He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3)

by Karen Frances

  “I will try to be back as quickly as possible.” He sighs against me. “If it’s any consolation I would much rather be here with you sorting out a few things for the wedding. But I have got the most important job of the day done, I’ve spoken with Father O’Connor. You and I get married at one o’clock on the thirtieth of January.” I kiss him before he has the chance to say anything else. If I’m to be apart from him all day, I at least need this. “What was that for?”

  “Do I need a reason?”

  “No baby, you don’t. How are you feeling today?”

  “I feel great. The pain in my stomach isn’t so bad today. No sickness, but I will admit to the fact my boobs ache.” He narrows his eyes at me, probably not understanding what I mean. “They are one of the first parts of my body to change, this I remember from Lindsay’s pregnancy. A good supporting bra and I will be fine.”

  “So boobs are off limits?”

  “Eh no. Nothing is off limits, mister. Nothing will be changing between us.”

  “Just checking.” He smirks at me. He knows I need what we share intimately, just as much as he does.

  “I was thinking of speaking with Joan I wanted to have dinner here for everyone tonight. What do you think? I know Kirsty is coming over at some point, and I’m sure my parents will as well.”

  “Dinner sounds fine. I presume you are going to ask Kirsty and Sophie today about being bridesmaids?”

  “Yes. Who are you asking?”

  “Michael and I’ve already asked him.”

  Now not convinced about throwing Kirsty and Michael together so much, not sure she has the willpower to fight him. I hope for Jay’s sake she does.

  “If you’re going, go, before I keep you here and tie you to the bed.”

  “You can tie me to that bed any day of the week.” He kisses me before leaving me with the last sentence running through my mind. Now what would I do to him if he were tied to the bed? I’m sure I could think, of one or two things.

  Once I’ve had a shower and I’m dressed, I head downstairs feeling a lot better than I did last night. I find both Sarah and Joan in the kitchen, both ladies sitting at the table drinking tea.

  “Afternoon, Miss Stewart,” Joan says with a warm smile. “Can I get you anything just now?”

  “Afternoon ladies, and I’ll just have some tea.”

  “Elizabeth, you need to eat. You’re eating for all three of you now.”

  “I know, I will. I’m just thirsty at the moment,” I tell Sarah. “Joan are you busy today?”

  “Not really. What can I do for you?”

  “I was thinking about having everyone over for dinner. I can help seeing as it’s short notice.”

  “You will do no such thing. I’m more than capable of rustling up dinner for what, ten or eleven. I could do a roast and maybe soup to start. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds perfect, Joan. Thank you.”

  “You are more than welcome. Now how about some sandwiches for lunch, for both of you.”

  After a lovely light lunch I call everyone about dinner tonight. Kirsty can make it, but Jay already had plans with some friends. Kirsty sounds a little, not down but out of sorts, as she speaks of Jay. Ethan assures me, he and Sophie will be over before dinner, he still wants to talk to me. When I call my mother she’s at a loose end, turns out my dad is with Alex, and decides to come over.

  Next on my long list of calls is Kieran at the hotel. I tell him about my engagement and the wedding date. He is more than happy about both, and he doesn't see the time frame, we have to work with as a problem. Which is just as well, because I will be relying on him to handle the hotel side of things for me. I tell him to email me over some menus and the wine list, telling him I will confirm the menu and wine selection tomorrow. We talk colour schemes, but I will have to wait until I speak with Kirsty and Sophie, the colour I have in mind should be fine for both of them. I just want to double check it. Then Kieran can sort out room decoration. The spec I’ve given him is classy and traditional, not over the top and tacky. I’m sure he will rise to the challenge.

  We also talk briefly about my fall. I don’t tell him about the babies yet, I want to wait until I’m twelve weeks before I tell everyone else. Family and close friends for the time being only. So I tell him, I’ve damaged the muscle, because that’s not a lie, and that I just need to take it easy for a few days. I also speak with Karl, because Kieran said he was worried about me. I try to put his mind to rest about my accident. I also inform him I will send over my menu choice tomorrow for the wedding. He did laugh at that, but stopped when he realised I was being serious. God I’ve got both men at the hotel on edge.

  Next on my list is Jack the hotel photographer. Jack is overjoyed when I tell him the reason for my call. More than happy to do our wedding pictures. We go through the details of the day, time, etc. I also tell him I will be leaving for the church from, my parent’s house. The great thing about Jack, is I know how great a job he does. We agree to meet before the day to, look over wedding albums. He also comes up with a very good suggestion. He says for the press release announcing our engagement, we should use one of the pictures he took at the hotel, back in October of the two of us under the tree. I agree that’s an excellent idea, and I will let my dad see these pictures tonight.

  By the time my mum gets here, I’ve done a lot of ground work.

  “I thought you were meant to be taking it easy, sweetheart,” she says sitting beside me on the couch.

  “I have, just ask Sarah, she’s my witness.”

  “Jane she has been resting, in between her calls.” Both women laugh.

  We spend the next hour or so checking online for dress shops in Glasgow. I know Kirsty is off tomorrow, but I hope she has no plans, because she does now. Dress shopping for us, hopefully a spot of lunch as well. I manage to pick a few shops that interest me. Let’s hope Kirsty and Sophie are able to agree on a dress, I need them both to love what they will end up wearing on the day.

  Next on my list is a call to the florist, I use at the hotel. She can meet with me tomorrow evening at her shop to go through some suggestions for all the bouquets. I hope Alex can come to that meeting with me, we also need to squeeze in an appointment at the local registry office to sort out the paperwork.

  The next conversation is all about the cake. My mum knows several really good cake makers, one store isn't too far away from one of the dress shops that we are going to tomorrow. She tells me Dad will organise all the wedding cars and transportation for guests, from the church to the hotel. So that’s one more thing off the list. I’m starting to think we will be able to pull off organising a wedding in five short weeks.

  Just as I’m feeling relaxed, I get a text from Alex;

  James heads back home tomorrow. He wants to see you. See how you are. Can I bring him home? He won't stay long.

  I wasn't expecting that.

  Yes ok. But I don’t want him knowing about the babies.

  He replies;

  Agreed we won’t be long. Michael isn't keen on him being around you either.

  I’m glad Alex will be here shortly. Not so happy about James, but it would’ve been rude to refuse, considering he was with me last night. Sarah, my mum and I pass our time going over the menus from the hotel that Kieran sent over. I know there are a few things I would like to change and add, but I want Alex to have an input into it as well. Sarah, she just wants to try more Scottish cuisine. That I’m sure we can help with.

  “Honey, I’m home.” We are distracted from Michael shouting, as the men all arrive. I laugh as does Sarah, my poor mum looks on, you have to know Michael to appreciate his sense of humour.

  Alex enters the living room first, with James right behind him. God, I’ve suddenly realised just how much I’ve missed him today. He stalks toward me, leans down a places a lingering kiss on my lips. Leaving me wanting more. That I believe wasn’t just for me, it was also for James’s benefit.

  “I missed you. How are you fee
ling?” Alex asks me.

  “I’m good.” He looks at the contents on the coffee table and raises his eyebrows. Him and his silent questions. “Yeah, I’ve been a little busy.”

  “You were meant to be resting. I told you I would take care of the wedding.”

  “I’m fine. Dinner will be ready shortly. Hello, James.” I finally acknowledge him. I speak with the others before they all make an exit into the kitchen, leaving me with Alex and James.

  “So, Libby are you really okay?” James asks.

  “Of course. I just have some muscle damage from twisting awkwardly last night. The pain has eased off a lot now.”

  “Well that’s good to hear.” James fidgets as he stands.

  “Take a seat,” I tell him.

  “I had wanted to see you while I was here. I wanted to clear things between us all,” says James. Alex sits down beside me, taking my hand in his. “First, I want to apologise, for the part I played in Katherine’s games. That was cruel and hurtful. For that Libby, I’m truly sorry. Especially when you had to cut short your visit for family reasons. Alex should’ve been able to go with you, for support and because of what happened, well it shouldn’t have happened.” He pauses.

  “Let’s leave it all it the past,” I find myself telling James. “You’re right, it shouldn’t have happened, but I believe in looking to the future.” Alex squeezes my hand, I turn to look at him, and he’s smiling.

  “Thanks, Libby, that means a lot to me,” James says. “Alex it’s fair to say, things between us won’t ever go back to the way they were, but I do hope we find a way to cope. I fucked up a long time ago and for that I’m sorry. I want a peaceful compromise when our families come together. We have a wedding to get through, and I’m sure it won’t be long before Connor and Emma start a family together. We will be around each other for all those events and I don’t want our families to feel uncomfortable having us both at the same events.”

  “Neither do I,” Alex tells him. “So a truce. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

  “I think we shouldn’t push it.” James smirks. “There are a few people that wouldn’t be happy with that. Don’t you agree?”

  “Where is the mother-to-be? She had better be resting.” Ethan’s voice echoes through the flat. I cringe knowing there’s no way James didn’t hear that. “Oh, you have company, sis.” Ethan kisses me on the head. I turn to Ethan, I notice it’s Sophie who has our beautiful Lucy in her arms.

  “Hi, Sophie,” says James.

  “James.” Sophie’s voice sounds cold as she speaks.

  “As in THE James, who caused my sister so much fucking pain?”

  “Ethan enough.” I scowl at him. “Mum is in the kitchen, I’m sure she would like to see Lucy.”

  “I take it that means I’ve to move it? I want it noted I’m not happy about this. He shouldn’t even be in the house.”

  “Got it in one.” Ethan and Sophie head toward the kitchen. I wish James wasn’t here so I could give them some support, facing everyone. “Sorry about my brother, he is, shall we say, a little overprotective when it comes to me.” I find myself apologising to James.

  “Don’t worry about it, I guess I deserve it. So congratulations both of you. Never had you down for being a father, Alex.”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. But being a father is quite high on my list of priorities. And we would appreciate if you could keep this quiet. Libby is still early on in the pregnancy, no announcement will be made until after her twelve week scan, when hopefully everything will be fine. Especially after her fall.”

  “I understand, no one will hear it from me. Look, I had better get out of your way. You are obviously both busy tonight. Is Murphy still okay to drop me at the hotel?” James asks.

  “Yeah. I’ll just go get him.”

  Alex leaves me on my own with James. I do feel a bit uncomfortable with him knowing so much.

  “Libby, I meant what I said. I don’t want things to be awkward with us all.”

  “I get that.”

  “You look a little tired, if you don’t mind me saying. Are you sure you are alright?”

  “James, I’m fine.”

  “If you ever need anything. Anything at all, please get in touch.”

  Alex appears with Murphy. “James.”

  “Thank you both for hearing me out, especially when I know I don’t really deserve it. So I shall see you February in New York.”

  “Yes you will. Good-bye James,” I say.

  Alex sees him out.

  I sink further into the couch and take a few deep breaths. Relieved that James has gone. But why would I ever need anything from him? That statement has me slightly puzzled.

  “Look who I found.” Kirsty is with Alex. “I will give you two a minute.”

  “Who was the hottie just leaving? Now he should've stayed.” Kirsty teases as she sits with me.

  “That was James.”

  “As in James from New York? Why was he here?”

  I fill her in on last night properly and the reason he is in Scotland. She listens carefully. I also tell her Michael is staying at mine for the next week, and that he’s here for dinner. She tells me her and Michael will be fine and not to worry about them.

  “So I have something to ask you before dinner.”

  “Ask away.”

  “Will you be my best maid?”

  “Of course I will!” she screams in excitement throwing her arms around me.

  “Careful. I’m still a bit sore.”

  “Sorry. When can we start shopping?” she asks.

  “Tomorrow. I’m going to ask Sophie to be a bridesmaid as well.”

  “Oh. My. God. We are going to have so much fun.”

  Kirsty leaves me and joins the others in the kitchen and sends Sophie through to me. She is overwhelmed when I ask her to be a bridesmaid. And to be honest I can’t imagine, her not playing a part in proceedings, she’s Alex’s sister but also a close friend. I can’t believe how quickly our friendship has blossomed.

  We join the others in the kitchen. Alex and Sarah are helping Joan serve soup. Joan refuses to have dinner with us tonight, saying she’ll have dinner when Murphy gets back. After serving the soup, Joan leaves us, most probably going to the sitting room that she and Murphy have. I do wish she had joined us.

  Alex takes his seat beside me and takes my hand. I look around the table, and I feel grateful, at having all those closest to us here. The only ones missing are Connor and Emma. I don’t dwell on that thought, Emma and I, well let’s just say, I don’t think we will ever be best friends.

  “Everyone,” Alex says clearing his throat. “It’s been an eventful few days for us. First my beautiful girl agreed to be my wife, and then we find out we’re not going to be on our own. To say I’m shocked and excited at becoming a father is an understatement. And to twin’s, no less. Jane, Phil I’m sure we will be calling on your expertise in this field.” He lifts my hand, kissing it softly before speaking again.

  “I would like to think my wife-to-be will slow down, but I have a feeling that is the last thing she will do. Especially seeing as she couldn’t even take it easy today.” I feel his eyes on me, I don’t need to look at him to feel them burning through me. “So I would like to raise a glass to our growing family.”

  “Family.”

  Dinner is relaxed and very informal, just the way I like it. God knows how I will get through, the formalities of the wedding dinner. Sarah and my mother take it in turns to see to Lucy. Seeing Sarah with Lucy, she’s going to be a brilliant gran to our two when they arrive. It’s just a shame she’s going to be so far away. I would love having her close, when the babies are here. I get the feeling I’m going to need all the help I can get. I have what, maybe eight months to sort out how I am going to manage both the babies and the hotel.

  I’ve noticed Ethan can hardly take his eyes off of Sophie. I smile watching him, because I see the same look in his eyes, as I see in Alex’s on a daily ba
sis. It warms me, seeing Ethan look so happy. It’s clear to me, there is something blossoming between then both. Could this be the foundation for something more, between the two of them, I suppose we will just have to wait and see. Now it makes me think, things could be weird between us all.

  Kirsty and Michael also look cozy. I love Kirsty, but she really is her own worst enemy. She has a good guy in Jay, why do I get the feeling she is going to do something, stupid. I shake that thought, right out my head. It’s up to her what she does, she’s a big girl, after all.

  During our dinner, talk shifts to the wedding. Or rather who is organising what. And the all-important guest list.

  “You are going to have to face facts, Libby, this is going to be a big wedding. There is going to be a lot of interest in this wedding, and not just from the media,” says my dad as we discuss the guest list.

  “Oh. That reminds me, while I was speaking to Jack today about the wedding photos, he suggested you use one that he took for your press release about our engagement.”

  “Yes, one of those could work. I have a copy of the release with me, read over it after dinner and if we need to make changes I can, before I release it later and I imagine it will make headlines in the morning.”

  I lift my gaze to Alex, knowing he probably already knows what’s in the press-release. His half smile is wary, he knows me so well. I have a love / hate relationship with the media. They love to gossip and I hate being a part of it. I smile a soft smile at Alex, my small way of saying, ’it’s fine.’ It’s a part of my life, I’m just going to have to get used to.

  “Well while you are all planning the little things, I should make a start planning the . . . what did you call it, Kirsty?” Michael says over everyone else.

  “Stag do,” Kirsty tells him.

  “Ah. That was is it. A drunken stag do. What do you say Alex, you up for that?” Michael laughs.

  “No,” says Alex bluntly. All attention at the table turns to Alex.