gently stroke his cheek. His skin is rough and he has short stubble on his cheeks. He takes my hand again.

  “Alanna, I have missed you so much,” he whispers.

  “Me too, I know that it was only one night but it felt like a lifetime. Adrian, can you believe that we are getting married in the morning?” He laughs. “I never thought that I would ever get married. I never thought that anyone would accept me and I never dreamed that I would mee
t someone like you. Alanna, you are everything to me and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.” I manage to hold back my tears as I take in Adrian’s words. He is so romantic and he doesn’t even have to try to be. His accent consumes me and I am lost in his sea-green eyes. I want to lunge forward and kiss him, but I know that would be inappropriate. I compose myself as I reply.

  “Adrian, you are the most amazing, gorgeous guy that I have ever seen. I am lucky to have you. I love you so much that it actually hurts and I can’t wait to be your wife.” He blushes slightly from my words and then we are interrupted.

  “Adrian, Alanna would you like to join in on our conversation?” My mom says in a sarcastic tone. I begin to flush hot as I let go of Adrian’s hand. “Now that we have everyone’s attention, I would like to make a toast.” My dad says as he holds up his drink. “Firstly I would like to welcome all of you to our home. Secondly, I would like to congratulate my daughter on her engagement. Now when Alanna first told us that she was going to get married, Belle and I were a little concerned that she was too young. We were also worried about this guy sitting over here, Adrian. My wife and I were considering killing you for taking away our Alanna, but now we have seen how much you make her happy and we cannot deny that you love her to bits.Nothing would make us happier than to welcome you to our family. I trulybelieve that you two will live happily ever after. So I guess what I am trying tosay is, welcome to our family and congratulations Adrian and Alanna.” Everyone bursts into laughter at my dad’s speech and then I turn to face him. He is holding up his drink at me and I feel a gentle tear begin to run from my eye.

  After lunch everyone seems to go their separate ways. My dad and Mr Jenkins head into the study so that they can discuss business in peace. Tabatha joins my mom as she begins to franticly prepare for the wedding. Michael and Emma excuse themselves as they make their way up stairs – to their room. As for Adrian and I, we are still deciding on what to do next.

  “So what is there to do around here?” Adrian asks as we make our way out into the driveway. I notice that my bodyguard is waiting by the door of the house. I smile at him and I somehow feel sorry for him. It must be terrible to stand in one spot all day, protecting people from their enemies. I don’t usually get involved with my security, but something about him is different. He seems sadder than I have ever seen him and I begin to wonder what’s wrong with him.

  “Adrian, don’t you think that my body guard looks, sad?” Adrian glances at him and then he bursts into laughter.

  “You amaze me, you know that?” I frown at him, is he making fun of me? “In what way do I amaze you?”

  “You amaze me in so many ways. But mostly, I am amazed at how much you care about other people.” I blush. “Seriously though I think that he is sad, maybe you should talk to him about it?” Adrian escorts me to his car and he opens the door for me. I climb in and Adrian quickly jumps into the driver’s seat. He starts the engine and then he signals over to the bodyguard. Adrian rolls down the window as he approaches us.

  “Listen mate, we won’t need you for a while. Why don’t you take a break, go and spend some time in the town. Here are the keys to my friend’s car.” The guy can’t believe his eyes when Adrian hands him the keys to Michael’s Lamborghini. Michael missed driving and he missed his car. He said that he couldn’t handle it any longer, so he went out and bought a new car. I don’t understand why he didn’t buy a different type of car after all he does have a Lamborghini in London. At least he chose a different colour. Well to be honest, Emma actually chose to have the car in, white. Emma will likely use the car when Michael goes back to London. I am little surprised that Adrian hasn’t brought his Rolls Royce out to the Hamptons, instead he has brought his Mercedes S-class and if I am honest I do prefer it to the Rolls Royce. Don’t get me wrong it’s a gorgeous car and Adrian loves it to pieces but, I hate the attention that having a car like this brings. I don’t like the fact that everyone stares and I feel a little embarrassed to be driven around in such an expensive car. So I am glad that Adrian has gone for a more low-key car to use whilst we are out in the Hamptons.

  Adrian and I have decide to take a drive around town. It’s been so long since I was last here and Adrian has told me that he has never been here before. Naturally I want to show him around. We drive through the gorgeous streets of East Hampton and I am stunned at how much I have missed it here. I have lived here my entire life and I have loved it. I have so many wonderful memories about living here. I remember my school years and how I loved to be on the student council and to be the class president. All of that seems so long ago and I still can’t believe that tomorrow is my wedding day. A cool chill vibrates through me as thought enters my mind. I try to shake off my anxiety as I fix my eyes on the outside streets. We slowly pass by the many restaurants and boutiques that East Hampton has to offer and I can honestly say that I have been in almost every one of them. When I was younger Sophie and I had a major addiction to shopping. Every day, after school we would spend our time walking these streets. We would float from store to store, trying on their beautiful clothes. I sigh as I think back in my happy memories and I know that once I am married, I won’t be spending much time here in the Hampton’s.

  “Alanna, I would like to see your house.” Adrian says he slows down the car. I stare at him in confusion.

  “Ah Adrian, we just came from my house.” I point out. Adrian laughs at me as if I am stupid. “I meant your house, the one that you shared with Sophie.” I laugh as I realise how stupid my question really was. I can’t believeit, but I have forgotten all about my house here in the Hamptons.

  “We are not far from it; if you make a left here then it will lead us onto the street. I can’t believe that I forgot about my house.” Adrian makes the left and we turn onto the street. As we drive and as we getcloser, I begin to get excited about seeing the house again.

  “Slow down, its here.” I say as I point out the house. I smile as I see it. The house looks the same as did before. My little brownstone cottage is beautiful with its white picket fence and climbing roses. Adrian manoeuvres the car into the driveway and he switches off the engine. I stare at the house until Adrian grabs my hand.

  “Shall we go in?” I smile at him and then I open the car door. I make my way to front of the house and I rummage in my handbag for my keys. I unlock the door and I push it open to reveal a pile of mail. I quickly begin to lift some of the letters, as I make way for us to enter. The house is dark inside so I switch on the light. I signal Adrian to enter as I throw the pile of unopened mail down onto the dresser by the door. Adrian enters and he smiles as he takes in the view of the house. He doesn’t say a word as he looks around the rooms. Adrian is used to staying in luxury hotels and although I have never been to his house, I am pretty sure that it is rather luxurious. I wonder what he thinks of my humble house.

  “It’s charming, Alanna. I like it.” He says as he pulls me closer to him. I look up into his green eyes as he holds my face firmly in his hands. I lunge my head forward and I kiss him. Gently at first and then our affection becomes stronger. Adrian pushes me against the wall of the living room and now his hands are sliding up my body. He moves his lips away from mine as he begins to kiss along my collarbone. I remove his shirt and then I clutch onto his back. His skin is hot and it feels like pure silk. I buckle at his touch and I adore the way he makes me feel. His loving is like my own personal heaven and I feel safe every time I enter those gates. His arms protect me and I cannot get enough of him. I could literally stay in this moment - forever.

  Adrian and I decide to stay in the house for a while, so I suggest that we watch a movie. I quickly switch on the heating as the house is freezing and then I make my way over to the TV cabinet and I begin to rummage through the DVD collection. Meanwhile Adrian takes it easy as he stretches out onto the sofa. However his slumber is disturbed when his phone begins to ring.

  “Sorry baby I need to take this… outside.” Adrian bounces from the sofa and as
quick as I can breathe he is out the door. My mind begins to wonder why he needed to take his call in private. I randomly select a DVD and I push it into the DVD player. I make my way over to the sofa and I sit nervously until Adrian comes back into the house. When he finally comes back in, he looks stressed and I have to ask what’s wrong.

  “Are you okay?” Adrian runs his fingers through his hair as he glides back over to the sofa. He throws himself down onto the cushions and the sofa nudges back from the force. As I look at him, I am positive that something is wrong. I reach over and I gently place my hand onto his knee. He looks up at me and I can see the sadness in his eyes. “Doll, what’s wrong?”

  “Zara just called me.” My heart sinks at his words. Why was she calling him? Had she finally agreed to the paternity test?

  “I see and what did she say?” Adrian runs his fingers through his hair again and his knee begins to gently tap.

  “I called her first but she did not answer. Zara was simply returning my phone call.”

  “Why did you call her?” I snap. Adrian rolls his eyes at me. “Why do you think I called her?” He snaps back. I am little stunned by his tone so I pull my hand away from him in shock. My heart is now pounding and Adrian’s vulnerability is alarming. When Adrian first found out about William possibly being his son he was calm and relaxed about the situation. Adrian thought that Zara would agree to the paternity test, but when she kept on refusing him, I saw him change. The last few months have been hard on him and I feel helpless as he won’t admit that he is hurting. Every time that I talk about William, Adrian puts up a wall and I can’t seem to break through it. I can see him hurting and I wish that there was something that I could do. But I know that until Zara gives him the proof that he needs, Adrian will be distracted. His mind won’t stop thinking about it and he won’t be able to hold back his curiosity about William.