“First one,” he says handing me a gift. I unwrap it quickly, my favourite perfume, Giorgio Armani. I kiss him quickly before he can say anything.
“Thank you.”
“You’re more than welcome. Now another.” He hands me a small gift, clothes by the feel of it. I unwrap this one and take out beautiful red silk shorts and vest.
“I know how much you like your shorts and vests, but thought this may make a pleasant change. I can’t make up my mind, who will get more enjoyment from this gift, me or you?” He chuckles lightly. Next up he takes an envelope from the bag and hands it to me. “This one we both should get enjoyment from.” Vouchers for underwear, now I see what he means. “Thank you. Did you not feel brave enough to go shopping for this on your own?”
“Nothing more intimidating than a woman’s lingerie department, but I will come with you and watch as you try on.”
“You will do no such thing; I can see headlines now, ‘Business man and girlfriend arrested for getting up to no good in the changing rooms.’” We both burst out laughing because I am sure we both had the same thought running through our minds.
“Okay, next one,” he says handing me a box that looks big enough to be a shoe box. I open this one and inside the box is a smaller one. He’s watching me closely, I open the smaller box.
“Oh my god, you shouldn’t have. This is too much,” I say as it reveals a Tiffany jewellery box. A stunning heart charm bracelet engraved with our names, a small diamond separating our names. I love it. I launch myself into his arms as I kiss him.
“Can I presume you like it?”
“Alex, I love it, but not as much as the man in my arms.”
“Glad to hear it, now that’s the last of the birthday presents for the time being.” He laughs, but I don’t join him. Seriously he can’t have got any more. “Now Christmas,” he says, placing a soft lingering kiss on my lips before handing me a Santa hat. I smile, taking the hat and put it on and Alex puts one on as well. “Now we celebrate Christmas.”
We spend some time exchanging gifts while drinking the champagne, which is going straight to my head, from novelty gifts, cd, dvds. I have two special gifts that I saved for last because I really hope he likes them both. We laugh and joke and just enjoy the other’s company. This is what I’ve missed the last few weeks, being so relaxed.
“I’ve something else for you,” I say as he takes a drink. I take an envelope that was hidden in the tree and hand it to him. He eyes me skeptically. I shrug my shoulders. He opens it carefully, wise man because if he damages what’s in there we might face a few problems.
He lifts his eyes to me. “Really? Am I really going?”
“Yes, you are,” I say. “We don’t go to New York until a week later for Connor’s wedding, so I thought you would appreciate this.” We’re planning on going to New York the week before Connor’s wedding; I’m sure Alex has some work he wants to take care of while he’s there.
“You’ve no idea. I know I say I do my homework when I talk about the football, but I can’t believe I have tickets for an old firm match. You’ve made my day; I tried to get tickets but they were all sold out.”
“Well, there you go, you have them. Full hospitality at Parkhead.” He kisses me deeply.
“Thank you.”
“I have one more Christmas gift for you.” He hands me a large box. I open it carefully and inside is a large red bag I had my eye on a few weeks ago, but I refused to get it because of the ridiculous price tag. I lift the bag out and underneath are a pair of heels in matching colour.
“Red is such a great colour for you,” he says with a hint of a wicked smile.
“They’re gorgeous but you shouldn’t have,” I tell him, knowing he will say something similar when he sees my last gift.
“I have one last gift for you and then we should call it a night,” I tell him, because I am starting to get a little tired. I take a small box from under the tree and watch him as he excitedly opens it.
“Libby, I can’t take this!” he says as his eyes run over the Ballon Bleu De Cartier watch inside the box.
“I know it’s not the same as the one you damaged at the casino a few weeks ago, but thought it suited you all the same.”
“It’s perfect. You’re perfect,” he tells me before kissing me deeply and passionately.
We end up blowing all the candles out and lying curled up on the couch in each other’s arms. “Are we not going to bed tonight?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“No. I am more than comfortable right here with you.” He holds me tighter in his arms.
“LIBBY, I BET YOU’RE GLAD I have this car now,” Alex says as he opens the back doors. He’s right of course, all this would’ve never fit in my car and there is the bonus it drives well in the snow. Mines well, the least said about that the better. “Are you going to help or just stand there?”
It’s stopped snowing now, but it’s pretty deep in the driveway of Ethan’s house. “I am going to help of course.”
“I should think so, because I am sure that little girl in there doesn’t need everything you’ve bought her! Actually she doesn't need anything, she already has everything she needs and more.”
“Have you finished?” I ask with a simple glare, because he has made his point more than once on the subject.
“Of course.” He wraps his arms around me as I stand beside him. “Are you tired?”
“Yeah, just a bit.” I smile thinking of part of the reason, I’m tired and it’s not work related.
We walk toward the house.
“Happy birthday, baby sis.” Ethan grabs me with a tight squeeze as we enter his front door. “I love you.”
“Happy birthday, Ethan,” I tell him as we stand inside. “I love you too. Is Lucy up yet?”
“Mum just went upstairs, she was crying. Mum is going to change her before coming down,” he tells me.
“Are you two going to stand there all day?” Alex calls from behind me. “Happy birthday, Ethan and Merry Christmas.”
“Thanks and Merry Christmas,” he says to Alex and then offers to help him. “What the hell has she got in these?” With his statement, Alex laughs.
We make it into the living room and one glance round the room I know we are going to have problems with a certain little Miss as she grows up, spoiled rotten springs to mind. But it doesn't matter Ethan and Lucy deserve to have a great Christmas, after the year they’ve had.
“I know Mum is upstairs, so where is Dad?” I ask my brother.
“He wanted to make a start on breakfast.”
“I am away to have a quick word with your dad, leaving you with all this,” Alex says, leaving me on my own with Ethan. Well it is nice to get a few moments alone with him today of all days and I want to give him his birthday present. Alex knew I wanted to be alone with him, giving me the time I need with Ethan. I take a bag and we sit down.
“Ethan, I know we said we weren’t doing birthdays this year, but you know what, I didn’t listen.” He cuts me off with a laugh and lifts a gift bag up.
“I didn’t listen either.” He hands me the bag. “You first.” I open the bag and take out a small box, quickly opening it. I gasp.
“It’s stunning,” I say with a tear trickling down my face as I open it. A beautiful heart-shaped locket, and when I open it there is a picture of Lucy in it.
“Now it doesn't matter where you are in the world, you will always have her with you.” I love that little girl more than I ever thought possible, I always want to be close to her.
“Ethan, you’re stuck with me. I am not going anywhere.” I wrap my arms round him and sink into his comforting arms.
“There will be times when you need to head to the States, you can’t deny that. Alex has family and business there.”
“I know that, but when we do go it will only be for short periods. My life is here and Alex has accepted that, he’s here to stay. ”
“Are you happy, Libby?”
“Yo
u know what, I am for first time in so long, yeah I am happy.” I look him straight in the eyes as I speak and I see a mixture of emotions spread quickly across his face.
“I always want you to be happy. You deserve nothing less than to be treated like a princess.” This conversation has taken a serious turn. He chuckles and adds, “Do you remember that’s what Dad called you when we were little, his little princess.”
“Yeah, I do. Now I have a gift for you.” I hand over the bag I hope he likes it. He takes one gift out at a time and his eyes light up as he unwraps the first.
“Libby, it’s perfect where did you find this?” He looks at the picture in the frame.
“It was taken at our twenty-first, it was such a brilliant night and I just love seeing how happy we both are in this picture.”
“I love it. Thank you,” he says as he nervously takes out the other gift. I just hope I’ve done the right thing with this one. His face lights up as he finishes taking the paper off. The very first picture I was able to take of him and Lucy together, she is about six weeks old and it was the first day I had seen him smile.
“Well?” I ask watching him looking at it.
“Libby, I’ve never seen this. Why?”
“Because, you weren’t ready.” He sighs heavily. “But you are now. You’re stronger. You have so much to be thankful for.”
“I know and I think I’ve finally come to terms with everything. But you know what? You’ve made me that strong person. You have always been the strongest one of the two of us. I am just so grateful you are my wonderful, beautiful sister.”
We are still sitting wrapped in each other’s arms when Mum comes into the room with the very beautiful and wide awake Lucy. She instantly reaches for her daddy, seeing that melts my heart. She is such a daddy’s girl. I am sure she would still be a daddy’s girl, even if Lindsay were still here with us today. He takes her in his arms and the three of us sit for another few minutes just cuddling. My mum just stands watching the three of us together, content is how she looks. Our moment is interrupted as my dad and Alex come into the room with my dad singing Jingle Bells. Ethan and I just laugh.
“What? Was it something I said?” Dad asks. “Right, are we doing presents for this little one then breakfast?”
Of course Alex was right, about me buying too much for Lucy. Ethan is going to need an extra room just for her clothes alone. Mum and Dad got her a rocking horse, although it will be a while before she can play on it. She has been spoiled and Ethan has to still take her to Lindsay’s parents’ this afternoon. She is full of so much fun and laughter. Funny enough she only has eyes for the wrapping paper from her presents, which she plays with and squeals with delight at the noise it makes in her hands. We decide to do presents after breakfast, which I am not sure I’m ready for.
I head into the kitchen, with my dad to set the table and make tea and coffee, I also sort out Lucy’s breakfast.
“Are you alright Elizabeth?” Dad asks as I move round the kitchen and it’s been noted he’s used my Sunday name.
“Yeah, of course I am. Why do you ask?”
“Why, because you look tired and Alex is worried about you.”
“Dad, you know how it gets at this time of year. It’s been really busy and with this being my first Christmas in charge, I need everything to run smoothly and so far so good. And as for Alex, we will have a few days off together to relax once the festivities are done with and he will also have to stop worrying, ” I tell him as I fill the teapot.
“You do know, you don’t have to be in everyday, that’s what you have Kieran for and each department should be able to run on its own.”
“Yes, I am aware of that. But you should’ve known when you gave me the position that I would be very hands on. The hotel is deep within my blood and do you know what, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He leans over and kisses my forehead.
“My sweet girl, I don’t tell you very often I am so proud of you. Just try and take things a bit easier, delegate more. Now let’s get this all out on the table.”
I know everyone is worried about me, especially Alex, but there really is no need. I don’t know how many times I am going to have to tell him, this is what it is like and as for my dad wanting me to delegate more . . . Well the least said about that the better. He started me to manage the hotel and that’s what I intend to do, to the best of my ability.
“Breakfast is ready!” I call through to the living room. Dad has been busy; a full Scottish breakfast awaits us all with nothing missed out, square sausage, black pudding, sliced haggis and potato scones to name a few. But I am not sure how much I will eat; my stomach is in knots, thinking about how today will go at the hotel. I’m also feeling bad that I will be leaving Alex on his own for some of today.
Ethan comes in with Lucy in his arms, giggling away, I reach out and take her from him. He smiles as he lets her go, this means he can eat in peace. I catch Alex’s expression and I know what he’s thinking, but I will pick at breakfast in between feeding Lucy. He shakes his head at me knowing. I sit her in her highchair strapping her in and I sit down beside her with the bowl of baby cereal. Alex pours tea in my cup as he sits beside me.
“Libby, I will feed her,” Ethan tells me as he looks at Alex.
“Don’t be silly, you eat. I am fine with her.” Mum raises her eyebrows, silently questioning me, but I am not going into it again.
I start feeding Lucy, because she’s getting a bit cranky as she can see her food; god this little girl knows how to get exactly what she wants. The first mouthful quiets her down, she does have a healthy appetite, unlike her aunt today. Everyone has started putting food on their plates. “Not a lot for me, Alex,” I tell a very determined looking Alex as he starts putting food on mine.
“So, Alex what are your plans for the afternoon when Libby is working?” Ethan asks.
“Phoning home, don’t think my mom would forgive me if I didn’t wish her a Merry Christmas, then I will prepare dinner before heading back and picking Libby up. That’s about it.”
The atmosphere round the table is light; I interact with Lucy while feeding her but do join in with some conversations. I notice my mum, watching me with a look of concern etched on her beautiful face. Not her too? I do wish they would all stop worrying; I’m only tired not ill. Maybe I should just give in, and when I’m in work today make sure everything is covered and up to date and take a few days off just now. If only to stop them all worrying or in Alex’s case nagging me about my work load.
“Right, who is helping me clear up?” my dad asks.
“I will,” I reply.
“You Libby will do no such thing,” Alex says pulling me back toward him as I stand. “You can go and sit down; I will help your dad.”
It’s not worth the hassle of an argument. I leave them all to it and head back into the living room, although judging from the mess maybe I should tidy up a bit in here first. I sit down and close my eyes.
“Libby, sweetheart are you alright?” My mum’s voice startles me.
“Of course.”
“Is there anything you want to tell me?” She sits down beside me.
“Like what?”
“Are you pregnant?” I laugh at her because it’s the silliest thing I’ve heard in weeks. She just frowns at me.
“No, Mum I’m not,” I reply, shaking my head.
“Are you sure? It would explain a lot. Your dad seems to think you are.”
“Mum, I’m up to date with my shot and my next appointment with the doctor to get it is in two weeks. I am just tired.” I sigh as she looks on, still not happy with my answer. “I think I will put Alex out of his misery and try to take a few days off from tomorrow and I suppose Dad will be happy as well.”
“Elizabeth, I understand you have been over doing it, but I don’t think I have ever seen you look this worn out.”
“Thanks, Mum and here was me thinking I was looking great today.”
“Elizabeth, less of the sarcas
m. You look great as you always do. So sort out a few days off and relax and enjoy the company of that handsome man of yours, because I know how much he is worried about you, and it would be great if I got to spend some more time with you as well.” She wraps her arms round me, giving me a protective motherly hug.
“Where is Ethan?” I ask as I look at her.
“A certain someone needed changing.”
A few minutes later everyone is back in the living room, Alex takes Lucy from Ethan so we can give Mum and Dad our present from us all.
“I don’t know what to say to you both,” Mum is overwhelmed as she takes the contents from the envelope. Her face is lights up, as bright as the lights on the Christmas tree. “It’s far too much,” she says with my dad in complete agreement with her. A full week away to Venice all they have to do is pick the date they want to go, everything else has been taken care of. It’s one place they’ve never been to, but I know it’s somewhere my mum would love to go.
“Mum, don’t; we aren’t listening, and it’s from Alex as well,” Ethan tells her. “We all wanted to do something special for you to show that we do appreciate everything you both do for us.”
“Kids, you really shouldn't have but it is perfect,” she says as her face glows. Mum and Dad thank us all. Next up it’s presents from my parents for Alex and he seems genuinely impressed with my mother’s taste in Cartier cufflinks, they’ve got him other things as well but it’s those he is most impressed with. That makes my mum’s day, because she really couldn’t think what to get him. Well it’s true what do you get a man who has everything?
“You two,” my dad says to Ethan and me. “Your presents are outside.” Ethan and I look at each in wonder. We head outside; Mum stands in the doorway with Lucy in her arms and now parked in the street are two sparkling new jeeps, very similar to the one Alex bought only a few short weeks ago, a black and a white.
“Mum. Dad.”
“Don’t dare, Libby, just humour us. Ethan, you need something, much more practical now, and Libby your safety is important to us. Alex isn’t going to be able to pick you up all the time and in weather like this, it would give us all peace of mind knowing you weren’t in your convertible driving those country roads. Happy birthday, you two.” We both say thanks and Ethan and Dad take his for a quick drive, I’ve been out in Alex’s a few times, so I leave taking it out for the time being. I do spend a long time admiring it.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 3
